(Xinhua) -- The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on Sunday described the UN rapporteur report of civilians killing by Afghanistan-based international forces as groundless and rejected it. After 12 days of tour to different parts of Afghanistan and talks with Afghans and military officials, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions Professor Philip Alston told newsmen on May 15 in his preliminary report that some 200 Afghan civilians had been killed in international forces operations over the past four months.
NATO's Civilian spokesman to Afghanistan Mark Laity termed the report as "disappointing" and "inaccurate".
"In summary we find much of the substance and the overall tone of his statement inaccurate and unsubstantiated," Laity told a press conference here Sunday. He said the report presented by Alston, had made strong allegation.
Alston in his report also added that the military commanders of the NATO had not provided details on civilian killings when approached.
Quoting an Afghan, the U.N. rapporteur said that a poor Afghan even was not allowed to ask why the troops kill his brother. "This is not only rejected by ISAF, but we consider it an irresponsible remark given the absence of evidence offered and the seriousness of the allegation," Laity noted. He moreover stressed that ISAF troops operate within strict rule of engagement and within laws of armed conflict.
A considerable number of civilians had been killed in foreign troops' operations against insurgents in Afghanistan and the trendprompted Afghan President Hamid Karzai to ask NATO and the U.S.-led Coalition forces to coordinate operations with Afghan authorities to cease civilian deaths.
When asked to comment on the number of civilians killed by the international troops during military operations so far this year in Afghanistan, Laity said, "It would be low double figure." He did not give a precise figure, saying it could be tens and not hundreds. "We hope and expect these inaccuracies will be addressed in the final report," Laity emphasized.
Afghan defense ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi who accompanied Laity at the conference also said that, "We do not agree with the report presented by Professor Alston."