KABUL: The Afghan capital is throwing up a ring of steel to head off any Taliban attacks on a key international conference this week that aims to plot a course for the war-torn country's future.
Thousands of extra security forces have been drafted in to help secure Kabul as diplomats said they expected Taliban insurgents would try to launch attacks on the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday.
Up to 70 international representatives, including about 40 foreign ministers -- among them US secretary of state Hillary Clinton -- are due to attend the conference, to be co-chaired by President Hamid Karzai and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
"We have to prepare ourselves for the fact that the insurgents will try to disrupt it," said Mark Sedwill, NATO's civilian representative in Kabul.
"Precautions are being taken but no one can offer 100 percent guarantees," he told reporters on Saturday.
The July 20 conference is being billed as a bid by the Afghan government to start a process of transition from dependence on Western backers to running the country alone and responsibly.
Afghan officials are set to present a series of proposals covering a wide range of sectors -- governance, economic and social development, rule of law and justice, human rights, peace and reconciliation, regional and global partnerships, and aid effectiveness.
Thousands of extra security forces have been drafted in to help secure Kabul as diplomats said they expected Taliban insurgents would try to launch attacks on the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday.
Up to 70 international representatives, including about 40 foreign ministers -- among them US secretary of state Hillary Clinton -- are due to attend the conference, to be co-chaired by President Hamid Karzai and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
"We have to prepare ourselves for the fact that the insurgents will try to disrupt it," said Mark Sedwill, NATO's civilian representative in Kabul.
"Precautions are being taken but no one can offer 100 percent guarantees," he told reporters on Saturday.
The July 20 conference is being billed as a bid by the Afghan government to start a process of transition from dependence on Western backers to running the country alone and responsibly.
Afghan officials are set to present a series of proposals covering a wide range of sectors -- governance, economic and social development, rule of law and justice, human rights, peace and reconciliation, regional and global partnerships, and aid effectiveness.