Afghans want 2014 security deadline
Source: Agencies |
July 21, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AFGHAN forces should be leading security operations across the country by 2014, an international conference will agree, with the aim of relieving foreign troops in some areas by as soon as the end of the year.
According to a copy of a final communique from a gathering of dozens of foreign ministers in Kabul yesterday, the Afghan government will be given more responsibility for its own affairs in exchange for guarantees it will improve accountability.
"Afghan National Security Forces should lead and conduct military operations in all provinces by the end of 2014," said the communique.
Despite a foreign troop surge that aims to tackle the Taliban in its spiritual heartland, questions remain over the ability of Afghan security forces to fill their boots when they leave.
The United States plans to start withdrawing troops from the beginning of next year. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, addressing the conference, said the July 2011 target date underscored the urgency of transferring more security responsibility to the Afghan government.
In a speech to the conference, President Hamid Karzai did not ask for more money but instead for more control of that already earmarked for the country. He said Afghanistan had enough commitments to last for three years.
"I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014," he told the conference, held under tight security in the heavily fortified diplomatic area.
According to a copy of a final communique from a gathering of dozens of foreign ministers in Kabul yesterday, the Afghan government will be given more responsibility for its own affairs in exchange for guarantees it will improve accountability.
"Afghan National Security Forces should lead and conduct military operations in all provinces by the end of 2014," said the communique.
Despite a foreign troop surge that aims to tackle the Taliban in its spiritual heartland, questions remain over the ability of Afghan security forces to fill their boots when they leave.
The United States plans to start withdrawing troops from the beginning of next year. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, addressing the conference, said the July 2011 target date underscored the urgency of transferring more security responsibility to the Afghan government.
In a speech to the conference, President Hamid Karzai did not ask for more money but instead for more control of that already earmarked for the country. He said Afghanistan had enough commitments to last for three years.
"I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014," he told the conference, held under tight security in the heavily fortified diplomatic area.
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