Sunday, August 07, 2011 – US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker on Saturday said, the international community will continue to its supports to Afghanistan and security transition to Afghan security forces does not mean that international community will leave Afghanistan.
While speaking during a press conference with the Kandahar governor, Mr. Crocker emphasised on the US role beyond 2014, the set date for withdrawal of all foreign combat troops from the country.
In regards to US-Afghan strategic partnership agreement, Mr. Crocker said, the strategic deal would define the role of the United Sates and its support to Afghanistan long after 2014.
He said, “We are negotiating a strategic partnership declaration that will define the bilateral relationship well beyond 2014 and keep us engaged in your support for many years to come.”
He further added, the United States, the coalition forces and the international community would not repeat the 1990s mistake, the Soviet troops defeated and Afghanistan was left all alone.
Mr. Crocker also said, “Afghanistan will eventually be in full charge of its security we have set date of 2014, but that does not mean the international partnership and support for Afghanistan ends at that time.”
Mr. Crocker said that at the forthcoming Bonn conference the international community would pledge new cooperation and aid packages to Afghanistan.
