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Russia welcomes US troop surge in Afghanistan
Moscow (AFP) Dec 2, 2009 Russia on Wednesday welcomed the US decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, saying the country's stabilisation was in everyone's interest. "The measures relative to the new American strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan set out by US President Barack Obama are all welcomed positively in Moscow," a foreign ministry statement said. "Russia, as well as the international community, has an interest in seeing Afghanistan become, the soonest possible, an independent, prosperous, self-sufficient state freed from crime linked to drugs and terrorism." The ministry also pointed out that "ultimately, it is the Afghan people, its president and government, with the support of battle-worthy armed forces and a healthy economy, that must resolve issues facing the country." In this context, "Russia is ready to continue contributing to the stabilization efforts and social and economic projects for Afghanistan's development on the basis of equal partnership with other members of the international community," the statement added. Obama ordered 30,000 extra troops to Afghanistan and vowed in a nationwide speech late Tuesday from the West Point Military Academy that a military withdrawal would start by July 2011. But he also said a "civilian surge" was necessary and promised that the United States would work closely with the United Nations and Afghans to build capacity in the country. He vowed to work with Afghan ministries and local leaders who "combat corruption and deliver for the people," and implement a civilian-military redevelopment strategy to restore the once vibrant Afghan agriculture sector. Before his speech, the Obama administration also floated the idea of having a civilian coordinator in Afghanistan to help Karzai's government improve the country's security and economy. Defense Secretary Robert Gates also said Wednesday that Washington hoped NATO allies would step up with an additional 5,000 to 7,000 troops. Share This Article With Planet Earth
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Karzai welcomes US timeline, Taliban escalate warKabul (AFP) Dec 2, 2009 President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday welcomed a US decision to send 30,000 extra troops to Afghanistan and set a timeline to bring forces home, as the Taliban militia vowed to escalate their eight-year war. Kabul has long called for the deployment of more than the 113,000 NATO and US troops currently trying to crush an insurgency that is at its deadliest and most widespread since US-led troop ... read more |
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