U.S. Vows Not To Abandon Afghanistan As Talks Open

U.S. Vows Not To Abandon Afghanistan As Talks Open

May 11, 2010

The United States has pledged not to abandon Afghanistan as the two countries began top-level talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at the beginning of the first public session of talks sitting next to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"This partnership is a long-term commitment by the American people to the Afghan people," Clinton said.

"Our nations will work together and with the international community to build a stable and prosperous Afghanistan that is a force for peace, progress, and prosperity for its own people and its region, a bulwark against Al-Qaeda and other violent extremists, rather than a haven for them."

Talks between the Afghan delegation, which includes ministers and other high-ranking officials, and U.S. officials are expected to focus on Afghan concerns about civilian casualties suffered in military action against Taliban fighters.

It will also tackle U.S. concerns about corruption and weak governance in Afghanistan.

Clinton said today that Washington has a long-term commitment to Kabul and that the two sides could disagree without rupturing ties.

Karzai, who arrived in the U.S. capital on May 10, is due to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House on May 12.

Karzai on May 10 attended a dinner hosted by Clinton at the start of a four-day visit.

compiled from agency reports

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/US_Vows_Not_To_Abandon_Afghanistan_As_Talks_Open/2039057.html

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U.S. Vows Not To Abandon Afghanistan As Talks Open