Karzai Ends US Visit With Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
VOA News
13 May 2010
Afghan President Hamid Karzai wraps up his time in Washington Thursday on a visit that has downplayed recent tensions between the United States and Afghanistan.
Mr. Karzai meets with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday, before accompanying him and top U.S. military commanders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, and General Stanley McChrystal, to Arlington National Cemetery, where he will visit soldiers' graves.
The Afghan leader who visited with wounded American soldiers earlier this week, has conveyed gratitude for U.S. support in Afghanistan, including the sacrifices of U.S. troops fighting the Taliban insurgency.
Later on Thursday, President Karzai will participate in a question and answer session with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with whom he met earlier in the week.
Mr. Karzai and U.S. President Barack Obama presented a united front during Wednesday's talks at the White House. President Obama said recent tensions were "overstated" and pledged U.S. commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan.
Mr. Karzai, without specifically mentioning allegations of rampant corruption in his administration, recognized what he called "issues of concern and shortcomings" in Afghanistan. He said his talks with President Obama resulted in strengthening ties.
Their talks focused on fighting al-Qaida and other extremist groups, building up Afghan forces, and strengthening Afghan governance.
The U.S. president also vowed to reduce Afghan civilian casualties by coalition forces, a highly sensitive issue in Afghanistan.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
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