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US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan to begin next year: Holbrooke

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Nov 16, IRNA -- US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said Sunday process of combat U.S. troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan would begin in July next year and completed in four years in a phased manner.

Speaking to the reporters at a special radio roundtable discussion in Islamabad the US envoy clarified that the process of withdrawal is not an exit strategy but a transition strategy.

He said that the US wants to return full sovereignty over to the people and the government of Afghanistan.

There will be a summit of NATO countries next week which will be attended by President Barack Obama and President Hamid Karzai will be invited to put forth his plans and policies. He said the demand of Taliban for the removal of President Hamid Karzai is unacceptable.

“The US and other countries, including Pakistan, support the government of President Karzai and the Taliban will have to live with this reality”.

He told a questioner that Pakistan and Afghanistan will have to cooperate to resolve the issue of terrorism. “If Pakistan wishes to play a role and support the process of reconciliation in Afghanistan, it would be welcomed”.

To a question, Holbrooke said that the operation in North Waziristan would be a tactical decision to be made by Pakistan Army and the Government. He also said that at the moment, Pakistan Army feels that they don't have the resources for the purpose.

Asked about the sources of funding of terrorists and militants, the US Special Envoy said that these primarily come from outside Pakistan and through the extortion of NATO convoys. “This is a serious issue and we are working on it”.

When asked whether the statement of President Obama to support India's bid to seek permanent membership of the UN Security Council would not be unhelpful in reducing tension between Pakistan and India, he said that the United States favors greater understanding between the two countries.

He said the US leadership has repeatedly said that the two countries should work out their differences. He also said that the ability of the United States to talk freely and candidly with both Pakistan and India would be helpful in reducing tension.

Responding to a question Holbrooke said that the United States committed a mistake in abandoning Pakistan and Afghanistan after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it would not repeat the mistake.

“The US commitment to this part of the world is long and enduring encompassing economic development as well”.

He said that the United States has a new and dynamic policy of assistance for Pakistan and the leaderships of the two countries have developed personal rapports. Holbrooke said he was personally aware of the enormous sacrifices made by Pakistan Army in the war against terror and that too in difficult terrains like Waziristan and Swat.