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Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the joint press conference with President Karzai

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

24 May. 2011

I'm very happy to be here as Afghanistan enters a new phase. Last November, we agreed that transition to Afghan security lead would start this year. And that agreement is now turning into reality.

I congratulated the President on his New Year's speech. And I am looking forward to July, when Afghan security forces will take over in the first seven provinces and districts, representing about one quarter of the population. This is a very substantial start. Transition is on track -- and the direction is clear.

In fact, transition is already happening. Across the country, Afghan security forces are showing that they are ready and they are able to start taking the lead. Their numbers are impressive. 290,000 now and I expect more to come. And their quality is also improving. Last week, over 35,000 Afghan soldiers and police were in training. That's an all-time high.

Afghan security forces are standing together with ISAF to protect the people of Afghanistan and help them create a better future. You can be proud of their determination and their courage -- in contrast to the cowardly attacks by the enemies of Afghanistan.

The enemies cause the vast majority of casualties. This year, 85 % of casualties were caused by the enemies of Afghanistan. They show no respect for the life of the people.

Peace and reconciliation are the way ahead for a better future. Violence and extremism have no future. They are truly a dead-end.

My message to the enemies of Afghanistan is clear. If you continue on the road of violence, you will find no victory, only defeat. Now is the time to follow the road of peace. Cut ties to Al Qaeda and other terror networks; renounce violence; abide by Afghanistan's constitution.

And reintegration is already happening. 1,700 former insurgents have joined the reintegration process. Almost one third of them did so in the last week. That is an important step. And a step that shows the right way towards the better future that Afghans want and deserve.