Australia formally declares end to combat mission in Afghanistan
Iran Press TV
Tue Oct 29, 2013 3:31PM GMT
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has used a surprise visit to Afghanistan to declare the end of his country's involvement in the Afghan war.
Abbott arrived at the Australian headquarters in the southern province of Uruzgan under tight security. He attended a ceremony marking the end of Australia's involvement in the war.
Most of Australia's 1500 troops will be withdrawn by Christmas.
'Sweet because hundreds of soldiers will be home for Christmas. Bitter because not all Australian families have had their sons, fathers and partners return,' Abbott said at the main base of Tarin Kot, adding, 'Australia's longest war is ending, not with victory, not with defeat, but with, we hope, an Afghanistan that's better for our presence here.'
At least 40 Australian soldiers have been killed since the 2001 US-led invasion of the country. The headquarters of the Australian forces will now be handed over to the Afghan army.
Australia is the largest provider of troops to the Afghanistan war outside of NATO.
Meanwhile, Washington has promised to withdraw all combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014. However, it has been locked in tricky negotiations with Kabul over a strategic partnership beyond 2014.
Afghan political groups have warned that things will get worse should the US set up permanent military bases in Afghanistan.
Afghan prominent figures have also heaped scorn on US-led forces for committing unforgivable crimes against Afghan women and children since invading the country in 2001.
Thousands of Afghan civilians, including a large number of women and children, have been killed during night raids by foreign forces and CIA-run assassination drone strikes.
The increasing number of casualties in Afghanistan has caused widespread anger against the US and other NATO member states, undermining public support for the Afghan war.
JR/PR
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