Highlighting that Afghan security and police forces continue to grow stronger and more capable, the United States of America today said it is optimistic that Afghanistan will secure its rightful place in the community of nations.
In his remarks at a Security Council Debate on Afghanistan, Deputy Permanent Representative Rosemary A. DiCarlo says the US government commends the Afghan people as they manage three significant transitions: security, political, and economic.
With regards to security transition, Afghanistan reached “Milestone 2013” earlier this week and the Afghanistan government is now in the lead for security nationwide, with ISAF moving into a supporting role.
“We welcome the endorsement by NATO and ISAF Defense Ministers in Brussels on June 5th of the detailed concept for a non-combat NATO mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan forces post-2014.” – Mr. DiCarlo
On political transition
According to Mr. DiCarlo, the 2013 election will be an historic opportunity to achieve a unifying moment when power is peacefully transferred to a newly elected president in Afghanistan.
He notes it will reflect the Afghan people’s success in conducting a credible, inclusive, transparent election.
The US looks forward to the establishment of a broadly-agreed elections legislative framework as soon as possible.
In economic transition
Mr. DiCarlo also says Afghanistan’s economic transition will ensure that the security and political transitions both succeed.
He notes that critical reforms are still necessary to achieve economic prosperity and to integrate Afghanistan into the regional economy.
“We welcome President Karzai’s continued commitment to affect those reforms and will work with all stakeholders to achieve that goal.” – Mr. DiCarlo
US pledges long-term support
Mr. DiCarlo reiterates that the United States will continue to support Afghanistan through this critical period.
Both countries have jointly agreed in their strategic partnership agreement and committed to at the Tokyo and Chicago conferences.
He also underlines that the United States believes strongly that no nation can achieve sustainable peace, reconciliation, stability, and economic growth if half the population is marginalized.
He stresses the United States will continue to stand strongly with Afghanistan’s women to protect and advance their hard-won gains.
US pledges for long-term military commitment
US is negotiating a Strategic Partnership agreement that signals our long-term civil-military commitment.
US knows the cost of neglecting Afghanistan as well. The US will continue to support the sovereign rights of the people of Afghanistan.
US and Afghanistan Partnership
Both nations have worked together to set forth a long-term political, diplomatic, and security partnership, and it entered into force just a few days ago.
The US government sees this alliance as a powerful symbol of its commitment to Afghanistan’s future.
The United States also wants to continue to invest in doing what the Afghans believe they need.
The United States will continue to protect Afghanistan from any efforts by insurgents and outsiders to destabilize Afghanistan.
The US government has supported President Karzai in his effort to have an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led reconciliation process.
In December 2011, the United States withdrew 10,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
July 2011 marked the beginning of a responsible transition that will see Afghan forces gradually taking the lead in securing their own country.
By 2014, the process of transition will be complete, and the Afghan people will be responsible for their own security.
The Afghan security forces move into the lead, the United States continues to reduce its military footprint. Its mission will change from combat to support. The remaining 23,000 “surge” troops in December 2009 will leave Afghanistan by the end of summer 2012.
The U.S. government has made significant progress towards their goals as well .
Reports say the U.S. government is redoubling its efforts to pursue a peaceful end to the conflict in the region.
The U.S. government has taken tangible steps to advance Afghan reconciliation and reintegration initiatives, including support to the Afghan High Peace Council and provincial police and reintegration councils.
