Afghan Pres. welcomes new US strategy on Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of the new US strategy on Afghanistan saying it unveils an enduring commitment by United States as a key partner of the Afghan government.
A statement issued by Afghan Presidential Palace quoted Ghani as saying, "I am grateful to President Trump and the American people for this affirmation of support for our efforts to achieve self-reliance and for our joint struggle to rid the region from the threat of terrorism." He further said, "The new strategy will increase the capacity in the Resolute Support mission," adding, "It will particularly emphasize enhancing the Afghan air power, doubling the size of the Afghan Special Force and deepening NATO's ability to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces." The Afghan President said, "Following this strategy towards stability allows the region to work together in achieving mutual goals of peace and prosperity, and provide a clear pathway for the regional countries to end support for non-state actors." He said US and Afghan partnering is stronger than ever in overcoming the threat of terrorism that threatens all. "The strength of our security forces should show the Taliban and others cannot win a military victory. The objective of peace is paramount. Peace remains our priority," he added.
Moreover, Afghan Chief Executive of the National Unity Government, Abdullah Abdullah, at a press conference in capital city Kabul on Tuesday said the Afghan government's message to the Taliban and their supporters is that the new strategy is not an invitation to peace but a chance to strengthen the peace process.
Reacting to new US strategy for Afghanistan, Abdullah said, "Our message to our neighbors is that the new US policy is a chance for them to utilize and benefit from this opportunity." He said, "This new chapter opened by the new strategy is a unique opportunity to tackle terrorists and achieve our goals for peace." Hours after the announcement by US President Donald Trump, Taliban termed the strategy as "unclear" and "old", claiming that they will continue fighting as long as American troops remain in Afghanistan. (end) sbk.mt