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Blinken, Abdullah Abdullah mull US strategy review

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Saturday with the Chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the US' review of its strategy in Afghanistan.
State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that Blinken thanked Dr. Abdullah for his "vital work in support of the Afghanistan peace process".
Blinken also expressed "America's resolve to support a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Afghanistan".
On Friday, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin reiterated that "a rigorous interagency review" of the situation in Afghanistan is being conducted and that "at this time, no decisions about our future force posture have been made," saying "in the meantime, current missions will continue". (end) si.ibi