Saturday, September 22, 2012
Kabul (BNA) President Hamid Karzai held a video conference on Wednesday evening, Afghanistan time, with US president, Barrack Obama.
The two presidents discussed a range of issues that included efforts to stem insider attacks on US and Coalition forces, the peace process, the war on terror and the continued implementation of the US-Afghanistan strategic partnership agreement.
On the issue of insider attacks, president Karzai stressed that in addition to the enemy infiltration as a factor, there were other causes too, most importantly the inappropriate treatment by the foreign forces that have instigated the unfortunate phenomenon.
The president strongly noted that entering into long-term strategic partnership can take place only between two sovereign states, so the United States has to then fully respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
President Obama reiterated his strong support for Afghan sovereignty and the two leaders agreed to take additional concrete steps to implement the Strategic Partnership Agreement including launching the US Afghan Bilateral Commission in coming weeks and beginning negotiations on a Bilateral Security Agreement.
On the war on terror, president Karzai reiterated Afghan government’s all-time position that the war against terrorism cannot be fought in Afghan villages and homes, but rather it must be waged against terrorism sanctuaries and the support system it enjoys.
President Obama expressed his condolences and remembrance on the anniversary of the assassination of Professor Rabbani, former President and Chief of the High Peace Council.
On the importance of an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process, the two leaders also agreed to continue the joint work in support of the reconciliation and peace efforts led by Afghanistan.
