Foto: (c) Norwegian delegation to NATONorway positive to new US strategy for Afghanistan
07.12.2009 //
“A stronger and broader US involvement in order to ensure development and stability in Afghanistan is important, and this gives direction to the international efforts that Norway is supporting, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented, following President Barack Obama’s presentation of the new US strategy for Afghanistan.
The strategy means that the US will send a further 30 000 troops to Afghanistan, in addition to significantly increasing its civilian efforts. In his speech, President Obama underlined that the Afghan authorities must gradually take over responsibility for development and security in the country, and that the US involvement is not open-ended.
“The overall objective of the US strategy is to enable the Afghan people to govern and further develop their country. This requires the continued presence and active involvement of the international community, both in civilian and military terms. The intensified US efforts will be important for implementing the mandate the UN Security Council has been given for Afghanistan” Mr Støre commented.
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