Karzai on a visit to India points out the “common struggle against terrorism and extremism” being waged by both the countries, expresses gratitude for Indian help in Afghan reconstruction, assures to take all possible measures to provide security to India
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • President Hamid Karzai was on a two day visit to India from April 26. In his talks with PM Dr. Manmohan Sigh and other Indian leaders, he apprised them of efforts to reach out to the Taliban for a negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict. After his meeting with Dr. Singh, Mr. Karzai told presspersons that they discussed "reintegration and reconciling of those elements of the Taliban and others who have accepted the Afghan Constitution, who are not part of al Qaeda, who are not part of any terrorist network."1 Pointing out the “common struggle against terrorism and extremism” being waged by India and Afghanistan, the Afghan President expressed his gratitude to India for assisting in the reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. Dr. Singh stated that India remained “committed to assist the people of Afghanistan.”2 The Indian PM also added that President Karzai had assured him that the government of Afghanistan will take “all possible measures for the security of Indians."3 In a joint statement released at the end of the visit, both countries expressed grave concern over the threat posed by terrorism to Afghanistan's national development and resolved to work with the international community to combat the forces of terrorism.4

    At the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Thimpu, Bhutan, President Karzai stated that the "most challenging threats we all face are that of terrorism, extremism, narcotics and organised crime” and urged for greater collective resolve to deal with these issues. He added that the SAARC Regional Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol provided an excellent platform for cooperation. President Karzai also expressed confidence in the implementation of South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA). He noted that the signing of the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services would significantly help member nations to move towards trade facilitation and cooperation.5

    Reports quoted senior Pakistan Army officials as stating that the Americans committed a tactical error when they started their campaign in Afghanistan by allowing militants to escape across the border into Pakistan's tribal agencies. This they pointed out led to the Taliban nearly taking over Pakistan's tribal regions.6

    The Afghan Interior Ministry stated that civilian casualties were on the rise in Afghanistan even as US and NATO operations continue with renewed vigour. The ministry reported 173 civilian deaths during the period from March 21-April 21, which was a 33 percent increase over the previous month.7 A Pentagon report for US Congress also noted that violence levels in Afghanistan had soared by over 87 percent between October 2009 and March 2010, compared with the same period a year ago. The report also noted that support for the Karzai-led government had reduced considerably.8

    In other developments, the head of US Central Command Gen. David Petraeus visited areas around Kandahar even as thousands of US, NATO and Afghan forces prepare for an offensive against the Taliban stronghold.

    Top