Karzai meets with Obama and Clinton in Washington; US and Afghanistan reaffirm shared goals to achieve a "stable, strong and prosperous Afghanistan"; Obama supports Karzai’s efforts to reach out to moderate sections of Taliban;
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  • President Karzai on a visit to the US met with President Obama on May 12. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared goals to achieve a "stable, strong and prosperous Afghanistan."1 They also reiterated their commitment to a long-term partnership between the US and Afghanistan. A joint statement issued after the meeting noted that they "recognised the importance of Afghan-led peace and reconciliation efforts. Towards that end, the United States pledged its support for Afghanistan's reintegration and reconciliation processes".2 Obama also supported Karzai’s efforts to reach out to sections of the Taliban. He stated that as long as those elements renounced their ties to Al Qaeda and extremism, the Afghan government could “reintegrate those individuals into Afghan society.”3

    Obama acknowledged the progress made in the areas of security, economic development and rule of law, but added that there was still a long way to go. He argued that the US-led military surge had "reversed the momentum" of the Taliban, but warned that there would be difficult days ahead in fighting a "ruthless" insurgency.4 Obama added that by July 2011, more responsibility would be given to the Afghan security forces. He however added that the US will not suddenly depart from the country by the summer of 2011.5

    Earlier on May 11, President Karzai met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Both leaders vowed to work together to build a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.6

    Reports noted that at least 50 Taliban militants were killed in joint operations carried out by Afghan-NATO forces in Kunduz and Ghazni provinces. The operation was backed by close air support and no civilian casualties were reported.7 However, 11 civilians were killed in a NATO raid in the eastern province of Nangarhar on May 13. President Karzai strongly condemned this NATO raid and the loss of civilian lives.8

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