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Good evening.
We have just had a good meeting with all the 50 nations contributing to ISAF and the Afghan
Foreign Minister Rassoul and I have just had a very good meeting and very productive talks
with President Karzai.
Since the last time we met, the Afghan security forces have continued to grow in strength
and capabilities.
Soon, we will see them taking the lead for security across the country, as ISAF shifts
from a combat to a support role. This will mark an important milestone on the road to
full Afghan security responsibility.
For eleven years, ISAF has carried out its responsibilities in assisting the Afghan authorities
in maintaining security and developing new Afghan security forces. We have fulfilled
this mission at the request of the Afghan government and under a United Nations mandate.
Much work remains to be done. And many challenges remain. But with this milestone, our goal
is within reach.
The range of our commitment to Afghanistan is unprecedented. We have provided resources,
and skills, to the Afghan Forces along with time and space so they can grow strong. And
thanks to our shared efforts, the transition to Afghan security responsibility is now well
advanced.
We will continue to provide support, including in combat if needed, until the end of 2014.
After that date, we will not walk away. Our engagement will enter a new and different
chapter, with a mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces.
Today, we agreed on the means to ensure transparency and accountability in our future funding mechanisms
of the Afghan security forces. This is an important pillar of the international community’s
wider commitment to sustaining Afghanistan in the years to come.
Our partnership with Afghanistan is based on mutual commitments. The government of Afghanistan
has made clear commitments to hold credible elections; to fight corruption; to uphold
human rights; including women’s rights, and to enforce the rule of law. Their continued
efforts to meet their commitments will pave the way for our continued support
With the significant support of the international community, Afghanistan has a strong foundation
to build a secure future. But of course, it is for Afghans themselves to shape that future.
With that, I am ready to take your questions.