KABUL (PAN): The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) on Sunday reiterated its commitment to a stable Afghanistan, saying it would assist the Afghan government and forces to conduct secure, inclusive, free, and fair elections next year.
In the longer term, the ISAF commander said, the United States and other members of the coalition remained committed to a strategic partnership that would benefit the Afghan people for many years to come.
"We are committed to helping you build a better country; and we are committed to defeating those who threaten your future," a statement from the NATO-led force quoted Gen. Joseph Dunford as saying.
The top US general said: "Given the many news stories this past week, it would be easy to forget the historic milestone we celebrated on June 18th. After more than a decade of conflict and sacrifice, the Afghan National Security Forces are now the lead for securing their people and their country ..."
He added the ANSF, having made tremendous progress, were ready to assume the lead and had been increasingly in the lead for the past several months. The capability and credibility of the ANSF proved Afghanistan was on the path to peace and prosperity, he argued.
