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Last night, Karzai held talks with Zardari, Secretary Clinton and Japanese prime minister's special envoy to Afghanistan Teti sero Phocopoma. Challenges facing the war-torn country such as terrorism, reconstruction and good governance came under discussion.

As the president prepared for the swearing-in ceremony, representatives of US, British, Saudi, Turkish, Japanese, French, Pakistan and 35 other governments were in Kabul to attend the event that has prompted a security lockdown.

In an effort to preempt possible terrorist acts, security forces are patrolling roads and conducting helicopter flyovers in and around the capital. Several roads leading to the capital have been closed for traffic, with Thursday declared a closed holiday..

Ahead of the inauguration, Clinton held talks with foreign ministers from several countries at the US embassy in Kabul. She said though the world was ready to support Afghanistan, yet the new administration should work harder for people's welfare and a better security environment.

Soon after her arrival in Kabul, Clinton said: "There is now a clear window of opportunity for President Karzai and his government to make a new compact with the people of Afghanistan, to demonstrate clearly that you're going to have accountability and tangible results that will improve the lives of the people."

Speaking at the US Embassy, she observed: "We stand at a critical moment on the eve of the inauguration of President Karzais second term We want to be a strong partner with the government and the people of Afghanistan.  And I always say both because its not either/or. It has to be both. 

Clinton made it clear US troops alone could not meet the goals of defeating al-Qaeda, helping the Afghans to get the capacity to defend themselves and provide governance that would result in positive changes for the Afghans.

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