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| Donald Rumsfeld, left, and Hamid
Karzai at a news conference Wednesday in Kabul, Afghanistan.[Xinhua
Photo] |
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| Donald Rumsfeld, left, and Hamid Karzai at a news conference Wednesday in Kabul, Afghanistan.[Xinhua Photo] |
KABUL, Dec. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- US Secretary for Defense said Wednesday that Washington would not leave Afghanistan alone despite reduction in its troops level in the post-Taliban country.
"Since the United States here has participated in
developing Afghan security forces, led a group of coalition forces and took part
in activities as a NATO member here, our reduction of forces will not influence
the participation of the United States in rebuilding Afghanistan," Donald
Rumsfeld told Xinhua after paying unannounced and his 10th visit to Afghan
capital and meeting President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace.
He came days after Pentagon's decision to reduce the
level of its troops from Afghanistan, and said, "We certainly remain committed
to our long-term relationship and partnership with Afghanistan".
"The US decided to reduce its forces from three brigades to two brigades," Rumsfeld added.
However, he categorically stated that Washington was
committed to support Afghanistan on long-term bases.
The reduction of troops is taking place in the wake
of NATO's recent announcement to deploy more 6,000 troops and increase its
strength by 15,000 next year.
Currently the Untied States has 19,500 troops in
Afghanistan battling Taliban and al-Qaida insurgents mostly in the rugged
terrain of southern and southeastern region along the border with Pakistan.
Military instructors from the United States and
allies have been providing training to the fledgling Afghanistan National
Army(ANA) and police over the past four years.
Expressing his confidence over Rumsfeld's assurance
President Hamid Karzai, "We are confident that the United States would not
abandon Afghanistan." Enditem | 
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