Karzai: US stance on Pakistan in new plan 'turning point'

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): Former president Hamid Karzai dubbed the US stance on Pakistan in its new strategy as a €˜turning point€™ but condemned the America€™s emphasize on war instead of peace.

Under the new US strategy on Afghanistan announced on Monday, the US wouldn€™t withdraw its troops from Afghanistan as US President Donald Trump said he would specify the number of troops in Afghanistan in line with the country€™s situation.

Trump announcing support to the Afghan government said the US aims were clear in Afghanistan and Pakistan and they would eradicate €˜terrorist hideouts€™ that threatened the US.

A statement from the former Afghan President Karzai€™s office, said: €œThe strategy prioritizes war over peace which is the original and basic requirement of Afghanistan. We oppose this stance of the US and condemn it.€

Karzai said the Afghans€™ demand was everlasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, not expansion and fueling of war and continuation of killings and destruction.

€œInstead, the US should make efforts to end the war in Afghanistan and the region through dialogue, negotiations and peaceful steps.€

The statement said the only good point in the new strategy was the US admission of its past mistakes and breaking silence towards terrorist safe havens in Pakistan.

€œSuch remarks have been repetitively heard from American leaders in the past, but we hope this time the words are translated into action.€

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