Afghanistan
The United States has made a long-term commitment to help Afghanistan rebuild itself after years of war. The U.S., along with others in the international community, currently provides resources and expertise to Afghanistan in a variety of areas, including humanitarian relief and assistance, capacity-building, security needs, counter-narcotic programs, and infrastructure projects. The U.S. also supports the Afghan Government in its efforts to establish a framework for a vibrant civil society, one that emphasizes democratic principles through a rule of law and creates accountable and transparent forms of government.
The United States and its international partners remain committed to helping Afghans realize their vision for a country that is stable, democratic, and economically successful, and to an Afghan government committed to the protection of women's rights, human rights, and religious tolerance.
Spokesman Kelly (Nov. 19): "Secretary Clinton noted in her public comments that she was encouraged by President Karzai’s pledge in his inaugural speech to battle corruption and get his security forces sufficiently trained to take the lead in the country within five years. She also noted that President Karzai’s speech set forth an agenda for change and reform and that he outlined steps for tackling corruption." -Daily Press Briefing
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 19): "Spo This is an important moment. Today’s inauguration opens a real window of opportunity for a new compact between the Afghan Government and its people, and for a new chapter in the partnership between Afghanistan and the international community. And we must seize this moment. For the United States and Afghanistan, this means a renewed partnership based on mutual responsibility, where we each do our part to deliver for the Afghan people and to advance our common fight against our common enemy." -Remarks
Spokesman Kelly (Nov. 18): "The mining sector has great promise for Afghanistan’s growth and prosperity. And of course, in addition to this economic promise, there has to be transparency in how these contracts are let and how these resources are developed. I think as you know, for our part, we have pretty strong monitoring mechanisms for the kind of aid that we give to the Government of Afghanistan, and this is to ensure that the aid that the U.S. taxpayer is giving, it reaches the people that it’s intended to reach and has the kind of impact that we want to have and that are in the U.S. national interests. -Daily Press Briefing
Secretary Clinton (Nov. 18): "We want to be a strong partner with the government and the people of Afghanistan. And I always say both because it’s not either/or. It has to be both. And I will look forward to the conversations that I will be having with the president and others. We have engaged in a very careful and thoughtful review. When the President asked us to make this review, we wanted to question every assumption, we wanted to look at every possible decision. Because we know that this is a turning point that we all face together." -Full Text
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Trip to Afghanistan
Secretary Clinton will travel to Afghanistan to attend President Karzai’s November 19 inauguration ceremony, meet with Afghanistan’s leadership, international partners and allies, US troops, staff in Provincial Reconstruction Teams, and Embassy staff. This is the Secretary's fourth trip to Afghanistan, first as Secretary of State. (Nov. 18) -Press Statement
Spokesman Kelly (Nov. 17): "Well, it's time for action, for the Afghan Government to address this problem of corruption, and that we stand prepared to work with them and support them as they address this. And we, of course, welcome the announcement that we saw of the formation of the major crimes task force." -Daily Press Briefing
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