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.
U.S. Role in Helmand
Spokesman Kelly (July 2): "We are well positioned for the immediate assistance effort that will follow clearing operations that were launched by the Marines in the last 24 hours. State and USAID currently have two officers who are directly linked with the Marines in the operation in Helmand. They’ve been in Helmand for over two years. We understand that they’re highly regarded by their Marine colleagues, and are some of the most experienced civilian experts that we have in Afghanistan." -Full Text of Daily Press Briefing
U.S. Commitment to Afghan Women
Amb. Verveer (June 30): "First, we are reshaping our programs and intensifying our efforts to help women to participate more fully in society, thereby helping them to increase their contributions to their communities and their country. This includes working with men, working with community leaders to make it possible for men and women to jointly determine Afghanistan’s future."
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Upcoming Elections in Afghanistan
Amb. Rice (June 30): "The United States does not support or oppose any particular presidential or provincial council candidate. Instead we support the right of the Afghan people to choose their own leaders. That is why we are working with Afghan electoral authorities and the UN to help Afghans ensure a credible secure and inclusive electoral process."
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U.S. Committed to Countering Narcotics in Afghanistan
Spokesman Kelly (June 29): "We remain committed to counternarcotics in Afghanistan. I think what we’re talking about here is we would like to increase our efforts to alternative crop development, public information, and interdiction, rather than eradication. Again, this is really – it’s up to the Afghan Government to determine how they go about their own counter narcotic efforts. But we do support them, of course."
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