We want independent national security: Karzai

Kabul, Jul 20: Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed their wish to take the country's full security command by 2014.

"I remain determined that our Afghan national security forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014," told Karzai in an international donors' conference on Tuesday, Jul 20.

Karzai did not claim more money at the conference but instead for more control of that already earmarked for the country.

He also claimed that if Afghans would see development projects coming from the government rather than foreigners, they would more likely to support them.

Afghans also want an elaboration of the army to strength of over 170,000 by Oct 2011, and the national police to 1,34,000 as well as the formation of a new local police force in insecure areas.

Karzai sought support for a peace plan that aims to win over and reintegrate an estimated 36,000 insurgent foot soldiers while exploring talks with moderate Taliban leaders.

The Taliban had been emboldened by a perception that Washington is not committed to a drawn-out fight.

The Taliban also insisted that they will not stop fighting until all foreign forces leave.

OneIndia News