Washington, Mar 02: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he had been promised continued support from the United States for his country's fledgling institutions, despite concerns that a looming conflict with Iraq could draw away troops and funds.
In an interview with a TV channel aired today, Karzai said that he
got a "good promise" of help for irrigation projects, which he
said will be a priority for the coming year.
"Last year we had an emphasis on highways and roads
reconstruction," he said. "This year we'll be working on the
irrigation system and other items."
He said he had also been reassured that a looming
conflict in Iraq would not draw troops or resources away from
Afghanistan.
"Well, I don't worry. I was given a very explicit
assurance by the president and by the secretary of state, by
other officials that I met that the united states would not be
reducing attention to Afghanistan," he said.
He said his country would need foreign military
assistance for some time as national security institutions,
including an army and police force, must be built from
scratch.
Karzai said he hoped there would not be a war in Iraq,
but that Afghanistan would support the United States in its
efforts to oust Saddam Hussein.
"We are sorry that (the Iraqis) have been suffering for
so long under such a regime and the tyranny and their
oppression," he said. "We are with the Iraqi people."
Bureau Report
