From: EurasiaDigest (digest@eurasianet.org)
Date: Wed Feb 01 2006 - 11:34:18 EST
LONDON CONFERENCE ON AFGHANISTAN OPENS
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told participants in a two-day London conference devoted to the future of Afghanistan that opened on 31 January that their administrations are committed to that country's long-term health, international agencies reported. Afghan President Hamid Karzai then hailed a "new chapter" in his country's history and predicted that efforts will focus increasingly on improving the country for its roughly 30 million inhabitants. Rice announced that the United States plans to give Afghanistan $1.1 billion in additional aid next year. Karzai noted that it is time for a "new chapter" that is focused more specifically on the needs of Afghans. "Four years ago, the Bonn agreement presented us with a formidable set of objectives," Karzai said. "Today, I am pleased that we successfully conclude the Bonn Process and open a new chapter of Afghanistan's rebuilding and partnership with the international community.... in spite of the achievements, we have
a long road ahead and significant challenges to overcome. We have reestablished our institutions of governance and justice. But these need to develop to serve the interests of the Afghan people." AH/PB
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