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Afghan president thanks CentCom
Visiting MacDill, he says he appreciates "the sacrifices they have made for my country."
By PAUL DE LA GARZA
Published September 28, 2006
TAMPA - President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan thanked U.S. and coalition forces at MacDill Air Force Base on Wednesday for helping to shore up democracy in his embattled country. Karzai arrived in Tampa on Tuesday for meetings at MacDill-based U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East. On Wednesday, Karzai met with CentCom chief Gen. John Abizaid and with military representatives from the 65 countries that form the U.S.-led coalition in the war on terror. In a brief news conference, Karzai thanked CentCom "for the sacrifices they have made for my country." He also thanked members of the Florida National Guard for helping to train the Afghan army. Karzai's stop in Tampa comes at a time of worsening security in Afghanistan. The Taliban, which ruled the country until the United States forced it out of power after Sept. 11, 2001, has reemerged as a threat. Suicide bombings on NATO forces have become more lethal and more frequent in recent days. U.S. military officials say leaders of the Taliban direct attacks from Pakistan. A few weeks ago, Pakistan signed a truce with the Taliban to curb attacks against Pakistani forces along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Karzai and other critics have denounced the truce, arguing that Pakistan has created a safe haven for terrorists, including Osama bin Laden. On Wednesday, in response to a reporter's question, Karzai backed off his criticism. "I'm simply seeking, as we all are, a more coordinated, more intense approach to the fight against terror on behalf of all of us," he said. "Pakistan is a neighbor of Afghanistan, a brother of Afghanistan, and we're seeking more cooperation." Wednesday night, Karzai had dinner at the White House with President Bush and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Bush appealed to the presidents to "strategize together" on ways to defeat the common enemy of terrorism. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
[Last modified October 1, 2006, 09:07:14]
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