Karzai insists on apolitical army

KABUL): President Hamid Karzai, at a meeting with a US general, on Wednesday insisted on a professional and apolitical Afghan army, his office said.

A statement from the Presidential Palace said Defence Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak and National Security Advisor Rangin Dadfar Spanta were also present at the meeting between Karzai and Gen. James Mattis.

The two sides discussed the issues of strengthening Afghan security forces and the current situation in the region. They also talked about equipment and international support for Afghan forces.

Karzai insisted Afghanistan needed a professional, strong and politics-free army and asked the international community and the US to equip Afghan soldiers.

The visiting dignitary also renewed US commitment to helping the Afghan government, the statement said.

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