Karzai, Dobbins discuss peace drive

KABUL James Dobbins on Wednesday met President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, the Presidential Palace said.

Dobbins, who will also visit Islamabad, discussed different bilateral and regional issues with Karzai, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan came up for discussion at the meeting. The president promised continued efforts at bringing durable peace to the country.

No one would be allowed to frustrate people’s aspirations, Karzai said, explaining the peace process must be owned and led by the Afghans.

For his part, Dobbins said his country remained committed to supporting the Afghan-led reconciliation drive. He also met other senior Afghan officials to discuss mutual goals for a democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.

A statement from the US embassy quoted the diplomat as saying: “I am very happy to return to Afghanistan in my new role as special representative.”

The ambassador recalled: “Eleven short years ago at the Bonn Conference, we witnessed Afghanistan take its first nascent steps towards democracy. I look forward to continuing to support the remarkable progress this country has made since then.”

Dobbins focused on Afghanistan’s regional economic integration, positive progress on elections, bilateral cooperation and the United States’ enduring commitment to the Afghan people.

“I enjoyed my productive visit with President Karzai today. We discussed this pivotal moment for Afghanistan and how optimistic we are for its future,” said Dobbins.

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