Afghanistan at important juncture: US embassy

KABUL): The US Embassy in Kabul on Monday congratulated the Afghan people on the anniversary of their independence, saying the country was transitioning to full sovereignty.

Ninety-four years ago, after years of war, Afghanistan gained its independence from Britain, a statement from the embassy said.

“Today, Afghanistan stands at an equally important period in its history, as it transitions to full sovereignty after many years of conflict,” it added.

Afghanistan’s progress over these years proved the Afghan spirit of resilience, the statement said. Since 2001, Afghanistan’s gross domestic product has increased fivefold.

“Afghan women have begun to assume a more active and public role throughout the country. Earlier this year, Afghan National Security Forces assumed the lead responsibility for securing their country.”

In 2014, the embassy said, Afghan citizens would take to the polls to choose provincial leaders and a new president in elections that would represent Afghanistan’s first democratic transition of authority.

pr/mud

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