WASHINGTON (PAN): General Stanley McChrystal, the ex-US commander of foreign troops in Afghanistan, has been awarded the prestigious State High Medal of Wazir Muhammad Akbar Khan.

The medal was conferred on Gen. McChrystal at his retirement ceremony in Washington last week by the Afghan ambassador to the US, Said T Jawad.

McChrystal has made "comprehensive efforts and showed distinct leadership and readiness to reduce civilian deaths, prevent unlawful home searches, refer detainees to the Afghan justice system," the citation said.

Thanking the people of Afghanistan, the former general said: "For those who are tempted to simplify their view of Afghanistan and focus on the challenges ahead, I counter with my belief that Afghans have courage, strength and resiliency that will prove equal to the task."

He noted caution and cynicism were safe, but soldiers did not want to follow cautious cynics. "I'd do some things in my career differently, but not many. I believed in people, and I still believe in them. I trusted and I still trust. I cared and I still care. I wouldn't have it any other way."

In his letter to McChrystal, Afghan Minister of Defence General Rahim Wardak, told him he "lit a beacon of hope for peace and prosperity" in Afghanistan.

"Your undeniable contribution to the stability and security of my war-torn country deserve more than any compliment or commendation. You have laid the foundations for our final triumph, and we will spare no effort and sacrifices to achieve it," Wardak said in a letter read out by Jawad.

Jawad told McChrystal he would always be remembered in Afghanistan. "We will never forget the sacrifices that you and those under your command have made to make Afghanistan safer for our children."

McChrystal was fired last month after a controversial interview with an American magazine, mocking the top civilian leadership of the US government.

ln/mud