Support Afghans post-2014, ASAP to Obama

KABUL (Pajhwok): In an open letter, the Alliance in Support of the Afghan People (ASAP), addressed to US President Barack Obama, urged that Washington should stand behind the true aspirations of the Afghan people for free, prosperous and democratic future beyond 2014.

A non-government organization, the ASAP in a statement issued here Wednesday said: “On behalf of the Afghan people, especially the youth of our country who make up the majority of our population, we are writing to reinforce our firm wish to see the partnership between the United States and Afghanistan continue beyond the year 2014.”

It said that over the coming years, Afghanistan would be completing its political and security transitions as the foundation for the future that the country seek and Afghans were hoping that the people of the US, who were with Afghans during difficult years, would “remain with us as we complete the challenging transition period and become more self-reliant.”

Over the last 12 years, the statement said the people of Afghanistan had made significant gains and achievements in rebuilding their civic and government institutions, including the country’s security forces to safeguard their rights and ensure safety.

“However, as we Afghans take full charge of our affairs in all walks of life in the year 2014, we wish to see the US remain closely engaged with Afghanistan in the years to come. We believe the continuation of our friendship is of immense importance to the Afghan people and will also contribute to the strengthening of regional and international peace and security and prosperity of the Afghan nation,” it added.

In this regard, the statement further said Afghans strongly echo the endorsement of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) last month at the Loya Jirga and reiterated that the agreement should be signed without delay.

“Our voice reflects a growing chorus from all segments of the Afghan society, including our religious and business community leaders, who remain concerned about the future of our country and wish to see the expeditious finalization of the BSA,” the statement noted.

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