US Afghanistan Policy unveiled with surprises
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WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson has indicated that an eventual settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban is the ultimate goal of the Trump administration.
The comments — included in his address to America’s Nato allies in Brussels on Friday — give first insight into the Trump administration’s thinking on Afghanistan.
Although in power since Jan 20, the administration is still developing a policy for the Pak-Afghan region and its senior officials usually avoid commenting on issues related to that area.
But a copy of the speech, released by the secretary’s office in Washington on Saturday, shows Mr Tillerson reiterating Washington’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan.
“The ongoing commitment of Nato allies and partners to peace in Afghanistan, including to an eventual settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban, protects this alliance’s interests, and, when successful, ensures that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists,” he said.