KABUL - President Hamid Karzai on Thursday said Afghanistan had identified its friends and foes, including Pakistan, the United States and Iran, and it would be Afghans' fault if they were deceived again.
Addressing a youth national Jirga in Kabul, Karzai said Afghanistan's dignity and development belonged to Afghans themselves. He added foreign troops would withdraw after 2014, leaving to Afghans the responsibility for protecting their country.
Without naming anyone, the president said: "From now on, foreigners are not to blame; they were blamed when we were ignorant. But now we have identified them, we know Pakistan, Iran and United States. We understand everything. It would be our own fault if we are deceived again.''

Karzai accused media outlets of neighboring countries and the west for negative propaganda against Afghanistan, saying the propaganda was aimed at fueling internal war after the withdrawal of foreign soldiers.

He advised youths to be loyal to the country, saying: "The land will be protected if you were united and it needs honesty,'' he said, asking the audience to focus on education and contribute to nation-building efforts.

Head of the Jirga, Mohammad Sangar Hamidzada, urged the president to punish corrupt officials and mafia members. He said the nation would be behind the president and his government in taking stern action against the corrupt.

The youth Jirga issued a 31-article declaration, giving the government recommendations on the peace process, corruption, unemployment and the presence of foreign troops. It also urged the president to create job opportunities for youths.

It supported the government's efforts at promoting the peace process and vowed they would not allow anyone to misuse youths for political gains.

The declaration said the youths rejected the long-term presence of foreign troops in the country, but was supportive of their short-term role. (Pajhwok)