KABUL- The top NATO commander in Afghanistan on Sunday promised an end to nighttime airstrikes on civilian houses during operations against insurgents. Gen. David Petraeus said keeping in view President Hamid Karzai's concern, NATO-led forces would try their level best to avoid civilian killings in future operations.

He held out the assurance at a high-level meeting of National Directorate of Security (NDS) officials at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Karzai's spokesman said in a statement.

Afghan officials, US Ambassador Karl Eikenberryand supervisor of the transition process, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, attended the meeting. Participants also discussed the proposed strategic cooperation deal between the Afghan government and the US, the statement added.
Representatives from defense and interior ministries, as well as NDS, briefed the participants on the current situation in eastern Nuristan province, where militants have lately intensified their activities.

The security officials concerned were asked to take urgent steps for resolving the problems being faced by Nuristan residents in the aftermath of food shortages.

Dr. Ashraf Ghani was asked to take the required measures to make the transition effort a success and ensure that it took place on schedule. Participants also discussed the proposed strategic cooperation deal between the Afghan government and the US, the statement added. (Pajhwok)