Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

Peace in Afghanistan A Long Way Off: Australian DM

Peace in  Afghanistan A Long Way Off: Australian DM

Australia has been strong supporters of the reconciliation and reintegration efforts in Afghanistan

CANBERRA - Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith on Monday said peace in Afghanistan still remains a long way off.
Smith said he believes the war in Afghanistan would only end with political settlement rather than military victory.

"Australia for a number of years has been a strong supporter of the notion that our mission in Afghanistan cannot be won by military means or combat means alone," he told reporters in Canberra.
"There also needs to be a political strategy and we have been strong supporters of the reconciliation, reintegration and rapprochement efforts and we are seeing very early signs of that," he said.
Smith said in recent months there had been very early and slow signs of reintegration at local level, but Australia remain committed to the war in Afghanistan.
"I think we are a long way from seeing a political settlement, a very long way," he said.

Meanwhile, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said U.S. negotiations with the Taliban plus the impending draw-down of troops meant Australian troops in Afghanistan should be withdrawn.
He again called on Prime Minister Gillard and Opposition Leader Abbott to bring our troops home.
Australia currently has 1,500 troops in Afghanistan, and the causalities of Australian soldiers are 27 since 2001. (Xinhua)