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[ 25 May 2005 ]
U.S.-Afghan Strategic Partnership Made Public...
The full text of the "Joint Declaration of the United States-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership" (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050523-2.html) signed by U.S. President George W. Bush and his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on 23 May in Washington has been made public by the White House (see "RFE/RL Newsline," 24 May 2005). In the declaration, the two countries commit to ensure that "Afghanistan will never again" become a safe heaven for terrorists. The primary goal of the strategic partnership is described as strengthening U.S.-Afghan ties in order to help Afghanistan's "long-term security, democracy, and prosperity." While the declaration specifically states that it is not "directed against any third country," it does encourage the "advancement of freedom and democracy in the wider region." The declaration encourages cooperation "between Afghanistan and its neighbors," while deterring them from "meddling" in Afghanistan's internal affairs. In case Afghanistan perceives that its "territorial integrity, independence, or security is threatened" or is at risk, the declaration calls for consultation "with respect to taking appropriate measures" to alleviate such threats. AT
...Although It Says Little About Possible U.S. Bases
The joint declaration remains somewhat vague on the issue most debated among Afghans, namely the establishment of permanent U.S. military bases in Afghanistan. The partnership allows the United States to "continue to have access" to Bagram Air Base north of Kabul and to "other locations as may be mutually determined." U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan will continue to have freedom of action in their activities "based on consultations and pre-agreed procedures." AT
Afghan-Based U.S. Forces Reportedly Kill Five Pakistanis Across Border
Five Pakistanis were reportedly killed in a U.S. aerial attack in the Lawara Mandai area of North Waziristan on 21 May, the Karachi-based daily "Dawn" reported on 23 May. Pakistan's Inter Service Public Relations Director Major General Shaukat Sultan, while confirming that shells and rockets fired by U.S.-led forces had landed inside Pakistani territory, said that he was unaware of any casualties. AT
Police Arrest Armed Pakistani National In Eastern Afghanistan
Afghan police have arrested a Pakistani citizen in Khost Province, Tolu Television reported on 24 May. The man, who has been described as a resident of the Mir Ali area of the Koram region, has not been identified. According to the report, the man is one of several armed Pakistani citizens who have been arrested by the Afghan authorities in recent days. AT
Canada Adds Afghan Party To List Of Banned Terrorist Organizations
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan on 24 May announced that her country has added Hizb-e Islami, headed by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, to a list of banned terrorist groups, AFP reported. Hekmatyar's party is seeking the overthrow of the Afghan administration headed by President Karzai, McLellan said in a press release. Hekmatyar, a former Afghan prime minister, is already recognized as a terrorist by the U.S. State Department. AT
Afghanistan Signs $1 Billion Oil Deal With Austrian Firm
Khalil Firuzi, head of the Afghan Logistical Oil Company, on 24 May signed a deal with the Austrian-based ILF (Ingenieurgemeinschaft Lasser-Feizlmayr) engineering consulting firm for delivery of 3 million tons of oil, Afghanistan Television reported. The $1 billion deal involves the delivery to Afghanistan of diesel, kerosene, petrol, and heating oil for five years. The report added that this deal will "undoubtedly have positive effects" on the lives of Afghans and the country's transport system. It is not known from where the oil products are being imported from. AT
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