Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

Rumsfeld Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan
--------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=CD6C80:2AB91D3

US secretary of defense met with Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, who
calls for stronger military ties with US





Donald Rumsfeld

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has made a surprise visit to
Afghanistan. He met with the Afghan president, who called for stronger
military ties with the United States.

Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai, is seeking an expanded role for
the U.S. military in his country and used Mr. Rumsfeld's surprise
visit to press his case.

Mr. Karzai still faces significant challenges from Taleban and
al-Qaida linked militants in many parts of the country.

During a joint news conference, Mr. Karzai called for a longer-term
relationship with the United States.

"A strategic security relationship that would enable Afghanistan to
defend itself," said Hamid Karzai.

Mr. Rumsfeld reiterated Washington's commitment to Afghanistan, but
did not discuss specific arrangements.

Mr. Rumsfeld is now in Pakistan, where he is expected to meet with
President Pervez Musharraf, a key U.S. ally in the war on terror.

 


.