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China Calls for 'Orderly, Responsible' Foreign Troop Exit From Afghanistan

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - China urged U.S.-led foreign troops Saturday to
   withdraw from Afghanistan in an "orderly and responsible" manner if a
   prospective peace deal is signed with the Islamist Taliban to end the
   18-year war.

   U.S. negotiators are in the final stage of their yearlong bilateral
   dialogue with the insurgent group. The peace process, being hosted by
   Qatar, couldend America's longest overseas military intervention.

   "We call on the United States and the Taliban to continue with the
   negotiations and to implement the agreement after it is signed,"
   visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in neighboring
   Pakistan.

   The top Chinese diplomat spoke after attending a trilateral dialogue
   with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani and their host and
   Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

   "In particular, we call on them [the U.S. and Taliban]to make good on
   their commitments regarding the troopdrawdown and counterterrorism
   efforts so that the seeds of peace can be sown and take root," Wang
   said. He reiterated China's resolve to increase its economic and
   political engagement with Afghanistan to help in rebuilding efforts
   there.

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