Political parties welcome US 'ally' title
09 July, 2012
KABUL: Afghan political parties largely welcomed the US designation of Afghanistan as a "major non-Nato ally", calling it an opportunity for the country.
In an unannounced trip to Kabul on Saturday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the US had assigned Afghanistan as a major non-Nato ally, the first time the Obama administration has issued the official title to any country.
Head of the National Front Abdullah Abdullah said the designation is beneficial for Afghanistan and guarantees assistance for the defense forces, ToloNews reported Sunday.
"It's beneficial for our Afghanistan and guarantees assistance to our security forces. As far as the details are concerned, we should consult further with the Afghan people," Abdullah said in a press conference in Kabul.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Afghanistan's National Front, Ali Amiri said the designation showed the US' strong commitment to combating terrorism in the region and would have a positive impact on attracting investment to Afghanistan.
"I believe US lawmakers have reached the conclusion that without sending this clear message to the insurgents in the region, bringing security in the region would be impossible," Amiri said in a press conference in Kabul.
Spokesman for Rights and Justice Party Hamidullah Farooqi also welcomed the decision.
"Afghans should welcome this designation because it is for the benefit of the Afghan people," he said.
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