Secretary of Defense Offers Support to Afghan People, Condolences for Civilian Casualties
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates offered his support for the Government and people of Afghanistan and his condolences for the recent loss of life as a result of coalition airstrikes during his visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 17, 2008.
Gates, speaking to Afghan and international media at U.S. Embassy Kabul, expressed his support for the Government and people of Afghanistan. “This trip, my fourth to Afghanistan as Secretary of Defense, is an opportunity once again to express my support for the government and people of this nation as you struggle to build a secure and prosperous democracy,” Gates said. He added, “Our interests are the same as yours: an Afghanistan where all citizens can strive for a better and brighter future without fear of violence and terrorism. “
Gates expressed his “sincere condolences and personal regrets” for the recent loss of life inflicted accidentally by Coalition forces battling the Taliban insurgency, and pledged to do more. “While no military has ever done more to prevent civilian casualties, it is clear that we have to work even harder,” he said.
The Secretary also backed the Government of Afghanistan plan to increase the size of the Afghan National Army. “Ultimately, you are a self-reliant people who want to secure your nation,” Gates said. “So I strongly support Minister Wardak’s plan to expand the Afghan Army to 134,000. And I will do whatever is necessary to ensure the proper training and funding of those forces.”
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