Afghanistan, Pakistan welcome US new strategy against al-Qaida

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-29-2009 09:38

The US administration's new strategy against al-Qaida has gained support from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Leaders of the two countries are praising US President Barack Obama's call for fighting terrorism.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a press conference at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday,  March 28, 2009. Karzai said that the new U.S. strategy for  the worsening conflict in his country is 'better than we  were expecting' and provides the right solutions for the  problems afflicting the region.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Afghanistan's president has praised US plans to boost troops in the country as well as provide greater civilian aid to help with rebuilding. He says the new US strategy provides the right solutions for problems afflicting the region.

Hamid Karzai, Afhan President said "This is better than we were expecting as a matter of fact, and we back it, and we hope to go for it to a full implementation."

The Afghan President also welcomes Obama's focus on countering militant sanctuaries in neighboring Pakistan. The issue has been a point of tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is also hailing the new US strategy against al-Qaida. The Pakistani President has praised Obama's call for Congress to grant one and a half billion US dollars for annual civilian aid.