On Unannounced Visit to Afghanistan, Kerry Stresses Unity - Wall Street Journal

U.S. diplomat expresses optimism that government can stay in power for a full term despite internal rivalries

KABUL—Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday said he is confident Afghanistan’s struggling unity government would stay in power for a full term despite internal rivalries and growing domestic opposition.

“There is no end to this agreement at the end of two years or in six months from now,” Mr. Kerry told reporters in Kabul.

The U.S. chief diplomat came with a message of tough love, noting strong U.S. support but stressing the government of President Ashraf Ghani has to step up and put aside factional divides.

“People need to have confidence about the direction that we are moving and the direction that the government is moving,” Mr. Kerry said.

Mr. Kerry made the unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Saturday to meet with leaders here and demonstrate support for the country’s embattled, 18-month-old national unity government.

Speaking in Kabul on Saturday, Mr. Kerry said the Afghan government would need to demonstrate it is worth supporting ahead of international conferences in Warsaw and Brussels later this year, where world powers will meet to reassess the situation in Afghanistan and are expected to make new pledges of security and development support.

Mr. Ghani, speaking alongside Mr. Kerry, told reporters that officials recognized it was important for Afghanistan to show that international funds were well-spent and well-managed.

After a day of meetings here, Mr. Kerry said that efforts to fill key posts in the coming months and commitments he received here could build momentum to strengthen the government.

Mr. Ghani thanked the U.S. for supporting efforts to combat the Taliban and terrorism. He called President Barack Obama’s decision to keep troop levels at 9,800 this year historic and said he was sure the U.S. would make a responsible decision at the end of this year.

“Partners listen to each other and partners do not interfere in the internal processes,” Mr. Ghani said. “We trust that they are doing what will always be constructive.” - Read More

On Unannounced Visit to Afghanistan, Kerry Stresses Unity - WSJ

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