China News Agency, Washington, July 8 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) US President Biden announced at the White House on the 8th that the US military in Afghanistan will complete the withdrawal by August 31.
Data map: US President Biden.
On the same day, Biden listened specifically to briefings by US military and national security officials on the situation of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and then gave a speech on this.
He said that the US anti-terrorism goal in Afghanistan has been achieved.
"We are not going to Afghanistan to rebuild the country. The Afghan people have the right and responsibility to determine their own future and how to manage the country."
Biden announced in April this year that all U.S. troops in Afghanistan will be withdrawn before September 11.
With the gradual withdrawal of US and NATO forces, the conflict between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants has become increasingly fierce.
When answering questions from reporters that day, Biden denied the statement that "the Afghan government will collapse after the U.S. forces withdraw."
He pointed out that the Afghan government and leadership clearly have the ability to keep the government running. The question is whether they have the will to unite as one.
Biden believes that the possibility of a unified government in Afghanistan controlling the entire country is "very small."
The only way for Afghanistan’s ultimate peace and security is for the Afghan government and the Taliban to reach a compromise plan on how to coexist peacefully.
In his speech, Biden emphasized that the United States will use "firm diplomatic efforts" to facilitate the negotiation of a peace agreement within Afghanistan.
Two weeks ago, Biden also stated in a meeting with Afghan President Ghani who was visiting the United States that the United States is committed to fully supporting the internal negotiations in Afghanistan.
Biden also stated on the 8th that after the withdrawal of US troops, the US plans to maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and will closely coordinate with other countries to ensure the security of Afghanistan’s international airport.
According to a report from the US Central Command on July 6, the evacuation of the US troops in Afghanistan has completed more than 90%.
US Department of Defense spokesman Kirby said at a press conference on the 8th that after the withdrawal of US troops, the United States will pay close attention to the situation in Afghanistan to ensure that terrorism in the country will not return.
At the same time, the withdrawal will enable the United States to focus on the threat of terrorism transferred to other regions such as Africa.
Kirby said that the US military will continue to provide air and logistical support to the Afghan security forces.
The United States is studying plans to provide assistance from neighboring countries in Afghanistan when necessary.
At the end of the day’s speech, Biden emphasized that the threat of terrorism has spread beyond Afghanistan. Therefore, the United States is reallocating resources and adjusting its counter-terrorism strategy. At the same time, the United States also needs to focus on issues such as strategic competition, combating the new crown epidemic, cyber security, and climate change. "In the long run, meeting the challenges of the next 20 years will make the United States stronger than investing in the war 20 years ago." (End)