Trump statement on Afghanistan:
Here’s the full statement:
Nearly 19 years ago, American service members went to Afghanistan to root out the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
In that time, we have made great progress in Afghanistan, but at great cost to our brave service members, to the American taxpayers, and to the people of Afghanistan.
When I ran for office, I promised the American people I would begin to bring our troops home, and seek to end this war. We are making substantial progress on that promise.
Soon, at my direction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing of an agreement with representatives of the Taliban, while Secretary of Defense Mark Esper will issue a joint declaration with the government of Afghanistan.
If the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan live up to these commitments, we will have a powerful path forward to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home.
These commitments represent an important step to a lasting peace in a new Afghanistan, free from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and any other terrorist group that would seek to bring us harm.
Ultimately it will be up to the people of Afghanistan to work out their future. We, therefore, urge the Afghan people to seize this opportunity for peace and a new future for their country.
I thank the hundreds of thousands of American warriors who have proudly served in Afghanistan.
We have killed or captured many ISIS and Al Qaeda terrorists. We honor your service and the sacrifices you and your families have made for the American people.
These agreements are a result of the strenuous efforts of those who fought so hard in Afghanistan for the United States of America.
With some more detail, here the Associated Press:
Trump said he’s dispatching the nation’s top diplomat to sign an agreement with the Afghan Taliban aimed at beginning a draw down of thousands of US troops and ending America’s 18-year involvement in the war.
Trump said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would soon, at his direction, witness the signing of an agreement with the Taliban, an event that will see him stand with leaders of militants, who harbored al-Qaida before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US and are responsible for the deaths of thousands of American servicemen and women.
He said defense secretary Mark Esper also will issue a joint declaration with the government of Afghanistan.
Trump did not say where the deal would be signed, but it’s been previously reported that it would occur on Saturday in Doha, Qatar.
Signing the deal comes after a week in which both US-led forces and the Taliban committed to a reduction in violence.
Under the plan being signed, the US is to reduce the number of troops in Afghanistan to 8,600 from about 13,000.
