国际英语新闻：Afghanistan vows to bolster security forces capacity

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan on Thursday outlined its plan to bolster the size and capacity of the Afghan security forces in order to facilitate peace and reconciliation efforts.

The statement came as Afghan UN Ambassador Zahir Tanin addressed a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the situation in Afghanistan.

"Afghans know that ultimately, it is the responsibility of our own Afghan forces to defend the country and provide security for our people. Therefore, a new focus on the accelerated training and equipping of the Afghan National Security Forces is vital for security and for a successful transition," said Tanin.

With the support of the international community, Afghanistan's security forces amount to around 130,000 soldiers and 106,000 police. The Afghan government intends to increase the total number of forces to 171,000 soldiers and 134,000 police by October 2011.

Meanwhile, "military strategies alone are not sufficient for the success of stabilization efforts," said Tanin.

The ambassador noted that efforts for reconciliation depend on a "responsible policy to open the door for reconciling those who would like to join the peace process."

"Outreach to the armed opposition has led to their inclusion in peace talks, as an effort for achieving peace and security, while our government and international partners continue to end the armed activities of the enemies of peace and progress," said Tanin.

Multiple challenges remain in Afghanistan's efforts to stabilize the country, added the ambassador. "We must ensure an environment in which all Afghan people feel that they are the masters of their own destinies."