Afghan Minister Calls For Long-Term Support

Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah (file photo) 22 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Afghanistan's foreign minister says his country needs a long-term commitment from the international community to support its development and bolster peace in the region.

Abdullah Abdullah said while the security situation has improved in much of Afghanistan, violence continues in border areas.

The Afghan foreign minister was speaking today shortly after arriving in Wellington on an official visit to New Zealand.

The South Pacific country has 40 elite commando troops fighting insurgents in Afghanistan's border regions and a 120-strong army reconstruction team deployed in Bamiyan province.

(AP)

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