MoD: Military efforts must continue till 2014
General Sir David Richards, chief of the defence staff, praises the US' role in Afghanistan, but warns that the military effort must continue until Afghan security forces are ready in 2014:
"I welcome President Obama's statement which has been made possible by the surge of US and ISAF forces, coupled with the ever growing numbers and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces.
"Across the country, the insurgency is under real and sustained pressure. Their momentum has been halted and in some areas reversed. This summer will see the continuation of this process with Afghan forces beginning to take the lead for security in a number of areas including Lashkar Gah, the headquarters for British forces.
"The Afghan army and police are increasingly able to plan, direct and execute operations to provide security for their own people. But our collective military efforts need to continue until Afghan security forces are able to assume responsibility for security across Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
"The prime minister has said we will not have combat forces in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. It is right at this time to recognise the tremendous efforts the American military has made and continues to make in Afghanistan, both in the performance of its forces and the leadership it provides."
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