“Given the multifaceted relationship between Afghanistan and the United States, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan calls for clarification on the US President’s statements expressed at a meeting with the Pakistan prime minister, via diplomatic means and channels,” read a statement issued by the office of the Afghan president.
“The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate,” it added.
“Afghanistan as one of the most deep-rooted and ancient countries of the world have been able to overcome countless crisis during history.”
The statement said that the cooperation and partnership with the world countries, particularly with the United States, was grounded on common interests and mutual respect.
“While the Afghan government supports the US efforts for ensuring peace in Afghanistan, the government underscores that foreign heads of state cannot determine Afghanistan’s fate in absence of the Afghan leadership. Afghanistan will remain dignified and firm in the global political arena.”
The Afghan government will keep the Afghans posted on the issue, said the statement.
Ahead of a Monday meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump told reporters at the White House that he could win the war in Afghanistan in just one week if he really, really wanted to. But he added that he won’t do that because he didn’t want millions to die.
“I don’t want to kill 10 million people,” he remarked. “I have plans on Afghanistan that if I wanted to win that war, Afghanistan would be wiped off the face of the earth, it would be gone, it would be over in literally 10 days.”