The United Nations will continue expanding its presence in Afghanistan, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said Sunday after meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Ban and Karzai hosted a high-level meeting to discuss progress under the Afghanistan Compact. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Karzai repeatedly thanked the international community for its assistance and pledged to continue reconciliation efforts within Afghanistan. A joint communiqué issued after the United Nations meeting today acknowledged the “increase in violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al Qaeda, illegal armed groups, criminals, and those involved in the narcotics trade.” In response, the statement said, members of the board that monitors the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact called for continued efforts to train Afghan security forces and the strengthening of the rule of law, government institutions and development efforts.
