Thaindian News

Kabul, May 12 (IANS) The killing of Osama bin Laden by US commandos in Pakistan provides “a unique moment” for countries in the region to step up their war on terror, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Thursday.

The prime minister also told a news conference on the first day of his two-day trip to Kabul that India’s growing relations with Afghanistan were not directed at Pakistan.

“The death of Osama creates a situation,” Manmohan Singh said, referring to the May 2 assault by the US military on the elusive Al Qaeda chief’s hideout deep inside Pakistan.

“I sincerely hope that all countries of the region, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, would recognise this is unique moment in history… and agree to work unitedly to fight this scourge of terrorism.”

President Hamid Karzai, who also addressed the press conference, said Osama’s killing proved Kabul’s repeated assertions that terrorism was not being bred in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan villages is not where terrorism has to be fought… This claim has been proven right. The world has recognised that.”

But he quickly added that Afghanistan “wishes brotherly relations with Pakistan” and that the Indian prime minister agreed with his assessment.

Karzai, however, added that he did not believe Osama’s killing would hasten the withdrawal of Western forces from his country.

But he admitted that Afghanistan would have to handle its own affairs one day, with its own means and manpower.

“The international community will continue to be active in Afghanistan… This war on terrorism is not in Afghan homes… So I will be speaking that with a louder voice.”

Recalling India’s $1.5 billion assistance to rebuild Afghanistan, Manmohan Singh said New Delhi would provide $500 million more over the next few years on specific projects.

The Indian leader, who last visited Kabul six years ago, said he and Karzai had “productive and constructive dialogue” on how to build the existing relationship soon after flying in from New Delhi.

But he emphasized, in response to a question, that “India’s relations with Afghanistan are not directed at any country.”

Pakistan is deeply upset over growing India-Afghan ties. Pakistani officials say that India uses Afghan territory to foment terrorism inside Pakistan. New Delhi denies the charge.

Without naming Pakistan, Manmohan Singh said that decisions about a reconciliation between Kabul and the Taliban should be taken in Afghanistan.

“It is necessary for the countries of the region and globe to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence. Decisions (regarding reconciliation) should to be taken in Afghanistan.”