Bush and Karzai paper over differences

George Bush and Hamid Karzai in the White House. Picture / Reuters

WASHINGTON - President George Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai have papered over their differences over US military operations in Afghanistan and agreed that American forces will have "freedom of action".

Amid strains between their governments, Karzai complained about American treatment of Afghan detainees and Bush said Afghanistan poppy cultivation for heroin has to stop.

They met at the White House for talks that covered the American military role in Afghanistan, 3-1/2 years after US-led forces ousted the Taleban from power following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The two leaders went out of their way to present a picture of harmony at a news conference in the White House East Room, and a tangible outcome of their talks was a joint strategic partnership they signed aimed at strengthening ties.

But Karzai apparently fell short in his goal to persuade the United States to consult more with the Afghan government before raiding homes and villages in the search for members of al Qaeda and the Taleban.

In the end, he agreed in a joint declaration that he and Bush signed that "US and coalition forces are to continue to have the freedom of action required to conduct appropriate military operations based on consultations and pre-agreed procedures".

"They've invited us in, and we'll consult with them in terms of how to achieve mutual goals," Bush said, while noting that "of course our troops will respond to US commanders".

Karzai told Bush of his concern about a US Army report on alleged abuse of Afghan detainees.

The report, details of which were published last week by The New York Times, described abuses of prisoners at the hands of US troops, including two deaths.

"We are, of course, sad about that," Karzai said. "But let me make sure that you all know that that does not reflect on the American people."

He said Afghans are grateful to the American people and "recognise that individual acts do not reflect either on governments or on societies. "These things happen everywhere."

The United States is holding more than 500 prisoners from its war on terrorism at the Guantanamo Bay naval base at Cuba, many of them detained in Afghanistan. US forces are also believed to be holding several hundred Afghans in Afghanistan.

Bush gave no promises of any quick help on the issue.

In the wake of a reported State Department complaint that Karzai was not doing enough to eradicate the Afghan poppy crop used to make heroin, Bush suggested farmers switch to raising pomegranates and honeydew melons.

Karzai said the poppy crop was undermining the Afghan economy and "giving us a bad name." But he expressed the hope that this year 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the poppy crop will be eradicated and that the entire crop will be wiped out in five or six years.

- REUTERS