France welcomed on Friday the new US strategy for Afghanistan unveiled by President Barack Obama, saying it was exactly what Paris had been seeking for months. "We are pleased to see that the United States are putting the full strength of their efforts and involvement into a global strategy," said foreign ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier.
"This is exactly what France has been calling for over the last months." French officials privately said Obamas strategy was not seen in Paris as a "major strategic shift." "We are heading towards a doubling of Afghan security forces, which means the Afghans will be shouldering the burden of security," a French official said on condition of anonymity.
French officials are holding talks with their European counterparts on providing more training for Afghan army and police forces. Obama announced on Friday a new strategy for over seven-year war in Afghanistan, with a focus on defeating insurgents hiding out in safe havens in neighbouring Pakistan.
He said he would add 4,000 US troops in Afghanistan, triple US aid to Pakistan to 7.5 billion dollars over five years, attempt to peel away more moderate Taliban factions and lead a global civilian surge to Afghanistan.
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