December 24, 2001	Monday	Shawwal 8, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 23: Afghanistan’s new leader Hamid Karzai said on Sunday that the US forces would be welcome to stay in Afghanistan until all “terrorists” have been eliminated from the war-torn country.

American troops could stay in Afghanistan “as long as there are these terrorist elements hiding out in Afghanistan and remnants of those forces,” Karzai told CNN.

“We have a commitment to free our country and the rest of the world from this scourge of terrorism and we will see to it that it is completed by whatever means.”

Mr Karzai said that although the Taliban regime had been ousted there were still some rogue fighters holding out in parts of the country.

“Generally the Taliban movement or that regime has completely gone away from Afghanistan. The main terrorist bases associated with them have been removed.

“There may be individuals hiding in parts of Afghanistan. We are looking for them. In recent days some have been arrested and we are looking for more,” he said.

“We will see to it that terrorism is completely finished in Afghanistan in all its forms and we are also looking to cooperate internationally to finish this menace all over.”

He praised Washington for its help in overthrowing the Taliban regime.

“The United States assistance during the past two months to the people of Afghanistan fighting terrorism has been very, very valuable. Without that kind of assistance it would have been impossible for us to win against terrorism and remove the Taliban.”

Mr Karzai also said the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force would remain in the country until law and order was restored. Currently the force, which is set to number between 3,000-5,000 troops has a six-month mandate.—AFP