US will reduce its troop strength in Afghanistan to 4,000 in a very short period of time: Trump

United States will reduce number of its troops in Afghanistan to 4,000 in a very short period of time, President Donald Trump said Thursday as he anunced withdrawal of forces from or countries as well. "A lot of progress is being made in Afghanistan. But we'll be down to 4,000 soldiers in a very short period of time," Trump told reporters at a news conference at White House.

Likewise, in Iraq, US will be down to about 2,000 soldiers in a very short period of time. In Syria, US troops are only guarding oil. "I think a small number -- but y're guarding oil. We're helping Kurds, and we're making ir lives much more pleasant because of fact that we have oil,” said president.

Trump also anunced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be departing this evening on a historic trip to Doha for beginning of intra-Afghan peace negotiations. start of se negotiations beginning September 12 follows intense diplomatic efforts, including US-Taliban Agreement and US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, which were agreed to in February.

"We've been negotiating with m for quite some time, getting along with m, moved a lot of soldiers out,” he said.

Afghan negotiations, he said, are a result of a bold diplomatic effort on part of his administration in recent months and years. " United States will play an important role in bringing parties toger to end decades-long war; it's been going on for almost 20 years, long before I got involved, I can tell you that,” he said.

“ parties are toger right w, and we're negotiating, and we're really making tremendous progress,” he added.

In a separate statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed anuncement that Afghanistan peace negotiations will begin on September 12. start of se talks marks a historic opportunity for Afghanistan to bring an end to four decades of war and bloodshed, he said. ting that people of Afghanistan have carried burden of war for too long, he said that y yearn for peace.

“Only through an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led political process - one that respects views of all Afghan communities, including women and ethnic and religious mirities can parties achieve a durable peace,” he said.

Observing that this opportunity must t be squandered, Pompeo said that immense sacrifice and investment by United States, its partners, and people of Afghanistan have made this moment of hope possible.

"I urge negotiators to demonstrate pragmatism, restraint, and flexibility this process will require to succeed. people of Afghanistan and international community will be watching closely. United States is prepared to support as requested,” Pompeo said.

“ United States recalls commitment by Afghan government and Taliban that terrorists can never again use Afghan soil to threaten United States or its allies. w is time for peace for Afghanistan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Trump minated William Ruger as next US Ambassador to Afghanistan. 

(Im Credits: AP)