March 24 (The Killid Group) − The U.S. is cutting aid to Afghanistan by $1 billion and will cut even more unless the country’s political rivals bring their tensions to an end and form a government that can implement a peace deal with the Taliban, U.S. Secretary of State said in a statement.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in a statement on Monday the U.S. was immediately cutting $1 billion in aid and would pull another $1 billion in 2021 after he failed to convince Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Dr. Abdullah to end the current political deadlock.
Mr. Pompeo also voiced disappointment as saying, “The United States is disappointed in them and what their conduct means for Afghanistan and our shared interests.”
“Their failure has harmed US-Afghan relations and, sadly, dishonors those Afghan, Americans and Coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country,” he added.
The statement came as he left Kabul after a fruitless day-long effort to end political crisis and resolve the deadlock between President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah and win their agreement to form “an inclusive government.”
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