U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, on his first visit to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief, said Sunday that the Biden administration wants to see “a responsible end” to America’s longest war, but the level of violence must decrease for “fruitful” diplomacy to have a chance. ... Their violation will have a reaction.”A statement released by the presidential palace on the Ghani-Austin meeting said both sides condemned the increase in violence in Afghanistan. “It’s obvious that the level of violence remains pretty high in the country,” Austin said. “The main issue is that Taliban has to reduce violence, Taliban has to negotiate in good faith and Taliban has to stop supporting international terrorist groups like Al Qaeda,” he said. After a stop in Hawaii, he went to Japan and South Korea, where he met with their defense and foreign counterparts.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 21, 2021 17:44 UTC