“Some of the claims by the Senlis Council, released as part of a report in Ottawa, Wednesday, sound exaggerated, not based on realistic assessments and designed to unnecessarily stir up fear.

While the Taliban threat has grown in small pockets in several Afghan provinces, mostly adjacent to the tribal regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and while their tactics have become more lethal and more vicious, there is no credible evidence or reason to believe that the Afghan State will fall into their hands or that the country will become a “divided state.”

While terrorists opportunistically strike innocent people in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan as part of their agenda to instill fear among civilians and our international friends, it is irresponsible to assume that they will reach the city of Kabul in 2008.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Secretary General of NATO echoed their views today in Kabul following the release of the latest report by the European-based organization that favors legitimizing opium production in Afghanistan.

President Karzai dismissed the report findings and said “I do not share the analysis.”

Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said the Senlis Council report “should not be considered as realistic”.

Every poll and survey undertaken by credible independent organizations in recent times shows that most Afghans (three out of four) have a negative view of the Taliban and are in favor of the international presence to help the country reach self-sustainability as soon as time permits.

Most Afghans are also supportive of the young democratic State and appreciate the progress that has been made over the past six years, even though they have misgivings about certain aspects of security and economic conditions.

The Afghan Government and donor nations continue to work together to address those concerns and to deal with the evolving dynamics, especially in terms of security, social and economic development and governance needs. Afghans appreciate this partnership and remain confident that as long as we continue to maintain a strong level of commitment and focus we will overcome the existing challenges.

Exaggerated claims can only help those who see the glass half empty for political gain or extremists such as the Taliban who may be encouraged to continue their campaign of violence and intimidation.”

Ottawa, November 22, 2007