PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI has announced that his security forces are to take charge of securing seven areas around Afghanistan – the first step toward his goal of having Afghan police and soldiers protecting the entire nation by the end of 2014.

In a speech peppered with criticism of the international effort to guarantee security in Afghanistan, Karzai announced that four cities, two full provinces, and most of a fifth province bordering Pakistan would all be taken over from NATO-led forces from July.

“The Afghan nation doesn’t want the defence of this country to be in the hands of others anymore… This is our responsibility, to raise our flag with honour and pride,” Karzai told hundreds of dignitaries and Afghan police and soldiers at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan in the capital.

Karzai also complained about the international community, saying its development effort in Afghanistan was disjointed – adding that night raids, civilian casualties and irresponsible arrests had bolstered the country’s insurgent forces.

A series of recent airstrikes that have lead to the death of numerous civilians have seriously eroded relations between Karzai and the US-led military coalition. The death of civilians must end, he said.

US president Barack Obama said he wanted the US to start withdrawing troops in July if conditions allowed. Karzai’s goal is to have his forces responsible for protecting and defending their homeland in about three and a half years.

The NATO forces currently leading, or partnering, Afghan forces in these areas will either thin out, take on support roles such as training and mentoring, redeploy to other areas, or simply go home.

Karzai also struck a nationalistic chord in his speech, reiterating his call for the Taliban to join the peace process.

- AP