(Reopens FES26)

Later in a fact sheet, the White House said the US believes that Afghan-led peace and reconciliation is ultimately necessary to end violence and ensure lasting stability of Afghanistan and the region. Observing that the US will support initiatives that bring Afghans together with other Afghans to discuss the future of their country, the White House said Washington and Kabul have called upon on the Taliban to join a political process, including by taking those steps necessary to open a Taliban office in Qatar. "We have been clear that the outcomes of any peace and reconciliation process must be for the Taliban and other armed opposition groups to end violence, break ties with al-Qaeda, and accept Afghanistan's constitution, including its protections for the rights of all Afghan citizens," it said. Noting that while it is too soon to make decisions about the number of forces that could remain in Afghanistan after 2014, the fact sheet said that any presence would be at the invitation of the Afghan Government and focused on two distinct missions: training, advising and equipping Afghan forces, and continued counter-terrorism missions against al- Qaeda and their affiliates. "As we move towards decisions about a long-term presence, we will continue to assess the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, assess the capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces, and consult with our Afghan and international partners," it said. It hoped that the ongoing negotiations on a Bilateral Security Agreement would be completed as soon as possible. "Consistent with our goal of ensuring that al-Qaeda never again threatens the United States from Afghan soil, the US has committed to seek funds annually to support training, equipping, advising, and sustaining the ANSF," it said. Helping to fund the ANSF is the best way to protect the investment we all have made to strengthen Afghanistan and insulate it from international terrorist groups, it said. It added that beginning in the spring of 2013, Afghan forces will assume the lead across the country. "Even as our troops draw down, they will continue to train, advise and assist Afghan forces. In that capacity, we will no longer be leading combat operations, but a sizable number of US forces will provide support for two additional fighting seasons before Afghan forces are fully responsible for their own security," the fact sheet said.