Asked if Afghans feel they are free, the President responded:

“Our country was being ruled by Al-Qaeda and their friends five years ago.  Millions of Afghans lived as refugees outside the country.  Afghan children did not have the right to education.  But today four million Afghans have returned to the country.  Afghanistan has 60 diplomatic representations in other countries and many countries have political representations and consulates in our country.  Six television networks and 300 free publications, which criticize the government, are operating in the country.  Given the above, we can say that Afghans feel themselves free.”

On the prospect of eliminating poppy cultivation, he said:

“It will take us another 15 years to achieve our goal of complete elimination.  During this period, the law will be enforced, our national police and army strengthened, alternative livelihood programs implemented, and the relations of foreign networks with poppy cultivation completely cut.”

In response to a question about whether US troops should stay in Afghanistan for an additional 10 years, President Karzai answered:

“We want international troops to assist Afghans until our national army and police gains the capability of defending our country.  We are in a hurry to gain this capability to defend our country and ensure our security as soon as possible.”

In other news, President Karzai left New York for an official three-day visit to Ottawa, Canada and met with Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.