grown phenomenon in Afghanistan,” Karzai said the threat can only be truly overcome if dealt with regionally and internationally. He described the recent holding of a joint peace jirga between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a symbol of the benefits of constructive cooperation in devising a counter-terrorism strategy. "Sustained international support so that Afghanistan's national army and police can lead anti-terror efforts, was also necessary." Turning to the issue of illegal drugs, Karzai said his Government would prioritize the provision of alternative livelihoods to farmers and speed up its poppy eradication programmes and interdiction of traffickers.
