German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called Monday on the international community to pledge its "continued practical and financial support" to Afghanistan for 10 years after international troops withdraw in 2014. "Afghanistan and its people need a clear and reliable commitment to a long-term engagement for the next decade beyond 2014," Westerwelle told 1000 delegates - including 57 foreign ministers - attending the conference in Bonn. "Germany stands ready to support Afghanistan for the decade beyond 2014," added the minister, who was hosting the Bonn talks. He also called upon Afghanistan to agree to "mutual credible commitments" to improve governance and further reconciliation, as the basis of a new international partnership, according to a report of the German Press Agency "DPA".
