General Petraeus calls for unity in Afghanistan war

Petraeus added that the campaign to bolster the Afghan government in the face of the insurgent threat “is an effort in which we must achieve unity of effort.” He told the Afghan dignitaries,”Your success is our success.”

The remarks were Petraeus’ first public comment since he arrived yesterday night to assume command of the troubled international military mission in Afghanistan.

His predecessor,Gen Stanley McChrystal,was fired last month for intemperate remarks by him and his aides about Obama administration figures to Rolling Stone magazine.

Appearing with Petraeus,US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry said America’s commitment to Afghanistan would not wane,despite sagging US public support for the conflict and President Barack Obama’s July 2011 deadline to begin withdrawing US troops.

“We’ll keep at it. We’ll persevere,” Eikenberry said. “We’re committed for the long term.”

Eikenberry called the new commander a “great friend” and handed him an access badge to the embassy,just across the street from NATO headquarters.