Petraeus calls for unity in mission

US General David Petraeus, the new commander of American and Nato forces in Afghanistan, called for unity yesterday in the civilian and military effort to turn back the Taleban and stabilise the troubled country.

"In this important endeavour, co-operation is not optional," Petraeus told about 1700 invited guests, including Afghan Government, military and police officials, gathered at the US Embassy.

"Civilian and military, Afghanistan and international, we are part of one team with one mission."

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 in the Middle East to assume command of the troubled international military mission in Afghanistan.

Petraeus' predecessor, General Stanley McChrystal, was fired last month for intemperate remarks by him and his aides about the 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 from the area.

"We'll keep at it. We'll persevere," Eikenberry said. "We're committed for the long term."

- AP