For Immediate Release
December 15, 2003

Global Message

The United States is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild their lives, homes, schools and infrastructure.

Under Interim President Karzai's leadership and in cooperation with a global community of partners, Afghanistan is making large strides in its own economic and democratic development. This will lead to future economic growth and establishment of a safe and efficient transportation system for its people.

The Kabul to Kandahar Highway in Afghanistan, slated to officially open soon, will help the country recover from years of war and mismanagement.

The Taliban destroyed many lives and allowed critical infrastructure to deteriorate. But now, with the completion of Phase I of the Kabul to Kandahar section of the Afghan Ring Road, this road will now serve as a metaphor for what is the new Afghanistan.

The completion of this phase of the Kabul to Kandahar Highway reconstruction fulfills a major commitment of President Bush to President Karzai and the people of Afghanistan.

The Government of Japan was responsible for laying 31 miles of pavement.

Turkish and Indian subcontractors completed the first layer of the highway in 13 months -- which was a three weeks ahead of schedule.

Numerous de-mining groups took great risks to clear the road, while U.S. and Coalition forces provided security for the work to proceed.