KABUL, Afghanistan, December 08, SPA -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday it will be at least 15 years before his government can bankroll a security force strong enough to protect the country from the threat of insurgency. Speaking at a news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Karzai said Afghan security forces would take the lead in securing the nation within five years, but he said his country would need financial help to pay the salaries and equip a growing army and police force. «Afghanistan is looking forward to taking on our responsibilities in terms of paying for its forces with its own resources, but that will not be for another 15 years,» Karzai was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. «There is a realism on our part that it will be some time» before the Afghan security forces can stand on their own, Gates said. «Our troops are here only as long as it takes to help you defeat your enemies,» he said. «We will fight by your side until Afghan forces are large enough and strong enough to secure the nation on their own as they have already done in Kabul.» --SPA 13:58 LOCAL TIME 10:58 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/725953