The ambassador called for approaches that were responsive to the challenges in each region. Increasing ISAF s troop strength would help in the short term. However, for sustainable solutions, it was essential to focus more on building the national capacity in the security sector, together with parallel endeavours for political reconciliation, reconstruction and development. A more coherent and feasible counter-narcotics policy was required, which was more responsive to the underlying economic, social and political aspects linked with the increased poppy cultivation in some areas, he said. Clearly, innovative solutions and more resources should be devoted to the effort to deny that important source of funding to insurgents and other anti-Government elements, Akram said adding that extension of State authority and improved governance, especially at the sub-national and local levels, were also fundamental in restoring the population s confidence in the Government s ability to respond to its basic needs. The efforts by the Afghan Government in that regard merited full support. At the same time, he said, security and governance issues could not be divorced from development. The agreements reached, and other policies and measures being considered to promote economic cooperation, would benefit Afghanistan and all countries of the region.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/536575