(For full coverage of the Afghan conflict [ID:nSP437509]) * Envoy says key is allowing Afghans to stand on own feet * Looks forward to greater coherence in Afghanistan * Says he has no problem with appointment of Galbraith (Adds quotes, details, background) By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, March 27 (Reuters) - The U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan on Friday applauded U.S. President Barack Obama's new Afghan strategy for putting more emphasis on building up civilian institutions. "I welcome the stronger emphasis on the institutions on the civilian side," envoy Kai Eide told Reuters in an interview. "One of my main priorities has been civilian capacity, institution building." "In that respect I welcome the greater balance between the military and civilian sides," he said. "I look forward to working with the U.S. administration." Obama on Friday unveiled a new war strategy for Afghanistan aimed at crushing al Qaeda militants there and in Pakistan whom he said were plotting attacks on the United States. The U.S. president also called for a "dramatic increase in our civilian effort," saying agricultural specialists, educators, engineers and lawyers would be needed. "One of the keys now to allowing the Afghans to stand on their own feet gradually is exactly this civilian institution building," Eide said. He said he looked forward to greater coordination between the coalition of countries in Afghanistan, as well as "a stronger U.S. effort and a stronger European effort." "We've been fragmented, but it will be a coherent effort (from now on) so that we can make the best of the resources that we will have available," he said. Earlier this week the United Nations named U.S. diplomat and academic Peter Galbraith, seen as close to U.S. point man for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, as Eide's deputy. [ID:nN25526169] Newspaper reports have suggested the appointment reflected U.S. dissatisfaction with Eide, but U.N. officials have denied that. Eide said he knew Galbraith well and looked forward to working with him. "We have absolutely no problems," he said. "I welcome him to the mission." Obama's new strategy comes with violence in Afghanistan at its highest level since U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001 for sheltering al Qaeda leaders behind the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Insurgents have been escalating their attacks, often operating out of neighboring Pakistan. (Editing by Xavier Briand)
Newly graduate members of the Afghan community force stand in attention in Mehtar Lam, capital of the eastern Laghman province March 26, 2009. The first recruits graduated on Thursday to a ...
