    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 13, 2001]
    [Page 1402]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1402]]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Afghanistan
    November 13, 2001

        We express our continued support for the people of Afghanistan in
    their effort to establish a government that can bring peace and
    stability to Afghanistan, close down terrorist camps, and end
    Afghanistan's use as a platform for international terrorists. We agree
    that a new Afghan government should adhere to accepted international
    principles, respect human rights, including those of women and girls,
    facilitate delivery of aid to combat the current humanitarian crisis,
    and rebuild Afghanistan and the region economically.
        The United States and Russia do not intend to, and cannot, create
    the future government of Afghanistan. It is up to the Afghans themselves
    to determine their future. We believe that, in order for any future
    government to bring peace to the people of Afghanistan and promote
    stability in the region, it must be broad-based, represent all Afghans,
    men and women, and be drawn from all ethnic groups. We agree that the
    Taliban as a movement should have no place in future bodies of state
    power in Afghanistan.
        We welcome the appointment of Ambassador
    Lakhdar Brahimi as the United Nations Secretary General's Special
    Representative for Afghanistan and underscore our support for his
    efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan and the region.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.