WASHINGTON - The United States has welcomed the announcement of the Afghan government regarding the second phase of security transition, noting this is reflective of the improving situation in the country.

"We welcome the announcement. This is the second tranche of areas that are beginning to transition to an Afghan security lead," a State Department spokesman told reporters on Wednesday.

The move showed continuing progress towards a responsible transfer of security responsibility from NATO-ISAF troops to Afghan forces by the end of 2014, Mark Toner said.

He explained the transition did not signal in any way the end of US commitment to Afghanistan or its security.

"As you know, NATO and the Afghan government signed the Enduring Partnership Declaration at the 2010 NATO Lisbon Summit. And the US is also working on the strategic partnership document with Afghanistan," he said.

Toner added the US-Afghan Strategic partnership was being worked upon and it was at an advance stage of negotiation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense also welcomed the announcement. "We welcome the decision," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.