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Speaking at the Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Karzai said by 2014, with conditions permitting, "Afghan forces will have full responsibility for security throughout the country, with international forces continuing to serve in the capacity of providing backup and assistance", CNN reported.

The Afghan leader also spoke of plans to have about 300,000 army and police personnel by 2012 and promised to crack down on corruption.

Karzai said public sentiments both at home and in countries helping in the war effort want to see progress, adding "let it be clear to all that we Afghans wish to see the day sooner rather than later when we are able to defend our borders."

In his comments at the conference, British Defense Secretary Bob Ainsworth said in the planned peace talks with the Taliban, it would not be realistic to require the insurgents to first support Western-style democracy before starting the dialogue, Britain's Guardian reported.

"Neither must we wait until there has been victory before we try to reconcile and bring in those elements from the insurgency who are prepared to come across", Ainsworth was quoted as saying.

U.S. Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke said his government is not involved in any direct contacts with the Taliban, Guardian reported.

"We appreciate this issue. We recognize its importance", Holbrooke said. "But it must go hand in hand with security success. It is not an alternative to the military campaign. It requires military success to make progress."

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