Well, as I understand it, the Government of Sudan does not want an international force in its country. The elected Government of Afghanistan, on the other hand, which now has all three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—working, though not all perfectly, wants us there. This is a joint Afghan-international operation. The Afghanistan Compact, including the security pillar, which includes stabilizing the country, is part of the Government of Afghanistan's plan. It is a sovereign government and a member of the UN.
On October 23rd, 2006. See this statement in context.