U.S. general says fighting in Afghanistan could intensify

WASHINGTON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. President Barack Obama's pick as the new commander in Afghanistan, said on Tuesday that fighting in the country could intensify in coming months and he supports the timetable of starting withdrawals in July 2011.

Petraeus appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee, testifying at a hearing on his confirmation as the new commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

There were signs of progress in terms of U.S.-led counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan and fighting in the country could intensify in coming months, said the general, who was tapped by Obama last week to succeed the disgraceful Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

McChrystal was ousted after making contemptuous remarks of senior administration officials including Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Petraeus also restated his support for starting withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in July 2011, a major part of Obama's new Afghan strategy outlined in December.

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