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05/06/2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today.
David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue.
Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Following the meeting, Home Secretary David Blunkett, said: "Afghanistan has made significant progress since the fall of the Taliban and the UK is committed to the continued reconstruction of Afghanistan. We want people to return - preferably voluntarily – so that they can contribute to the rebuilding of their country. The assistance we provide to returnees is designed to ensure they are equipped to make such a contribution and to aid their re-integration.
"I am also grateful to the Afghan government for their co-operation on the enforced return of those who have no legal right to be in the UK and do not have protection or humanitarian needs.
"So far there have been two enforced returns flights to Afghanistan from the UK and we will continue to work closely with the Afghan government to make sure that those who are returned are properly received back into society."
Afghanistan is still a dangerous place with intra-tribal warfare and military operations against Taliban rebels continuing.
Today it was reported that up to 40 Taliban fighters have been killed during an air assault and engagement by US forces in northern Afghanistan.
The action follows on from Monday, when US and Italian forces launched 'Operation Dragon Fury' – an offensive in northern Afghanistan against "anti-coalition" fighters.
Fighting took place in the Shahi Kowt section of the Paktia province in Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials confirmed.
A total of 21 men were taken under control by coalition forces, in an operation that saw some 20 helicopters deployed as part of an air assault, with close-air support standing by.
Italian forces searched more than 300 vehicles and inspected more than 800 people as Operation Dragon Fury continued on Thursday afternoon.
(GMcG)
David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue.
Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Following the meeting, Home Secretary David Blunkett, said: "Afghanistan has made significant progress since the fall of the Taliban and the UK is committed to the continued reconstruction of Afghanistan. We want people to return - preferably voluntarily – so that they can contribute to the rebuilding of their country. The assistance we provide to returnees is designed to ensure they are equipped to make such a contribution and to aid their re-integration.
"I am also grateful to the Afghan government for their co-operation on the enforced return of those who have no legal right to be in the UK and do not have protection or humanitarian needs.
"So far there have been two enforced returns flights to Afghanistan from the UK and we will continue to work closely with the Afghan government to make sure that those who are returned are properly received back into society."
Afghanistan is still a dangerous place with intra-tribal warfare and military operations against Taliban rebels continuing.
Today it was reported that up to 40 Taliban fighters have been killed during an air assault and engagement by US forces in northern Afghanistan.
The action follows on from Monday, when US and Italian forces launched 'Operation Dragon Fury' – an offensive in northern Afghanistan against "anti-coalition" fighters.
Fighting took place in the Shahi Kowt section of the Paktia province in Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials confirmed.
A total of 21 men were taken under control by coalition forces, in an operation that saw some 20 helicopters deployed as part of an air assault, with close-air support standing by.
Italian forces searched more than 300 vehicles and inspected more than 800 people as Operation Dragon Fury continued on Thursday afternoon.
(GMcG)
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23 June 2011
UK Welcomes US Troop Reduction In Afghanistan
The British Prime Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff have both welcomed the announcement that the US will be withdrawing 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. US President Barack Obama announced last night that 10,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan this year and another 23,000 by the end of September 2012.
UK Welcomes US Troop Reduction In Afghanistan
The British Prime Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff have both welcomed the announcement that the US will be withdrawing 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. US President Barack Obama announced last night that 10,000 US troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan this year and another 23,000 by the end of September 2012.
28 January 2010
Karzai In London For Afghan Talks
The gradual handover of Afghan security matters to the country's own administration will begin this year, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today. Meeting with the Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in London, Mr Brown conceded difficult times still lie ahead for the region.
Karzai In London For Afghan Talks
The gradual handover of Afghan security matters to the country's own administration will begin this year, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today. Meeting with the Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in London, Mr Brown conceded difficult times still lie ahead for the region.
15 June 2009
UK Forces To Lead New Afghan Training School
British forces in Afghanistan are to take the lead in developing a new Combined Arms Training School providing training courses to the Afghan National Army (ANA), it has been announced.
UK Forces To Lead New Afghan Training School
British forces in Afghanistan are to take the lead in developing a new Combined Arms Training School providing training courses to the Afghan National Army (ANA), it has been announced.
24 June 2010
Road Crash Kills Four In Afghanistan
There was further tragedy for British forces this week as four soldiers have been killed in a road accident in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that the soldiers, part of a police advisory team, were killed near Gereshk, Helmand province, on Wednesday evening.
Road Crash Kills Four In Afghanistan
There was further tragedy for British forces this week as four soldiers have been killed in a road accident in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that the soldiers, part of a police advisory team, were killed near Gereshk, Helmand province, on Wednesday evening.
05 November 2009
Soldier Dies As Five Victims Mourned
As news emerged that a British soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles had been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan today, a possible Taliban link to the death of five soldiers shot dead by an Afghan police officer last Tuesday has yet to be confirmed.
Soldier Dies As Five Victims Mourned
As news emerged that a British soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles had been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan today, a possible Taliban link to the death of five soldiers shot dead by an Afghan police officer last Tuesday has yet to be confirmed.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
