Menu
20/11/2006
Blair pledges support to Afghanistan
Prime Minister Tony Blair has vowed that Britain will remain committed to Afghanistan during a visit to the country.
Making his first visit to the country since 2002, Mr Blair said the commitment of the Allies who have troops based in the country "remains strong". He said that the international community had to continue the fight against the insurgency in Afghanistan. Referring to the 9/11 terror attacks, he said: "What is the alternative? We came to Afghanistan because the sickness and evil that was in Afghanistan came to us."
Mr Blair said: "There's a sense of this country moving forward again, prospects are better and brighter for an Afghanistan free of the Taleban and al-Qaeda.
"We believe that Afghanistan, rather than being abused as a haven for terrorists and for the Taleban to oppress people, that Afghanistan and its people deserve the chance to increase their prosperity and to live in a proper democratic state."
Earlier in the day, Mr Blair visited Camp Bastion, the main UK base in the southern province of Helmand, where he was introduced to members of the 4,500-strong task force, including 42 Commando Royal Marines. He told the soldiers that British people had "pride and respect" for the work they were doing. He said: "Here in this extraordinary piece of desert is where the future of the world's security is going to be played out."
However, the Liberal Democrats accused the Prime Minister of failing to address the "root problems" of overstretch and equipment shortages facing troops. The party's defence spokesperson said: "For as long as we aim to tackle the conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan without dealing with the fundamental operational difficulties this presents, it will be impossible to bring peace to either country.
"It is time the Prime Minister addressed the true scale of the challenges and dangers facing our armed forces."
Britain currently has around 6,000 troops in Afghanistan.
(KMcA)
Making his first visit to the country since 2002, Mr Blair said the commitment of the Allies who have troops based in the country "remains strong". He said that the international community had to continue the fight against the insurgency in Afghanistan. Referring to the 9/11 terror attacks, he said: "What is the alternative? We came to Afghanistan because the sickness and evil that was in Afghanistan came to us."
Mr Blair said: "There's a sense of this country moving forward again, prospects are better and brighter for an Afghanistan free of the Taleban and al-Qaeda.
"We believe that Afghanistan, rather than being abused as a haven for terrorists and for the Taleban to oppress people, that Afghanistan and its people deserve the chance to increase their prosperity and to live in a proper democratic state."
Earlier in the day, Mr Blair visited Camp Bastion, the main UK base in the southern province of Helmand, where he was introduced to members of the 4,500-strong task force, including 42 Commando Royal Marines. He told the soldiers that British people had "pride and respect" for the work they were doing. He said: "Here in this extraordinary piece of desert is where the future of the world's security is going to be played out."
However, the Liberal Democrats accused the Prime Minister of failing to address the "root problems" of overstretch and equipment shortages facing troops. The party's defence spokesperson said: "For as long as we aim to tackle the conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan without dealing with the fundamental operational difficulties this presents, it will be impossible to bring peace to either country.
"It is time the Prime Minister addressed the true scale of the challenges and dangers facing our armed forces."
Britain currently has around 6,000 troops in Afghanistan.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 September 2006
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
13 November 2009
More German Troops For Afghanistan
Germany will send more than 100 extra troops to Afghanistan in January, the country's defence minister announced today. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said the quick-reaction force soldiers would be deployed in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz, a formerly relatively peaceful area that has seen an increase in Taliban activity in recent months.
More German Troops For Afghanistan
Germany will send more than 100 extra troops to Afghanistan in January, the country's defence minister announced today. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said the quick-reaction force soldiers would be deployed in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz, a formerly relatively peaceful area that has seen an increase in Taliban activity in recent months.
16 October 2008
Household Cavalry Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed while on patrol in the southern province of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. The soldier died after an explosion 14 miles north of the Taliban stronghold of Helmand yesterday. The MoD said the soldier had served in D Squadron of the Household Cavalry regiment.
Household Cavalry Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed while on patrol in the southern province of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. The soldier died after an explosion 14 miles north of the Taliban stronghold of Helmand yesterday. The MoD said the soldier had served in D Squadron of the Household Cavalry regiment.
15 September 2008
Para Killed In Afghanistan Named
A British soldier killed while on routine patrol in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan, has been named as Lance Corporal Nicky Mason. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the 26-year-old's death today, bringing the total of British lives lost in the conflict to 120, since 2001.
Para Killed In Afghanistan Named
A British soldier killed while on routine patrol in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan, has been named as Lance Corporal Nicky Mason. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the 26-year-old's death today, bringing the total of British lives lost in the conflict to 120, since 2001.
01 March 2007
British troops set to leave Bosnia
More than 600 British troops are to be withdrawn from Bosnia, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram has announced. The soldiers, mainly from the Welsh Guards, are being removed because of the improved security situation in the country.
British troops set to leave Bosnia
More than 600 British troops are to be withdrawn from Bosnia, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram has announced. The soldiers, mainly from the Welsh Guards, are being removed because of the improved security situation in the country.
-
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.
