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25/10/2007
Brown Urges Sharing Of Afghan 'Burden'
Prime Minister Gordon has called upon the international community to share the "long-term burden" of the military campaign in Afghanistan.
Speaking in a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Downing Street, the Prime Minister stressed that the UK was committed to the "long-term success" of Afghanistan and would not allow the Taliban to regain control.
He said that Britain's efforts in Afghanistan were a "top foreign policy priority" and that he was determined that the country "should never be a failed state again".
Mr Brown said: "Afghanistan is the front line against the Taliban. We cannot allow the Taliban to be back in control of such an important country. The work that has been done in the last six years to build a democracy is an important bulwark against terrorism everywhere in the world.
"We know that the long-term solutions are not simply defence and security. We are determined to work with the Afghan government to make sure the people have a stake in the future of Afghanistan."
The Prime Minister added that "combined efforts" had put the Taliban on the defensive and established Afghanistan as an "important bulwark" against terrorism.
Mr Karzai echoed Mr Brown's call for international assistance while promising progress on Afghanistan's drive to take a greater role in security operations.
He said: "Burden sharing is necessary if we in the international community are to succeed against terror. Is it time to leave Afghanistan? No. Is it time to add more responsibility to the Afghan people? Yes?"
Both leaders also stressed the importance of economic reconstruction, particularly projects aimed at bringing electricity and irrigation to rural areas, and the expansion of education to children denied access to schooling under the Taliban regime.
The statements came as Nato defence ministers met for a second day to hear calls for more troops, helicopters and equipment to be sent to Afghanistan.
The UK has a deployment of 7,700 troops in Afghanistan, which make up around one-fifth of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in the country.
(KMcA)
Speaking in a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Downing Street, the Prime Minister stressed that the UK was committed to the "long-term success" of Afghanistan and would not allow the Taliban to regain control.
He said that Britain's efforts in Afghanistan were a "top foreign policy priority" and that he was determined that the country "should never be a failed state again".
Mr Brown said: "Afghanistan is the front line against the Taliban. We cannot allow the Taliban to be back in control of such an important country. The work that has been done in the last six years to build a democracy is an important bulwark against terrorism everywhere in the world.
"We know that the long-term solutions are not simply defence and security. We are determined to work with the Afghan government to make sure the people have a stake in the future of Afghanistan."
The Prime Minister added that "combined efforts" had put the Taliban on the defensive and established Afghanistan as an "important bulwark" against terrorism.
Mr Karzai echoed Mr Brown's call for international assistance while promising progress on Afghanistan's drive to take a greater role in security operations.
He said: "Burden sharing is necessary if we in the international community are to succeed against terror. Is it time to leave Afghanistan? No. Is it time to add more responsibility to the Afghan people? Yes?"
Both leaders also stressed the importance of economic reconstruction, particularly projects aimed at bringing electricity and irrigation to rural areas, and the expansion of education to children denied access to schooling under the Taliban regime.
The statements came as Nato defence ministers met for a second day to hear calls for more troops, helicopters and equipment to be sent to Afghanistan.
The UK has a deployment of 7,700 troops in Afghanistan, which make up around one-fifth of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force in the country.
(KMcA)
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10 December 2007
PM's Christmas Tour Continues With Afghanistan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues during a surprise visit to British troops in the country.
PM's Christmas Tour Continues With Afghanistan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues during a surprise visit to British troops in the country.
05 June 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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