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28/01/2010
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.
This afternoon both men opened an international conference focusing on Afghanistan's future.
British troops battle Taliban forces daily, having sustained their highest levels of fatalities in 2009 since the 2001 US-led invasion began.
But despite facing "tough times", Mr Brown said a system had been drafted to bringing more UK soldiers home.
"It will take time but I believe that the conditions set out in the plan that we will sign up to today can be met sooner than many expect and, as a result, the process of handover district-by-district will begin later this year," he said.
Mr Brown backed proposals by the Afghan authorities to reintegrate rebel fighters prepared to put down their arms.
Financial incentives will be offered to those willing to renounce violence in the region.
Plans have also been put forward for a national council for peace, reconciliation and re-integration.
President Karzai said: "We must reach out to all of our countrymen, especially our disenchanted brothers who are not part of al Qaida or other terrorist networks, who accept the Afghan constitution."
He continued: "During the next two to three years we intend to focus on gradually assuming the responsibility for security in greater parts of our country.
"This will allow our international partners to eventually move their security forces out of the parts secured by our own forces while refocusing their efforts on better civilian (infrastructure) economic development and rebuilding Afghanistan."
Mr Brown said the might of Afghanistan's security forces was expected to reach 300,000, supported by international forces of around 135,000.
He has also pledged money to train 12,000 key Afghan civil servants to improve governance.
(PR/GK)
Meeting with the Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in London, Mr Brown conceded difficult times still lie ahead for the region.
This afternoon both men opened an international conference focusing on Afghanistan's future.
British troops battle Taliban forces daily, having sustained their highest levels of fatalities in 2009 since the 2001 US-led invasion began.
But despite facing "tough times", Mr Brown said a system had been drafted to bringing more UK soldiers home.
"It will take time but I believe that the conditions set out in the plan that we will sign up to today can be met sooner than many expect and, as a result, the process of handover district-by-district will begin later this year," he said.
Mr Brown backed proposals by the Afghan authorities to reintegrate rebel fighters prepared to put down their arms.
Financial incentives will be offered to those willing to renounce violence in the region.
Plans have also been put forward for a national council for peace, reconciliation and re-integration.
President Karzai said: "We must reach out to all of our countrymen, especially our disenchanted brothers who are not part of al Qaida or other terrorist networks, who accept the Afghan constitution."
He continued: "During the next two to three years we intend to focus on gradually assuming the responsibility for security in greater parts of our country.
"This will allow our international partners to eventually move their security forces out of the parts secured by our own forces while refocusing their efforts on better civilian (infrastructure) economic development and rebuilding Afghanistan."
Mr Brown said the might of Afghanistan's security forces was expected to reach 300,000, supported by international forces of around 135,000.
He has also pledged money to train 12,000 key Afghan civil servants to improve governance.
(PR/GK)
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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.
21 August 2008
Brown Praises 'Olympic' Effort Of British Troops At Camp Bastion
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on route to the Olympics in Beijing. Mr Brown likened the achievements of the British forces to the UK's Olympic medallists in Beijing.
Brown Praises 'Olympic' Effort Of British Troops At Camp Bastion
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on route to the Olympics in Beijing. Mr Brown likened the achievements of the British forces to the UK's Olympic medallists in Beijing.
04 November 2009
Killer Afghan Policeman 'Taliban', Says PM
The number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 has hit 229. The tragic figure was reached after multiple casualties were suffered in a single incident yesterday. It saw five British soldiers shot dead in an attack apparently carried out by an Afghan policeman.
Killer Afghan Policeman 'Taliban', Says PM
The number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 has hit 229. The tragic figure was reached after multiple casualties were suffered in a single incident yesterday. It saw five British soldiers shot dead in an attack apparently carried out by an Afghan policeman.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
