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)

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