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No pull-out plans - Browne
13/01/2008 19:05 - (SA)
London - Defence Secretary Des Browne has warned that Britain could be engaged in Afghanistan for decades.
Asked when British soldiers would be withdrawn from
Afghanistan, he told The People newspaper on Sunday: "We cannot
risk it again becoming an ungoverned training haven for
terrorists who threaten the UK.
"It is a commitment which could last decades,
although it will reduce over time.
"But there is only so much our forces can achieve. The job
can only be completed by the international community working
with the Afghan government and its army," he added.
Britain, which has about 7 800 troops operating in
Afghanistan in a 40 000-strong NATO stabilisation force, is expected to increase that number as it draws down in Iraq.
A Defence Ministry spokesperson stressed that Britain's role in Afghanistan would evolve over time.
"The British government's commitment to Afghanistan is long term and it's not just a military commitment," she told Reuters.
"Previously it was a failed state and it's going to be a long-term commitment to make sure it's a stable country."
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