London Conference on Afghanistan
The London Conference on Afghanistan has concluded with participants agreeing a number of measures including an increase in Afghan security forces to 300,000 by the end of 2011. The aim of the conference, co-hosted by the UK, UN and Afghanistan, was to agree a clear international plan for the next 18 months in Afghanistan. Opening the conference, the Prime Minister said the discussions marked a “decisive” step towards Afghans taking control of their own security. Gordon Brown said the meeting marked the start of the transition process, where responsibility for security will shift from international forces to Afghan forces. “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. “It will mark the beginning of a new phase and a decisive step towards Afghans taking responsibility for their own security.” The PM said the international community needed to agree with President Karzai plans for the expansion of the Afghan army and police force, and to pledge the support necessary. He said each of the countries represented at the summit recognised that the mission in Afghanistan was “vital for all our national security”. Earlier, Gordon Brown met Afghan President Hamid Karzai, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and international representatives including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for a breakfast meeting at Downing Street.
03.02.2010 23:40:37
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