Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Monday, 29 September 2008.

Afghanistan: Objectives

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What are their objectives in Afghanistan; and how they will know when they have been met.

Answer: On 12 December 2007 (Official Report, cols. 303-07) my right honourable friend the Prime Minister announced in another place a long-term and comprehensive framework for security, political, social and economic development for Afghanistan, setting out our strategy and objectives. Further detail on my right honourable friend the Prime Minister's Statement and the UK's involvement in Afghanistan can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website at: www.fco.gov.uk/ukandafghanistan. Our presence in Afghanistan is at the request of the democratically elected Afghan Government. Alongside 39 other nations as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led International Security Assistance Force, we are there to support the Afghan Government in delivering greater economic development to improve the lives of the Afghan people and to ensure Afghanistan is never again a haven for terrorism and narcotics production, which threaten not only Afghanistan but the world. We are taking a comprehensive approach towards Afghanistan. Our Armed Forces, along with diplomats and officials, are in Afghanistan as part of this co-ordinated effort to support the Afghan Government in building the necessary institutions to manage their own security and development. This is a long-term commitment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4769; 703 c302-3WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Afghanistan
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Notes: Answer received between Tuesday 29 July and Monday 4 August 2008
Subjects: Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk