Written question asked by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 May 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 May 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Government's response is to the recent request of the transitional government in Afghanistan for extra military forces from NATO to ensure security; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's response is to the recent request of the transitional Government in Afghanistan for extra military forces from NATO to ensure security; and if he will make a statement. [172050] Mr. Ingram: The Afghan Transitional Authority holds ultimate responsibility for the security of the Afghan national elections due in September 2004. NATO's planned expansion of the International Security Assistance Force will, however, contribute to creating the security conditions within which free and fair elections may take place. As I explained to the House on 31 March 2004, Official Report, column 96WS, we have offered to play a leading role in this expansion in Northern Afghanistan.

Secondary information