Downing Street Says » Afghanistan

» Monday, November 2, 2009

Afghanistan

Asked if the Prime Minister had spoken to Mr Karzai recently, the PMS said they had spoken that morning and the Prime Minister had congratulated Mr Karzai on the statesman-like way in which he had conducted himself during a challenging period. Asked if they had discussed the nature of a new Afghan Government, the PMS replied that the Prime Minister had made clear he hoped for a unified programme supported by Afghans and the international community.

Asked if the announcement of an Afghan President fulfilled the conditions for sending 500 extra troops to Afghanistan, the PMS replied that the specific condition set out by the Prime Minister was that an Afghan Government was in place to train its own troops and that it was hoped the Afghan administration would reach that stage soon.

Asked why the Prime Minister congratulated Mr Karzai given the unsatisfactory nature of recent elections, the PMS said Dr Abdullah had withdrawn from the contest with dignity and that Mr Karzai had conducted himself in a statesman-like way. The PMS said it was entirely right that the Prime Minister passed on that sentiment and reiterated the importance of achieving the unity programme.

Asked if the Prime Minister viewed President Karzai as being on probation, the PMS said Mr Karzai had fulfilled all the requirements of the Afghan constitution, so would not be classed as on probation.

Asked whether this election outcome was a satisfactory conclusion bearing in mind the sacrifice of British troops, the PMS said the Prime Minister regretted any death in conflict and that the objective in Afghanistan was wider than the elections, in terms of keeping UK streets safer by removing some of the root causes of terrorism. The PMS said having an Afghan Government in place to work with the allies on partnership and mentoring was an important step forward.

Asked how much money the British taxpayer has put into funding the general election in Afghanistan the PMS said UK support for the election process totalled approximately 16.5 million.

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