Browne returns from successful Afghan visit

Mr Browne met with troops in Kandahar, Lashkar Gar and Camp Bastion, after arriving in Southern Afghanistan on his first visit since he took up the post. The UK troops, part of the international military and civilian presence in Afghanistan, have been busy supporting the Afghan national army, and coalition efforts to stabilise the security situation in Northern Helmand ahead of the expansion of the NATO International Security Assistance Force into the South of the country.

Mr Browne said:

"The UK is playing a crucial role in the UN-endorsed mission to Afghanistan alongside 42 international allies. The Provincial Reconstruction Team at Lashkar Gar lies at the heart of our efforts in Helmand. The team will seek to help the Afghans deliver real reconstruction and reform in the province, through providing security, and winning the trust and cooperation of local people.

"Let it be very clear. Providing a secure environment for reconstruction is central to NATO's contribution to stabilising Afghanistan, but make no mistake, our troops will use force when necessary to defeat threats to the security of Helmand."

Following a meeting with Governor Daoud, Helmand Governor, Mr Browne added:

"Governor Daoud is committed, as is the UK, to helping the people of Afghanistan live in an environment free of fear and intimidation. The rapidly developing capabilities and numbers of Afghan security forces in Helmand is testament to that commitment."

Mr Browne then moved on to Kabul where he held discussions with President Karzai on the progress already made by UK forces in the challenging environment of Helmand, and the wider NATO plan for the south. Mr Browne reaffirmed the UK's enduring commitment to Afghanistan while The President expressed his support for the Governor of Helmand and the new Chief of Police, and his intent to increase police numbers in the South.

Mr Browne also met again with General Abdul Rahim Wardak, the Minister of Defence. Mr Browne emphasised UK support for the good progress being made on reform of the Afghan security sector, including the build up of an increasingly capable and professional Afghan military. Minister Wardak expressed his determination to deliver a strong and lasting Afghan Army presence in the South.

Mr Browne said:

"President Karzai has led his country from the dark ages under the Taliban to a new age, where democratically elected politicians can achieve positive change. The international community continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Afghans – forty-two countries have forces on the ground here – as they rebuild their economy and their country.

"This visit has reinforced my firm belief that the people of Afghanistan want and need our help to ensure that the government they chose is in a position to protect and serve them. They want a government that will help them feed their families, provide them with clean drinking water, and help their children go to school.

"We in the international community can help make this happen, and prevent Afghanistan ever again becoming a base for terrorist attacks in our own countries."

During his visit Mr Browne also met key civilian and military players including UK, Canadian and NATO commanders, as well as seeing the final stages of UK troop build up to full operating capability in Helmand province.

The Helmand Task Force will be based around the new UK-led Provincial Reconstruction Team PRT) in Lashkar Gah, but will include an infantry battlegroup (initially, 3 PARA) supported by Apache Attack Helicopters, and Chinook and Lynx Support and Utility Helicopters. The Helmand Task Force’s role is to support the PRT by helping to create the security environment in which it can assist the Afghan Government extend its authority, enable Security Sector Reform to go forward and facilitate economic reconstruction. The UK also deployed the Headquarters Group of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) to command the NATO-led ISAF from May 2006 to February 2007.