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10/12/2007
PM's Christmas Tour Continues With Afghanistan
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Afghanistan on security and economic development issues during a surprise visit to British troops in the country.
Just days after he praised troops in Iraq during his visit there, he has now told a joint press conference with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai that UK forces would provide assistance to Afghan troops "in the coming years".
He also pointed to important economic and social development work such as school building, the provision of healthcare and the support of local business creation.
The Prime Minister's visit to Afghanistan came as British troops engaged in operations with Taliban forces in the town of Musa Qala in the Helmand province.
Just days ago, Sergeant Lee Johnson, 33, of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in the assault when a mine ripped apart the vehicle he was in and another soldier was also seriously injured in the same incident.
Mr Brown said that the decision to enter the town was taken by Afghan authorities and that Afghan troops were leading the action.
Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister addressed soldiers in the UK base of Camp Bastion in the south of the country. He paid tribute to their professionalism and their role in tackling the Taliban and strengthening democracy in Afghanistan.
He called operations against the Taliban "one of the most important missions" and praised British troops for their "huge bravery in very difficult circumstances".
Mr Brown said: "I want to thank every one of you for what you have done in what is the front line against the Taliban. Because this is one of the most challenging of environments, it is one of the most difficult of tasks, it is the most testing of times and it is one of the most important of missions because to win here and to defeat the Taliban and to make sure that we can give strength to the new democracy of Afghanistan is important in defeating terrorism all round the world.
"We are so proud of what you are doing and I am privileged to say today that the whole of Britain is proud of what you are doing," he concluded.
(KMcA)
Just days after he praised troops in Iraq during his visit there, he has now told a joint press conference with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai that UK forces would provide assistance to Afghan troops "in the coming years".
He also pointed to important economic and social development work such as school building, the provision of healthcare and the support of local business creation.
The Prime Minister's visit to Afghanistan came as British troops engaged in operations with Taliban forces in the town of Musa Qala in the Helmand province.
Just days ago, Sergeant Lee Johnson, 33, of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in the assault when a mine ripped apart the vehicle he was in and another soldier was also seriously injured in the same incident.
Mr Brown said that the decision to enter the town was taken by Afghan authorities and that Afghan troops were leading the action.
Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister addressed soldiers in the UK base of Camp Bastion in the south of the country. He paid tribute to their professionalism and their role in tackling the Taliban and strengthening democracy in Afghanistan.
He called operations against the Taliban "one of the most important missions" and praised British troops for their "huge bravery in very difficult circumstances".
Mr Brown said: "I want to thank every one of you for what you have done in what is the front line against the Taliban. Because this is one of the most challenging of environments, it is one of the most difficult of tasks, it is the most testing of times and it is one of the most important of missions because to win here and to defeat the Taliban and to make sure that we can give strength to the new democracy of Afghanistan is important in defeating terrorism all round the world.
"We are so proud of what you are doing and I am privileged to say today that the whole of Britain is proud of what you are doing," he concluded.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
