MP presses need for political settlement
Today in the House of Commons during a statement on Afghanistan by the Prime Minister, John Baron MP again questioned Government policy regarding objectives and the need for a political settlement as part of an overall solution. Recent news has included the resignations of two key Ministers within President Kharzai’s Government in protest against attempts at political compromise among the tribes of Afghanistan.
John said:
“One of the many problems of our involvement in Afghanistan has been confusion over the objective, and so I welcome the Prime Minister’s Statement today although I continue to question whether we can succeed. Given that we need a political solution as well as a military one, is the Prime Minister concerned about the recent resignations of the Interior Minister and the Chief of the Intelligence Service and what more can he do to support President Kharzai in seeking a political compromise.”
The Prime Minister responded by emphasising the importance of a political solution and did express concern about the recent resignations.
John said afterwards:
“Having opposed our initial deployment and questioned our resourcing and objectives since, I continue to believe we are on a fool’s errand. The best we can do now is ensure our troops are properly supported both in theatre and at home, and hope that hundreds of years of tribal feuding can be channelled into a political settlement – but I am not hopeful.”
Ends
Word Count: 246
Date: 14th June 2010
Notes to Editors
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