John Baron MP presses Prime Minister over Bin Laden’s death and Afghanistan

MP repeats his call for Americans to open non-conditional talks with the Taliban

Today in the House of Commons the Prime Minister made a Statement on the death of Osama Bin Laden and its ramifications for counterterrorism around the world. John used the opportunity to press again the need to explore the differences between the Taliban and Al Qaeda which could provide the way forward in Afghanistan.

John asked:

“Bin Laden’s death will be a severe setback for Al Qaeda. But as the Prime Minister knows, there are relatively few Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and there are real differences between the Taliban factions and Al Qaeda which should be explored further as they could provide the basis for a way forward. Will the Prime Minister therefore do more to urge the Americans to open meaningful non-conditional talks with the Taliban for, as we showed in Northern Ireland, you can talk and fight at the same time?”

The Prime Minister in reply stated that he could understand the American reluctance given that there is no sign the Taliban will renounce violence or sever any links with Al Qaeda.

John said afterwards:

“Although I opposed our involvement in Afghanistan, we must leave no stone unturned in our search for a solution. Initially the Provisional IRA would not renounce violence but non-conditional talks helped to pave the way for a peaceful settlement.”

“Any political settlement will have to recognise the regional structures in Afghanistan. But there are fundamental differences between the Taliban and Al Qaeda. And both the West and the Taliban want foreigners out of Afghanistan. Meaningful talks could help to flesh out these issues.”