Afghanistan is long-term - Browne - News in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

His comments were the most explicit sign yet from the Government that the UK's commitments in the war-torn country may last more than 20 years.

Asked when troops would be pulled out of Afghanistan, Mr Browne told The People newspaper: "We cannot risk it again becoming an ungoverned training haven for terrorists who threaten the UK."

He continued: "But there is only so much our forces can achieve. The job can only be completed by the international community working with the Afghan government and its army.

"It is a commitment which could last decades, although it will reduce over time."

While military figures in Afghanistan have previously suggested that the efforts there will take decades, ministers have only stressed the "long-term" nature of the commitment.

On a visit to Kabul last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged support over "the next few years", taken as a sign that troops could remain for a decade.

An MoD spokeswoman stressed that the UK's role in Afghanistan would evolve over time.

"The British government's commitment to Afghanistan is long term and it's not just a military commitment," she said.

"Previously it was a failed state and it's going to be a long-term commitment to make sure it's a stable country."