Diplomats expelled from Afghanistan

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Sources in the capital, Kabul, said the pair flew out on the same plane early on Thursday morning after two days of negotiations failed to prevent them being thrown out.

Irishman Michael Semple, deputy head of the EU mission in Kabul, and Mervyn Patterson, a senior UN official, understood to be from Belfast, visited Musa Qala in Helmand province on Monday.

The pair spoke to local leaders on the ground in the town which was recaptured by British and Afghan troops earlier this month.

The UN said on Thursday that the talks were part of a process of reconnecting with people of all persuasions including "disaffected tribes and communities" but insisted that did not include the Taliban or terrorists.

Nevertheless, the Afghan government accused the pair of acting in a way which was "detrimental to the national security of the country". President Hamid Karzai's spokesman, Humayun Hamidzada, claimed they were involved in activities "that were not their jobs".

The UN vowed to continue talks to ensure its official would be allowed back into the country as soon as possible.

Aleem Siddique, senior UN spokesman in Afghanistan, said: "I can confirm that one staff member has now left the country following a request from the government of Afghanistan. Negotiations are ongoing with the government of Afghanistan to ensure his return so that we can continue with the vital work of building peace in this country." He blamed a "misunderstanding" for the expulsions.

Opposition leader David Cameron said: "These are very sensitive and very difficult and complicated matters and I quite understand that. It may well be, however, that the Government may want to clarify its position."

Mr Cameron, speaking before he fired the starting gun at a fun run in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, added: "But I think, most important of all, it needs clear, consistent and decisive strategy in Afghanistan - which means having a single focal point for aid, stepping up the political work and making sure we strengthen the political system of the country as a whole."