PM stresses importance of Afghan mission
10 December 2007
The Prime Minister has called operations against the Taliban "one of the most important of missions" on a visit to Afghanistan.
Speaking to troops in Helmand province in the south of the country, the PM said that defeating the Taliban was an important part of tackling terrorism and would also "give strength" to Afghanistan's new democracy. Mr Brown praised British troops for their "huge bravery in very difficult circumstances".
The PM 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 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."
The Prime Minister's address, given to troops in Camp Bastion in Helmand, came as armed forces joined with Afghan soldiers in a major offensive in the town of Musa Qala. The success of such operations would help bring "a more peaceful future for this country", he said.
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- Go to our International section
Image copyright: Reuters
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