| answer text |
<p>The security situation across Afghanistan, including in Helmand, remains challenging
and we expect this forthcoming fighting season to be as difficult as 2016. However,
we should be mindful that this is the third year that the Afghan National Defence
and Security Forces (ANDSF) have taken the lead for security since the closure of
the International Security Assistance Force combat mission. The ANDSF continue to
improve under difficult security circumstances, supported by mentors from NATO's Resolute
Support (RS) mission. The Taliban continue to test the ANDSF, particularly in rural
areas and occasionally threaten some provincial capitals, but the ANDSF have shown
professionalism and resilience in managing security and countering terrorism, including
from Daesh's affiliate in the region.</p><p>Along with international partners, the
UK is committed to helping Afghanistan to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous
Afghanistan. At the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, NATO agreed to sustain the non-combat
Train, Advise and Assist RS mission through 2017. We have increased the UK forces
under RS command to a total of 500. The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, which
I attended, on 4 October 2016 sent a strong signal of international resolve. At Brussels,
the UK pledged £750 million in development support to Afghanistan through until 2020.
Ultimately a political settlement offers the best prospect for an enduring peace.
We urge the Taliban to join the political process and become part of a brighter future
for Afghanistan.</p>
|
|
