International Security Assistance Force (Hansard, 16 January 2002)

§ Mr. Jenkin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-EU troops have been committed to the International Security Assistance Force; and if he will make a statement. [26643]

§ Mr. Hoon
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been authorised by the United Nations, and enjoys wide support among the international community. In addition to the UK, which has agreed to serve as lead nation for the ISAF's initial three months, some 17 countries are contributing assets to the force. The ISAF will be about 5,000 strong, with the UK contributing around 1,800 personnel (together with an additional 300 airfield enablers to assist in activating and running Kabul international airport). Although separate from operations being conducted in support of the campaign against international terrorism, it deploys with the full support of the United States and enjoys very close relationships with US Central Command (which has deployed a liaison team to Major General McColl's headquarters).
In addition to the substantial contribution being made by European Union nations, ISAF will comprise troops from New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. It is too early to be specific about precise numbers, since national contingents are still being finalised.
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§ Mr. Jenkin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the nations which have offered to contribute to the International Security Assistance Force; and if he will make a statement. [26644]

§ Mr. Hoon
The international community responded swiftly and generously to our request for contributions to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), with over 20 nations initially expressing an interest in contributing. In the event, following detailed discussions and planning, we have been able to take up offers from 17 nations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. 15 of these have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the ISAF, and we expect Belgium and Bulgaria to do so shortly. In addition, the US have provided a liaison team.