§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the terrain of Afghanistan is pacified and under full control of the Kabul Government. [120473]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Afghan Transitional Authority (ATA) is the legally recognised controlling authority for the entire country. It was appointed by President Karzai after his election at the June 2002 Loya Jirga by regional representatives from all parts of Afghanistan. There continue to be attacks in several parts of the country against ISAF, Coalition and ATA targets, as well as UN demining teams and NGOs. But these attacks remain limited, sporadic and do not constitute attempts by other forces to take control of an area.