§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with M Jean Arnault, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, that "Afghanistan has become more volatile". [HL3419]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:Our assessment is that the security situation in Afghanistan remains fragile. But we would not assess the situation as significantly more volatile now. It is, sadly, not surprising that, in the period leading to the elections, those elements which are opposed to the Bonn process and a peaceful political transition will attempt to disrupt the election preparations through violent means.
We and our international partners remain committed to working with the Afghan Government to improve security, both in the run-up to elections and in the longer term. NATO's recent agreement on the expansion of the International Security Assistance Force is evidence of that commitment.