§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's response is to the recent request of the transitional Government in Afghanistan for extra military forces from NATO to ensure security; and if he will make a statement. [172050]
§ Mr. IngramThe Afghan Transitional Authority holds ultimate responsibility for the security of the Afghan national elections due in September 2004. NATO's planned expansion of the International Security Assistance Force will, however, contribute to creating the security conditions within which free and fair elections may take place. As I explained to the 327W House on 31 March 2004, Official Report, column 96WS, we have offered to play a leading role in this expansion in Northern Afghanistan.