§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What common methods and objectives are shared by the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan under NATO command; what changes have been made to those methods in preparation for the elections; and whether overall numbers of troops are being increased. [HL4258]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanEach Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) is staffed and run to suit the circumstances of the area in which it operates. But all PRTs—whether run by NATO or the coalition—aim to help improve the security environment in order to extend the authority of the central government by facilitating reconstruction and security sector reform. PRTs will continue to operate as normal during the election period, providing support to Afghan security forces as necessary.
Italy and Spain are each providing an extra battalion of troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to cover the election period. An extra company of US troops will support ISAF in Kabul, in addition to 1,000 extra US troops who will operate as part of the coalition. NATO will have further troops ready to respond if required. As announced by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 25 August, in addition to our existing commitments, the UK is deploying six RAF Harrier GR7 aircraft to Kandahar for an initial period of nine months, supported by some 230 personnel. The aircraft will support both coalition and ISAF operations.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
To what extent adequate security outside Kabul is frustrated by the inability of central government to pay adequate salaries to soldiers and police or to maintain the planned level of demobilisation of local militia; and how this is being addressed. [HL4259]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIt is clearly essential that Afghan National Army (ANA) and Police Force (ANP) personnel are properly paid. We are aware that there have been some limited problems with payments and we have encouraged the US (which leads international support for the ANA), Germany (for the ANP) and the Afghan Government (whose ministries oversee the payments) to improve the system of payment. But this has not affected security outside Kabul. On the contrary, ANA and ANP units regularly contribute to resolving conflicts in the regions, most recently in Herat following the removal of former Governor Ismael Khan. And the ANA has also contributed effectively to coalition missions in the south and east.
4WAThe process of demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) of militia personnel has been slower than we would have liked. But progress is being made. On 7 September, President Karzai issued a decree adding a further 27,000 to the total number of militia to be disarmed, in addition to the 13,000 processed so far.