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British troops could be in Afghanistan for 'decades': minister
By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 14, 2008, 10:14 GMT
(FILE) Britain\'s Minister of Defence, Des Browne arrives at the Second Division, British Army Headquarters, Craigiehall, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain on 14 December 2007. EPA/GRAHAM STUART
(M&C) - Defence Minister Des Browne has said British troops could be fighting in Afghanistan for "decades".
Mr Browne told The People newspaper that Britain's role in defending the country against Islamist extremism required a long term commitment.
"We cannot risk [the country] again becoming an ungoverned training haven for terrorists who threaten the UK," he told the newspaper.
However Mr Browne called on other countries to help.
"But there is only so much our forces can achieve. The job can only be completed by the international community working with the Afghan government and its army."
"It is a commitment which could last decades, although it will reduce over time."
The comments are the most explicit yet from the government that its deployment of troops to the war-ravaged country will last many years and backs up comments made by the prime minister on a recent visit to Afghanistan that Britain would commit troops for "the next few years".
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