David Cameron in Taleban warning

Published on 20/07/2012 02:14

David Cameron has warned the Taleban not to “wait it out” in Afghanistan until troops withdraw in 2014.

The Prime Minister said British support for the country would remain long after the planned exit date, which will see all international combat forces leave.

Afghan security forces are “capable and large” but Britain’s support for the nation will continue for many years, he said.

“The Taleban should be in no doubt that we will handing over to a very large, very capable Afghan security force,” Mr Cameron said at a joint press conference with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in the gardens of the presidential palace.

“We will be firm friends and supporters of Afghanistan long after 2014.”

Mr Karzai praised Mr Cameron for being a long-term friend of the nation.

The two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding on the planned “Sandhurst in the sand” training academy, which will see British military leaders train their Afghan counterparts.