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Statement on US review of Afghanistan and Pakistan

Number 10 has welcomed a US review of the strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Number 10 has welcomed a US review of the strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A spokesman said the review, which stated that the strategy has weakened al Qaida and the Taliban, was consistent with the British assessment of the NATO campaign.

A five-page summary of the classified document was published by the White House today.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said:

We very much welcome President Obama’s review of the campaign in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It is consistent with the British Government’s assessment and strategy, and with the agreements made by the international coalition and the Afghan Government at the Lisbon NATO Summit.

International forces are in Afghanistan because Al Qaeda must never again be allowed to use the country as a base from which to threaten the UK, the US and our allies.

It is important to remember that this is why UK forces are there - to protect our National Security.

Like President Obama, we see 2011 as the year in which we have to make progress both lasting and irreversible.

We also agree that we must use our civilian and military momentum to support a durable and favourable political resolution of the conflict.

Success in the campaign in Afghanistan remains this Government’s highest foreign policy priority. We will continue to work hand in glove with the United States and our allies to achieve this.

Published 16 December 2010