Afghanistan is conflict of our generation

6.20.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th May 2008

Nick Clegg visiting British troops in theatre in Afghanistan

After visiting Afghanistan, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has emphasised the vital importance of success in the 'conflict of our generation'.

Warning that a failure to ensure peace and stability will see Afghanistan reverting to a haven for terrorism, he aims to find out what Britain can do to ensure the international effort in the country is put back on track to success.

Nick Clegg said:

"Afghanistan is the most important conflict of our generation. If we fail to secure lasting peace and stability, Afghanistan will revert to a pariah state, feeding the international drugs trade and offering a haven for terrorism that will threaten global security for the conceivable future. The consequences of failure would be devastating.

"Yet the success of our mission in Afghanistan hangs in the balance. International efforts have not yet delivered the stability and security that the people of Afghanistan deserve. So we must ask tough questions, of ourselves and our allies, to ensure we succeed.

"The international community needs to demonstrate greater unity in the way aid and reconstruction support is provided. The military effort must be adequately resourced to win the conflict, and the reconstruction effort must be swift and effective enough to win the peace.

"How many troops are needed on the ground? Who can provide them? Should the Army play a greater role in reconstruction and development? Is aid and reconstruction properly coordinated? What are the implications for the organisation of the British military if our commitment to Afghanistan is going to last years, perhaps decades? Are we providing the right support to our military personnel in terms of equipment, family accommodation and care for the ill or injured?

"The stakes could not be higher for NATO in Afghanistan. I believe this will be the operation that defines NATO's future, for better or worse.

"The international community must also address the massive threat posed by the opium trade, the need for cross-border engagement with Afghanistan's neighbours, and the absolute necessity for rural and agricultural development right across the board.

"My aim in travelling to Afghanistan is to discuss these vital issues on the ground with politicians, military commanders and soldiers serving on the front line. I want to listen, learn and seek answers to the difficult question marks hanging over the success of our mission in Afghanistan.

"And I want to demonstrate the unstinting support of my myself and the Liberal Democrat party for the outstanding commitment and professionalism of British servicemen and servicewomen operating in such difficult and hostile circumstances.

"In short, I want to understand how Britain can play a leading role in putting the international community's mission in Afghanistan back on track towards lasting success."