Afghan paper slams Browne comments

KABUL - The warning by Defence Secretary Des Browne that British troops could be engaged in Afghanistan for decades is an irresponsible one and against the country's national sovereignty, an Afghan paper said on Tuesday.

Britain, which has about 7,800 troops operating in Afghanistan in a 40,000-strong NATO stabilisation force, is expected to increase that number as it withdraws from Iraq.

Asked when British soldiers would be withdrawn from Afghanistan, Browne told Sunday's The People newspaper: "We cannot risk it again becoming an ungoverned training haven for terrorists who threaten the UK."

He said: "It is a commitment which could last decades, although it will reduce over time."

"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," he added.

The private Arman-e Millie daily lashed out at Browne's comments.

"This irresponsible comment of Britain's defence minister from the view points of political experts, is regarded as explicit sign of deviation of international treaties and against the national sovereignty of Afghanistan," the daily wrote.

"For (deciding) on the continuation of foreign troops presence in Afghanistan is the right of the government, the parliament and our people. No authority of any country has the right to extend the duration of its troops' presence without the consent and request of the Afghan people," it added.

Foreign troops, now under NATO and the U.S. military's command, have been stationed in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban government in 2001.

The al-Qaeda-backed Taliban are largely active in southern and eastern parts of Afghanistan and have made a comeback in the past two years, the bloodiest period since the militants' ouster.

Foreign commanders have not specifically said when the troops will pull out, saying it depends largely on the security situation of Afghanistan and after the Western-backed national security forces can stand on their own feet.

While considering the presence of foreign troops as vital for fighting the insurgency, the Afghan government has been demanding more resources and funds for its national forces as a remedy rather than dispatch of additional troops from its Western backers.