Part of the property of the British troops, serving with International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), may remain in Afghanistan, as well as in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Minister of State for the Armed Forces of Great Britain Nick Harvey said in Dushanbe on Friday, CA -News reported.
"The transition process in Afghanistan is going well, and international force transfers responsibility for security to developing Afghan forces district by district. But we will not go away in 2014. The international community is committed to help Afghanistan during next few years," he told reporters after a meeting with Tajik president Emomali Rahmon.
The sides discussed at the meeting the issue of withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan by the northern route. Harvey, who arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday, said that Rahmon assured that the decision on this issue will be taken as soon as possible we will be informed about it through diplomatic channels. "We are very grateful to the president for his commitment to a broad discussion of this issue," said the Minister.
He noted the UK intends to retain some of its property in Afghanistan. "It's important to leave to the Afghan forces property they really need. We will also hold talks with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on what part of our property may be of value to those countries," Harvey said.
According to the Ministry of Defence of Great Britain, by 2014 they will have to withdraw from Afghanistan about 11,000 containers, and about 3,000 armored vehicles.
"A group of negotiators (on transit) will visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as if at least one of these countries falls out of the negotiation progress, no route will work," said Harvey.
He stressed that lasting peace and security in Afghanistan and Tajikistan depend on economic development. "The UK is aware of this and is ready to help both Afghanistan and Tajikistan in economic development during all subsequent years. We are aware that Tajikistan is responsible to ensure security along the 1,400-kilometer border with Afghanistan and the international community must be prepared to help, because security of this border if in our common interest," the British minister noted.
He added that Tajikistan is an important partner for the UK. "We are very grateful to Tajikistan for the support that we receive during our stay in Afghanistan", concluded Harvey, who ended his visit to Dushanbe on Friday.