Afghan leader in Blair talks
Afghanistan’s interim leader Hamid Karzai was today having talks in Downing Street with Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mr Karzai arrived overnight from Washington, where he had talks with US President George Bush, and stopped over in London on his way home.
The Afghanistan leader was due to join ministers for the end of their weekly Cabinet meeting - one of few foreign leaders to have done so. US President Bill Clinton is thought to be the last leader given the honour.
Mr Karzai was also being given the opportunity to address ministers gathered round the Cabinet table.
He was then going into private talks with Mr Blair, before the two hosted a joint press conference in Downing Street.
‘‘The Prime Minister is keen to continue the dialogue with the new administration in Afghanistan,’’ said Mr Blair’s official spokesman.
‘‘As the Prime Minister has said many times, we won’t repeat the mistakes of the past and walk away from the people of Afghanistan, and that means not only giving financial support but also means giving political support, which is why he feels it appropriate that the President attends the last few minutes of Cabinet.
‘‘The Prime Minister feels it appropriate to show our support in this particular way.’’
As well as financial aid, Britain may agree to provide support in the future in the form of a military training team to help build up a regular Afghan army
