Lord Malloch Brown announces new plans to tackle Afghan drugs (09/08/07)
'As Afghanistan’s G8 "partner" nation on counter narcotics, the UK would like to express its deep appreciation at the recent announcement by the United States of its plans to spend $500 million on a comprehensive package to support the Afghan government’s efforts. The UK has been working very closely with the US on counter narcotics and we’re glad to be making an announcement on our own plans today.
'Afghanistan is facing another year of very high poppy cultivation, driven by continued high figures in the south and, to a lesser extent, the east. This second increase in as many years is extremely disappointing. Yet again, Helmand looks likely to be the main driver of cultivation - early indications suggest that cultivation will exceed last year’s total. But in parts of the north, and centre, there are signs that cultivation is coming down or stabilising.
'Bringing down cultivation in the south is a considerable challenge for the Afghan Government and the international community. The Taliban and drug traffickers are intrinsically connected - they have a common interest in resisting Afghan government authority and international assistance forces.
'The news from the north and centre, shows that where there is economic diversification and access to markets, security, governance and the rule of law, the integrated approach to the narcotics problem set out in the Afghan government’s National Drug Control Strategy can produce results. Of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, six were poppy free last year. And there will be more this year. Progress in other areas includes 450 convictions since May 2005 as a result of Criminal Justice Task Force and the CN Police of Afghanistan operations.'
Our new package of activities includes:
Enhanced interdiction, to disrupt the operations of influential traffickers and weaken their links to the insurgency. We’ll be allocating an additional £22.5 million for the Afghan interdiction forces.
Greater focus on military support to counter narcotics. We will be working with ISAF to do more to maximise military support for counter narcotics operations within the NATO rules of engagement.
More support for counter narcotics criminal justice. The Attorney General announced an extra £2 million earlier this year.
Better eradication. Afghan eradication forces need to improve. We’ll be working with the United States to make sure that they do better in 2008.
Expanding the Good Performers Initiative to provide an incentive for governors to reduce cultivation in their provinces. We’ll be putting in $3.6 million.
An extensive Afghan Government information campaign beginning in August and designed to convince farmers not to plant poppy.
'Afghanistan is facing another year of very high poppy cultivation, driven by continued high figures in the south and, to a lesser extent, the east. This second increase in as many years is extremely disappointing. Yet again, Helmand looks likely to be the main driver of cultivation - early indications suggest that cultivation will exceed last year’s total. But in parts of the north, and centre, there are signs that cultivation is coming down or stabilising.
'Bringing down cultivation in the south is a considerable challenge for the Afghan Government and the international community. The Taliban and drug traffickers are intrinsically connected - they have a common interest in resisting Afghan government authority and international assistance forces.
'The news from the north and centre, shows that where there is economic diversification and access to markets, security, governance and the rule of law, the integrated approach to the narcotics problem set out in the Afghan government’s National Drug Control Strategy can produce results. Of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, six were poppy free last year. And there will be more this year. Progress in other areas includes 450 convictions since May 2005 as a result of Criminal Justice Task Force and the CN Police of Afghanistan operations.'
Our new package of activities includes:
Enhanced interdiction, to disrupt the operations of influential traffickers and weaken their links to the insurgency. We’ll be allocating an additional £22.5 million for the Afghan interdiction forces.
Greater focus on military support to counter narcotics. We will be working with ISAF to do more to maximise military support for counter narcotics operations within the NATO rules of engagement.
More support for counter narcotics criminal justice. The Attorney General announced an extra £2 million earlier this year.
Better eradication. Afghan eradication forces need to improve. We’ll be working with the United States to make sure that they do better in 2008.
Expanding the Good Performers Initiative to provide an incentive for governors to reduce cultivation in their provinces. We’ll be putting in $3.6 million.
An extensive Afghan Government information campaign beginning in August and designed to convince farmers not to plant poppy.