UK Prime Minister arrives in AfghanistanJuly 18, 2012 - 20:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived in Afghanistan on Wednesday, July 18, Afghan officials said. AFP reports that Cameron flew into the southern city of Lashkar Gar, capital of Helmand province, where British forces are based. "He met with provincial officials including the police chief and acting governor," provincial police spokesman Farid Ahmad Farhang said. They discussed the transition of security responsibilities as Britain, and its NATO allies, prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, he said. According to AFP, Cameron is expected to meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul during his visit. Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, making it the second-largest contributor to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force after the United States. London has previously announced plans for most of its troops to be withdrawn by the end of 2014, with 500 coming home by the end of 2012 and the rest gradually withdrawn over 2013 and 2014. The Sun newspaper reported this week that ministers including finance minister George Osborne want a faster withdrawal, believing that completing the pull-out it by the end of 2013 could save the government £3 billion ($4.7 billion). Military chiefs reportedly oppose the move, saying it would risk hard-won gains. Cameron's spokesman said on Tuesday that no decisions had been taken on the timing yet but that the drawdown would be "steady and measured" and discussed in coming months. The timing will also be discussed with Britain's ISAF allies, the spokesman said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |