INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN

Early day motion 1770, tabled 16 October 2003 by Joan Ruddock (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House congratulates the Government on its support of UN Security Council Resolution 1510, authorising an expansion of the NATO led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; notes that an expanded mandate will allow ISAF to support the Afghan Transitional Authority and its successors in the maintenance of security outside of Kabul, enabling the Afghan authorities as well as reconstruction and humanitarian personnel to operate in a secure environment; further notes the continuing threat from warlords and the heroin trade; regrets the difficulties faced by the ATA and the international community to date in establishing the rule of law in many parts of the country and the consequent loss of life including aid workers; further regrets the ongoing abuse of women's rights as documented in the recent Amnesty International report, 'No-one listens to us and no-one treats us as human beings': Justice denied to women; and calls on the Government to make additional resources available to enable a significant and rapid expansion of ISAF beyond Kabul.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 7, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.