January 25, 2003	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 21, 1423

LONDONDERRY, Jan 24: Afghan Interim Vice President Karim Khalili discussed the creation of an accountable national army under civilian rule and the possible release of 10 million pounds with the British officials on Wednesday.

Official sources said the British government stressed that the long-term security and stability for Afghanistan must be underpinned by the firm establishment of representative democratic institutions.

Issues related to security sector reform and creation of the Afghan national army are on top of the agenda of the Afghan vice president, who is likely to call on the Secretary of State for International Development during his visit to Britain.

According to official sources, strengthening of democracy, human rights and reconstruction are other issues likely to be discussed with Mr Karim Khalili, one of the four vice presidents in the Afghan interim government.

In a statement issued following the meeting with the Foreign Office Minister, Mike O’ Brian, the British Foreign Office said the UK government had reaffirmed its commitment to the security and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

He said the signing of a decree on the Afghan National Army (ANA) by President Karzai in Petersberg on Dec 1 was a significant step towards establishing sound principles for the creation of a new accountable national army under central civilian control.