LONDON, April 1: The international community will "defeat forces of darkness" in Afghanistan and is committed to ensure peace there, says British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

"This is not just another international conference. What we are all seeking is to demonstrate that our joint commitment to peace, human rights and security in Afghanistan is stronger than the forces of darkness, which sought to tear Afghanistan apart, and which are still working against us", Mr Straw said while speaking at a two-day donors' conference in Berlin on Wednesday, said Foreign Office sources here.

Mr Straw praised Afghan President Hamid Karzai but warned if the international community did not redeem its pledges the war- shattered country could slide to the past situation.

"We want to share that burden because of the values we share, but also because we recognise that if the international community does not stay to help finish the job, the problems of the past will return to haunt us", said Mr Straw.

He said the UK was committed to support and encourage the Afghan people as they rebuild their shattered state and reclaim their dignity. London has increased its Tokyo pledge from $200 million to $500 million.'

Britain was also determined to help Afghanistan eradicate narcotics, by confirming over $70 million in funding over the next three years to support the Afghan counter-narcotics strategy, he said .

Tackling the drugs problem cannot be separated from efforts to create a secure environment and a strong economy. The illicit drugs economy is fuelling insecurity and undermining the reconstruction of a legitimate economy, he said. -APP