Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

At the moment, it is not known if the situation in Afghanistan will be discussed at the next EU Council of Ministers meeting in December. The issue was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, and the European Council last month and there was also a further discussion on aspects of EU support to Afghanistan at the GAERC earlier this week. There are currently two international military operations in Afghanistan: the UN-mandated, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, and the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom.

Decisions in relation to troop numbers in Afghanistan are primarily a matter for NATO and the members of the coalition in consultation with the Afghan authorities. Furthermore, the Afghan security forces, in particular the army, are playing an increasing role in operations and the aim is that they should eventually take over full responsibility for the security of their country. While decisions on troop numbers will be for the large troop-contributing countries to take, it is clear that an international military presence in Afghanistan will continue to be necessary for some time, both to undertake operations and to train the Afghan security services so that they can take the lead in the protection of their country and people.

It is vital to remember that the situation will not be resolved by military means alone. For Afghanistan to achieve stability, security and progress, it is essential that the Government of Afghanistan begins to play a much stronger and more effective role in the leadership and governance of its country and that it sets about without delay to tackle the many challenges that face the country, not least national reconciliation.

It is vital also that the people of Afghanistan start seeing some real improvements in their lives in the form of increased basic security, improved opportunities to enhance their agricultural productivity and incomes, job opportunities, improved access to education at all levels for their children, improved governance of the country and the eradication of the corruption which diverts precious resources away from the people who most need them. Until the people of Afghanistan are convinced that their central, provincial and local governments represent better alternatives to the Taliban, the militants will remain a pole of opposition.

The international community has pledged to support the people of Afghanistan to fulfil their hopes for a stable and secure environment in which to live, work and raise their families and for increased livelihood security and prosperity. There are plans to hold another international conference - perhaps in London this time - to launch a new compact between the international community and President Karzai's new Government. The international community will take the opportunity to make clear its expectations for improved governance and the "Afghanisation" of security, administration and the reconstruction effort over the coming years.

See this speech in context