Commenting on the Foreign Secretary’s speech on Afghanistan this morning, former Liberal Democrat Leader and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Sir Menzies Campbell MP said:
“Behind the Foreign Secretary’s diplomatic language there lies a problem which is so far unresolved. President Karzai, who is almost certain to be re-elected next month, shows no inclination for the kind of engagement with the Taliban that David Miliband envisages.
“American confidence in Karzai is also clearly diminishing. If Britain and America want to promote dialogue they will have to do it by working round Karzai and presenting him with a fait accompli. The most notable thing about Miliband’s speech was his failure to attach any significance to a role for Karzai.â€
