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News Archive
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THE ROLE OF THE UN IN POLITICAL RECONSTRUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, gave a joint press conference in Islamabad on 22 November with the Deputy UN Special Representative to Afghanistan, Mr Francesc Vendrell. They discussed the role that the UN will have in discussions with the various representatives of the different groups in Afghanistan and the possible outcome of next week’s talks in Bonn on the political future of the country. Mr Vendrell said that expectations should not be too high, but that there was hope that some measure of progress would be achieved. Mr Straw looked forward to his meeting with the Pakistan Government and his discussions there on the future of Afghanistan.
‘RETHINKING OUR ATTITUDES TO SOVEREIGNTY’
In an article in the Independent newspaper on 22 November, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said that Britain had to rethink its attitude to sovereignty. Dismissing the notion of absolute British independence as a myth, he argued that intergovernmental cooperation was already a way of life, and a necessity for success in a global economy. ‘We are a European nation, and always have been,’ he said. ‘Pooling our sovereignty in the EU is still more important, as it strengthens our ability to meet so many other shared challenges which have a real and daily impact on our national life.’
‘HUMANITARIAN AND RECONSTRUCTION WORK IN AFGHANISTAN’
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, gave an interview on BBC Radio 4 on 22 November. He discussed relations between the UK and the US, getting humanitarian aid to the people of Aghanistan, and the commitment to rebuilding the country. The Foreign Secretary said the first step was 'making Afghanistan safe for the people of Afghanistan and safe for the world... if we want to eliminate terrorism which is after all where all this started, those steps are essential'.
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR CITIZENS OF OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
In a Parliamentary debate on 22 November on the British Overseas Territories Bill, FCO Minister, Ben Bradshaw outlined the details of the bill, which seeks ‘to grant British citizenship, and with it the right of abode in the United Kingdom, to British dependent territories citizens in qualifying overseas territories’. He described the rights and obligations as set out in the Bill, and emphasised that it is non-reciprocal. Mr Bradshaw stated that the Bill is about nationality, seeks to establish a new relationship between Britain and the overseas territories and that the legislation is eagerly awaited in those places.
MINISTERIAL ENGAGEMENTS
In addition to their regular official and parliamentary duties, FCO Ministers have the following public engagements...
TRAVEL ADVICE NOTICES
The following countries have updated travel advice notices.
FCO Daily Bulletin...
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