Foreign Secretary answers questions on Afghanistan and Pakistan via Twitter
Following his recent visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Foreign Secretary William Hague answered questions on a range of issues related to the region.
Questions on Afghanistan and Pakistan were submitted to the Foreign Secretary using the hashtag #askFS.
Q. @Manofchew: @WilliamJHague Tony Blair, as PM, promised not to abandon women of #Afghanistan. How will you safeguard women in Taliban talks? #askFS
**A **. @manofchew We’re working to promote the role of women, including in the political processs. Progress made so far must not be undone
Q. @logikblok: @WilliamJHague When will Shaker Amer be released? Arrested in Afghanistan 2001 Campaign by AmnestyOnline @GuantanamoAndy@ReprieveUK #askFS
A. @logikblok UK continues to request release & return of Shaker Aamer. I have raised this with US. Decision remains in hands of the US #askFS
Q. @pangallion: @foreignoffice When will you begin to pursue British interests instead of those of the #Bilderberg Group?#Afghanistan #Pakistan #AskFS
A. @pangallion National interest is at heart of our foreign policy & includes human rights & security for others. UK can’t prosper alone #askFS **
Q.@JoeMortimer: @WilliamJHague What role do you think tourism could play in bringing stability to Afghanistan and Pakistan? #askFS
**A. @JoeMortimer #Afghanistan is a beautiful country, but tourism needs stability. For now best to heed FCO travel advice #askFS
Q. @LordMadden: What can the British government do to help tackle corruption in the Afghan government? #AskFS
A. @LordMadden Corruption is a problem,we’re working with #Afghanistan to tackle it eg supporting law enforcement & public finances mgmt #askFS
Q. @WilliamJHague Can you immediately order our troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq? Osama is dead, so there is no reason for us to be there!
A. @loftyd We have no troops in #Iraq. Osama Bin Laden is dead but terrorist threat is not defeated #askFS #Afghanistan
Q. @cwol101: @WilliamJHague #askFS having been set up to fail in #Afganistan, #Libya. and #Iraq, will the UK have the sense to leave#Pakistan alone?
A. @cwol101 strong cultural & family ties bind UK & Pakistan. We’re engaging as two sovereign nations based on mutual respect & benefit #askFS
Q. @sgct: @WilliamJHague #askFS What is the difference between our exit strategy from Afghanistan and the USA’s exit strategy from South Vietnam?
A. @sgct we have a clear strategy for transition - building up Afghan forces and Afghan Government leading on political settlement #askFS
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Q. @Retyree: #askFS @foreignoffice @WilliamJHagueHow can you spend £100ms of our scarce money on “supporting” a rag-tag bunch of leaderless insurgents?**
A. @Retyree Not how I would see it. We’re working with #Afghanistan’s elected government to improve our own security #askFS
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Q. @Nuclearinfo @WilliamJHague: what is the UK government doing to dissuade #Pakistan from continuing to block a Fissile Materials Treaty? #askFS**
A. @Nuclearinfo We support Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty & press #Pakistan to end block on negotiations starting #askFS
Q. @Nowomennopeace: @WilliamJHague #askFS How will the UK make sure women are included in the#Afghanistan peace process? How many will be at #Bonn?
A. @Nowomennopeace women are already in the High Peace Council. We want to see further participation - a key to peace #askFS #Afghanistan
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Q. @TBIJ: @WilliamJHague - Do the Bureau’s revelations of British military advisers’ exit show poor UK-Pakistan relations? #askFS bit.ly/kK9Yq5 #tbij**
A. @TBIJ No. UK and Pakistan have unbreakable partnership. We respect Pakistani request, based on security concerns #askFS
Q. @Peakerstu: #askFS Why is the UK still dealing with Pakistan. Pakistan is seemingly playing both sides
A. @peakerstu #Pakistan has made huge sacrifices in fighting terrorism. It’s right that we support those efforts #askFS
Q. @jessradio: @WilliamJHague What is your response to Pakistan’s eviction of British military advisors? #askFS
A. @jessradio respect Pakistani request based on security concerns. Team ready to re-deploy #askFS
Q. @paversinindia: @WilliamJHague #askFS do you meet real people on these trips or just presorted individuals who smile and have a nice picture taken
A. @paversinindia I met victims of terror in Pakistan - and victims of Qadhafi forces in Benghazi a few week ago - both very real to me #askFS
Q. @ibrahim_Dogus: @WilliamJHague what impact do you foresee of obama’s decision to withdtaw thousands of his troops! What will happen to british troops?
A. @ibrahim_Dogus US decision is consistent with strategy of transition. We’ve already announced reductions of 400 UK troops this year #askFS
Q. @joncutups: @WilliamJHague Please could you inform us about attempts to open dialogue with the Taliban? Peace must be pursued!!#Afghanistan #askFS
A. @joncutups Afghans are leading efforts for a political settlement. Contact is happening, but it is at an early stage #askFS
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Q. @uinp: When are we getting out? #askFS**
A. @uinp UK forces will not be engaged in combat in #Afghanistan by 2015 or in the numbers they are now #askFS
Q. @RobWilmot: @WilliamJHaugue question: In one sentence what would you say to the brave servicemen and women serving in#Afghanistan? #askfs
A. @RobWilmot We are indebted to your bravery, skill & sacrifice in doing a difficult & dangerous task that is crucial to our security #askFS
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Q. @Ryangawn: @WilliamJHague Can you let us know if there were any British citizens involved in yesterday attack on the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul?**
A. @ryangawn There were 2 British Nationals in the hotel as far as we know. They are now safe & I have spoken to one of them #askFS
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Q. @pangallion: @foreignoffice When will you begin to pursue British interests instead of those of the #Bilderberg Group?#Afghanistan #Pakistan #AskFS**
A. @pangallion National interest is at heart of our foreign policy & includes human rights & security for others. UK can’t prosper alone #askFS
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