Afghan handover to start this year

The province-by-province handover of security in Afghanistan to Afghan forces will begin later this year.

Opening an international conference in London on the country's future, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the gathering marked a "decisive" moment in Afghanistan's history.

However he warned British and international troops fighting the Taleban would face more "tough times" ahead, but a process was being put in place that would enable them to return home.

"It will mark the beginning of a new phase and a decisive step towards Afghans taking responsibility for their own security."

Mr Brown said the strength of the Afghan security forces was expected to top 300,000, while international forces would reach around 135,000. He also pledged money to train 12,000 key Afghan civil servants to improve governance.

Gordon Brown insists the international community has to send a united message to al Qaida and other extremist groups which "perverted" the Islamic faith.

Mr Brown backed President Hamid Karzai's plan to re-integrate Taleban fighters who are prepared to lay down their arms and renounce violence.

In his opening address, Mr Karzai said a national council for peace, reconciliation and re-integration would be established in Afghanistan.

It will be followed by a "peace jirga", with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia playing a "prominent role" to "guide and assist" the peace process.

"During the next two to three years we intend to focus on gradually assuming the responsibility for security in greater parts of our country.

"This will allow our international partners to eventually move their security forces out of the parts secured by our own forces while refocusing their efforts on better civilian (infrastructure) economic development and rebuilding Afghanistan."