Military

DATE=12/17/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / AFGHAN (L-O)

NUMBER=2-284371

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Britain says it could contribute up to 15-hundred troops to lead an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Tony Blair briefed parliament on the plans, as we hear from V-O-A's Michael Drudge in London.

TEXT: Prime Minister Blair says final plans are not complete, but Britain is prepared to spearhead international peacekeeping in Afghanistan.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

Britain is willing in principle to lead such a force. It is likely to comprise troops from various countries, European and others. The British contingent is likely to be up to one-thousand to 15-hundred, though I stress that this is not yet decided.

/// END ACT ///

The leader of the opposition in parliament, Iain Duncan Smith of the Conservative Party, said he has "deep misgivings" about the British deployment. He says he particularly fears defeated Taleban fighters could target British peacekeepers in retaliation.

Mr. Blair said British troops would have logistic and air support of the United States, and the rules of engagement for their defense are still to be worked out.

/// 2nd BLAIR ACT ///

The reason why we have been looking at undertaking this mission is at the direct request, not just of the United Nations, but of the United States also. And of course it is true that we have to make sure that they go under proper conditions. That is precisely what we are doing now.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Blair says lead elements of the force could arrive in Kabul by Friday, and the deployment could last several months. (SIGNED)

NEB/MWD/KL/RAE