UK's Brown stands firm on Afghanistan

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is warning Afghanistan to take action against corruption.

Brown says he won't risk more British lives there unless the government reforms.

The prime minister said in a speech that success in Afghanistan is vital to Britain's security. But he declared that if the Afghan government does not mend its ways, it will forfeit the world's support.

The speech comes after the deaths of seven British soldiers in the past week, including five who were shot by an Afghan police officer they were training. Corruption-marred presidential elections and rising casualties have undermined British support for the war.

Britain has promised to send 500 more troops to Afghanistan — though Brown says that depends on how much progress the Afghan government makes.

%@AP Links

Sound:

<<CUT …149 (11/06/09)>> 00:06 "up against corruption"

Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, speaking at event in his 10 Downing Street office

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says malpractice within the Afghan government must end.

<<CUT …150 (11/06/09)>> 00:08 "judge his success"

Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, speaking at event in his 10 Downing Street office

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the Afghan President needs to take decisive action against corruption.

<<CUT …151 (11/06/09)>> 00:12 "we will succeed"

Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, speaking at event in his 10 Downing Street office

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the international coalition in Afghanistan must stand firm.

<<APPHOTO LON106 (11/06/09)>>

: Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to the Royal College of Defence Studies, setting out Britain's position in the on-going war in Afghanistan, Friday Nov. 6, 2009. Brown warned Afghanistan's government to take action against corruption, saying he would not risk more British lives there unless it reforms, and added that success in Afghanistan is vital to Britain's security but declared that if the Afghan government does not mend its ways it will forfeit the world's support.