UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey has said that any extension to the presence of western troops in Afghanistan can not be decided solely by G7 nations.
Coalition forces have been working to a 31st August deadline for withdrawal from the nation. The Taliban has said that date is a 'red line'.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host a virtual meeting of G7 leaders where he is expected to press U.S. President Joe Biden to consider keeping troops at Kabul airport beyond that date, in order to extend the ongoing evacuation mission.
Mr Heappey, though, says even if G7 leaders agree, it would require cooperation from the Taliban.
IN: Even though they are…
OUT: something we should really be considering.
DUR: 0:39
http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0823jamesheappey-extension.mp3