Tobias Ellwood slates ‘divide Afghanistan’ reports (From Thisisdorset)

Tobias Ellwood slates ‘divide Afghanistan’ reports

1:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Latest

Tobias Ellwood slates ‘divide Afghanistan’ reports

A BOURNEMOUTH MP has slammed press reports that he came up with a plan to divide Afghanistan – which was reportedly being considered in Washington and London.

Tobias Ellwood was said to have come up with ‘Plan C’, a blueprint to separate the country into eight zones.

He reportedly wrote: “The Taliban will not enter into a meaningful dialogue if there is no feasible political strategy within |which they can participate.

“An alternative solution [offers] a less centralised political structure that better reflects the ethnic make-up of the country, the already established economic hubs and the regional interest of the Taliban, who might then be encouraged towards a political settlement.”

Critics said the scheme could be a return to the rule of warlords and that the Afghan people should decide the country’s future.

Mr Ellwood told the Echo the reports, which suggested the Taliban could control some regions, were “sensationalist” and his paper was drawn up 18 months ago.

He said it was a collection of ideas based on visits to Afghanistan and he did not advocate partition.

He said: “I would advocate a less-centralised Government “But the bottom line is that it’s for the Afghans to determine their own future.”