Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Afghanistan"s government is corrupt and he will not risk more British lives there unless it reforms, AP reported. Brown said in a speech that Afghan President Hamid Karzai had assured him «that the first priority of his new government would be to take decisive action against corruption.» He said the government of Afghanistan has become a by-word for corruption, «and I am not prepared to put the lives of British men and women in harm"s way for a government that does not stand up against corruption.» Britain has promised to send 500 more troops to Afghanistan. But Brown said it was dependent upon progress in governance. Seven British soldiers have died in Afghanistan in the past week, including five shot by an Afghan police officer. -- SPA
