UK priorities in Afghanistan
In today's Guardian, an article has been published written by Rachel Reid who 'unnamed sources suggested' had become 'close' to Colonel Owen McNally who was arrested under the Official Secrets Act for 'allegedly passing classified information to a human rights worker in Afghanistan'. Ms Reid claims in her article that the Ministry of Defence had told media she was the recipient of the information and suggested with a 'nudge, nudge, wink, wink' that her relationship with Col McNally was close.
In a letter to the Guardian, Director General of Media and Communication at the Ministry of Defence, Nick Gurr, said:
"I have no idea how Rachel Reid has gained the impression that her name was passed to the media by the Ministry of Defence. But I can assure you and your readers that it is not true. We are not in the business of dragging anyone's 'reputation through the mud'. Our sole focus in Afghanistan is explaining why our brave servicemen and women are there - because our national security interests demand that we stop the country once again becoming a haven for terrorists. Where I can agree entirely with Miss Reid is in the importance of avoiding civilian casualties in Afghanistan. That is why ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] forces go to such extraordinary lengths to do just that in Afghanistan, even if, at times, it means exposing themselves to greater risk."
