Karzai to address Labour conference

Mr Karzai (right) needs help rebuilding his country

Afghan leader Hamid Karzai is to appear as star guest at Labour's annual conference.

President Karzai - installed as leader in the wake of the defeat of the Taleban - is being billed as the key international speaker at the conference in Brighton.

His appearance will be seen as part of a drive to put Afghanistan firmly back on the international political agenda in the wake of the Iraq war.

It follows other high profile appearances at the conference - former US President Bill Clinton was last year's key guest, while former African President Nelson Mandela thrilled delegates with a rousing speech in 2000.

Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney said the party was "absolutely delighted" that President Karzai had accepted its invitation to address the conference, which starts on 28 September.

"His country is emerging from long years of war and needs the help of the world to build a secure and democratic future," he said.

"Afghanistan still faces many problems but President Karzai's visit will be a symbol of the friendship between our two countries and of our commitment to help the people of Afghanistan."

The speech to Labour delegates will come at the end of a tour of the US, Canada and the UK.