British PM hails civilian experts' efforts in challenging situations

LONDON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday hailed civilian experts' efforts in challenging situations.

Brown said civilians deployed to conflict and disaster zones carry out work that is "vital" to the ongoing success of military and stabilization operations.

He made the remarks when speaking to members of the British Civilian Stabilization Group who assist with reconstruction in fragile, conflict-afflicted states.

The group was set up in 2008 following the prime minister's commitment to create a 1,000-strong civilian pool, reporting to the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department for International Development (DFID).

Members of the stabilization group have been deployed to a variety of countries since 2008, including Sudan, Kosovo, Georgia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Haiti. The group's first operation was in Musa Qala, Afghanistan.

Brown said civilian experts deployed in close coordination with the military are able to show immediate progress.

"This work in the field, which can so often go unnoticed, is absolutely vital to the enduring success of any military or stabilization operation and building more secure communities where people feel they have a stake in the future through basic justice, schools, health centers and jobs," he said.

The Stabilization Unit is drawn from across the public, private, civil and military sectors and has the expertise to support countries affected by conflict and disaster.

Recently the government announced that a small team of experts would be deployed to support the Haitian Ministry of Justice following January's devastating earthquake. The Stabilization Unit currently has two staff deployed in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.