Parliament was set to approve the expanded government later in the day.

He said Afghans had used the approach successfully themselves in Helmand Province, where expanded government control, police enforcement and help with alternative livelihoods curbed production.

AIG has said it is under less pressure to sell assets after receiving easier terms and conditions under its expanded government rescue earlier this month.

The Syrian president used an hour-long speech in Damascus yesterday to propose what he called a comprehensive plan that included an " expanded government".