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March 14, 2008
Canada’s
Role in Afghanistan
Bringing stability and lasting peace to troubled parts of the world
is part of Canada’s global reputation. Our country’s
presence in Afghanistan echoes this noble tradition.
At the request of Afghanistan’s democratically elected government,
Canada and 36 other nations are helping to build a stable,
democratic and self-sufficient society that will never again be a
base for global terrorism.
Earlier
this month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled details of the
Government’s revised motion on the future of Canada’s mission in
Afghanistan to the Conference of Defence Associations.
The revised motion represents an effort to achieve a bi-partisan
consensus in the House on the future of the mission. It builds on
the original Government motion derived from the recommendations of
the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan by
incorporating elements of a motion proposed by the Liberal party.
It
is encouraging to know there is some fundamental common ground
between the Government and the Official Opposition, particularly the
agreement that the mission should continue until 2011. As
well, it was agreed upon that operational decisions should be left
to Canadian commanders on the ground in Afghanistan.
It is now clear the Government of Canada will notify NATO of our
intention to end our presence in Kandahar as of July 2011. The
plan is to have our troops gradually replaced by Afghan forces as
soon as possible, so that it will have been completed by December
2011.
I’m sure many will agree that we are still far from the finish
line in Afghanistan, but each day that passes is bringing us closer
to our objective to have Afghan troops ready to protect and police
themselves. At this point, the area of influence of our Armed
Forces has expanded considerably. Our success in building the
capacities of the Afghan National Security Forces has allowed for
the training of very competent troops, who have become active
partners in all security operations in the country.
There is no question that the Afghanistan challenge is an enormous
one for Afghans and for the international community. But from my
perspective, I believe that in Kandahar we’re winning where it
counts as our brave men and women are securing a brighter future for
the people of Afghanistan and greater security for all Canadians.
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