Embassy, December 5th, 2007
NEWS STORY
Afghan Mission Still a Priority for Opposition
The Liberal and Bloc Québécois defence critics deny they’ve let the government off the hook on an Afghan mission deadline.
By Lee Berthiaume
Defence critics for the Bloc Québécois and federal Liberal Party say they remain committed to seeing Canada’s military mission in southern Afghanistan end in February 2009.
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But Mr. Bachand said the government must decide on the future of its mission in Afghanistan by April to give NATO and other countries enough time to prepare if Canada is going to withdraw.
The government has given the Manley panel until Jan. 31, 2008 to report back to government, which would leave several months to debate the issue.
The panel has already visited New York and Afghanistan, and met with various players and groups, including the Aga Khan, UN officials and civil society groups.
Ismailimail 