A former CDS of the Canadian Military community General Ray Henault, is the man who chose these words in addressing a news briefing in Ottawa yesterday.
Henault, a former Canadian chief of defence staff, held a news briefing in Ottawa on Thursday shortly after arriving to chair a conference of 26 NATO generals.
He said the alliance is aware of the domestic debate over Canada's participation in the mission in Afghanistan. Roughly 2,500 Canadian soldiers are serving in the violent southern Kandahar region.
Opposition leaders have demanded Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally announce Canada will end its combat mission in the country in February 2009.
At NATO, we are aware of the discussions that have been ongoing in Canada with respect to the continuation of the mission, Henault said. We understand the decision to carry out operations is a national decision.
We encourage all countries, including Canada, to provide assistance as long as possible.
His comment and the speech to the 26 NATO Generals in Victoria BC will certainly stir up both the patriotic and the peacenik arguments. About whether Canada and other NATO allies should remain as long as possible in Afghanistan ?? Should they leave in 2009 at the end of the current mandate ? ? The answer to this question will certainly be a deciding factor for PM Harpers Government, in any upcoming election. Mr Dion says he wishes to visit Afghanistan. I feel that a week or more accompanying the VanDoos on their missions may sway his opinion, he may then realise that the troops involved in this conflict are doing a GREAT job in assisting the Afghanis to have a better lifestyle,with choices in education and religion.
The other story of great interest today is the message that Osama Bin Laden will be appearing on a video to mark the anniversary of 9/11 This cowardy leader of AlQuada has been in hiding for years and yet he is still revered by the militant Islamists of this world. Perhaps the CBC could send Nelofer Pazira to interview this criminal. She would then perhaps realise that this man has led the destruction not only of her country but many places in this world.
Thus endeth my rant for this week, Stay safe, Stay Positive and think of all our troops and their families. Wear RED Today Friday as a mark of support.
Nil Sine labore
Robby
