Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae made the following statement today on the outcome of the historic Kabul International Conference on Afghanistan:
“At the Kabul conference in Afghanistan this past Tuesday, more than 40 foreign ministers and international leaders signed a historic agreement that sets 2014 as the date when Afghanistan’s security forces will take the lead in military operations throughout the country. The agreement also charts the course to improve governance and reduce corruption over the next five years.
“Now that world leaders have returned home and an internationally-agreed upon plan is in place, it is time for the Harper government to clarify their intentions for Canada’s engagement post-2011. The Conservative government has not yet issued any assurances that they have a plan for Canada’s changing role in Afghanistan. It is not enough to say the troops are leaving their combat role in Kandahar – it’s now time for the Harper government to declare what Canada’s future role will be.
“In contrast to Conservative inaction, the Liberal Party has made it clear that we support a continuing non-combat commitment by Canada as part of the broad UN effort to sustain a stable, effective government in Afghanistan. This commitment can include a role in training the Afghan army and police, as well as support for other institutions of government, including health care, education and the justice system.
“The Liberal Party also believes that Canada can play a substantive role in the diplomatic process toward peace, starting with the appointment of a Canadian Special Envoy to the region – something the Conservative government has refused to do.
“This is part of the Liberal plan to restore Canada’s leadership in the world. Our “Canada in the World: A Global Networks Strategy” is an ambitious, 21st century plan that will help to secure our economic prosperity and make the world a safer place.
“As our strategy outlines, once the combat mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011, we will re-direct the incremental costs of the mission towards achieving a responsible balance between defence, diplomacy and development.
“In the interim, Liberals remain open to a dialogue and discussion with other parties about exactly what form Canada’s action will take in Afghanistan post-2011. But it’s important that the discussion begins now so that a decision can be finalized when Parliament resumes in the fall.”
