Canada's defence ministry appears to be rejecting hints by the U.S. that Canadian troops should stay in Afghanistan past the 2011 deadline set by Parliament.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates made the suggestion after meeting with U.S. and NATO leaders in Afghanistan Thursday. He hinted that he would like to see Canada's mission in the war-torn country pushed past its legislated end in 2011.
But a statement released by Defence Minister Peter MacKay's office following Gates' remarks noted: "Secretary Gates has always been gracious about Canada's role in the UN-mandated mission. The minister and the government have been very clear that Parliament has decided that our mission there ends in 2011."
A MacKay spokesperson confirmed the position, noting the praise Gates offered Canadians during his Afghan visit.
Gates told reporters after a meeting with military leaders about operations in southern Afghanistan -- including Kandahar where the majority of Canadian soldiers are posted -- that the U.S. understands Canada's sacrifice in the war so far.
"The countries that have partnered here in RC South have made an extraordinary commitment and proportionately none has worked harder or sacrificed more than the Canadians," Gates said, responding to queries about a possible Canadian mission extension.
"They have been outstanding partners for us and all I can tell you, as has been the case for a very long time, the longer we can have Canadian soldiers as our partners the better it is."
Gates went on to note that the Afghanistan mission is a "long-term commitment."
"This is a long fight and I think we are in it until we're successful, along with the Afghan people," Gates said.
"I would take my cue from the Dutch commander here at RC South. His view is the situation is not getting worse -- it's just different."
Gates also said that the Pentagon is trying to get three of four requested combat brigades to Afghanistan by this summer.
President-elect Obama has said he wants to see an additional 20,000 troops sent to Afghanistan within the next 18 months. The U.S. has already said 3,500 troops will be sent to Afghanistan by the end of this year, with an additional 5,000 soldiers expected to be deployed in January. The U.S. currently has about 32,000 troops in the country.
Gates added that NATO and U.S. forces in the country may need to make a "course correction" and help build a stronger Afghan army and co-operate more fully with Kabul.
"I think there's a concern on the part of some of the Afghans that we sort of tell them what we're going to do, instead of taking proposals to them and getting their input and then working out with them what we're going to do, so it's a real partnership," Gates said.
"That's an important aspect of this, that I think we need a course correction."
With files from The Canadian Press
