Don't expect any miracles by the time Canada's military commitment to Afghanistan ends in 2011, says the outgoing Canadian ambassador to the country.
Arif Lalani, who has held the position for 15 months, said the mission is a difficult one and great challenges lie ahead.
But he said progress is being made.
"In 2011 I think Canadians should not expect everything in Kandahar will be fixed," Lalani told CTV's Canada AM on Thursday.
"I think it will look pretty much as it does now, but the key difference will be that Afghan institutions, Afghan army and police and government will actually be in charge and in the lead in building from what we helped them build together over the last few years."
He said Canada has paid a high price and the year ahead is going to be a tough one, but the Canadian Forces are headed in the right direction.
"We have to continue to do what we've been doing, which is build up the Afghan national security forces, provide basic humanitarian assistance and to work on border security," Lalani said.
His comments came as Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan said improved security in Kandahar province depends on time and increased numbers of boots on the ground.
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson said security in Kandahar City has improved, but only about a third of the volatile Zhari and Panjwaii districts have been able to focus on development and reconstruction.
Thompson said more troops -- both foreign and Afghan -- are needed before security can be achieved in those regions and development work can go ahead.
The Canadian Forces held an event on Wednesday in Kandahar City designed to convince more Afghans to pick up the phone when they spot an improvised explosive device being planted.
Thompson said more Afghans in cities are reporting suspected devices to coalition or Afghan troops, but those in rural areas -- such as Zhari and Panjwaii -- are afraid of Taliban retaliation.
Meanwhile a recent report in The New York Times suggests security has deteriorated in Kandahar City -- the former Taliban capital -- since a spectacular Taliban prison break in June freed 900 prisoners.
