HALIFAX - Canada's defence minister says he hopes the United States won't shift any of its troops from Afghanistan to boost its war in Iraq.
Gordon O'Connor says he doesn't object to U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq, provided it doesn't mean the Americans "draw any troops from Afghanistan to reinforce Iraq." He says that's the only aspect of the U.S. decision he's thought about.
O'Connor also says he's not aware of any U.S. resources leaving Afghanistan to participate in Iraq.
The defence minister made the statement today following a speech to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, in which he urged continued civilian support for Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
During the speech, O'Connor argued the presence of Canadian troops in Afghanistan is part of a war against insurgents, and that it is succeeding in part due to construction of roads and other humanitarian efforts.
