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Canadian Infantry May Miss Afghan Service
Sunday, December 23, 2001
By John Ward / Canadian Press

OTTAWA -- CP
Canada has about 1,000 infantry soldiers standing by to join an Afghan security force, but sources say now they might not be needed.

Canada could be asked instead to contribute military specialists, such as communications officers or engineers, a source said.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien had earlier this week suggested the Canadian contribution might not hit 1,000 people.

A half dozen countries, including the Czech Republic, Greece, France, Spain and Turkey have offered soldiers for a force that may only total 3,000.

The United Nations Security Council authorized a 3,000- to 5,000-member multi-national security force for Afghanistan with a resolution Thursday, but many details still must be worked out before any Canadian soldiers join it.

Commodore Jean-Pierre Thiffault, the Canadian commander of what is known as the joint task force, southwest Asia, said much remains to be done before the troops get their marching orders.

He said planners are still working out the shape of the British-led international force.

“We're still in the process of working out the plans and awaiting an outcome of the discussions that are underway right now,” Thiffault said. “We're watching developments very carefully.”
(Miami.com News Source)
2001 © Canadian Press.

Dan