Canada's Harper rejects debate on Afghan mission

Ottawa, Mar 8: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper rejected on Tuesday (Mar 7, 2006) demands for a parliamentary debate on the country's military mission to Afghanistan, saying it would undermine the 2,300 troops in the war-torn country.

The two main left-leaning federal parties say legislators need to discuss why Canadian troops, traditionally known for taking part in peacekeeping operations, are now involved in a dangerous military mission.

Harper, whose right-of-center Conservatives won the January 23 election, said he had no intention of reviewing a decision taken by the previous Liberal Government.

''This Government does not intend to question the mission when our troops are in danger. A debate like this, such a lack of (support from) any Canadian party, will weaken our troops and could put our troops in more danger,'' he told reporters.

Most of the 2,300 troops, based in the violent southern city of Kandahar as part of a NATO mission, were originally due to return by early 2007. Government officials now say this return date could be delayed.

In the last week alone, two Canadian soldiers have died in traffic accidents near Kandahar. Several others were injured in a suicide bombing, while one soldier was attacked and seriously wounded by a man wielding an ax.

''Canadians don't cut and run at the first sign of trouble.

That's the nature of this country and when we send troops into the field I expect Canadians to support those troops,'' Harper said.

The decision to contribute troops to the NATO mission was made by the Liberals last year without much debate.

''Perhaps the previous government should have had a vote on this mission ... but the decision has been taken and we can't change our minds when the troops are in danger,'' said Harper, adding that he would not be swayed by recent polls showing almost half Canadians wanted the troops to return.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Canada sent 2,000 troops to Kabul to participate in a NATO-led stabilization force. A total of 10 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan since then.

REUTERS