The Government of Canada is pleased to see that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization plans to remain committed to assist the Afghan government in averting tyranny.

NATO solidified its commitment at the recent two-day summit held in Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany. For our part, Canada’s principal objective at this summit was to emphasize the role of NATO and its allies to securing and stabilizing Afghanistan. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was joined by Minister of National

Defence Peter MacKay and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon at the summit.
The world is acutely aware that Canadian soldiers have played a crucial role in helping the people of Afghanistan achieve stability. Our young men and women have made a real difference in driving back the forces of evil, and many have paid the price of freedom with their lives. It is important that their final sacrifice be invested toward lasting peace.

The prime minister welcomed the announcement by the United States that it will provide more resources for both the civilian and military aspects of the mission. President Barack Obama consulted with Canada as he developed his new approach and priorities for this mission. Our government is pleased that this new U.S. strategy pursues objectives that are consistent with ours to encourage the Afghan people to assume responsibility for their own security as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Harper used the summit to raise Canada’s significant concerns regarding the protection of the rights and opportunities of women in Afghanistan. He continues to call on the Afghan government, in the strongest of terms, to honour its human rights treaty obligations under international law, including respect for the equality of women before the law. The prime minister said Canada cannot state strongly enough its concern for the rights of women in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister also welcomed Albania and Croatia into NATO as well as France’s decision to return to the alliance’s military command structure. Canada was a founding member of NATO, and Canadians are proud to take part in the celebration of NATO’s 60th anniversary. The summit provided the perfect platform to reiterate Canada’s support for the NATO now and in the future.

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The audio version of Garry's April 13, 2009 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here