Fed: Aust to stay in Afghanistan for the long haul

AAP General News (Australia)
02-22-2008
Fed: Aust to stay in Afghanistan for the long haul

By Sandra O'Malley, Diplomatic Correspondent

CANBERRA, Feb 22 AAP - Australia will remain in Afghanistan for the long haul, but
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon says he understands why Canada has set a withdrawal date
for its troops.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed overnight Canada would withdraw its 2,500 troops
from the volatile south of Afghanistan in 2011.

The Canadians have suffered a heavy burden from their commitment to Afghanistan, which
has created immense political pressure at home.

Since 2002, 78 Canadian …