Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER UPON THE RELEASE OF THE REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT PANEL ON CANADA'S FUTURE ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN

January 22, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank John Manley, Derek Burney, Pamela Wallin, Paul Tellier and Jake Epp for their hard work in producing this substantive and thoughtful report that contains recommendations regarding Canada's future role in Afghanistan. This report will help inform broader public debate about the future of Canada's role in Afghanistan as Parliamentarians prepare to make this important decision.

"I also want to thank the more than 300 individuals from the development, diplomatic, political, and security sectors, who met with the panel members and shared their knowledge and experience.

"Over the coming days, our government will thoroughly review the recommendations with Cabinet and our Caucus before coming forward with our response."

The Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan was created by the Prime Minister on October 12, 2007. It was asked to advise Canadians and Parliament on options for the mission after the current mandate ends in February, 2009.

The report of the Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan can be found on the Panel's website: www.independent-panel-independant.ca or on the Library and Archives Canada website at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/afghanistan.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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