NOTES FOR REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN ON THE OCCASION OF A VISIT TO CAMP JULIEN

Kabul, Afghanistan
October 18, 2003

Friends and fellow Canadians, my message to you today is a very simple one. As Prime Minister, I am honoured to bring to you the deep gratitude and good wishes of the Canadian people.

I am certain that your thoughts often turn to home: to Canada and to those you love – your friends and your families. I want you to know that you are in our thoughts, too. You represent your nation here. Your bravery and courage and the good work you do here, so very far from home, make us very proud.

Over my time as Prime Minister, we have had to ask more and more of the Canadian Forces. In the last ten years, you have undertaken more deployments, to more regions, than at any time in Canada's history. In each case, you were the best Canada could offer. In every case, your effort brought positive results.

And now you find yourself in Afghanistan – a country in need. Under extremely difficult conditions – and against unseen enemies – you are helping a nation to rebuild.

I am deeply impressed by your contribution. But I am vividly conscious of the dangers you face. This September 11th, rockets fell on your camps.

You have already paid a terrible price with the loss of your friends and comrades, Sergeant Short and Corporal Beerenfenger who were killed on October 2 only a few kilometres from this place. We will not forget their sacrifice on behalf of peace and security for this torn country. We mourn them still and remain firm in our resolve to help rebuild Afghanistan so that this country will never more be a victim of terrorists and extremism.

It is a complex task. Afghanistan is a proud nation with a long history and an immensely rich culture. In 25 years of invasion, civil war and extremism, the Afghans have lost more than any of us can comprehend. Today, we and the rest of the international community are here to make up for lost time.

By establishing peace and security, you are also providing the ground work for humanitarian assistance and development programs that will help Afghanistan rebuild its economic, political and judicial institutions.

Canada alone is spending $250 million over two years on development assistance for Afghanistan. Hundreds of Canadians are here helping rebuild as advisors and experts, doctors and nurses, engineers and pilots.

You must take pride in the fact that the work you are doing and your sacrifices, are making a difference toward improving the quality of life of the Afghan people. The peace you have helped establish is bringing four million children, including one million girls, to school this fall – the most in Afghan history. That is indeed an accomplishment.

Your work here is based on the broadest possible partnership with the Afghan people and with the international community as a whole including the UN, NATO, and various international organizations. When I met with President Karzai in Ottawa three weeks ago he stressed how much the Afghan people genuinely welcome your presence.

Only by deepening this connection will we rid Kabul of heavy weapons not yet under government control. We will launch efforts to disarm Afghan militia forces. And we will see a new constitution adopted and elections held.

You are patrolling Kabul with vigilance and care. You are helping Afghans assume the burden of security. You are also involved in a number of projects, such as digging wells and repairing buildings. I understand that liaison with political, social and religious leaders is helping to ensure that our operations respect religious, ethnic, and cultural sensitivities.

Major General Leslie has distinguished himself as the Deputy Commander of the International Security Assistance Force. Another Canadian, Lieutenant General Hillier, will take command in the next year. I have no doubt that with their leadership and your outstanding efforts, our mission here will be a success.

You must remember that your work has far-reaching effects. By bringing peace and stability to Kabul and Afghanistan, you do much to bring peace and security to the region. And ultimately, we will all benefit.

Thank you once again for your courage, your professionalism, and your resolve.

Thank you very much.

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