Norway won't commit to role in danger zone

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070926.NORWAY26/TPStory/TPInternational/Asia/

But PM has 'respect' for Canadian mission
ALAN FREEMAN

September 26, 2007

OTTAWA -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said he understands why Canadians feel they have been shouldering an unequal share of NATO casualties in Afghanistan, but he made no commitment to move Norway's 700 troops to the volatile southern part of the country.

"I understand that Canada feels that it had taken a big burden and we have respect for what Canada has done in Afghanistan," Mr. Stoltenberg said in an interview with The Globe and Mail, following a brief visit to the Muskoka region of Ontario yesterday.

However, he added, "Whether or not Norway is going to send troops to southern Afghanistan is something we haven't decided upon."

Like other NATO allies, the Norwegian leader encouraged Canada to remain in Afghanistan but would not be pinned down as to whether it should stick with its current combat mission in Kandahar. "Of course, we hope that Canada stays."

[fedupfisherman]

1. Not sure how I feel

If they have combat troops that can hurt the Taliban, maybe they should send them south.

[Spazito]

2. Wise man, he is listening to his public whereas....

harper, PM of Canada, is not.

[fedupfisherman]

3. Is that going to be a major issue in the Canadian elections?

Is having combat troops in Afghanistan an issue that will boot Harper from office?

Thanks

[Spazito]

4. Afghanistan is a BIG issue here

The majority of Canadians want the "combat" mission to end either immediately or, at the latest, in 2009 when our obligation to NATO re this ends. What is less clear, imo, is whether Canadians want our soldiers home immediately or to revert back to the original mission of peacekeeping and security in Afghanistan.

How bad it could be for harper is unclear because it was the previous Liberal government that changed the mission TO one of combat so they don't have much of a leg to stand on in criticizing the harper government.