October 14, 2007	Sunday	Shawwal 1, 1428

OTTAWA, Oct 13: Ottawa has set up an ‘independent panel’ to advise government on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan where its 71 soldiers have died since 2002.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in an official statement here on Friday that the panel’s role would be to advise on options for the mission after its current mandate ends in February, 2009.

“I am pleased to announce the formation of an independent panel of eminent Canadians who will consider our options and provide expert non-partisan advice that will help parliamentarians make our decision,” said the Prime Minister.

According to political analysts here, the creation of the panel is a clear indication that Ottawa has no intention to keep its troops in Afghanistan beyond Feb 2009.

Chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, the panel will examine the following four main options, while not excluding others:

1. Continue training the Afghan army and police so Canada can begin withdrawing its forces in February 2009;

2. Focus on reconstruction and have forces from another country take over security in Kandahar;

3. Shift Canadian security and reconstruction effort to another region in Afghanistan;

4. Withdraw all Canadian military except a minimal force to protect aid workers and diplomats.The panel, which is to report to the prime minister and the Canadian public at the end of January 2008, is expected to conduct its deliberations while keeping in mind the sacrifices Canadians have made to date in Afghanistan, the potential for deterioration in security and development, Canada’s obligations to Nato and the United Nations, and the implications for Canada’s international reputation. In addition to Manley, the panel includes former federal Cabinet Minister Jake Epp, former Clerk of the Privy Council Paul Tellier, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States Derek Burney, and Pamela Wallin, former Canadian Consul General in New York City .

“These individuals represent a wealth of experience in foreign affairs and each one of them has demonstrated their commitment to Canada through years of public service,” said Prime Minister Harper.