MPs make surprise visit to Afghanistan
Updated Mon. Apr. 2 2007 7:56 AM ET CTV.ca News Staff
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Three MPs, including Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, made a surprise visit to Afghanistan Monday on a trip that is expected to focus on ways to improve the Afghan National Police.
Day is accompanied by Treasury Board President Vic Toews and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Helena Guergis.
"The ministers' portfolios all have interest in Afghanistan," said CTV's Paul Workman from Kandahar Air Field.
Workman said Day will use the trip to discuss ways to help build up the numbers and competence of the Afghan National Police -- a unit that has been plagued by corruption.
"We're told he's going to be here talking about policing and there will likely be an announcement for increased funding for police in Afghanistan," said Workman.
"There may be more money to bring over RCMP officers for training."
Workman said building up the police force is essential to bettering the security in the region.
"The other two ministers will be dealing with issues in their portfolios -- meetings with World Bank officials in Kabul for example," said Workman.
The ministers will also visit the Provincial Reconstruction Team in downtown Kandahar, confirmed Workman.
As usual, a large team has been compiled to ensure the safety of the ministers.
"Security is always a big concern when you have ministers visiting a base like this," said Workman.
More on link
Updated Mon. Apr. 2 2007 7:56 AM ET CTV.ca News Staff
Article Link
Three MPs, including Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, made a surprise visit to Afghanistan Monday on a trip that is expected to focus on ways to improve the Afghan National Police.
Day is accompanied by Treasury Board President Vic Toews and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Helena Guergis.
"The ministers' portfolios all have interest in Afghanistan," said CTV's Paul Workman from Kandahar Air Field.
Workman said Day will use the trip to discuss ways to help build up the numbers and competence of the Afghan National Police -- a unit that has been plagued by corruption.
"We're told he's going to be here talking about policing and there will likely be an announcement for increased funding for police in Afghanistan," said Workman.
"There may be more money to bring over RCMP officers for training."
Workman said building up the police force is essential to bettering the security in the region.
"The other two ministers will be dealing with issues in their portfolios -- meetings with World Bank officials in Kabul for example," said Workman.
The ministers will also visit the Provincial Reconstruction Team in downtown Kandahar, confirmed Workman.
As usual, a large team has been compiled to ensure the safety of the ministers.
"Security is always a big concern when you have ministers visiting a base like this," said Workman.
More on link
