I. Conclusion

This was a productive quarter in our Afghanistan engagement, despite adverse security conditions. Signature projects progressed. The Canadian Forces reoriented operations to better combat the insurgency, and to make the most of opportunities created by new deployments of U.S. forces and development specialists. And we worked with Afghan and international partners, including the United Nations and NATO, to enhance the security and credibility of Afghanistan’s summer elections.

We have pursued these and other elements of our Afghan mission with a steady resolve—to contribute to Afghanistan’s future as a better governed, more peaceful and more secure country. This is a costly commitment, subject to danger, difficulty and uncertain outcomes. Afghanistan remains a very poor country undergoing complex counter-insurgency warfare. But we have set focused Canadian priorities and organized our military and civilian efforts for measurable results by 2011. With realistic objectives, in a broad international partnership, we are fulfilling Canada’s commitment.