[Mb-civic] CBC News - CANADIANS SURVEY KANDAHAR FOR NEW MISSION

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CANADIANS SURVEY KANDAHAR FOR NEW MISSION
WebPosted Sun Aug  7 11:39:07 2005

---Canadian soldiers have begun patrolling the streets of Kandahar,
getting to know the Afghan city before taking on their new mission in the
southern provinces.

Some of the soldiers travelled through the streets on Saturday, in a
convoy led by American soldiers, who know the area well. Soon, the
Canadians, now riding as passengers, will be on their own.

"It's a bit overwhelming at first when you have a look out there and see
the potential for danger everywhere," said Pvt. Steve Price.

At one point during the trek, a riderless mule cart crossed in front of
them and the convoy veered away at high speed, fearing it could be
carrying a bomb.

The 250-member provincial reconstruction team, or PRT, arrived in the
country late last month.

Gen. Rick Hiller, Canada's chief of defence staff, has said the mission
could involve combat for the 150 soldiers on the team.

They'll work with soldiers from other NATO countries on security and
reconstruction efforts in southern Afghanistan.

"This is a long-term commitment and Canadians must understand that," said
their commander, Col. Steve Bowes.

"It doesn't mean it's a long-term military commitment, but what it means
is it's a long-term international engagement to put Afghanistan back on
the right foot.

Security is so poor that the region will likely need outside military
help for many years to come, Bowes said.

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