Australian troops in Afghanistan for 'long haul', says PM Rudd
Posted: 12 November 2009 1135 hrs

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KABUL: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave assurances his troops were in Afghanistan for the long haul as he met the top US and NATO commander during a surprise visit.

Rudd made the comments to Australian forces in the country's south after talks with US General Stanley McChrystal, who is pushing for an Iraq-style "surge" in troop numbers to combat a resurgent Taliban.

"We in Australia are here for the long haul. We from Australia will remain for the long haul," Rudd told the troops on Wednesday, before laying a wreath and observing a short silence for Remembrance Day.

McChrystal flew to the Australian base in Uruzgan province for talks with Rudd, defence chief Angus Houston and Defence Minister John Faulkner, who has said he is looking for ways to complete operation as quickly as possible.

Australia has about 1,550 troops in Afghanistan, making it the ninth biggest contributor of international forces fighting the hardline Islamists who were forced from power in 2001.

McChrystal has warned the war could be lost within a year without a dramatic boost in troop numbers, urging US President Barack Obama to send some 40,000 reinforcements.

According to a spokesman, Rudd reminded McChrystal that Australia raised its troop commitment by 40 per cent this year. The US general declined to speak to international media at the Tarin Kowt base.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said separately that Australia had not been asked to send more troops and was "not entertaining or proposing" to increase numbers.

"We haven't received a request to donate a further contribution and we're not anticipating one," Smith told Sky News. "That's because we regard our contribution as appropriate."

Rudd also spoke by telephone with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and congratulated him on his re-election after turbulent polls marked by fraud.

However, Rudd urged the US-backed leader to use his victory to crack down on corruption and cronyism which has eroded his support and contributed to growing doubts about the war effort from abroad.

Australia has lost 11 troops in Afghanistan, with Rudd, whose predecessor John Howard initially committed the forces, admitting in July that the war is unpopular among voters.

"Their legacy will strengthen us in the present and for the future," he told the ceremony. "Their sacrifice was so we will prevail over the enemy."

Rudd made the visit en route to New Delhi, where he will discuss attacks on Indian students which have strained relations between the two countries.


- AFP/so