The Green Party of Canada (GPC) through a local Ottawa group is sponsoring a panel discussion event at Saint Paul’s University in Ottawa, on 2 Feb 2010, on the subject of Afghanistan and Canada with prominent former and current members of the diplomatic, military, and academic communities. GPC believed that Canadian grassroots’ involvement and interest in international affairs will bring informed voices to help the present Government to bring a balanced resolution to the region. The future of our current national participation in the Afghanistan conflict is a subject of national concern and the opportunity for concerned people to engage in dialogue will contribute greatly to Canada ensuring that our way ahead is constructive and contributes to regional peace.

“2010 and 2011 are important decision years to Canada in this conflict and we have an opportunity to reassess and reorient our role and participation in this conflict, hopefully towards a more constructive humanitarian and peace building contribution,” says Paul Maillet, a retired Colonel, one of the sponsors of the event. “Canada has abandoned certain hard won peacekeeping traditions and values , now is time to reconsider the advantages of better focusing Canada’s role in terms of neutrality, diplomacy, development, governance strengthening and relief of suffering activity.  The importance of strengthening governance to deal with corruption, violence and protecting human rights is a critical role Canada can play.  Reorienting military involvement away from war fighting to protection and national force training functions is the new focus. Canada has two Nobel Peace prizes for peacekeeping that must be reclaimed.  This is important as our government evolves foreign affairs priorities and allocates scarce funding and resources.”

Participants will be encouraged to play a valuable role to facilitate a values based dialogue.  In a small way, the panel event hopes to provide a safe space for dialogue.

The panellists includes His Excellency Jawed Ludin - Ambassador of Afghanistan to Canada; His Excellency Howar M. Ziad - Ambassador of Iraq to Canada; Professor Akbar Manoussi – Specialist in Middle East and Iranian Affairs. Professor Carleton University; Dr. Naser Islam – Specialist in Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs.  Professor University of Ottawa; Dr. Nipa Banerjee - Head of Canada’s Aid Program in Kabul 2003-2006. and Professor University of Ottawa; and Paul Maillet, Colonel (retired) -  Former Director of Defence Ethics, Department of National Defence.

The group believes they do not need to wait to be elected to begin the process of making a difference in those areas in which they have experience and expertise.  The Green Party represents nearly a million Canadians who voted and asked for Green values and voice in the Canadian political fabric.  It is time for action for a positive difference.

For further information, contact:

Akbar Manoussi
akbar@manoussi.ca
613-851-3019 (t)
www.manoussi.ca

Paul Maillet
pmaillet@magma.ca
613-841-9216 (t)
613-866-2503 (c)
paulmailletgreenpartyorleans.wordpress.com