Canada hopes U.S. won't pull Afghan troops to Iraq: minister

Canada's Defense Minister Gordon O' Connor on Friday reacted to the U.S. plan to increase troops to Iraq by saying he hopes President George Bush won't redeploy any troops from Afghanistan to Iraq.

During a speech in the eastern port city of Halifax, he said he does not object to U.S. President George W. Bush's plan to send 21, 500 more troops to Iraq, provided it does not mean the Americans " draw any troops from Afghanistan to reinforce Iraq."

O'Connor also said he is not aware of any U.S. resources leaving Afghanistan to participate in Iraq.

Canada has 2300 troops in southern Afghanistan, which is engaged in NATO-led war against Taliban insurgents. Canada has urged other NATO members to send more troops to ensure success in the battle.

Source: Xinhua