Ottawa, Canada – Canadas decision to stay in Afghanistan past 2011 wont go unnoticed in either the United States or around the world, according to U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman.

The longtime American political veteran offered his heartfelt thanks to Canada Monday for the Canadian governments recent decision to keep about 1,000 Canadian Forces personnel in Afghanistan until 2014 to help train the Afghan army.

Lieberman, a Democrat Connecticut senator since 1988, praised Prime Minister Stephen Harpers decision as a principled one, not made as the result of a public opinion poll.

I understand how politically difficult it is to sustain support for this fight in Afghanistan. I also understand how people naturally become weary of war, but I want to emphasize to you how important Canadas contribution has been, and how grateful the people of the United States are that you will continue to be there with us in a training role, Lieberman said. It matters to us. It matters to the people of Afghanistan.

Lieberman was speaking in Ottawa at the annual forum of Kollel of Ottawa, a Jewish education centre.

He acknowledged Canadian casualties have been disproportionate.

(But) their determined efforts have been absolutely essential to keeping us safe back here at home … as well as to protect the human rights of millions of innocent people who are threatened by the most mid-evil kind of Islamist barbarism, he told the crowd of several hundred at the Government Conference Centre. As one American senator speaking, I think on behalf of a bipartisan majority of members of Congress and certainly the president of the United States, I thank you for your principled commitment to a future Afghanistan that reflects the rule of law and gives its people a chance to live as we do in a democratic country.

The senator, the first Jewish candidate ever on a serious presidential ticket (Al Gores in 2000), also warned the crowd about Irans nuclear program and how it must be stopped at all costs, even militarily if necessary, and also praised Harper for his unwavering support of Israel.

Joining Lieberman at the event were Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, Government House leader John Baird, House Speaker Peter Milliken, Harpers Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Poilievre, and Conservative Senator Hugh Segal, among other government representatives.

Lieberman joked he was going to move to Canada where senators serve for life.

Can you imagine that? the four-time elected senator joked. I like the sound of that, and they call you honourable, too.

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(Source: Toronto Star)