Focus Afghanistan development on alternatives to illicit opium, says May

Ottawa (8 December 2006) – Canada’s role in Afghanistan must shift dramatically away from unbalanced military involvement and on to development and greater diplomatic efforts in order to achieve dialogue and lasting peace, said Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May. Ms. May went on to call for a strategic plan to address illicit opium production. “Growing poppies means survival for millions of Afghans. Canadian troops promised local farmers their crops would not be destroyed. The U.S. decision to ignore Canadian advice and eliminate poppy crops puts our troops at grave risk,” said Ms. May. “We need to start supporting alternatives that help the people of Afghanistan earn a decent living and achieve financial independence from drug lords and armed groups.” The Green Party supports recommendations by the Senlis Council – an international policy think-tank with offices in Kabul, London, Paris and Brussels – that Canada take the lead on implementing a comprehensive strategy to break the cycle of illicit poppy growing and violence that has kept Afghanistan in turmoil for decades. The Senlis Council recommends Canada help Afghanistan develop sustainable alternatives to poppy cultivation and investigate the feasibility of a controlled opium market to drive a wedge between farming communities and illegal heroin traffickers. The NGO recommends Canada avoid the increasing militarization of drug policy in Afghanistan. Green Party spokesperson for International Relations David Chernushenko drew attention to harsh poppy eradication policies, using herbicides with environmental and health risks, leaving devastating starvation and insecurity in Kandahar where Canada is singularly responsible. “The forced eradication of poppy crops is generating support for Taliban forces and fuelling anger against the Canadian Military,” he said. Since 2002, forty-four Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan, mostly around Kandahar where opium poppy farming is the main source of income. Ottawa’s response has been to increase military spending by $6 billion over the next four years. “The deployment of NATO troops is already a source of tension in Afghanistan,” said Mr. Chernushenko. “Heavy-handed tactics are only threatening the trust needed to gain support for Canada’s involvement in facilitating peace negotiations and alleviating poverty in the war-torn country.” - 30 - For more information: John Chenery 613-562-4916 ext. 227 416-452-6016 (cell)