By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — Diplomatic operations have been suspended at the Canadian embassy in Afghanistan Global Affairs Minister Marc Garneau said Sunday.

“The situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving and poses serious challenges to our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission” Garneau said in a statement. “As always, our priority in these situations is ensuring the safety and security of Canadian personnel. They are now safely on their way back to Canada.”

Garneau says embassy operations will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering.

At a news conference Sunday where Trudeau called a federal election, he said Canada is prepared to welcome 20,000 Afghan refugees.

But when asked how and when that might be arranged with the embassy closed, Trudeau was vague.

“Obviously the security situation is extremely concerning on the ground and the protection of Canadians and our armed forces are top of mind,” he said. “But we continue to do the work on allowing an enabling people who have been there for Canadians, whether it’s interpreters, or drivers or security, or whatever, to make sure that they’re coming to safety.”
(Eagle News Service)