Duelling briefings on Afstan: The government vs. Steve Staples et al .

A topic at Milnet.ca:

It'll be interesting to see how MSM covers these events (CF vs Staples & Co.) in Ottawa today. It's also interesting to see military officials happy to speak on the record with their names attached to the quotes, while CIDA and DFAIT are happy to talk, but generically and not on camera (see highlighted area).

Technical Briefing on Afghanistan

On Thursday, February 14, 2008, government officials will hold a technical briefing to provide an update on Canada's activities in Afghanistan.

Lt.-Gen. Michel Gauthier, Commander Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, will provide an on-the-record statement on Canada's military contribution to the international mission in Afghanistan. This will be followed by an on-the-record presentation on operational security by Brig.-Gen. Peter Atkinson, Director General Operations, Strategic Joint Staff.

Representatives from the Canadian International Development Agency and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada will also be present during the briefing (not for cameras; attribution to senior government official).

Event: Technical briefing (open to media only)
Date: February 14, 2008
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Location: Cadieux Auditorium
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario

Media Advisory - Afghanistan Government Advisor Urges Non-Military Solution to Conflict

OTTAWA, Feb. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Dr. Seddiq Weera, an Afghan-born, Canadian-educated diplomacy expert, will discuss the political situation in Afghanistan and the need for a non-military solution to the conflict. Dr. Weera is a leading expert on the prospect of a negotiated settlement to the Afghan conflict, and is an advisor to the Afghanistan Minister of Education, and Board Member of the Independent National Commission on Strengthening Peace in Afghanistan.

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For further information: Steven Staples, Rideau Institute, t. (613)
565-9449 x. 24, c. (613) 290-2695