Protect our troops

Gillard’s demand during surprise visit to Afghanistan

JULIA Gillard has demanded a personal assurance from Afghan President Hamid Karzai that ‘‘everything that can be done will be done’’ to prevent further insider attacks against Australian troops.

Australia is also insisting on anti-corruption measures as it plans a $100 million-ayear aid program while Afghanistan prepares to take over security control from international forces in 2014.

In a flying visit to Afghan- istan yesterday, the Prime Minister met Mr Karzai and the head of the International Security Assistance Force, Gen. John Allen, in Kabul before flying to Tarin Kowt.

There, she addressed hundreds of Australian soldiers.

Ms Gillard said troop morale was strong despite the August attack that left three Diggers dead at the hand of a man wearing an Afghan soldier’s uniform.

ISAF deputy deputy chief of staff of operations Brig. Roger Noble said the international forces believed they were putting the pieces in place to give the Afghans an opportunity for the future and the mission had built a strong foundation.

‘‘Do we think it will be perfect and without risk into the future? No,’’ he said.

The confidence comes despite organisations such as the International Red Cross being more pessimistic.

Ms Gillard said she wanted to be ‘‘in country’’ to discuss the transition in security responsibility to Afghan forces.

She said her talks with Gen. Allen and Mr Karzai suggested Afghanistan was ready to take over security leadership in 2014.

Ms Gillard said Afghanistan was a very poor country and it was clear Australia would have an ongoing role.

In a surprise visit to the troops at their base in Tarin Kowt, in Oruzgan province, Ms Gillard linked their mission to the fight against terrorism sparked by the deaths of more than 100 Australians killed since the September 11, 2001, attack on the US.

The PM praised Australia’s soldiers for sticking to their mission despite the August attack by an Afghan insider that killed three Diggers.

Ms Gillard told the troops that confronting ‘‘the loss of some of your mates’’ was one of the really big things they had to confront.

‘‘One reason I’m here today is just to say a big thank-you to you on behalf of the Australian nation for everything you do,’’ she said.

Ms Gillard said the people of Australia were full of ‘‘admiration for the way you kept going even when it’s been really, really tough’’.