Fed: Rudd offers sympathy for killed soldier =7

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2008
Fed: Rudd offers sympathy for killed soldier =7

Mr Rudd said the level of risk for Australian forces was the "great hypothetical question".

"The nation needs to steel itself for higher casualties than we have had so far and
that's a reflection on heightened Taliban activity," he said.

"The Taliban continue to be assisted by I think ineffective strategies to deal with
the opium crop and the flow of revenue which occurs between the opium crop and Taliban
and through the al-Qaeda forces.

"That's why an integrated strategy dealing with military and civilian affairs is critical
if we are to have a prospect of success."

The government had no plans to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan, given Australia
is the largest contributor among non-NATO members, Mr Rudd said.

"The key thing is to make sure that other parties engage in effective burden sharing."

AAP pw/rl/jlw

KEYWORD: AFGHAN MARKS RUDD 7 CANBERRA

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