Oda praises controversial Afghan governor

Canadian Press

KANDAHAR — International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda is singing the praises of Kandahar's controversial governor.

Ms. Oda, who today became the first cabinet minister to attend a news conference in Kandahar city, says Asadullah Khalid remains a good partner for Canada in Afghanistan.

Ms. Oda travelled through the perilous city via military convoy to inaugurate a new Department of Literacy building, aimed at reducing the province's high adult illiteracy rate.

Canada pledged $1.4 million to the program last February.

Ms. Oda toured the facility with Mr. Khalid, who later heaped praise on Canada's efforts and sacrifices in Kandahar province.

He says Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier's call for his replacement last week, which was later retracted, was a “misunderstanding.”