We've got to see a state where the Afghan government can handle its own day-to-day security.

I'll believe it the day I see it.

You know, a soap opera - you watch it every day, and nothing changes,

Each and every day I will assure you of one thing -- I will dedicate myself to making Canada more united, stronger, more prosperous and a safer country.

In this context, given our common values and the political, economic and security interests that we share with the United States, there is now no more important foreign policy interest for Canada than maintaining the ability to exercise effective influence in Washington so as to advance unique Canadian policy objectives.

We should have been there shoulder to shoulder with our allies. Our concern is the instability of our government as an ally. We are playing again with national and global security matters.