Australian troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014

Australian troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 | EUTimes.net:
"Australia currently has around 1,500 soldiers in Afghanistan, most of them based in Uruzgan Province. At least 40 Australian soldiers have been killed since the 2001 US-led invasion of the country.
The remarks come a week after Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott used a surprise visit to Afghanistan to declare the end of his country’s involvement in the Afghan war. He attended a ceremony marking the end of Australia’s involvement in the war.
“Sweet because hundreds of soldiers will be home for Christmas. Bitter because not all Australian families have had their sons, fathers and partners return,” Abbott said at the main base of Tarin Kot on October 29, adding, “Australia’s longest war is ending, not with victory, not with defeat, but with, we hope, an Afghanistan that’s better for our presence here.”"