Reports: Australia to withdraw troops from Afghanistan earlier than expected

[MindMover]

Source: CNN

(CNN) -- Australia will pull out its more than 1,500 troops from Afghanistan ahead of schedule, according to reports citing upcoming remarks from the nation's prime minister.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to detail Australia's expedited troop withdrawal strategy, as well as the nation's plans to continue to assist in Afghanistan, during a speech set to begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday (11 p.m. ET Monday).

According to news outlets that have gotten highlights of her prepared remarks -- including The Australian and The Daily Telegraph -- Gillard will say, "When this is complete, Australia's commitment in Afghanistan will look very different to that we have today.

President Karzai: We're ready to defend our nation
"We will have completed our training and mentoring mission with the 4th Brigade. We will no longer be conducting routine frontline operations with the Afghan National Security Forces. The Australian-led Provincial will have completed its work, and the majority of our troops will have returned home," Gillard is expected to say.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/16/world/asia/australia-afghanistan-troops/index.html

[marble falls]

1. G*d bless the Aussies, and here's a prayer the rest of us follow them out.