SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Parliament does not need to vote on an extension of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan to 2014.

At his news conference following meetings of the G20 leaders here, Harper said that he does not need the approval of Parliament to extend the mission in Afghanistan because it will be a training mission not involving combat.

“My position is, if you are going to put troops into combat, into a war situation, I do think, for the sake of legitimacy. . . the government does require the support of Parliament. But when we’re talking simply about technical or training missions, I think that is something the executive can do on its own,” he told reporters.

After several days of silence on the matter, Harper confirmed Thursday that Canadian troops would remain in Afghanistan past the 2011 withdrawal date to train that country’s local military, saying he made the decision reluctantly. He also said he had been under some pressure from Canada’s NATO allies to continue in a combat role.

Ottawa has not provided details of the training mission, but reports have said Canada is considering sending 600 to 1,000 troops to Kabul until 2014.

Harper noted, however, that the Liberals have indicated that they favour a training mission.

“If they have any specific ideas they want to share, I’m not resistant to having debates on that matter in the House of Commons,” Harper added.

With files from The Canadian Press

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