KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - The relatively small stature of Afghan soldiers is one of the reasons for the delay in getting Canadian weapons into their hands, a Canadian military officer said Tuesday.

"Afghan soldiers are a little shorter than Canadian soldiers, so you want a shorter butt stock on it," said Lt.-.Col. Wayne Eyre, the outgoing commander of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, which is responsible for training the Afghan National Army.

The modified C7 assault rifles will then be easier for Afghans to handle, said Eyre, who is being replaced by Lt.-Col. Stephane Lafaut of the Royal 22nd Regiment.

Ottawa promised earlier this year to supply Afghan soldiers with ammunition and C7 rifles.

Lafaut said the transfer of weapons is a lengthy process because it involves different technology and is subject to several international agreements.

The delivery delay has slowed the preparation of Afghan recruits and stalled their planned takeover of combat operations against the Taliban.