Afghanistan ? The chief of Canadian forces in Afghanistan, Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard, has been relieved following allegations of an inappropriate relationship, the Canadian military said today.

Canadian Col. Simon Hetherington said Menard’s dismissal would not have an impact on the Canadian mission in southern Afghanistan, where NATO forces are fighting the Taliban. A major campaign is planned in and around Kandahar city in the coming months.

“Operations continue unabated,” said Hetherington, acting commander.

The colonel said Lt. Gen. Marc Lessard, commander of Canadian forces abroad, had relieved Menard of his command because of an “alleged inappropriate personal relationship.”

Hetherington gave no further details. An investigation was under way.