Berlin to withdraw hundreds of troops from Afghanistan by early 2013
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Nov 10, IRNA -- Germany is to pull out almost 1,000 soldiers from Afghanistan by early 2013, the German Press Agency dpa reported here Thursday.
It cited a joint letter written by German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Defense Minister Thomas de Maziere in which they proposed to the heads of the parliamentary factions a gradual troop reduction in Afghanistan over the nex two years.
As part of the German plan, the number of troops are to be lowered from the present 5,350 to 4,900 soldiers by early next year.
Furthermore, an additional 500 German troops are to be withdrawn from Afghanistan by early 2013.
The German cabinet is likely to decide on a new mandate in December followed by the parliament in January.
Berlin hopes to conclude the pullout of its combat troops by 2014, depending on the overall Afghan security situation.
Germany has deployed around 5,350 troops in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
Dozens of German soldiers have reportedly been killed and hundreds more injured in Afghanistan since the start of the western war in that country in late 2001.
Most Germans are deeply opposed to the controversial Afghan military mission.
A broad majority of Germans are sceptical on prospects for a military success in Afghanistan, according to a recent survey.
Some 70 percent of Germans don't believe that the NATO-led military operation can be successful.
Meanwhile, some 68 percent of Germans say their country should not have participated in the 10-year-old western military mission in Afghanistan.
Only 23 percent of Germans approve the deployment of German troops in the war-ravaged country.
OT**1412
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30656969
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