Fischer Rallies The Troops In Afghanistan

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer flew into the northern town of Kunduz in Afghanistan for a one-day trip on Tuesday, where he visited the provincial governor and some of the 300 German peacekeeping troops posted there. Later he was scheduled to meet President Hamid Karzai for talks in the capital Kabul. Fischer praised the work of the German team in promoting stability and development in Afghanistan and expressed confidence that parliamentary and presidential elections would take place in September. Expanding security outside the capital Kabul is seen as vital for ensuring that voting goes ahead. Earlier this year, NATO approved expansion of the peace-keeping force, but member countries have been reluctant to send troops.