Cabinet Extends Aghanistan Mission

The Social Democratic-Green cabinet has approved an extension of the German military mission in Afghanistan by one year. In its first meeting after Sunday's inconclusive parliamentary vote, the cabinet also voted to extend the mandate for further participation in the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Sudan by six months, if parliament gives its approval. Defense Minister Peter Struck praised the Bundeswehr, which is one part of the international ISAF force in Afghanistan, as being a stabilizing force in the country. The presence of peacekeepers has helped ensure that Afghanistan is no longer a breeding ground for international terrorism, said Struck. The German parliament, in its pre-election form, will come together for a special session to make the final decision involving the extension. An overwhelming vote of approval is expected. Besides the time extension, it is expected that troop levels will be raised from 2,250 to 3,000 and the mission area will be expanded.