Crunch time
January 21, 2011
The extension of the German military mission in Afghanistan provided a hot topic of debate in parliament on Friday, after a week of embarrassing headlines for the defense ministry.
The government’s plans to keep around 5,000 members of the German military, the Bundeswehr, in Afghanistan for a further year is expected to pass in next Friday’s vote.
However, following awkward media revelations of soldiers’ letters being opened, an alleged mutiny aboard a naval vessel and the circumstances of the death of a Bundeswehr soldier in Afghanistan, the German government worked hard to present a united front.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told parliament, the Bundestag, that "in 2011 no one wants to be staying in Afghanistan permanently." He said Germany would do all it could to ensure a withdrawal from the country, as soon as it is securely possible.
For the first time, a provisional date for withdrawal has been named, with a gradual reduction of troops on the ground expected to start later this year.
Defense Minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, also appealed to the Bundestag to approve the extension of the mandate, but reiterated that the Bundeswehr should not withdraw too soon from Afghanistan and overwhelm the fledgling Afghan security forces.
"I completely share [Westerwelle's] view that this year we can start with a fresh outlook," Guttenberg said. "It is logical that we withdraw, but only when the situation allows it."
Week of media pressure
Guttenberg has come under scrutiny and criticism in recent days for his handling of the defense department.
His office was accused of mishandling information on the death of a soldier last month, when it emerged he had been killed by the gun of a comrade. On Friday, Guttenberg said he has "nothing to reproach myself for" regarding the death, and insisted he had correctly informed the public the following day.
Earlier in the week, rumors of a mutiny following a fatal accident on the navy's training ship 'Gorch Fock' led Berlin to recall the vessel to port in Argentina, where it was sailing. Additionally, Guttenberg has come under fire over claims that soldiers' post to their families was being "systematically" tampered with.
Chancellor Angela Merkel stood by her defense minister, who is a popular figure within the government and with voters.
Merkel was "certain this excellent defense minister, who takes his responsibility towards the soldiers just as seriously as his duty to the parliament and public, will achieve his duties," her spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
More aid workers
During the parliament session, Development Minister Dirk Niebel also added his weight behind the German mission in Afghanistan.
He said Germany would increase the number of aid workers in the region from 800 to 2,500.
Niebel said "a great deal has improved in Afghanistan," citing economic growth, improved medical facilities and better education prospects.
Germany is the third-largest provider of development aid, after the United States and Japan.
Between 2010 and 2013, Germany has pledged an annual 430 million euros ($582 million) for Afghanistan.
Author: Catherine Bolsover (dpa/Reuters/AFP)
Editor: Rob Turner