Germany to extend Afghanistan mission another year

Germany will extend its mission in Afghanistan for another year, the government said Wednesday, despite the growing unpopularity of the war at home.

The decision requires parliamentary approval, which is expected before the current mandate expires in Dec. 13. Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition enjoys a comfortable majority in parliament.

The mission to Afghanistan has become increasingly unpopular with Germans. More than 30 soldiers have been killed as Taliban militants have become more entrenched in the north of the country where German soldiers serve in the NATO-led force.

But the government has not come under significant pressure to pull out. All the main political parties, including most of the opposition, support keeping German troops in the country.

More than 4,000 troops are serving in Afghanistan under a mandate that limits their number to no more than 4,500. The government said in a statement that limit would remain unchanged and the troops would be predominantly stationed in northern
Afghanistan.

"The new German government stands behind Germany's international responsibility," Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle told reporters after the Cabinet agreed to extend the mission for an additional 12 months.

"Our partners should know that our country remains a reliable partner for peace and security in the world," Westerwelle said.