She recalled how difficult it was in 2001 to take the original decision to deploy troops. Today, though, the aim remains unchanged – to prevent the re-emergence of a hotbed for terrorism.
International community needs clear agreements
The Afghanistan conference in London will now decide on the success or failure of the mission in Afghanistan, announced the Chancellor. The aim is to hand over responsibility for the country to the Afghan side, step by step.
The Chancellor refused, however, to set a precise date for the withdrawal of the Federal Armed Forces. This would, she said, be. "counterproductive and wrong”. She supports the goal of the Afghan side to be in a position to ensure the country’s security independently by 2014. It would then be conceivable to start drawing down troops as of 2011, said Angela Merkel.
Details of the Afghanistan strategy
- The training of the Afghan army is an important goal of the German engagement.
Along with their Afghan opposite numbers, German troops will be ensuring the protection of the Afghan population in the north of the country. To this end, another 500 soldiers will be needed. On top of this, 350 soldiers will form a "flexible” reserve, which will respond to special situations. The German contingent currently numbers 4,500.
- Stepping up police training: To this end the number of instructors deployed will be increased from 123 to 200.
- The funds for civilian reconstruction are to be almost doubled. Until 2013 a total of 430 million euros will be earmarked every year to build new roads and schools, and for other projects
- Germany is prepared to pay 10 million euros a year into an international reintegration fund. Over a five year period the German input would total 50 million euros. The fund would help anti-government fighters who lay down their weapons to become reintegrated into civilian life.
German government extends its apologies for the airstrike
The Chancellor apologised for the airstrike under the command of a German officer, in which innocent civilians lost their lives on 4 September 2009 in Kunduz.
"The German government very much regrets this incident and mourns every innocent victim,” declared Angela Merkel.
