http://televisionwashington.com/floater_article1.aspx?lang=en&t=3&id=15835
U.S. Department of Defense November 20, 2009 US, German military chiefs discuss Afghanistan Washington: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates held talks with Germany’s new defense minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, on Thursday, with Afghanistan topping the agenda. Speaking after a 45-minute meeting at the Pentagon, the German defense minister said that his country’s commitment regarding Afghanistan “is firm”. Germany, which has more than 4,000 troops in Afghanistan, is the third-largest troop contributor to the international coalition there. Germany’s government is expected to extend the mandate for its participating in the international military mission in Afghanistan for another year in December. Guttenberg said that his country would maintain its current troop numbers in Afghanistan. Both countries agreed to work closely together on “common challenges we face as close allies, particularly in Afghanistan”, said Gates. The two men also discussed Iran and nuclear non-proliferation. Guttenberg said that Berlin was awaiting US President Barack Obama’s decision regarding the way ahead in Afghanistan. The president is expected to announce his decision within weeks. Guttenberg also said that Germany expected actions, and not just words, from the Afghan government about bringing order to the country and fighting corruption. =========================== Stop NATO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stopnato Blog site: http://rickrozoff.wordpress.com/ To subscribe, send an e-mail to: [email protected] or [email protected] Daily digest option available. ==============================
