Gates seeks to calm tensions with Germany over Afghanistan

[unhappycamper]

Gates seeks to calm tensions with Germany over Afghanistan
Reuters / February 10, 2008

MUNICH - Defense Secretary Robert Gates sought to soothe tensions with Germany over NATO's Afghan mission yesterday, saying relations would not suffer if Berlin did not provide more troops.

Germany reiterated it had no plans to boost troop levels despite US pressure, denying a magazine report to the contrary.

Gates has pressed Berlin and other allies to provide more troops and other resources for the 43,000-strong NATO force battling Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The pressure has caused problems for the German government, as it tries to maintain good relations with Washington but faces broad opposition to the Afghan mission among voters.

"Any additional numbers from any country are most appreciated," Gates told reporters at a security conference in Munich. "Maybe some will be able to help. It certainly will not be seen as a negative in our bilateral relations if some are not able to do more."

Earlier, Germany's Der Spiegel weekly said the government was planning to expand the number of soldiers it would send to Afghanistan by 1,000 to 4,500 and broaden its base of operations from the north to the west. The magazine said Chancellor Angela Merkel planned to make the proposal at a NATO summit in April.


Article at: http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2008/02/10/gates_seeks_to_calm_tensions_with_germany_over_afghanistan/