German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has asked parliament to approve the dispatch of about four-thousand troops to help the U-S-led anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has asked parliament to approve the dispatch of about four-thousand troops to help the U-S-led anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan.
In a speech today (Thursday), Mr. Schroeder said approval will show Germany's reliability as an ally.
He told parliament Germany had greatly benefited from its membership in NATO during the Cold War. He said solidarity in an alliance can not be a one-way street.
However, Mr. Schroeder stressed that German air force jets would not take part in strikes on Afghanistan and soldiers would not serve as ground troops there.
He said German participation will include special forces, medical evacuation personnel, planes and other military equipment.
Parliament is expected to vote on the measure next week. If approved it would be the first time German troops would be deployed outside Europe since World War Two.