NATO soldier in Afghanistan (file photo) (RFE/RL)
9 December 2005 -- Afghanistan has welcomed NATO's decision to expand its stabilization force.
Alliance foreign ministers decided on 8 December that in 2006 they would add up to 6,000 personnel to the 9,000 troops in the NATO-led stabilization force.
They also agreed to expand into the south of Afghanistan.
Speaking on 9 December, Defense Ministry spokesman Zahir Azimi welcomed the move, saying it would boost security and allow U.S. troops to concentrate more on fighting the Taliban-led insurgency in the country.
(Reuters)
RFE/RL Afghanistan Report
RFE/RL Afghanistan Report
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