A+ A-

Norway''s decision makers sound bleak on future in Afghanistan

OSLO, Nov 6 (KUNA) -- Senior Norwegian officials have cautioned against possible expansion of the role of national troops serving in Afghanistan.
Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen along with his military Chief, Sverre Diesen, in statements published on Tuesday, expressed worries regarding the negative consequences of expanding the mission of the Norwegian military force that participates in the Multi-National Forces in Afghanistan (ISAF).
Around 260 Norwegian soldiers along with German and Latvian forces serving with the ISAF are currently engaged in heavy clashes in northern Afghanistan in pursuit of Taliban fighters for control the of rugged area.
Even though the Norwegian force has not lost any soldier during these combat operations, decision makers in the ministry of defense feel pessimistic about the conditions there.
The Norwegian military predict that possible expansion of logistics and support missions would warrant increasing the number of military forces in the short term. (end) dbs.mb KUNA 061200 Nov 07NNNN