Parliament To Vote On Extending Afghan Mission Mandate

The German government has decided to ask lawmakers to extend its military mission in Afghanistan for another year, reports Deutsche Welle.

Parliament is expected to approve the proposal by the Cabinet.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said the government could begin reducing the size of the mission, currently about 4,600, by the end of the year.

The complete withdrawal of German combat troops is expected by 2014, Westerwelle said.