Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas wants to continue withdrawing the Bundeswehr from Afghanistan.
However, this is not only in German hands, a decision by the USA is eagerly awaited.
Brussels - The Bundeswehr has been stationed in Afghanistan for around 19 years.
Most recently, around 10,000 soldiers from NATO countries and partner nations were on site to support the democratically elected government in training and advising security forces.
This could soon be over - under certain conditions.
The Bundeswehr could therefore withdraw its troops, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas emphasized: "But linked to the
peace negotiations and above all to the success of the peace negotiations".
The militant Islamist Taliban are currently negotiating with the government in Kabul for peace in the country.
"We do not want to risk the Taliban returning to violence and trying to come to power by military means by withdrawing from Afghanistan too early," said Maas on Tuesday at the start of a NATO meeting in Brussels.
Operation in Afghanistan: withdrawal of the armed forces depending on peace negotiations
The top priority of the SPD politician continues to be the stabilization of the country.
After around two decades of military service, Afghanistan should not be left as it would have been when it was found.
More than 1000 soldiers are currently stationed there.
The USA will be decisive for the further strategic orientation in Afghanistan.
The largest provider of troops has not yet clearly stated what the future of the NATO operation will look like.
On Tuesday (March 23), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out that Washington had not yet made a final decision.
However, it was agreed that Afghanistan should never again become a safe haven for terrorists who threatened the US or its allies.
Germany wants to withdraw from Afghanistan - but the US is setting the pace
The Trump administration, which had headed the US until January, had promised the Taliban that all foreign soldiers would be withdrawn.
This should be done by the end of April as part of the so-called Doha Agreement.
Donald Trump's goal was to persuade the terrorist group to hold peace talks.
The insurgents have already
threatened
new violence against
NATO troops if the deadline is not met.
According to the dpa news agency, the newly elected US President Joe Biden has already pointed out that a full withdrawal by May 1st will be "difficult".
According to Blinken, the USA will not go it alone.
The Allies went to Afghanistan together and would leave it again together.
A common line is also the goal of Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.
He hopes to be able to “talk specifically about how the next few weeks will look” with the USA on Tuesday.
List of rubric lists: © Sanaullah Seiam
