Surprise visit
June 18, 2011
German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere made a surprise visit to German troops in Afghanistan on Friday, two weeks after a series of attacks killed four German soldiers and wounded 12.
De Maiziere visited the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, at their headquarters in Mazar-i-Sharif, as well as a group in Kunduz province, where the majority of German soldiers are stationed. He was briefed on planning operations in the area and spoke to soldiers about the Bundeswehr reform plans, according to the Defense Ministry.
"I ask you to actively join in the reorientation of the Bundeswehr - and not because you have to, but because you want to," he told troops. "An important part of this plan is to positively change our mentality and way of thinking."
De Maiziere presented his tweaked version of the reform of the Bundeswehr last May, decreasing the size of the military from 220,000 soldiers to between 175,000 and 185,000. However he would increase the number of soldiers reserved for foreign service from 7,000 to 10,000.
'Unvarnished view'
It was the minister's second troop visit to Afghanistan since taking office in March. In contrast to his first visit, de Maiziere declined to allow the media to follow him.
"I came here today without an escort, without the press, to get an unvarnished view of the situation," he said.
De Maiziere's predecessor, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, was criticized by the opposition for sensationalizing his visits to Afghanistan with the media. Last December he traveled to Afghanistan with his wife, Stefanie, and a media team including famous television host Johannes Kerner.
Three attacks on German troops took place within nine days in late May and early June. At mourning ceremonies for the fallen soldiers, de Maiziere said "terrorists must never be allowed to have the final word."
Author: Andrew Bowen (dpa, dapd)
Editor: Catherine Bolsover