Merkel faces down Afghanistan criticism

Article reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel hit back on 8 September 2009 at international condemnation of a deadly airstrike ordered by a German forces in Afghanistan on 4 September. In a statement to parliament, she made clear she would resist mounting public pressure for a quick withdrawal of German forces.

ESO: Background information: Opposition pressures Merkel on Afghan role http://www.europeansources.info/record/opposition-pressures-merkel-on-afghan-role/

ESO: Background information: German forces ordered Nato airstrike http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-forces-ordered-nato-airstrike/

BBC News, 8.9.09: Merkel regrets Afghan raid deaths http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8243669.stm

Deutsche Welle, 7.9.09: Merkel warns against "premature judgments" over Afghan airstrike http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4649788,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 8.9.09: Merkel Hits Back at NATO Criticism of Air Strike http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,647679,00.html

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