NZ committed to Afghanistan for another year

New Zealand's military commitment to Afghanistan has been rolled over for another year, Prime Minister John Key announced today.

The previous government decided in November 2007 to continue the deployment for one year to September 30, 2009.

"Cabinet has decided to extend that commitment by a year to the end of September 2010 at an estimated cost of $41.5 million," Mr Key said.

"The situation in Afghanistan requires an ongoing international programme of security and development assistance to the government of Afghanistan."

Mr Key confirmed yesterday that New Zealand had not been asked to increase its commitment.

President Barack Obama last week authorised an additional 17,000 troops for Afghanistan, including more than 12,000 combat forces, to counter an increasingly fierce Taliban insurgency.

United States Defence Secretary Robert Gates said he would ask Nato allies for a short-term increase in troops to provide security for elections due in August.

New Zealand's commitment includes:

* Deployment of the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) of up to 140 Defence Force personnel in Bamyan Province;

* Deployment of up to five NZDF personnel to various operational headquarters in Afghanistan;

* One military officer with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan;

* Up to two medical specialists serving in the south of Afghanistan; and

* Up to two NZDF NCOs working with the UK to provide training for the Afghan National Army.

The Bamyan PRT has been praised for its work and Mr Key said its presence was highly valued by the Afghanistan government and the International Security Assistance Force.

-NZPA