Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 14, 2007

Germany Urges Review in Wake of Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=17778B2:A6F02AD83191E160BCD11A2744DECE9B9574F7DCC14957C0 Last week, the
US-led coalition in Afghanistan confirmed that civilians were killed
during fighting with Taleban militants in southern Afghanistan Germany
is calling for a review of the tactics used by international forces in
Afghanistan after a series of civilian deaths in recent weeks.

German Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung told reporters Monday in
Brussels that the international community must make sure that future
operations do not result in civilian casualties. He said troops
serving in Afghanistan must not turn the local population against
them.

Last week, the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan confirmed that
civilians were killed during fighting with Taleban militants in
southern Afghanistan. But angry Afghans said a U.S. air strike killed
more than 40 villagers. A joint Afghan-U.S. team is investigating.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said civilian deaths are
unacceptable and has urged foreign troops to coordinate military
operations against Taleban insurgents with his government.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.


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