The governing coalition in the Netherlands is deeply divided over the Dutch mission in Afghanistan, a sharp debate in the lower house on Wednesday has revealed.

The Christian Union, junior partner in the three-member coalition, tabled a motion seconded by coalition partner Labour calling for an end to the mission by 2010. Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, heading the Christian Democrats, the third coalition partner, advised against the motion. A vote over the motion is due later this week, and most of the opposition parties have already pledged their support, making it likely the motion will be passed.

The cabinet can ignore the motion if it is adopted and decide to extend Dutch participation in the international military mission in Afghanistan after 2010. The wording of the motion, however, suggests that such a step would prompt a motion of no confidence in the cabinet.

The debate was called after remarks made by Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen on commercial station BNR Radio. Having said two years ago that all Dutch forces would have left Afghanistan by 2010, he retraced his steps and declared that the option of staying longer was still open. He apologised to parliament for the confusion his remarks may have caused, but did not withdraw them and opposed "a ban on changing one's mind".

So far, the government has not received any request from its allies in the Afghan mission to commit troops after 2010.

Problems ahead for Dutch Afghan mission (ANP Photo)