Dutch Defence Minister Eimert van Middelkoop says the decision by the military trade union AFMP to call for a public discussion of the Dutch mission in Afghanistan does not befit a trade union. He says the decision to station troops in Afghanistan received ample consideration and was a responsible one.

Earlier today, AFMP chairman Wim van den Burg said an extension of the Uruzgan mission after 2010 is not an option as far as the union is concerned. The AFMP is one of the largest military trade unions and is a member of the Dutch Federation of Trade Unions, FNV.

He said the general feeling was that Dutch troops should not help an Afghan government which has flaunted the international rule of law by passing misogynistic legislation, supports controversial warlords and restricts the freedom of the press.

Deputy Defence Minister Jack de Vries says he regards it as incomprehensible and improper that the military trade union AFMP is publicly discussing the Dutch mission in Afghanistan. The deputy minister said now is the time when Dutch troops need all the support they can get. Two other military trade unions, ACOM and VMB/NOV criticised the AFMP's call for a public discussion. They say that trade unions should not get involved in politics.
 

Defence Minister Eimert van Middelkoop
Photo by ANP