Hungarian soldiers in Afghanistan extend stay

Hungarian forces posted in Afghanistan will stay longer than initially planned, reports fn.hu. The Hungarian peacekeeping force dispatched to Afghanistan in October 2006 comprises 190 soldiers and six civilians engaged in rebuilding the northern region of the country, Baglan. They were to return home September 30, 2008.

The Hungarian government has decided to extend the mission despite increasing resentment among Afghans toward foreign soldiers. However, hostility is found mainly in the more dangerous southern regions.

The request to extend the mission came from Defense Minister Imre Szekeres who wants to ensure completion of civilian projects initiated by Hungary. The force has been tasked with stabilizing the area, providing humanitarian services and coordinating rebuilding projects. Szekeres arrived in Afghanistan Thursday to review Hungarian civilian projects in Baglan.

While the government is yet to make an official announcement, the decision is considered final because it Parliamentary approval is not required, according to fn.hu. It remains unclear how much longer Hungarian forces will remain in Afghanistan.

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