Although the Danish government has hitherto declined to set a date for the withdrawal of Danish soldiers from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller (Cons) is satisfied that the United States plans to begin withdrawal in 2011.

“I fundamentally agree with President Obama’s time perspective for our common endeavours. We apply the pressure now in order to be able to reduce our presence and begin the transition to Afghan defence, which eventually will bring us home,” says Stig Møller.

During his speech last night President Obama said that the United States will be increasing its presence over the next 18 months by some 30,000 troops, after which a phased withdrawal will begin. Extra American troops are to be put in theatre in Helmand, where the majority of Denmark’s 750 troops are currently stationed, as well as in the southeastern border region with Pakistan.

July 2011 is a good date
“It is clear that a significant and rapid increase in the military presence is temporary and must have a time perspective. It is, therefore, reasonable that Obama sets July 2011 as the point in time at which a reduction in American troops will begin,” Stig Møller says.

He adds that the American strategy is in accordance with that outlined by the Danish political parties of the Afghanistan agreement.

“In our 2008-2012 strategy we have also focused on Afghanistan taking on more responsibility for security in 2011,” Per Stig Møller says.