Group warns Germany and Austria to quit Afghanistan
Source: Reuters
(Adds Austrian reaction, quote, paragraphs 9-12) DUBAI, March 10 (Reuters) - An Islamist group called on Germany and Austria on Saturday to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan to prevent attacks against the two countries. "Why would you (Germany) want all this (economic interests) threatened for the sake of (U.S. President George W.) Bush and his band?" the Voice of the Khalifate said in a video posted on an Islamist Web site used by militants, including al Qaeda."Isn't it stupid to encourage the mujahideen to launch attacks in your country?" The speaker pointed out that Austria relied on tourism for an important part of its revenue, adding: "This situation would change if there is a security threat and Austria becomes a country targeted by the mujahideen." The tape also featured a portion of an old video of al Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri. It appeared on the same day, on the same Web site, as a video issued by a little-known militant group in Iraq which said it would kill two hostages, a German woman and her son, in 10 days unless Berlin withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. Germany opposed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq but has around 3,000 troops in Afghanistan as part of a NATO force stationed there since U.S.-led troops in 2001 toppled the Taliban, which had harboured al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. "Austria has no interest in such a war ... which is a war between the Mujahideen and America and whoever aligns itself with it," said the masked speaker on the Arabic-language Khalifate video, which carried German subtitles. "Do not destroy the security of a whole country for the sake of five soldiers you have sent to Afghanistan," said the speaker. "Decide quickly and withdraw your soldiers." In Vienna, a spokesman for Austria's defence minister said his country had just five officers in Afghanistan and was not planning to send more troops. "We are, of course, aware of the video message," said Stefan Hirsch, the minister's spokesman. "We have immediately arranged the maximum security precautions for our officers in Kabul ... (who) have been instructed not to leave the premises of the ... headquarters (of Nato-led forces)." In Berlin, the German foreign ministry declined to comment on the video. (Additional reporting by Karin Strohecker in Vienna, and Sabine Fiedler in Berlin)
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