By DPA,
Amsterdam : Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has said his government would consider a possible US request for a new Dutch contribution to the International Security and Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Speaking in a late night Dutch television show Thursday, Balkenende said US president-elect Barack Obama’s advisors have given indications the US might ask the country to maintain their military presence in Afghanistan after the current Dutch mission ends in August 2010.
Obama has already indicated on several occasions he will send more US troops to Afghanistan.
It is widely expected the US is going to request the European Union (EU) countries to strengthen their participation in ISAF as well.
A total of 1,200 Dutch troops have been stationed in Afghanistan as part of ISAF since March 2006.
The Dutch military are mainly located in the southern province of Uruzghan, with some troops being deployed in Kandahar and Kabul.