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By THOMAS RIETIG Associated Press Writer the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of an official announcement, said merkel's cabinet agreed wednesday to extend the country's nato-led mission to Afghanistan for another 12 to 18 months. BERLIN (AP) A source close to Chancellor Angela Merkel's government says Germany will extend its mission to Afghanistan for another year. The decision requires parliamentary approval.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of an official announcement, said Merkel's Cabinet agreed Wednesday to extend the country's NATO-led mission to Afghanistan for another 12 to 18 months.

An official announcement was expected later in the day.

Germany currently has more than 4,000 troops in Afghanistan under a mandate set to expire in December. The source said the new mandate would maintain the current troop limit of 4,500.

The source says the government also will extend missions to fight piracy off the coast of Africa and patrol the Lebanese coastline.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-18-09 0346CST | save this article / add to your favorites list