German envoy summoned over embassy closure

KABUL following the closure of German Embassy in Kabul over security concerns. 

Berlin reportedly shut down its embassy in Kabul four days ago after the country’s secret service — the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) — warned of a possible risk of an insurgent attack on the diplomatic mission.

But the MoI dismissed the fears as groundless in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the German envoy to Kabul had been summoned and asked to provide details about the threat.

Interior Minister Mohammad Omar Daudzai had met Germany’s ambassador to Kabul, Rüdiger König, following the embassy closure, the statement said.

“We reject as incorrect the information which led to the closure of German embassy. This information is far from true,” the MoI statement quoted Daudzai as saying.

He said Afghan security forces had been able to protect foreign embassies in Afghanistan and had the capacity to ward off any threats. “There should be no concern in this connection.”

In response, König praised Afghan forces for their efforts at ensuring security for their embassy, believing Afghan National Police (ANP) had the ability to deal with any untoward situation.    

A major troop contributor to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Germany has some 4,400 soldiers largely stationed in the country’s north. Of them, so far 53 troops have been killed over the past 12 years.

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