New Zealand to send special forces to Afghanistan-PM
WELLINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - New Zealand will send a detachment of elite special forces to Afghanistan, Prime Minister John Key said on Monday.
About 70 members of the country's Special Air Service would be deployed for up to 18 months, Key said, although he would not comment on the specifics of where the troops would serve or what their role would be.
"New Zealand has a direct and vital interest in supporting international efforts to eradicate terrorism, and promote peace and stability," Key said in a statement.
As part of a wider review, New Zealand's 140-member provincial reconstruction team in Bamyan province would be gradually reduced over the medium term, with an increased civilian effort in the areas of agriculture, health and education.
The reconstruction team in Bamyan, west of Kabul, is made up of soldiers.
New Zealand's SAS has had three tours of duty in Afghanistan, the last in 2006, and the United States had asked for their return.
In addition Key said the government would appoint a diplomatic representative to Afghanistan, instead of having New Zealand representation run from neighbouring Iran.
(Editing by Dean Yates)
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