Angela Merkel slams Biden for not getting evacuation extension
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Speaking to the German parliament on Wednesday Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany will leave Afghanistan on the planned August 31 deadline alongside the US and other coalition forces. But DW News anchor Phil Gayle raised the issue with Chancellor Merkel’s speech, questioning how she did not apologise for the chaos that has erupted in the country and at Kabul airport following the Taliban takeover despite admitting “we were wrong” about the speed of their takeover and pledging more support for Afghan’s beyond the deadline.
Chancellor Merkel told the German Parliament: “The end of the airlift which US president Joe Biden adhered to.
“Means that this will be the end of our efforts and that will mean supporting the Afghan staff that are even more desperate now than they were when the Taliban first took over and we must protect them.
She added: “This means we are working intensely in the days remaining to find ways to continue to help those who helped us to offer protection.
“Not least through civilian operations at the airport in Kabul but it is also about offering humanitarian support to those who need the help more than ever.”
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But as pointed out by DW News Anchor Phil Gayle, Ms Merkel failed to apologise for the Taliban’s rapid advance in the country while the Chancellor seemingly failed to condemn the group.
He said: “Despite admitting that quote ‘we were all wrong about the speed of the Taliban victory’, the Chancellor was in no mood to apologise!”
While DW News correspondent Michaela Küfner agreed with Mr Gayle’s comments.
She said: “She said that the initial aim had been achieved which was to prevent any terrorist attack to start from Afghanistan’s ground once again.
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“Although of course, we are heading into new territory altogether with IS already being reported to arrive at the scene.”
It comes as Ms Merkel has earmarked an estimated €600 million for humanitarian assistance in the country.
German military aircraft have so far rescued over 4,600 people including German citizens, including local “support staff” according to the German Defence Ministry.
Merkel said that Germany would still try to help Afghans who worked with its soldiers and aid organisations and wish to leave Afghanistan even after the deadline.
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She added: “The end of the air bridge in a few days must not mean the end of efforts to protect Afghan helpers and help those Afghans who have been left in a bigger emergency with the takeover of the Taliban.”
Chaos is mounting at Kabul airport as the deadline for evacuation looms amid growing pressure from the Taliban for western forces to leave, despite 2,000 Afghan’s still eligible to be evacuated by the U.K.
On Tuesday President Biden reaffirmed to the world that he intends to stick to the planned August 31 withdrawal deadline despite criticism from opponents and allies including the U.K. following a meeting of the G7 on Tuesday.
Boris Johnson warned the US decision to leave Afghanistan on August 31 will mean an end to evacuations from Kabul airport leaving thousands at the mercy of the Taliban.
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