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Budapest: The United States called on Nato allies on Thursday to allow the alliance to attack the Afghan opium trade, which it said was bringing the Taliban up to $80 million a year.
Nato's operations commander, General John Craddock, has asked the 26 Nato countries for authority to attack laboratories, trafficking networks and drug lords to stem a trade helping to finance a worsening Taliban insurgency.
Germany and several other Nato states are wary of extending the role of the Nato mission, whose long-term aim is to create conditions for Afghans to take over responsibility for their own security.
Some are concerned it could worsen the violence and might cause civilian casualties that could turn Afghans against foreign forces.
Proponents of the plan argue it is essential if Nato is to reduce violence in the longer term, and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the drugs trade was bringing the Taliban $60-$80 million a year.
"We need to have the opportunity to go after drug lords and drug laboratories and try and interrupt this flow of cash," he told reporters as Nato defence ministers met to discuss the issue in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
Diplomats say extending the Nato role to target the drugs trade would require unanimous agreement but see the possibility of a compromise if countries are allowed to opt in to the fight.
The United States has urged allies to send extra troops to Afghanistan. Commanders of the 50,700-strong Nato force are seeking up to 12,000 more, but European member states have been reluctant to commit additional numbers.
Gates nevertheless said he saw a clear willingness on the part of allies to prolong their Afghan commitment and added: "Several nations have announced increased troop levels for Afghanistan as well as extending their commitment."
On Tuesday, Germany agreed to increase the German force in Afghanistan by 1,000 to 4,500. But Berlin has long resisted Washington's calls to send troops to the insurgent-troubled south.
Washington has urged countries in southeastern Europe, including aspiring NATO members, to send more troops.
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