Berlin, Oct 24: The German Parliament voted today to widen the mandate of Bundeswehr troops in Afghanistan and allow the deployment of international peacekeepers outside the capital Kabul for the first time. The decision will see between 230 and 450 soldiers deployed to the region around the northern city of Kunduz.

An advance contingent of about 20 soldiers was expected to leave the western German city of cologne to head to Kunduz within hours of the vote. The troops will provide security for civilian reconstruction teams, ensure stability in the build-up to next year's elections and oversee disarmament of former combatants.

Last week, the UN Security Council authorised the International Security Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) to deploy into the provinces. Bureau Report