Germany's Greens are demanding amendments to the country's pledge of troops to the US-led war in Afghanistan.

Germany's Greens - the junior partner in Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's ruling coalition - are demanding amendments to the country's pledge of troops to the US-led war in Afghanistan. They are calling for the length of the deployment to be cut from 12 to six months and want more details on the proposed location of the 3,900 troops and the tasks they will carry out. The cabinet - made up of Green and Social Democrat ministers - has already approved the military commitment but parliament will vote on it next week. The Greens have their roots in the pacifist movement and have deep misgivings about joining the US campaign. About one-third of their deputies are set to vote against the parliamentary motion to despatch the troops - a move which, analysts say, could put their coalition with the Social Democrats under threat. The Greens want to meet Mr Schroeder in the next few days to push for amendements to the motion.