Army instructors to Afghanistan

Spain's Parliament yesterday approved sending 52 soldiers to serve as instructors to the Afghan army, adding to a contingent already in Afghanistan. The conservative opposition backed the Socialist government's request in a parliamentary Defence...

Spain's Parliament yesterday approved sending 52 soldiers to serve as instructors to the Afghan army, adding to a contingent already in Afghanistan.

The conservative opposition backed the Socialist government's request in a parliamentary Defence Committee vote which came one day after two Spanish soldiers were killed when their vehicle was hit by a bomb in Afghanistan.

The move came to heed a call for assistance from Nato.

But United Left, a small party which usually supports the government, voted against sending the troops.

Spain's Parliament has authorised the government to send up to 690 soldiers to Afghanistan.

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