Minister talks about military in conflicts

BERLIN, June 6 (UPI) -- Germany's defense minister says the country's military may have to act if conflicts develop in areas where they are currently deployed.

Peter Struck told the Focus magazine in an interview that Germany's armed forces may be asked to consider missions beyond their current peace-keeping and stabilization mandate if conflicts develop in countries where these forces are stationed, the Deutsche Welle reported Monday.

German soldiers should be in the position to "carry out peace enforcement missions anywhere in the world" in support of Germany's allies, he said. For example, he hinted the army could be asked to play a stronger role in Africa.

"For those of us who were born after the war this is an unfavorable idea but we must be realistic," he said. "It is possible that we will consider going to other countries and separate warring parties by military means."

About 6,500 German soldiers are posted outside of Germany, mostly in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina.