* Dutch military unions oppose mission extension 

Two of the three Dutch military unions are opposed to extending the
mission to Afghanistan which ends in August 2008. One of the unions
said it would agree to an extension if the military receives an
additional 400 million euros a year to replace equipment and hire
additional personnel.
The unions argue that the mission puts too great a strain on defence
personnel and that materiel wears out very fast in Afghanistan. The
cabinet is expected to take a decision soon.