Government to discuss Afghanistan withdrawal

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The withdrawal of New Zealand Special Air Service (SAS) troops from Afghanistan will be on cabinet's agenda in the coming weeks, says Prime Minister John Key.

Mr Key said the issue of a time frame for troops staying in Afghanistan was raised during last week's visit from British Defence Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox.

"I talked to them and said we were considering that matter and that cabinet would have a view on that in the early part of the year," Mr Key said this afternoon.

"We'd all like to exit as soon as we can. It's a matter of working our way through and making sure we preserve the work that we've done there, and hopefully deliver a more stable environment in Afghanistan."

Mr Key said the British ministers had expressed their appreciation for the work the SAS was doing there.

"Given the commitment of resources that the British have there, of course they would want us to stay there longer, that's a natural position for them to adopt. But, in the end, they recognise it's for New Zealand to make that decision."

- NZPA