Demonstrators calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan rallied Saturday in the German city of Bonn, where the future of the war-torn country is due to be discussed, dpa reported.
Some 4,000 police officers monitored the demonstration, which came hours before a civil society meeting was to take place. The demonstrators said they expected several thousand to join them on a march to the city centre.
The main conference session on Monday, which is to be addressed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, will bring together 85 countries and 16 international organizations.
Karzai arrived in Germany Friday and held talks with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.
The Bonn conference is to focus on the transfer of security responsibilities to and assistance for the Afghan government after NATO ends its mission in 2014, peace talks with the Taliban, economic development, and long-term regional stability.
...