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It was the first time a senior Defense Department official to openly asked Korea for support in Afghanistan. With the situation in the war-torn country showing no signs of improvement, the U.S. has asked Korea to help since it withdrew troops. The U.S. has expressed disappointment with Seoul's failure to offer further support.

The official mentioned the political situation in Korea and the Taleban's abduction of Korean evangelicals in Afghanistan in 2007. As areas where support is needed, he cited reconstruction, peace-keeping, and the training of the Afghan Army.

A diplomatic source in Washington said since U.S. president-elect Barack Obama is giving priority to the Afghan War over the Iraq War, the Defense Department hopes that Korea will reach a decision quickly in time with Obama's inauguration in January.

(englishnews@chosun.com )