Amid rising differences of opinion among NATO members over handling of the war in Afghanistan, Germany says NATO is not only on a combat mission but it also has to rebuild the war-torn country.

A defense ministry spokesperson said the German forces are part of a concerted reconstruction effort, which includes improving food security and helping to rebuild the security services in Afghanistan.

The spokesperson was reacting to criticism from the French foreign minister, Bernard Kouchner.

Bernard Kouchner has criticized Germany for not sharing more of the military burden. He reportedly urged Europe to formulate a common strategy, saying the current NATO policy in Afghanistan is not working at all.

Kouchner's outburst came as intense debate within the Obama administration about a new strategy for Afghanistan was underway.

Besides military fatalities, countless Afghan civilians have been killed and many others wounded during the eight-year-old occupation.

JR/MTM/DT