German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere (C) speaks with Markus Kneip, Commander of the northern commando of the German army, as he visits a memorial for slain soldiers at the German army's base in Mazar-i-Sharif March 26, 2011. This is de Maiziere's first trip to Afghanistan since becomming defence minister. REUTERS/Michael Kappeler/Pool (AFGHANISTAN - Tags: MILITARY POLITICS)