Foreign Minister Declined Interview on Afghanistan Study, Media Reports

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen refused an interview with researchers for a study on Denmark's engagement in Afghanistan, citing calendar constraints. The decision has drawn criticism from a war historian and a veterans' group.

Niels Vistisen, a war historian and former Afghanistan veteran, expressed disappointment, noting Rasmussen's tenure as prime minister during a critical period of the conflict. "That Lars Løkke Rasmussen – especially him – will not be interviewed is disappointing," Vistisen told Berlingske. "He was prime minister during a central period of the war in Afghanistan and was involved in making difficult political and military decisions."

The Danish Institute for International Studies (Diis) had requested the interview in May or June 2024, offering flexibility in scheduling. The Foreign Ministry, responding on behalf of Rasmussen, stated that an interview was not possible due to "calendar reasons." The ministry wished Diis "good luck with the further work on the study."

Carsten Rasmussen, chairman of Danske Veteraner (Danish Veterans), called the refusal a "lack of respect for Parliament." The Danish involvement in Afghanistan spanned from 2001 to 2021, with approximately 12,000 Danish soldiers and civilians deployed. A total of 44 Danes died during the mission.