Germany's Merkel resists calls to deploy troops to south Afghanistan

Now this is a classic politician.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday Germany would continue to focus its military efforts on northern Afghanistan, despite calls for its forces to move into the insurgency-hit south. Germany is, however, ready to help out in the south if necessary, where other countries are under pressure, Merkel said during a surprise one-day visit [emphasis mine].

Please either define the meaning of "help out" or explain why you didn't contradict yourself in two sentence. Thank you.

Via The Signs.