About Czech Republic to extend Iraq mission into 2007

Team Infidel

Media: The Associated Press
Byline:
Date: 04 October 2006


PRAGUE, Czech Republic_The Czech government proposed Wednesday extending the
country's 100-strong training mission in Iraq by one more year into 2007,
Foreign Minister Alexander Vondra said.

The Czech contingent is training Iraqi police forces near Basra and the
mission should continue throughout 2007, he told a news conference.

Vondra also said the government proposed increasing its contribution to the
NATO-led ISAF force in Afghanistan by about 90 personnel, raising the total
to 190 in 2007.

Czech soldiers are expected to control air traffic at the Kabul
international airport and protect reconstruction teams in the provinces.

Vondra also proposed sending up to 10 explosives experts to Lebanon as part
of the expanded U.N. force there.

The Czech Republic also has about 730 troops in the various peacekeeping
forces in the Balkans. Vondra said that contribution should also be
maintained in 2007.

All government proposals related to military missions abroad require
parliamentary approval.

---