Topic: Romania could soon withdraw some troops from Iraq, president says

Team Infidel

Media: The Associated Press
Byline:
Date: 30 August 2006


BUCHAREST, Romania_President Traian Basescu said Wednesday that Romania
could soon pull some of its troops from Iraq as the Iraqi government takes
over military control of a province where Romanian troops operate.

"Good news from Iraq," Basescu said at a meeting of diplomats in the
Romanian capital. "The Iraqi government has announced that, in maximum 45-60
days, it would take control of the Dhi Qar province."

Romania has a battalion of about 402 soldiers in that region, and a total of
628 troops in Iraq, according to the Defense Ministry.

Basescu said the partial withdrawal would be coordinated with coalition
allies, and that the troops would be brought home only if they were not
needed in other missions in Iraq, private news agency Mediafax reported.

Basescu is at odds with Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu over the
withdrawal, with Tariceanu calling for a total pullout from Iraq, citing the
high costs and operational risks. The president says Romania needs to keep
commitments made to its allies.

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