Estonia looking to extend Iraq mission until end-2007

Team Infidel

Forum Spin Doctor
Media: The Associated Press
Byline:
Date: 21 September 2006

TALLINN, Estonia_Estonia's government will propose extending the mandate of its troops serving in Iraq until the end of 2007, officials said Thursday.
Approval for the extension of the 34 Estonian soldiers stationed in Iraq must be given by the Riigikogu, or parliament. The current mandate expires at the end of this year.
The Estonian contingent would not exceed 40 soldiers, the government press office said in a statement.
"The security situation in Iraq has not stabilized to such extent that withdrawal of the troops is possible in the near term," the statement said.
The Baltic state of 1.3 million, which joined the European Union and NATO in 2004, has been a staunch supporter of the U.S.-led mission in Iraq. Estonia's troops, mostly infantry, serve alongside a U.S. contingent in Baghdad. Two Estonian soldiers have been killed while carrying out policing duties in Iraq.
 
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