Fiji troops for Iraq

29/06/2011

Since December 2004, Fiji has been committing Peacekeeping troops to Iraq. The calls made by the United Nations to assist the Government of Iraq in dialogue and national reconciliation, elections, regional dialogue, support to refugees and internally displaced persons, economic and social policy, support and advice has been ongoing.

To ensure security transition after the withdrawl of the United States Forces by December 2011,  request has been made for Fiji to provide additional troops to assist the United Nations in its security measure.

Cabinet has today endorsed the immediate deployment of 55 additional troops to Iraq, bringing a total strength to 278 all ranks.

Also, on 7 June 2011, the Government of Azerbaijan presented to his Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau the sum of $25,000 USD to assist Fijian troops in the Rest and Recuperation Centre in Jordan.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to world peace and reiterates its willingness to provide troops for peacekeeping.

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