- Title: CZECH REPUBLIC: Czech troops head for Iraq
- Date: 15th August 2007
- Summary: SOLDIERS SAYING GOOD BY TO RELATIVES IN FRONT OF THE ARMY BARRACKS IN ZATEC/ ONE SOLDIER KISSING HIS GIRLFRIEND GOODBYE
- Embargoed: 30th August 2007 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Czech Republic
- Country: Czech Republic
- Topics: International Relations,Defence / Military
- Reuters ID: LVA21MZKAD8JHNYX9OQPBYT2W88C
- Story Text: A new contingent of Czech troops is set to leave the country to replace Czech soldiers serving in Iraq.
Ninety-nine soldiers, including seven women, from the 41st Technical Battalion at the Zatec military base form the Third Contingent of the Czech Army will join the Multinational Forces in Basra, Iraq.
They were given a formal farewell at a ceremony at the base, attended by officials, military personnel and relatives.
Deputy Defence Minister Radek Smerda said the contingent's presence in Iraq would help bring stability to the war-torn country.
"Your mission is another step on the path to ending Iraq's association with dictatorship, war and terror, and to restoring prosperity and peace in Iraq," Smerda told soldiers at the ceremony.
"This is part of Czech support for the democratisation and peace process in Iraq, a country which has faced many problems throughout history," the deputy minister told Reuters during the ceremony.
The contingent's commander Pavel Rous said they had been preparing for their new assignment for the past year.
"Our training focused on anticipating possible events, based on the experiences of our previous contingents. We know the situation there is chaotic and dangerous, and I am sure we are well prepared for it," Rous said.
"Every one of us feels fear regarding this mission, including me.
But we are well prepared for our stay and we have to face it," said technical sergeant Jiri Lechman.
Relatives and close friends attended the ceremony and bid the troops farewell.
"I wish all of them all the best, especially a safe return home," said the mother of one of the soldiers.
Officials said the troops would leave for Iraq within the week, and stay in the Arab country for between three to six months.
The Czech Republic has had a military presence in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and has been especially active in training Iraqi police officers. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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