Romania Isn’t Deploying More Troops In Afghanistan To Make Nice With U.S. – President

The Romanian president refuted claims according to which the country's decision to deploy additional troops is a means of "getting on Washington's good side", adding the only responsible choice was to push for the completion of the military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Basescu explained that the high-risk status of the area currently under Romanian supervision called for an increase in number of troops. According to Basescu, the infrastructure of Zabul is pivotal in providing troops and adjacent areas with supplies.

The president also said an increase in military personnel would not imply an increase in number of missions, but would stand as a means to protect those already deployed.

Basescu acknowledged the inevitable material and human losses involved in all military efforts, but also stressed the importance of establishing Romania as a dependable NATO member.

Romania currently has 1,020 troops in Afghanistan, under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the United States' Enduring Freedom operation.

The country's highest defense body recently decided to deploy 600 more troops this year.

Since 2002, 12 Romanian troops were killed during military operations in Afghanistan and 52 were injured.

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