Romania Will Remain In Iraq As Long As The Allies Do – Romanian Pres

Romanian president Traian Basescu said Monday that Romania will continue its actions in Iraq until 2011 or until the allies leave this country, adding that "this should clarify any political debate on this matter."

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Basescu attended Monday a vide-conference with the Romanian troops involved in missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.

"We will maintain our activity in Iraq until 2011 or until our allies leave Iraq. This should clarify any political debate on this matter," the head of state said.

Basescu added the missions in which Romania will be involved alongside NATO in the future will be negotiated by the end of this year.

He mentioned however that he would like for these missions to remain as established. "My option is for the missions to remain unchanged, as well as the locations," the President said.

The Iraqi Parliament enacted Thursday the security agreement with the USA, which mentions that US troops will remain in the country until the end of 2011.

Romania received a letter from Iraq regarding the maintaining of military presence there. A new official invitation will be issued, stating the elements included in the future Romanian missions, which will regard assistance and advice, Romanian defense minister Teodor Melescanu told MEDIAFAX.

Romania has been contributing to international efforts to stabilize Iraq since 2003. Romania is currently participating in peacekeeping efforts in Iraq under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1790 of 2007, which is valid until December 31, 2008.

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