ArmenPress
Jan 17 2005
ARMENIA SENDS TROOPS TO IRAQ ON JANUARY 18
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS: A 46-member unit of Armenian
non-combat troops are leaving for Iraq on January 18 to join US-led
multinational force there. Seyran Shahsuvarian, a spokesman for the
defense ministry, told Armenpress that Armenia will dispatch three
doctors, three officers, ten demining experts and 30 military truck
drivers. The decision was sanctioned by the Armenian parliament late
last month, despite strong protests by Armenia’s opposition forces.
An opinion poll released earlier in December revealed also that the
overwhelming majority of Armenians were likewise against the
deployment.
The Armenian troops will be placed under the command of Polish
contingent and all relevant expenses, including Armenian personnel’s
salaries will be paid by the US and Poland.
Armenian servicemen will wear blue berets to underline that their
mission is of “humanitarian” nature. Armenian defense minister said
earlier that the contingent will not take part in combat operations.