Albanian army contingent leaves for Iraq

TIRANA, March 16 – A ceremony was held Friday when 120-member Albanian army unit left for the country’s ninth troop rotation in Iraq, replacing soldiers who have served there since October, according to the Defense Ministry. The army unit serves in Iraq under U.S.-led command in a non-combat role, mainly patrolling the airport in the Iraqi city of Mosul. Vice Defense Minister Petrit Karabina, Vice U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Stephan Cristina and other top military officials were present at the ceremony held at Zall Herr army base near capital, Tirana.
“Participation in these operations is n indicator of our military capacities to take part and contribute in preserving peace and security in the world,” said Karabina. He also said that albania would continue to take part in operations in Bosnia, Afganisatan and Iraq.
Cristina highly evaluated Albania’s contribution in the fight against terrorism in the world and its participation in the mission, expressing Washington’s belief that Tirana would continue to be part of the mission in Iraq.
Albania, a predominantly Muslim country, strongly backed the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Although it was unable to provide significant military support, it opened its airspace and offered U.S.-led forces the use of its bases. The tiny Balkan country, which is hoping to be invited in 2008 to join NATO, also has peacekeeping contingents in Bosnia and Afghanistan.