The Romanian soldiers from the 280th Infantry Battalion and the Military Police Company participating in Antica Babilonia operation are acting starting today, June 14, 2006 under the command of the Garibaldi Italian Brigade which took the responsibility in the area of operation in Dhi Qar province from Sassari Brigade.

The Romanian soldiers from the units subordinated to the Italian big unit, participated together with the Italian comrades and the soldiers from the Iraqi forces of security in the command receiving ceremony between the Brigade Generals Natalino Maddedu and Carmino De Pascale; the activity occurred in Mittica camp.

Army Corps General Fabrizio Castanieti, commander of the Joint Operative Command in Italy, present at this ceremony, expressed in his speech his satisfaction on the way the Romanian soldiers are fulfilling their mission.

We cooperate with the Romanian troops not only in Iraq but also in other theaters of operations where the Romanian and the Italian soldiers are acting shoulder to shoulder, sometime even sacrificing their life said Castanieti. The Italian General added that the 280th Infantry Battalion and the Military Police Company have stressing area of responsibility, but the Romanians'action is firm and determined and strengthened the local population belief in our role here, the ensuring of their protection.

The commander of Garibaldi Brigade, General De Pascale expressed the hope that in the future common actions they will stress on the humanitarian actions and reconstruction of Iraq, having in view the take over of the missions in this province by the Iraqi forces of security.

MoND Press Office