The Press Office of the Ministry of National Defense is mandated to make the following statement concerning the suggestion made by the Minister of National Defense to the Supreme Council of Defense of the Country on the Romanian forces retreat from Iraq, at the end of 2006 :

1. The Ministry of National Defense, according to the Law 42/2004, can make the suggestion to the Supreme Council of Defense of the Country, up to June 30 of each of the year, on the participation with forces and means in the international theaters of operations for the year to come.

2. All the assumed engagements within NATO will be observed. The military in NATO missions in Iraq will continue their mission and the Romanian Armed Forces will continue the training of the Iraqi forces of security.

3. The Romanian Armed Forces will continue their participation in the international coalition of fight against terrorism in Afghanistan within Enduring freedom operation, together with the US forces within ISAF and the teams of reconstruction of provinces.

4. After the decision taken by the Supreme Council of Defense of the Country the Romanian part will make all the necessary diligence to the partners with whom they are operating in Iraq to commonly establish the calendar of retreat up to the end of the year.

MoND Press Office