Following the decision taken at the North-Atlantic Council at Ambassadorial level to temporarily suspend the NATO Training Iraqi Mission because of the increased tensions from the Middle East, the Ministry of National Defence took the necessary measures to stop the training and counseling missions conducted by the Romanian soldiers deployed in Iraq.

Thus, the 14 Romanian soldiers deployed in mission to Iraq will be temporarily relocated into another base of the Coalition forces.

The missions of the Romanian soldiers focused on the training of the Iraqi military instructors, counseling the officials from the Iraqi Defence Ministry and the other institutions with responsibilities in the reformation of the defence sector and the increase of the readiness level of the Iraqi Armed forces.

Romania's decision is taken in full accordance with the Allied position expressed within yesterday's reunion and, based on the evolution of the situation in the area, the Romanian soldiers are ready to resume their missions.

Romania stays fully committed to the fight against international terrorism, both in Allied format and beside their partners within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The Press Office