Announcement Coincides With Additional U.S. Training Commitment
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgian Embassy in Washington
today confirmed that the country is dramatically increasing its troop presence
in Iraq from 159 to 850.
The new troops will be dispatched to defend United Nations facilities and
personnel in advance of Iraq's January elections.
"Having trained together for the past several years, Georgian forces are
completely interoperable with U.S. troops. Our expanded deployment will help
protect the international presence and will support the American and coalition
forces," said Levan Mikeladze, Georgia's ambassador to the United States.
"This commitment is just another example of our partnership with the United
States and the international community."
Georgia has long been involved in the U.S.-led war on global terrorism. A
country of less than five million people, Georgia is one of the leading per
capita contributors to international operations with troops in Iraq,
Afghanistan and Kosovo.
"Georgians have felt the pain of terrorism, so we truly understand the
importance of this global effort," said Ambassador Mikeladze. "Our young
democracy is proud to help the Iraqis taste true freedom."
Coinciding with the increase in Georgian troops, the embassy also
confirmed the United States is launching a new military assistance program for
Georgian forces. The Sustainment and Stability Operations Program (SSOP) will
help Georgia sustain its expanded military operations in Iraq.
The United States allocated $64 million to help Georgia train about 2,400
troops in 2002-04 under the Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP). GTEP was
highly successful in modernizing and professionalizing Georgia forces. It also
solidified the relationship between the U.S. military and the Georgian
military, allowing the two countries to deploy and operate together in a
seamless fashion.
For additional information, please contact Mr. Irakli Jgenti at the
Georgian embassy at 202-387-9151
SOURCE Embassy of Georgia
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Related links:
http://www.georgiaemb.org
CONTACT:
Mr. Irakli Jgenti of the Embassy of Georgia,
+1-202-387-9151
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