2006 Press Releases

Statement on Slovak Government Announcement to Withdraw Troops from Iraq

Bratislava, October 18, 2006

We understand that the Government of Slovakia has decided to withdraw its troops from Iraq at the conclusion of the current troop rotation in February 2007. This comes as no surprise - Prime Minister Fico made clear during his recent campaign that he intended to do so. The Government of Slovakia consulted with us and with the Iraqi government about their decision. We greatly appreciate the contribution Slovak troops have made to security and stability in Iraq, and welcome Prime Minister Fico's statement that Slovakia will consider police and de-mining training in Iraq. In its program document, the Government of the Slovak Republic declares its interest to "further continue contributing to the strengthening of stability and democracy in Iraq," We look to future cooperation in support of Iraq's young democracy.