Spain to Send 1,100 Troops to Middle East

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, March 22, 2003

Spain to Send 1,100 Troops to Middle East

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo announced on Friday that his government had agreed to deploy 1,100 troops to the Middle East, including 868 on humanitarian service and 232 as a defense contingent.

At a press conference following the council of ministers, Trillo explained that the "initial authorization" for this operation was for three months, and the money came from the budgetfor "peace-keeping operations."

He added that the 232 combatant troops would join the crews of F-18 fighters participating in the defense mission of Turkey.

On the use of Spanish military bases by the United States, the minister repeated that every authorization granted by his government was supported by current United Nations resolutions.

He said the use of such facilities had been requested by the US troops, in particular those involved in the air surveillance over northern and southern Iraq.

Questions?Comments? Click here

US Launches Large-scale Attack, Iraqi Army Division Surrenders

>> Full Coverage

The US Must Not Put Pressure On the UN ( 3 Messages)

Saddam Vows to Globalize War if Attacked ( 5 Messages)

China's Z11 Helicopters Get Green Light for Civilian Use ( 5 Messages)

New Premier Comes from Grass Roots ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes War can be Avoided: FM ( 3 Messages)