Posted on 04/10/2007 11:22:42 AM PDT by lizol
Poland changes course in Iraq
10.04.2007
Defence minister Aleksander Szczyglo has said the changes to the character of Poland’s mission in Iraq has been been imperative.
The more active military approach taken by the Polish command in the central-south stabilization zone is the outcome of protracted rocket attacks on the camp in Diwaniya.
The Polish counteraction is to throw back the aggressive rebel groups providing better security for the Polish contingent as well as local population. At the same time, minister Szczyglo assured there is no need to increase Polish military presence in Iraq.
Commenting on the recent change of Polish commanders there, the MOD head said this has been the result of a flexible approach to the latest developments in Iraq. He also repeated an appeal to Polish companies for greater investments in Iraq, which he considered a promising market.
Speaking on Afghanistan, the Polish defence minister assured the role of Polish troops there will not be to impose any given system or values on the country and its inhabitants.
The aim of the Polish military mission is to create conditions for a peaceful functioning of Afghanistan, where people can lead a normal life.
Minister Szczyglo described the challenge as carrying a great risk factor and much different in character than the continuing mission in Iraq. He put stress on the fight against the Afghan narcotics business, which is responsible for trafficking a large part of the illegal trade to Europe, including Poland.
Minister Szczyglo said knowledge about such facts would enable Polish society to better understand the motives behind Polish presence in Afghanistan.
If you can't win you can at least be politically correct, eh?
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