Georgian Troops To Take Charge Of Security In Iraqi Governorate
May 30, 2007
Georgia is increasing its troop presence in Iraq (file photo) (epa)
Speaking in an exclusive interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, Kezerashvili said the mission will differ from that of Georgian troops currently stationed in the city of Ba'qubah.
"I would not say that the province of Wasit is more dangerous than the place where the Georgian troops are currently deployed -- the city of Ba'qubah [50 kilometers northeast of Baghdad] -- Ba'qubah is one of the hot spots in Iraq," Kezerashvili said. "But the task of our troops in Ba'qubah is different. There they have only to guard a base and a bridge; they do not have to patrol there."
Smuggling Patrol
Kezerashvili explained that the patrols in Wasit are intended in part to control arms smuggling.
"There is certain information available according to which weapons are smuggled from Iran into Iraq via this [Wasit] province and currently there is no reaction to this," he said. "But the Georgian soldiers will have to react to this, which means that a certain level of tension will be triggered."
Georgia plans to increase its presence in Iraq from its current level of 850 troops to 2,000.
(RFE/RL's Georgian Service)