Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu (file photo) (AFP)
June 29, 2006 -- Romanian President Traian Basescu said today his prime minister's proposal to withdraw Romanian troops from Iraq is "unacceptable" and that Romania must respect its international commitments.
Earlier in the day, Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu asked the defense minister to draw up a plan for the withdrawal from Iraq of Romania's 890 troops.
Tariceanu said high casualties and the cost of maintaining the troops could no longer be ignored.
Basescu heads Romania's Supreme Council for Defense, whose approval is needed for any withdrawal.
(AP, Mediafax)
RFE/RL Iraq Report
RFE/RL Iraq Report