CSAT approved 600 more soldiers for Afghanistan

Romanian Country’s Supreme Defence Council (CSAT) approved on Thursday an additional 600 soldiers for the Afghan operation theatre. The maximum number can get to 1,798 troops, a Presidency report informs.

„CSAT approved 600 additional troops for the forces activating n the theatre of operations from Afghanistan; the maximum number can be 1798 soldiers. In 2010, the Romanian Army will be able to take part in missions outside the state’s borders with 3,753 soldiers, dislocated forces, 2,342 soldiers, and forces dislocated on order, 1,411 soldiers”, the communiqué indicates.

Countries allied with the US promised back-ups of at least 7,000 soldiers for Afghanistan.

The NATO ministerial gathering intervened only several days after Barack Obama announced the quick envoy of 30,000 additional troops in Afghanistan to fight the Talibans and asked NATO allies to send back-ups.

During the CSAT meeting, Romanian Foreign Affairs minister Teodor Baconschi presented the civilian crisis management options, elaborated for Romania’s taking part in the European Security and Defence Policy. This is the starting point in setting up a national strategy which will define the vision and principles of Romania’s contribution to crisis management operations with civil resources.

CSAT approved the document and decided to set up an inter-ministerial team, coordinated by the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry, formed by representatives from the Interior Ministry, National Defence Ministry, Justice Ministry and other institutions.