Nato to Help Poland's Peace Force in Iraq

Views on BG | May 22, 2003, Thursday // 00:00

Ian Traynor, East Europe correspondent
The Guardian

Nato moved yesterday to heal the wounds inflicted by the Iraq war by agreeing to help Poland run peacekeeping operations in Iraq.

Ambassadors from the 19 Nato allies agreed unanimously to respond to a request from Poland for help in running one of the three military zones being established in Iraq.

Poland has deftly exploited its role in Iraq to claim a place on the world stage. It was the only country in Europe, barring Britain, to commit combat troops to the war.

It is being rewarded by Washington with command of one of the military zones, between Baghdad and Basra. Nato will help to organise and staff the Polish-led mission, and also help find the troops required.

While there is not yet any talk of a formal Nato military presence in Iraq without a UN mandate, yesterday's agreement may augur a creeping military role for Nato.

Denmark, Spain, Bulgaria, Albania and Romania are expected to offer troops for a mission of 9,000 soldiers. Some British soldiers could also come under Polish command.

The Poles are to host a conference in Warsaw today in the search for more troops. The US, which is funding the Polish mission, asked Warsaw to supply 4,000 soldiers, but Poland says it can provide no more than 2,000.
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