Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=8/14/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=AZERBAIJAN / U-S / IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-306479

BYLINE=LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan is set to become the first predominantly Muslim nation to join the U-S-led stabilization force in Iraq by sending 150 soldiers to the region. With more on the deployment, here is V-O-A's Lisa McAdams in Moscow.

TEXT: Azerbaijan's peacekeepers will fly to Kuwait first and then on to Iraq, where they are to serve a six-month tour alongside soldiers from at least 20 other nations.

Azerbaijan's military has said its soldiers will guard Shiite Muslim holy sites in northern and central Iraq. They will also perform more general duties, like providing aid to Iraqi civilians and guarding cargo convoys.

Azerbaijan already participates in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. But the deployment to Iraq marks the first time a predominantly Muslim nation has joined the U-S-led stabilization force.

The United States provided one-million dollars to help cover the cost of the deployment, buying the Azerbaijani peacekeepers helmets, tents, and other gear needed for the mission.

The U-S Embassy in Baku issued a statement saying the Azerbaijani peacekeepers have a special role to play in Iraq. The statement, issued by charge d'affairs Nancy McEldowney, says the Azeri troops' Muslim heritage and culture will serve them well as they protect cultural and holy sites in Iraq, and help bring peace and stability to the region.

Like their Iranian neighbors to the South, Muslims in Azerbaijan mostly follow the Shiite branch of Islam.

Azerbaijan supported the U-S led invasion of Iraq earlier this year as part of what Washington called," the coalition of the willing". It also allowed U-S forces to use its airspace.

The French news agency (A-F-P) earlier quoted an Azeri defense ministry spokesman as saying the mission to Iraq is very important and shows that Baku and Washington have a strategic relationship that goes beyond cooperation in the oil and gas industries.

With the exception of Azerbaijan, predominantly Muslim states have so far held back in dispatching troops to Iraq, citing political and religious sensitivities. But some mostly-Muslim nations have said they would consider sending troops to Iraq if it could be done under U-N auspices. (SIGNED)

NEB/LAM/AWP/RH/RAE