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Estonia ends mission in Iraq

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Monday, 09 February 2009

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

www.mnc-i.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20090209-04

Feb. 9, 2009

Estonia ends mission in Iraq

Multi-National Corps – Iraq

BAGHDAD – Due to the increased security and stability in Iraq, the Republic of Estonia has transitioned its forces from Coalition operations to the NATO training mission in Iraq. Multi-National Corps – Iraq held an end of mission ceremony for the forces of Estonia in the Coalition at the Joint Visitor Bureau on Camp Victory Feb. 7.

“The nation of Estonia began its mission in Iraq in June 2003,” said Marine Maj. Gen. Paul Lefebvre, deputy commanding general, MNC-I. “Since that time, they have rotated forces ten times in direct support of Coalition operations.”

Estonia performed many security operations to help provide the people of Iraq a safe and secure environment.

“Since 2003, they have been involved in 350 operations and 2,300 patrols,” Lefebvre said. “This diligence resulted in the discovery of several hundred caches and the confiscation of over 1,000 small arms and rocket propelled grenades, more than three tons of pure explosives and thousands of rounds of ammunition.”

The efforts made by the Estonian contingents helped bring peace and democracy to the region of Iraq under their supervision.

“We recognize and honor what you gave Iraq,” said Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim, Minister of Defense, Republic of Iraq. “What you gave is security. Last elections there were 300 attacks with 150 of those being effective. This election, there were only 11 and of those only two were effective. We will always remember the sacrifices the Estonians made for us.”

Estonia voiced its continued commitment to the Coalition with a visit from the Estonian Minister of Defense, Jaak Aaviksoo.

“International support is of fundamental importance,” Aaviksoo said. “What is equally important is that we continue to cooperate despite that our mission with Multi-National Force is over.”

Estonia will continue maintaining officers in the NATO training mission in Iraq.
Estonia also has forces in southern Afghanistan.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT: MNCIPAOVICTORYMAINJO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL

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