Romanian President Traian Basescu Visited Romanian Troops In Afghanistan

Romanian President Traian Basescu visited on Saturday the military base in Qalat, Afghanistan, where he decorated the war flag of the 21st Battalion “Vanatori de Munte.” “Decorating the war flag is a sign of the Romanian people’s respect for what you are doing here, for the fight against terrorism and the fight to establish the Romanian military as a powerful force together with its allies,” Basescu said.

He added that he is aware this is not the best moment for the operation in Afghanistan, but assured the Romanian troops that NATO and state leaders have taken the decision to guarantee the necessary strength for NATO to win the war. “This is not a war we are waging in the name of the civilized world, but to defend our freedom and security at home,” Basescu pointed out.The Romanian President promised the Romanian troops stationed in Qalat, capital of the Zabul province that their remaining bonuses would be paid in June and August.Romania’s participation in the war in Afghanistan is currently 962 troops, with 904 taking part in the International Security Assistance Force mission led by NATO. Most of the Romanian troops are stationed in southern Afghanistan, in the Zabul province. Their objective is to ensure the security of the region. Romania’s presence in Afghanistan began in 2002, with eleven soldiers killed in action and 34 wounded so far.