DIPNOTE 11048 - PRESIDENT MEJIA NOTIFIES

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 002575

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA, WHA/CAR AND PM;NSC FOR SHANNON AND MADISON
LABOR FOR ILAB; TREASURY FOR OASIA-LAMONICA
USDOC FOR 4322/ITA/MAC/WH/CARIBBEAN BASIN DIVISION
USDOC FOR 3134/ITA/USFCS/RD/WH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS PGOV DR IZ
SUBJECT: DIPNOTE 11048 - PRESIDENT MEJIA NOTIFIES
WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS FROM IRAQ


1. On April 27 Embassy received from the Foreign Ministry
formal notification of withdrawal from Iraq by the Dominican
Quisqueya Batallion, dated April 26.

Text follows: (Complementary intro...) and refers to the
situation of the Ad Hoc "Quisqueya" Task Force, currently in
Iraq.

As it is known by that honorable diplomatic mission, the
government of the Dominican Republic, as proof of its
unwavering commitment in the fight against terrorism, and in
connection with the operation led by the United States of
America to free and create the proper conditions for the
stability and development of the people of Iraq, joined
"Operation Iraqi Freedom," sending armed forces consisting of
302 infantry soldiers, as a significant support from our
armed forces for the coalition.

On April 19, 2004, the Spanish government, fulfilling the
commitment made by their current President, announced the
withdrawal of its troops from "Operation Iraqi Freedom,"
immediately suspending all operations by Spanish personnel,
leaving the Dominican troops without the necessary support to
perform their regular operations. This made it impossible for
our troops to carry out their assigned responsibilities.

For these reasons, his Excellency, the President of the
Republic, has informed the Secretary of the Armed Forces of
the decision to remove the Dominican troops from Iraq as soon
as possible, given that the conditions are not adequate to
assure that the troops are not exposed to life-threatening
danger.

The Department of Foreign Relations gives notice to the
government of the United States of the decision taken, at the
same time that it reiterates that the Dominican Republic will
continue supporting and cooperating with the United States of
America in the fight against terrorism, and in steps taken in
favor of the reconstruction of Iraq and world peace.

(End text)(Complementary close)
HERTELL