C O N F I D E N T I A L BUCHAREST 001168

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE DEPT FOR EUR/NCE - SILKWORTH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ RO
SUBJECT: ROMANIA ANNOUNCES 21% REDUCTION OF TROOPS IN IRAQ

REF: BUCHAREST 01126

Classified By: CDA Rodger Garner for Reasons 1.4 B and D


1. (U) The Romanian Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Eugen
Badalan, announced July 19 that Romania would reduce its
military presence in Iraq by 21%, "as previously discussed
with members of the international coalition." According to
statements he made to the press, the withdrawal will begin in
July and be completed by the end of August.


2. (C) Comment: This troop reduction is the implementation of
measures already agreed upon with coalition partners and
announced by President Traian Basescu, per MFA and MOD
officials. The reduction constitutes a company who were
serving under the Italian command and have completed their
mission. According to MFA interlocutors, Romania currently
has no plans to withdraw its deployment of troops protecting
the UN Mission or serving in Iraq in other capacities. The
reduction will bring Romania's total troop presence in Iraq
to roughly 630.
TAUBMAN