Azerbaijani parliament to determine status of peacekeepers

"Our committee has already recommended submitting the bill on the status of the peacekeepers for discussions at the parliament's next session," member of the parliamentary committee on security and defense Zahid Oruj sad.

A total of 45 Azerbaijani peacekeepers served in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The peacekeepers were engaged in patrol service in Kabul. In October, 2008, the parliament decided to double the number of peacekeepers up to 90 people.

In connection with the political situation following Kosovo's declaration about its independence, which broke away from Serbia on March 4, the Azerbaijani parliament decided withdrawing 34 Azerbaijani peacekeepers serving in the region.

The service term of 150 soldiers of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the multinational force in Iraq also ended.

Oruj said, while discussing the bill, they had received positive feedback from the Ministries of Finance and Defense, as well as from the Presidential Administration.

"Azerbaijan has been participating in peacekeeping operations since 1999. This brought great benefit to Azerbaijan. The participation in peacekeeping operations also provides a guarantee of security of our country. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt a certain law on the peacekeepers, " Oruj said.

The bill reflected the status of peacekeepers, their logistical support, treatment and other issues, Oruj said.

/Trend News/