The Georgian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the authorities of the republic intend to increase the Georgian military contingent in Afghanistan. As reported by “Novosti Gruzia” the corresponding statement has been made by the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nino Kalandadze.
Newspaper “Resonance” writes that representative of the Ministry denied the information that the Georgian authorities began to withdraw its armies from Afghanistan. She explained that the process of rotation takes place, when one group of soldiers return home and the other replace them.
Georgian military contingent is in Afghanistan since 2009. It is a part of the International Security Assistance Force. Now, as noted, about 900 Georgian servicemen are serving in Afghanistan.
Recently, Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze in an interview with “Echo of Moscow” said that the number of groups will be increased twice – till 1,700 servicemen. To the question, why more troops are to be sent to Afghanistan, he said that “the coalition needs it.”
During Georgian soldiers’ stay in Afghanistan their losses totaled 17 people. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili claimed that soldiers, who are sent to Afghanistan “get the experience that is a prerequisite for the strengthening of our country.”
