17:13, 20 December 2011

Georgian parliament agrees to increase military contingent in Afghanistan

On December 20, Georgian MPs supported the initiative of President Mikhail Saakashvili and voted for sending another Georgian infantry battalion to Afghanistan.

All the 103 MPs have unanimously supported the expansion of Georgia's participation in operations in Afghanistan. The battalion will carry out its mission under the US command.

Starting August 6, 2009, one Georgian squadron (175 soldiers and officers) is taking its service in Afghanistan within the International Security Assistance Forces; it is stationed in Kabul, in the France's responsibility area, and a battalion of 749 servicemen – in the Helmand Province, in the responsibility area of the United States, the "News-Georgia" reports."

Georgia, whose armed forces operate without restrictions, has already lost 10 soldiers in Afghanistan – all in the Helmand Province, the "Trend" has added.