The NA troops are being sent to Iraq at the request of UN. UN Under-General-Secretary for Political Affairs B Lynn Pasco during his meeting with Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Chhatra Man Singh Gurung on March 31 had made a formal request to this effect. [break]
CoAS Gurung after his return from the US visit had conveyed to the government that NA was in a position to deploy its personnel under the UNAMI. While approving the NA proposal to deploy its men in the UNAMI a month ago, Defense Ministry had directed NA to impart necessary training to the army personnel.
“As soon as we finish the training, United Nations Security Council representatives will be here to settle necessary procedures. NA soldiers will then head for Iraq,” said Ramindra Chhetri, spokesperson of Nepal Army.
“We have already calculated that NA personnel could be deployed under UNAMI and no mission is risk-free. NA has excellent international reputation and is sought after by UN for various peace keeping forces,” said Chettri.
According to the latest data provided by NA, more than 3,500 NA personnel are currently serving in 36 different missions worldwide in more than 14 countries like Lebanon, Haiti, Syria, Israel, Congo, Ivory Coast and Eritrea among others.
“The trainings we provide vary from mission to mission. So, we are training our army personnel as per the nature of conflict in Iraq,” Chhetri said, adding, “Nepal Army as a peace keeping force in Iraq will serve for the security of people and society in Iraq.”
Nepal Army´s engagement with the UN dates back to 1958 and it is in the sixth largest troop contributor to the UN, according to the data till last year. Nepal Army personnel were first deployed in Lebanon, Syria and Israel in peace-keeping forces.
Soldiers who serve in peace-keeping operations are given around US$ 800 per month as their allowance after deducting 22 percent for its welfare fund.
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