Romania ready to boost Afghan troops

WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) -- Romania is ready to increase the number of troops it has contributed to the war in Afghanistan.

Romanian Foreign Minister Adrian Cioroianu told United Press International Thursday that Romania, which currently has 900 men deployed in Afghanistan, "is ready to increase the number." However, this needs to be done, the minister said, in conjunction with the other allies.

Since joining the European Union and NATO, Romania has been a strong supporter of the U.S. initiative in combating world terrorism. Besides its contingent serving in Afghanistan, Romania has 500 troops deployed in Iraq.

Additionally, according to the foreign minister, Romania and neighboring Bulgaria are to host small U.S. military bases that will be used mainly to re-supply American forces on their way to the Middle East and points beyond.

"We know the war against terrorism will be a long one," said Cioroianu.

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Claude Salhani, UPI International Editor