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Press Statement
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 22, 2004


NATO Iraq Training Role


The United States welcomes the September 22 decision by NATO to provide further training to Iraqi security forces, in response to the request of Iraq's Interim Government. The United States is proud to join with its allies in this decision, which includes the creation of a permanent Training Center at Ar Rustamiya to prepare mid-level and senior Iraqi security personnel to meet the challenges facing the new Iraq.

We are also pleased that NATO has chosen U.S. General David Petraeus to command this mission. This choice will provide unity of command and will ensure NATO avoids duplication and meets the Iraqi security forces' targeted needs.

With this training mission, the Alliance is implementing the decisions of the NATO Istanbul Summit and has once again demonstrated that it is prepared to unite in confronting the challenges of the 21st century and to reach beyond its traditional area of operations to the front lines of the global war on terror.

2004/1011

[End]

Released on September 22, 2004
  
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