Rzeczpospolita, Warsaw in Polish
18 Nov 04

Polish general: Our troops to stay in Iraq; “new allies” may join

Text of an interview with Gen Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, deputy chief of
the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, by Jacek Przybylski
entitled “The sector will remain under Polish command” published by
Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita on 18 November

Przybylski The third turn of duty of the Polish military contingent
in Iraq will complete its mission at the end of January. Will the
fourth tour really be smaller?

Cieniuch Yes. The exact number of men, however, will be specified in
a decision the president is to make in December. The size of our
contingent, naturally, will depend on how events in Iraq unfold.

Przybylski Will the south-central sector continue to be commanded by
a Polish general in the first half of 2005?

Cieniuch Yes. The strongest candidate for this post is Lt-Gen
Waldemar Skrzypczak, who currently commands the 11th Airborne Cavalry
Division in Zagan. This division will be the core of the fourth tour.
Gen Skrzypczak has taken part in all the preparations for the mission
and has paid a reconnaissance visit to Iraq.

Przybylski Is the Ministry of National Defence MON carrying out any
negotiations with the United States on handing over responsibility
for the so-called Polish sector?

Cieniuch No. Poland is not negotiating any such issue with the United
States. Poland will continue to be responsible for the central-south
sector.

Przybylski Hungarian troops are to pull out in December. Bulgaria is
also planning to downsize its contingent. Are any countries offering
to send more men? Do we have any new allies?

Cieniuch Yes. Armenia and Bosnia and Hercegovina have expressed
willingness to join the Centre-South Multinational Division. We do
not know of any plans Bulgaria may have regarding the troop
reduction. No such reports have reached the MON.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress