Singapore to send 192
military personnel to Iraq
Agence France
Presse
October 27, 2003
Singapore
SINGAPORE will send 192 military personnel
on a two-month mission to help US-led forces rebuild war-torn Iraq,
the government said Monday, Oct 27.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said the personnel, from the navy
and armed forces, will accompany one Singapore Landing Ship Tank
(LST) and a C-130 transport aircraft that will depart in the next
few weeks.
"Singapore's contribution is part of the ongoing multinational
effort to help rebuild Iraq, involving some 30 countries," Teo said
in a ceremony to announce the imminent deployment.
"This mission will see the deployment of the RSN's (Republic of
Singapore Navy) Landing Ship Tank RSS Endurance and an RSAF
(Republic of Singapore Armed Forces) C-130 detachment to provide
logistics support to Iraq's rebuilding efforts."
The RSS Endurance LST will undertake logistical tasks, providing
replenishments and supplies for other naval vessels operating in
the Arabian Gulf, Teo said.
Manned by 161 onboard crew members, the LST will also be a
platform for helicopter missions and maritime boarding missions by
teams from other countries who are part of the US-led effort to
rebuild the country.
The C-130, with 31 crew, will be carrying out airlift,
transportation and supply missions.
It will also assist coalition forces in carrying supplies and
personnel, humanitarian material as well as conduct medical
evacuation operations.
Singapore, one of Washington's strongest Asian allies in the war
against terror, sent 32 police personnel to Iraq in July to train
the local police force. The police team returned to Singapore in
August.
Monday's announcement came as the Iraqi capital of Baghdad came
under coordinated attack by guerrilla forces that increased
concerns about the United States' ability to enforce security in
Iraq.
At least 15 people were killed as car bombs exploded outside the
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) offices and four police
stations.
The news of Singapore's assistance has been met with little
public opposition in Singapore, where the People's Action Party has
ruled since the country's independence 38 years ago.
One of the few dissenters in Singapore, former MP J. B.
Jeyaretnam, issued a press release last week questioning why the
government did not seek approval from parliament before agreeing to
send the military forces.
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