Hungary's parliament votes to send troops to combat IS

In a vote of 137 in favor and 57 opposed, Hungary's parliament voted on Tuesday to send a maximum of 150 soldiers to a training center in Erbil, Iraq, to help train combat forces fighting the Islamic State (IS) radical organization.

The decision required a two-thirds majority. The Socialist MSZP, the far right Jobbik, and the green LMP voted against the decision, while the governing Fidesz party and eight left-leaning independent MPs voted in favor.

Addressing a news conference, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that 110 troops would work in Erbil while six officers would participate in the chain of command, not necessarily inside Iraq, four would join a technical reconnaissance unit, and 27 would remain in readiness at home.

Calling the decision wise and responsible, Szijjarto said the IS is a global threat that has to be taken seriously.

Under the current decision, the Hungarian troops will remain in Erbil until Dec. 31, 2017.

Hungarian Defense Minister Csaba Hende told parliament that following two resolutions passed by the UN Security Council and a request a year ago by the Iraqi government for assistance, the United States, which is at the helm of the coalition combating IS, called on Hungary to contribute to the effort by helping to train offensive forces. Endit