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Slovakia deploys 25 soldiers to EU peace mission in BiH

Xinhua, June 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

Slovak Armed Forces on Friday deployed 25 soldiers to the European Union (EU) peace force EUFOR-ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Slovak Defense Ministry State Secretary Marian Salon said that the mission is very important for Slovak Armed Forces.

"Slovakia has been participating in this mission since it was set up in 2004. We started off at command posts, later on we contributed a guard platoon and a helicopter unit along with two helicopters. I think that the presence of our armed forces as well as of the military police has proved helpful," said Salon.

HE added that 713 soldiers, of whom 20 were women, have already taken their turn in 13 tours of duty of the EUFOR-ALTHEA operation.

According to Slovak Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Milan Maxim, Slovakia plays a vital leading role at a coordination centre, where soldiers from Turkey, Austria and Romania report to a Slovak commander.

"We have experience with respect to this mission, as we've been there for many years. But every operation and tour of duty is unique in a way. It brings new challenges for those who go there to fulfill their tasks," said Maxim. Endit