24 June 2004 -- NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said today that NATO leaders will discuss a request from the Iraqi interim government for technical assistance and training for Iraqi security forces when the alliance holds its Istanbul summit on 28-29 June.
"My impression is that it might very well be possible that allied leaders decide in Istanbul on some form of training, I mean to be worked out, of course, in close consultation with the Iraqi government," de Hoop Scheffer said.
He acknowledged that NATO received a request from Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi earlier in the week for help.
De Hoop Scheffer also said that NATO is prepared to invite Russia and Ukraine to take part in antiterrorism naval patrols in the Mediterranean Sea and added that details of the two countries' participation will also be on the agenda at next week's summit.
The NATO chief said the alliance today approved plans to reinforce security for the Athens Olympic Games at the request of the Greek government.
(AFP/Reuters)
He acknowledged that NATO received a request from Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi earlier in the week for help.
De Hoop Scheffer also said that NATO is prepared to invite Russia and Ukraine to take part in antiterrorism naval patrols in the Mediterranean Sea and added that details of the two countries' participation will also be on the agenda at next week's summit.
The NATO chief said the alliance today approved plans to reinforce security for the Athens Olympic Games at the request of the Greek government.
(AFP/Reuters)