Gov't prepares to send more troops to Iraq, but bemoans the trivial cost

The Defense Ministry is planning to send more Polish troops to Iraq. Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdziński disclosed that he is currently discussing the issue with the U.S. "We cannot say anything more than that. Our problem now is lack of financial resources," he said, adding that Poland's contribution to the military operation in Iraq will reflect what it can afford. According to the minister, the end of the war does not mean that the problems in Iraq are over, and that the allies will have to stay in Iraq until the situation stabilizes. "This period may last longer than expected and until new military structures are formed. Currently 183 Polish soldiers are in Iraq. The cost borne by Poland's military operation is estimated so far at zł. 22 million. (www.onet.pl) A.Z.