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Bundeswehr soldiers
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Deutzmann / imago images
The Bundestag has approved the extension of the Iraq mission of the Bundeswehr with a large majority.
In a roll-call vote, 555 MPs voted in favor of the government's proposal.
There were 110 votes against and one abstention.
The new mandate is valid for nine months until the end of October.
The aim is to contribute "through a networked approach to a comprehensive and sustainable stabilization of the region," according to the mandate text.
A total of up to 500 soldiers can continue to be deployed.
In the end, however, this upper limit was far from exhausted.
The Bundeswehr is involved in the international operation against the terrorist militia »Islamic State« (IS) in Iraq.
The Bundeswehr's contribution to the training of armed forces and security forces is part of NATO's commitment in the country and part of the international coalition against IS.
In its application, the federal government pointed out the ongoing dangers posed by the jihadists.
The Iraqi partners have confirmed their desire for further international and German support.
The tasks of the Bundeswehr also include supporting the international anti-terrorist operation against the IS through air surveillance and refueling of military aircraft during the flight.
The new mandate also includes an evaluation clause.
The mission should therefore already be comprehensively reassessed during the mandate period.
The coalition has agreed on such an evaluation for all foreign deployments of the Bundeswehr.
Syria will be excluded as an area of operation in the future.
This was primarily a demand from the Greens.
However, de facto the mission has so far been concentrated on Iraq.
It is now also emphasized that operations in the airspace are in principle only possible with "approval from the respective government".
as/AFP/dpa
