Georgia, Kazakhstan withdraw forces from Iraq

WASSIT / IraqiNews.com: Georgian and Kazakh forces on Monday withdrew the remainder of their troops in Iraq stationed in Wassit, a security source said, noting that an official ceremony was held on this occasion in the Delta military base. “The withdrawing Georgian forces consist of 50 soldiers and first came to Iraq nine months ago for logistical support, while the 35 Kazakh soldiers came to Iraq five years ago to clear landmines,” the source told IraqiNews.com. “A big celebration was held in the Delta base in western Kut on this occasion,” he noted. On August 18 2008, Georgian forces withdrew 1 ,800 troops from Iraq by air. The Georgian forces have been in Iraq since 2003, and have lost five personnel during this period. A Shiite province, Wassit, 180 km south of Baghdad, is in the east of the country. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning “middle,” as it lies along the Tigris about midway between Baghdad and Basra. Its major cities include the capital, al-Kut, and al-Hayy. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province.   SH (P)/SR 1