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Visit gives troops lift |
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Dr Nelson spoke to soldiers at the Australian camp at Ali Air Base, Tallil in southern Iraq on April 20, where he praised the efforts of those working in the MEAO. During a speech to the troops the minister emphasised the importance of the mentoring and training provided by the Australians to the Iraqi Security Forces so the Iraqis can further strengthen their grip on security in the two provinces and ensure a more stable future. “We’re very grateful, very proud of you and everything you are doing here in Iraq,” he said. “You don’t need me to tell you how critically important it is to our country and our country’s interests and our values that we prevail here. “The work you are doing is extremely important in training the Iraqis, to get them up to the point where they can look after their own security, that they can have a kind of democracy of their choosing, something that we too often taken for granted at home.” Gnr Kim Stevens, a Bushmaster IMV Commander, said is was a boost to hear what the minister had to say. “It was comforting to hear the speech,” he said. “You don’t often hear comments like that, even when you are at home, people don’t directly say that, appreciate what we are doing, so it was good to hear the Aussies are supporting us.” This was an opinion also shared by interpreter Capt Adel Amin. “It was good to hear the outlook on our work by the Australian people,” she said. Related Story |
