(2nd LD) Seoul terminates 4-year deployment in Iraq

SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday completed its troop pullout from Iraq, ending a four-year presence in the northern city of Irbil where troops helped in efforts to reconstruct the war-torn nation.

The last group from the Zaytun contingent in Iraq and an air support unit in
neighboring Kuwait arrived here earlier in the day. The unit disbanded in a
ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Han Seung-soo.
"The troops of Zaytun and Daiman units improved our overseas operation
capabilities, and they also significantly raised the reputation of the Republic
of Korea," the prime minister said, referring to South Korea by its official
name.
"They have proved that our decision to dispatch troops to Iraq was just and right
for the interest of the Republic of Korea and world peace," he said as he hosted
the disbandment ceremony here at the Armed Forces Athletic Corps Command.
The ceremony was attended by all key leaders of the military, including Defense
Minister Lee Sang-hee, and all chiefs of armed forces as well as some 3,000
family members. President Lee Myung-bak also made a brief surprise visit to shake
hands and take pictures with the returning troops.
"I welcome back all members of the Zaytun and Daiman units, and I'm deeply proud
of you all for helping to elevate the status of our nation abroad," said Lee in
his brief address.
"Your contributions to Iraqi communities will help boost relations between the
Republic of Korea and Iraq. You have also made diplomatic contributions to the
relations between Korea and the U.S.," said the president.
Over 18,000 South Korean troops have served in Iraq and Kuwait since the country
first dispatched a 3,600-strong unit to the Iraqi city in September 2004,
according to the ministry.
Some 88,000 Iraqi residents received free medical services during that time,
while the Zaytun Unit also helped build a number of schools and other public
facilities, such as health clinics, town halls and a library for local residents.
The unit also donated over 36,000 pieces of heavy equipment and other military
supplies to Iraqi forces before its departure, the ministry said.
"I am proud and happy to have contributed what little strength I have to the
successful completion of the mission of our unit and building peace in Iraq,"
said First Sgt. Kim Dae-hyoung, an Air Force engineer who had been dispatched
five times to Kuwait, serving a total of 26 months there.
A separate ceremony was set to be held next Friday for the disbandment of an Air
Force unit, Daiman, that had been stationed in Kuwait to provide transportation
and air support for the Iraq contingent, according to the defense ministry.
The ceremony will be hosted by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Kye-hoon.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)