RIGA - Parliament voted to extend Latvia's peace-keeping troop's mandate, continuing their mission in Iraq one more year.
The 100-member Parliament passed the motion with 51 votes for and 27 votes against.
Defense Minister Einars Repse, representing New Era, said he was surprised that no debate was held. He did, however, approve of the lawmakers "not building cheap popularity at the expense of this issue."
Next year could be Latvia's last in Iraq, Repse said, adding that it was time the Iraqis take over responsibility for their own security.
Latvian soldiers will remain part of the Polish unit in Iraq, the defense minister said.
The current mandate of Latvian soldiers in Iraq will expire at the end of this year.
