TALLINN - Despite declining public support for participation in the U.S.-led campaign in the Middle East, last week Parliament approved the prolonging of the country's military mission in Iraq.
The decision was approved by only 51 MPs, the narrowest majority of the nation's 101-strong legislature, just one day before a public opinion poll showed that most Estonians do not support sending troops there.
In accordance with the decision, Estonia will keep its two units - a patrol unit and a cargo-processing unit requiring a total of 55 men - in Iraq until June 20, 2005.
The latest poll carried out between March and April of this year revealed that only about 40 percent of the population supported the country's participation in the mission - a number which analysts believe is greatly connected to the death of Sgt. Andres Nuiamae, the country's first war casualty since the country regained independence in 1991.
Though most Estonians were against a pre-emptive strike against Saddam Hussein's regime, last May 69 MPs voted in favor of supporting the U.S.-led operation Iraqi Freedom by sending Estonian troops to the area.
According to the Faktum pollster, in February 2003 about 80 percent of the population opposed the idea of initiating military action against Iraq. At the same time, the backing for NATO accession and subsequent support for any NATO-related missions have remained strong in recent years.
Elisabeth Jones, the U.S. State Department's assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs, said that the United States was very appreciative of Estonia's contribution to the global war on terror, especially in Iraq.
"We are deeply grateful for the vote that allows the extension of the Estonian units in Iraq until June 2005," said Jones in a video press conference held at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn on April 15.
Jones said that there has been a constant discussion between the United States, NATO and coalition partners on how each county can best contribute to the fight against terror.
"There is no question that Estonia contributes very well to the operation in Iraq. We feel very much that Estonia has demonstrated its ability to participate in NATO as a very strong and capable ally," she added.
Jones said that if there were a need for more support and more troops from coalition partners, the issue would be discussed with NATO or bilaterally with allies.
No such discussion has taken place, but some expect the United States, faced with rising insurgents in several Iraqi cities and the possibility of further troop pullouts after Spain set the precedent this week, to seek further assistance in its efforts.
