M'SIA TO SEND 40 ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL TO AFGHANISTAN THURSDAY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will be sending 40 armed forces
personnel to be part of an Interim National Support and Assistance operation
mission to Afghanistan.

According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, the mission of the
Malaysian contingent would be strictly related to humanitarian aid and does not
involve any combat or conflict exercises.

"It is more towards providing medical assistance, dental care and community
services," said the statement.

The first MALCON ISAF batch comprising six officers and six other ranked
personnel headed by Lieutenant Col Nor Azan Omar would leave to Afghanistan
Thursday and are expected to land in Bamyan the next day.

The MALCON ISAF members in Bamyan, Afghanistan would work together with the
Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) from New Zealand.

Bamyan is a province situated in central Afghanistan and has a huge
potential to be developed in terms of infrastructure and providing services to
the Islamic community, since security in the area is under control.

The Malaysian government hopes MALCON ISAF's contributions would provide
peace and harmony to the people of Afghanistan and at the same time highlight
Malaysia's commitment towards the stability and world peace.

--BERNAMA