NATO Training Mission-Iraq Transfers Vacated HQ Bldg to Government of Iraq

Baghdad, Cultural Centre Compound – The Commander of the National Defence University, SMG Jasim Salim Hussein, left, shakes hands with BG Fabio Palladini in front of the former NTM-I HQ at the Cultural Centre Compound

BAGHDAD 15th September 2009 – For four years the NATO Training Mission-Iraq Headquarters was located in the Cultural Centre Compound in Baghdad. On Sept.15,NTM-I handed it over to the Government of Iraq.

Italian Brig. Gen. Fabio Palladini, representing NATO, and Iraqi Staff Maj. Gen. Jasim Salim Hussein, commander of the National Defence Academy, presided over the transfer of the facility for the future benefit of Iraq and her people.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, NTM-I inaugurated their new headquarters at Forward Operating Base Union III in the International Zone.

The NTM-I relocation fulfils actions directed by the Security Agreement and the NATO Long-Term Agreement with Iraq, by which the Government of Iraq has asked NATO to continue its assistance.