The Bulgarian troops leaving for the new mission in Iraq will use the latest available equipment, Defence Minister Vesselin Bliznakov said.

Today Bliznakov participated in the sending off ceremony, which occurred in Kazanluk, Focus news agency reported.

Bulgarian troops will provide security for Ashraf prison camp. Bliznakov said soldiers trained for the mission nearly one month. US ambassador John Beyrle praised the training of Bulgarian soldiers, Bliznakov said.

Bliznakov said the Ashraf mission is the safest form of Bulgarian participation in Iraq. Since the camp was established no accidents have been registered there, the minister said.

Bulgarian troops leaving for Iraq are highly experienced, since they already took part in previous military missions abroad.

The new mission is different from the previous Bulgarian participation in Iraq, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said. It takes into account many factors including the security of Bulgarian troops and the need to ensure Iraq's peace and stability.