BBC reports on the last preparations before Bulgaria sends troops on a new humanitarian mission to Iraq.

The Parliament approved a new operation that does not feature combat duties, the BBC reports. A unit of 120 soldier and 34 aid staff will provide security for Ashraf refugee camp, north of Baghdad.

Bulgaria’s previous peacekeeping mission ended in December. As a result 13 troops and six civilians lost their lives, the article reminds.

Public opinion is increasingly turning negative toward further involvement in Iraq operations. Still, a parliamentary majority approved the new mission.

Bulgarian troops will be under US control and will remain in Iraq for one year. In this way, Bulgaria would continue its active involvement in the country after the December pullout. Bulgaria, Hungary and Ukraine decided to end their military participation in Iraq in the end of last year. Only Poland extended the term of the mission to the end of 2006.