The 39-strong contingent comprises 28 members of special Macedonian army units, three doctors and six nurses, in addition to two liaison officiers who will be stationed in Qatar.

The others will be deployed in Kuwait before going to Iraq.

"The decision shows that the Macedonian army is ready to take part in peacekeeping missions," Defense Minister Vlado Buckovski said.

A Macedonian army contingent has already taken part in a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.

SPACE.WIRE