First Lieutenant Olafs Baumanis

Tuesday, June 15 2004 @ 08:09 AM MDT

www.mfa.gov. --MFA.GOV.LV -- Today we received the sad news that First Lieutenant Olafs Baumanis has been killed in a mine-clearing incident in Iraq while fulfilling his duties as deputy commander of the unit for the destruction of unexploded ammunition of the Latvian contingent in Iraq. I express my deepest sympathy to his relatives. In my thoughts and prayers I am with them. I confirm that all possible support will be given to the family of the deceased soldier.



It is not easy to be a soldier and safeguard peace. First Lieutenant Olafs Baumanis' responsibility was the destruction of explosives. We are all aware that mine-clearing is a humane but extremely dangerous mission. This work requires both high professional skills and psychological preparedness. It is exactly these specialists of the Latvian Armed Forces who have received the highest evaluation in all the international operations they have carried out. Conscientiously fulfilling their duties and destroying explosives threatening human lives day after day, First Lieutenant Baumanis made life safer for numerous peaceful residents of Iraq.

his is a tremendous loss for the relatives of the deceased and the Republic of Latvia. The courage of Olafs Baumanis and the work he did will always remain in our memory.

By assisting in the stabilisation of the situation in Iraq, Latvia's soldiers contribute also to the strengthening of security in our country. Latvia will continue to participate in peacekeeping missions, not only to strengthen peace and security, but also to reduce the threat of terrorism.

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