The Romanian defense minister says that the country's 500 soldiers in Iraq might leave the war-torn country by the end of the year.

Defense Minister Teodor Melescanu told a press conference in the capital city of Bucharest that Romania is expecting a letter from the Iraqi government to learn if Romanian military presence is still required in Iraq.

"The Romanian troops' mandate expires on Dec. 31, 2008, and things will straighten out. The Iraqi government will issue a document stating if Romanian military presence should be continued or discontinued, as well as potential missions involving Romanian troops," the minister said.

Teodor Melescanu said that any more Romanian presence in Iraq would be limited to counseling and supporting the civilian population. He said that Romanian troops would not carry out anymore security operations if they were to stay in Iraq.

The expected pull-out must be formally approved by Romania's Supreme Defense Council, which is comprised of President Traian Basescu, intelligence officials, the defense minister and several other government ministers.

Romania's mission in Iraq has transformed to a heated debate in domestic politics, with Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu calling for their return home in 2007, while Traian Basescu, the Romanian president and commander in chief, had decided they should stay.

MMA/HAR/IR