All the newspapers herald the safe return of a contingent of 150 Dominican troops who returned home from Iraq over the weekend. They are due to be replaced by an equivalent number in the coming days. The soldiers are reported to have completed their six-month tour of duty in the Middle Eastern country, where they were engaged in post-war reconstruction work as part of a multi-national task force. The returning soldiers were received at a military ceremony by Armed Forces Minister Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez. It is reported that the soldiers are not authorized to speak publicly about their experiences. Although their base suffered a couple of attacks, the Dominican troops have not suffered any casualties to date. Their families greeted them at the airport that was the scene of much relief and celebration at their safe arrival. El Caribe comments that President Hipolito Mejia was noted for his absence at the ceremony. The newspaper quotes some of the family members, including seven-year-old Leslie, who said, “I haven’t seen my daddy for a long time, he went to war and I want to see him. I want him to come back so I can give him a hug.” El Caribe’s main editorial, while expressing joy at the soldiers’ return, remains firmly opposed to the Dominican presence in Iraq. “It’s not our war, there is nothing for us there, in effect our contribution is more than symbolic, and above all, it involves a very high risk. Let’s not send any more soldiers. And let’s welcome the ones who have returned.” As many as 152 Dominican troops still remain in Iraq. Diario Libre’s main comment echoes the opinions of its El Caribe counterpart, congratulating the soldiers for having fulfilled their duties and expressing the hope that all Dominican soldiers return home in the very near future, without having suffered a single casualty.