SKOPJE (AFP) -- The Macedonian Parliament gave a 'green light' on Friday for sending of a new group of Macedonian soldiers to replace troops already serving with the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.

With 62 votes for and five against, the 120-seat Parliament decided to extend the six-month mandate for its troops after it expires in December.

Macedonia's troops serving with the coalition in Iraq consist of 31 soldiers and two liaison officers based in Baghdad, while two officers will also now be based with the U.S. Central Command in Florida.

It was still unclear whether a nine-member medical team will join the troops in Iraq.

"Macedonia continues its support to the peace mission as the shortest way toward our integration within NATO," Defense Minister Vlado Buckovski told the Parliament before the vote.

The first 39 soldiers were sent to Iraq in June, while the new troops are to leave Macedonia on December 6.

This will be the fifth international mission for Macedonian soldiers. Beside Iraq, three army missions were sent to Afghanistan this year.

Macedonia has supported the U.S.-led actions in Iraq and opened its airports and airspace for the coalition aircraft.