A Macedonian soldier, member of Scorpio unit, bids farewell to family members in the army barracks in Stip, 100 km (62 miles) east from Skopje, January 9, 2008. A contingent of 127 Macedonian soldiers prepare to leave for Afghanistan, significantly increasing Macedonia's contribution to the NATO force in Afghanistan. Macedonia hopes the commitment will strengthen its bid to to join the NATO alliance this year, local media reported. REUTERS/Ognen Teofilovski (MACEDONIA)