Spanish PM, royals attend funeral of nationalized soldier

Numerous Spanish dignitaries including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were present at a state funeral for two soldiers killed during an explosion in Afghanistan. One of the dead troops honored was 20-year-old Stanley Mera (image) who was originally from Ecuador, and held dual citizenship from that country and Spain.

Prime Minister, José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero arrived just in time from the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York. Most of Mera’s family from Ecuador did not have the same luck, however, as immigration issues delayed their arrival in Spain for the state funeral.

Despite the tragedy, Spanish Defense Minister José Antonio Alonso affirmed that the army will stay in Afghanistan in order to "bring security for reconstruction."

Troops of Latin American background make up 5% of Spain’s armed forces ever since the government started its campaign in 2003 to recruit legal immigrants for combat.

Sources (English)- AFP, Typically Spanish, Expatica Spain

Sources (Spanish)- El Diario/La Prensa, elmundo.es, ABC.es

Image- El Diario/La Prensa