Military approves EU Chad mission

The EU has decided to conduct a bridging military operation in Eastern Chad and North Eastern Central African Republic (EUFOR TCHAD/RCA) in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

In deciding to conduct this operations the EU is stepping up its longstanding action in support of efforts to tackle the crisis in Darfur as part of a regional approach to that crisis.

France will fill the gaps in a European peacekeeping force for Chad and the Central African Republic. Belgium and Poland will also contribute to make up the shortfall in troops and equipment needed to launch the mission.

Council of the European Union: Policies: Security and Defence: EUFOR TCHAD/RCA http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp?id=1366&lang=EN&mode=g

Deutsche Welle, 11.1.08: France Pledges More Troops to EU Force in Chad, CAR http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3053474,00.html

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/fr/misc/98718.pdf http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/fr/misc/98718.pdf

---