The EU mission to Chad and the Central African Republic is getting back on track after delays caused by a rebel attack earlier this month. "We will be deployed with full operational capabilities before the rainy season, mid to late March," the EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana said after a meeting of EU defence ministers on Thursday.
"After initial problems with the deployment, we expect it will run smoothly," said Slovenian Defence Minister Karl Erjavec, who chaired the meeting. "The EU is showing that it is backing up its promises with concrete actions," he said.
Erjavec said destabilisation and humanitarian crises in certain parts of Africa were cause for concern in the international community. "For the EU assistance in the settlement of the accumulated problems is a priority."
Pointing out that a strong and credible African Union was in the interest of the EU, Erjavec said the final goal was that Africa take responsibility for its own security. "The role of the EU and UN is very important," he added.
Erjavec as well as Solana stressed that the operation in Chad enjoyed broad support, not only of the EU but also of the African Union and the United Nations. The three work closely together and support each other, Solana said.
Erjavec added that the operation was "very important for the credibility of the EU".
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