By SPA
Brussels, Belgium : A European Union military force for two countries neighboring Sudan’s troubled Darfur region could be approved by the end of the month thanks in part to pledges made Friday for more helicopters and troops for the operation, EU officials said, according to AP.
Belgium, Poland and France agreed to offset a shortfall of helicopters and also agreed to supply other means of air transport, meaning planning for the mission can now be completed, an EU official close to the issue said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, according to AP. He said the mission could be approved by EU defense ministers by the end of January.
We can proceed to the very final stage. The planners think they now have what they need, the official said after a meeting of EU military officials, without giving any details on the number of additional helicopters or troops offered by the three countries.
A Brussels-based Polish diplomat said Poland has agreed to provide two helicopters and increase its contribution from 350 to 400 troops.
Previously, officials said the main outstanding shortfall delaying the EU force for Chad and the Central African Republic were some 800 troops and 10 helicopters.