EU states consider sending soldiers to central Africa

EU states' ambassadors discussed proposals on 10 January 2014 to send a joint military force to the Central African Republic (CAR) and they have provisionally agreed to send troops to Bangui airport to protect civilians and distribute aid.

Diplomatic sources told EUObserver the discussion would include two options: sending troops to secure the main roads leading from CAR to neighbouring Cameroon, or posting soldiers to protect the airport in Bangui, in order to relieve French troops who are currently stationed there to carry out other operations.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Central African Republic: only concerted international action can prevent an appalling tragedy from spiralling further out of control http://www.europeansources.info/record/central-african-republic-only-concerted-international-action-can-prevent-an-appalling-tragedy-from-spiralling-further-out-of-control/

EUObserver, 10.01.14: EU countries provisionally agree African mission http://euobserver.com/foreign/122690

Deutsche Welle, 11.01.14: EU signals support for peacekeeping force in Central African Republic http://dw.de/p/1AowB

Euronews, 11.01.14: EU considering troop deployment to Central African Republic http://www.euronews.com/2014/01/11/eu-considering-troop-deployment-to-central-african-republic/

EurActiv, 20.01.14: EU ministers to back sending forces to Central African Republic http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/eu-ministers-back-sending-force-news-532870

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