EU okays DRC mission

LUXEMBOURG – European Union foreign ministers gave the green light yesterday to the deployment of some 2 000 troops charged with helping protect the Democratic Republic of Congo’s watershed July 30 elections.

Under an agreement with the United Nations, the EU will contribute around 450 troops on the ground in Congo and most of the rest will be based in neighbouring countries. Those troops will intervene only if asked to by the United Nations.Germany and France will be the main troop contributors, with Berlin sending 780 troops and Paris some 800.Around 16 other countries including Turkey will also be present.Poland and Spain will send some 100 soldiers each, Sweden 50 and the Netherlands 40, diplomats said.Advance units of the European force have begun arriving in Congo.- Nampa-ReutersThose troops will intervene only if asked to by the United Nations.Germany and France will be the main troop contributors, with Berlin sending 780 troops and Paris some 800.Around 16 other countries including Turkey will also be present.Poland and Spain will send some 100 soldiers each, Sweden 50 and the Netherlands 40, diplomats said.Advance units of the European force have begun arriving in Congo.- Nampa-Reuters