Brussels, 25 January 2008
PRESS CONFERENCE
Operation EUFOR Tchad/RCA
Tuesday 29 January 2008 at 11.00
The Council on 28 January is expected to decide to launch the military bridging operation EUFOR Tchad/RCA in Chad and the Centrafrican Republic. It should authorise the EU operation commander to activate the deployment of the forces and start the execution of the mission.
On the occasion of the launch of the operation, the EU Special Representative for Sudan and for EUFOR Tchad/RCA, Ambassador Torben Brylle, and the EUFOR Tchad/RCA Operation Commander, General Patrick Nash, will brief the press on Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 11.00.
Venue:
EU Council press centre, Justus Lipsius building, main press room.
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The press conference can be followed by videostreaming:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/videostreaming
Background:
UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007) authorises the deployment in Chad and the Central African Republic of a multidimensional presence, including the EU providing the military element of it. In accordance with this resolution, the EU conducts this military bridging operation for a period of 12 months from the declaration of Initial Operational Capability. In conducting this operation the EU is stepping up its longstanding action in support of efforts to tackle the crisis in Darfur and to address its regional ramifications, notably in Eastern Chad and North-eastern Central African Republic.
EUFOR Tchad/RCA will actively work for the improvement of the security situation in Chad and the Central African Republic. It will contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly displaced persons and refugees, to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of humanitarian personnel and to protecting UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment. It is part of the EU’s multi-faceted support to the area, which includes support, implemented by the European Commission, to the UN police mission in Chad. The EU, through the Commission and the EDF (European Development Fund), as well as member states will also continue their ongoing development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
The operation will be commanded from the EU OHQ in Mont Valérien (Paris) by Lieutenant General Patrick Nash (Ireland); the Force in theatre will be commanded from Abeche (Chad) by Brigadier General Jean-Philippe Ganascia (France). The operation will cooperate closely with the UN mission MINURCAT and with the humanitarian and development organisations present in Chad and CAR.
