Brussels, 16/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - The crisis in the Central African Republic will prompt the European Commission to debate the French idea of creating a permanent emergency fund to support the type of military intervention currently underway (SANGARIS), in support of MISCA. This was announced by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday 16 December. The Council confirmed the EU's willingness to examine the use of the relevant instruments to contribute to efforts to stabilise the country, including in the framework of the CSDP.
Ashton said that she had had long talks with Laurent Fabius to find out how they can do more to help this mission. They are prepared to assist in everything that is being done. At the end of the week, the European Council will discuss the matter, she added. On Monday, the European Commission decided to increase its humanitarian aid by €18.5 million, and the Council decided to mobilise €23 million (from the 10th EDF) to reinforce projects which can be started once security conditions allow, in addition to a programme of €10 million to support the stabilisation of the country. The EU is also preparing to accompany the transition process with a view to restoring the democratic institutions and helping to provide basic social services to the populations. (AN/transl.fl)