Brussels, 07/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - The situation in the Central African Republic will once again be on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday 10 February, to take stock of the most recent political, security and humanitarian developments in the crisis and the European response in combination with the UN and the African Union. The latest Council greenlight required to give a legal basis to the European force of at least 500 troops, to be deployed in the region of Bangui, is the only decision expected (see other article).
The conclusions of the Council are expected to welcome the setting in place of the new transitional authorities in line with the Constitutional Charter and the opportunity this offers, under the authority of Catherine Samba Panza, to relaunch the transition in the run-up to the general elections scheduled for early 2015. The EU will invite the transitional authorities to work together to tackle the massive challenges facing the country and will assure them of its support to implement the transition agreement, restore public order and respond to the needs of the population. The Council is expected to reiterate its deep concern at the escalating cycle of violence and reprisals, with devastating consequences for the civilian population. The conclusions will state that in addition to the €50 million allocated to the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the EU is prepared to provide fresh assistance of the order of €25 million (see EUROPE 11009) and to continue its humanitarian aid. So far, EU aid to this crisis is in excess of €200 million. (AN/transl.fl)