Brussels, 21/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - MEPs remain divided over the future EU military operation in the east of Chad and north-east of the Central African Republic. While those on the Left welcome the idea and are calling for as rapid a deployment as possible to respond to urgent humanitarian needs, the EPP-ED is remaining cautious. During an exchange of views in the security and defence committee, meeting on 10-11 September, Geoffrey Van Orden (EPP-ED, United Kingdom) highlighted EU member states' inability and lack of political will to carry out effective military action. Other MEPs of the same group warned against excessive optimism, emphasising that the operation could only be successful if the objectives, mandate and operational capacity required were clearly stated. In a similar tone, Tunne Kelam (EPP-ED, Estonia) added that the exit strategy was a crucial component. She opined that the United Nations should retain the key role and the EU should take care rather of political and economic measures. (aby)