Brussels, 10/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The spokesman for the French Defence Ministry, Laurent Teisseire, confirmed on Thursday 10 January that France was to provide the “additional means” necessary for the launch of the EU military operation in Chad and the Republic of Central Africa (EURFOR Chad/RCA). “The president of the Republic has authorised the Ministry of Defence to provide additional means” to constitute the EUFOR, he said, as quoted by AFP, noting that this contribution had been made with a view to ending the deadlock in discussions among European partners. The French statement was made at the last Political and Security Committee (COPS) meeting on Tuesday. According to Teisseire, the number of French troops taking part in the operation will rise from 1,500 to 2,000, and will include “logistical support units”. Operation Commander, Irish General Patrick Nash is likely to call the last force generation conference this Friday 11 January and, if the contribution is confirmed, give the green light for the deployment of the mission. The decision will have to be approved by the Council on 28 January (AGEX Council), allowing initial operation capacity to be reached for the start of February and full strength by mid-April, just before the rainy season. (A.By.)