Prague, 13/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - At the end of their first day of their informal meetings in Prague on Thursday 12 March 2009, EU defence ministers noted the success of the EU's mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR), EUFOR Chad/CAR. We all agree that the despite the demanding and sometimes extreme conditions, EUFOR Chad/CAR was crowned with success, Czech Defence Minister Vlasta Parkanova told reporters at a press conference. Over one year, more than 10,000 soldiers from 18 different countries were involved. Two thirds of EUFOR staff will remain in place after 15 March 2009, when the EU will hand over to the United Nations under the military arm of the MINURCAT mission. France will keep 800 of its 1650 soldiers in place until the end of this year (one logistics battalion of 450 individuals and 350 troops in manoeuvre battalions). Poland will keep its contingent on the ground until November 2009 and according to Polish newspaper reports, this will save it around 35 million zlotys (€7.7 million) in terms of the cost of redeployment and transfer to the UN of some of the infrastructure of its camp near Iriba which will be covered by the UN budget. Ireland will keep its troops in place for another year at the camp at Goz Beida. Russia (helicopters), Albania (force protection) and Croatia (a reconnaissance unit) have also decided to pass over to UN command. The European troops will be gradually joined by troops from Togo (around 800), Ghana (around 800), Malawi and Nepal (a battalion of some 800 individuals). Negotiations are under way with China (a small logistical company), Uruguay (which may provide a small air group) and Uganda.
Oxfam International says the situation in the east of Chad remains insecure and “the international community, particularly the EU, must also work harder towards an inclusive peace process.” Sexual violence is increasing, armed groups are being allowed to continue to recruit child soldiers and humanitarian organisations are deliberately being targetted, explains Oxfam, pointing out that a dozen humanitarian workers have been physically attacked since the start of the year. “Civil society, armed groups and traditional and religious leaders need to be brought together to tackle the root causes of conflict. Without a comprehensive political process, there will be no lasting peace in Chad,” said Pauline Ballaman, President of Oxfam International, in a press release. CPJP rebels from the Convention des Patriotes pour la Paix et la Justice in the Central African Republic announced recently that if they do not receive a response from CAR President Francois Bozize to their demands, including for dissolution of the current government and an immediate return to negotiations, they will start fighting again on 15 March 2009. (A.By/transl.fl)