Russia will be present with 4 helicopters in Chad

(BRUSSELS2) It was the Russian President, Medvedev, himself who confirmed this, by signing, on September 1, the decree authorizing the dispatch of a Russian contingent to Chad and the Central African Republic for Operation Eufor . A maximum of 200 Russian soldiers will leave to serve and maintain the 4 Russian Mi8 MT helicopters (national version of the Mi17 better known for export). He also signed the technical cooperation agreement These should arrive quickly. A Russian team had gone on reconnaissance in July. The only possible grain of sand: on the EU side, this participation still needs to be confirmed, unanimously, by the 26 representatives of the Member States participating in Defense Europe (Denmark has an opt-out, a exemption). A simple formality, a few weeks ago, which is now becoming a political act with the conflict in Georgia and the tension in relations with Russia.

(updated September 10) In Chad, we cross our fingers. The memorandum of understanding with the Russians was received by the services of the Council of the EU at the beginning of the week. It will now be necessary to examine whether it agrees with the conditions of the Europeans. This will be the role of the "Relex" group. Coreper (Committee of Ambassadors) will then have to approve it (in point A "if all goes well", so without discussion). Before an approval in a Council of Ministers (any, in point A).

(NGV)

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