Russian helicopters in Chad: agreement signed

(BRUSSELS2) A few minutes after 15 p.m. today, the Russian Ambassador to the European Union, Vladimir Tchizhov and the High Representative of the EU for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, signed the agreement on Russia's participation in the Union's military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic.

The Russians will send four Mi-8MT transport helicopters, equipped with the necessary armaments and ammunition, for a maximum of 12 months. Helicopters could thus pass from Eufor under a UN mandate.

"The first helicopter should arrive (probably in Cameroon) aboard a Rouslan (a giant Russian freighter) on November 14" told me my Russian colleagues. The others will follow in the following days. The Russian contingent will be based in Abéché.

"This is our first experience of cooperation with the EU in an EU military operation" said the diplomat. Maybe not the last? he might have added.

(NGV)

(Photo: Council of the EU)

Read also: (exclusive) The Russian-EU agreement for helicopters in Chad (October 2008)