The Russians send a field hospital for Minurcat II. Norwegians too
(BRUSSELS2) Russia should ensure for Minurcat II - the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (Minurcat) - the medical support function (Role 2) by sending a military field hospital, according to the Russian ambassador to the UN, Vitali Tchourkin, quoted by Ria Novosti, as well as an engineering unit. They will thus come in addition to its helicopter air group which is ending its deployment (Read: Russian helicopters arrive in Chad).
(updated Feb. 28) Norway also confirmed on Feb. 27 that it sent a field hospital for Minurcat II. A group of experts must be sent very quickly to prepare these installations, according to the Norwegian media which relate the words of Major John Sigurd Holtesmo. Approximately 150 men will be assigned to this hospital for the one-year duration of the mission. This participation marks, according to Norwegian officials, a more assertive African ambition.
As Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen explains: “Participation in MINURCAT II is an important indication of the Government's ambition to step up its contribution to UN led peace operations, with particular emphasis on Africa. Norway's view is that western countries have, to too great an extent, left it to third world countries to provide forces for the UN's most demanding operations which very frequently relate to countries in Africa. Since our long planned contribution to the UN operation in Darfur was frustrated by the opposition of the Sudanese president last year, it is particularly gratifying that we can make a contribution in neighboring Chad where the UN has a particular need for a high quality field hospital”
So far, within the framework of the European operation EUFOR, the role 2 medical function is provided by Italy, a function which should end in May.
(NGV)
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