(10 years, 8 months ago)
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The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois)
On 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 1WS, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence made a written statement to the House on the response to the developing situation in the Central African Republic.
UN Security Council Resolution 2134 was approved on 28 January 2014, and authorised an EU military operation in Central African Republic. The UK Government endorsed this EU mission to protect civilians and provide additional security and stability in Bangui. As part of the French contribution to this EU mission a UK staff officer, who is currently on exchange with the French military, will deploy to Bangui. This staff officer will be supporting the EU force headquarters and will not be deploying in a combat role. This UK support for French-led operations demonstrates the close relationship envisaged in the Lancaster House treaties of 2010.