Russian helicopters to take part in EU peacekeeping mission in Chad
April 4, 2008 (MOSCOW) — A Russian Air Force helicopter group has begun preparations for a peacekeeping mission to Chad, Air Force Commander Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin said on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had said resolved to send a helicopter group to assist an EU peacekeeping force in and along the African state’s border with the war-ravaged Darfur region of Sudan.
In the border zones where eastern Chad, the northern corner of Central African Republic and Sudan’s Darfur region meet, the European force, known as EUFOR, will be operating amid rebellions and rivalries, conflict and geopolitical intrigue.
The European force will be trying to provide security for some half-million uprooted people forced to take shelter in more than 130 refugee camps, villages and makeshift sites, over an area larger than Britain.
“In line with a decision by the UN Security Council, we are preparing our aviation unit for a mission in Chad,” Zelin said, adding that the group would be similar to the one currently operating in Sudan.
The first unit of Russian peacekeepers arrived in Sudan in April 2006. The Russian aviation group in Sudan currently comprises 120 personnel and four Mi-8 helicopters reequipped to UN and international standards.
The group provides transport for UN military observers in Sudan, as well as transporting and accompanying cargoes. It also carries out rescue operations.
The Russian peacekeepers are expected to stay in Sudan for 5-6 years.
(ST)