605 Kenyan soldiers for Ethiopia-Eritrea border

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 09, 2004 (PANA) — President Mwai Kibaki Tuesday pledged Kenya’s preparedness to participate in peacekeeping missions in neighbouring countries to ensure regional peace and stability.

“We cannot enjoy the fruits of peace when our neighbours are in conflict. We will, therefore, support the cause of peace wholeheartedly,” the President stressed.

Kibaki was speaking at State House here when he presented the national flag to a battalion of 605 soldiers set for peacekeeping duties along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border under the aegis of the United Nations.

He added that Kenya’s participation in peacekeeping missions in the region would not only contain the proliferation of small arms in the country, but also open up opportunities for Kenyans to interact with their neighbours through various partnerships.

Kibaki noted that Kenya was one of the largest troop contributors to peacekeeping in Africa, with a current commitment of 1,835 personnel deployed in 10 countries.

He reminded the soldiers to maintain high moral standards and be mindful of HIV/AIDS, adding: “We cannot accept that you can overcome the serious challenges of peacekeeping only to fall victim to the AIDS virus.”

Earlier, the Chief of General Staff, General Joseph Kibwana said Kenya has contributed over 13,000 troops to 25 missions in 21 countries worldwide since its engagement in peacekeeping missions in 1980.