Denmark agrees to send peacekeeping forces to Sudan

HELSINKI, April 1, 2004 (KUNA) — Denmark announced Thursday that it has agreed to send army troops to Sudan as part of the United Nations (UN) SHIRBRIG group.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Danish Foreign Ministry in charge of the Sudan file, Michael Braad, said, “The Foreign Affairs Committee at the Parliament approved yesterday the suggestion of the Foreign Minister, Per Stig Moller, to send troops to this country which is suffering from civil war.”

He said that 45 soldiers will be sent to Sudan, but affirmed that medical and humanitarian aid will also be sent.

Braad added, “Denmark has stood ready since last year to send troops to Sudan despite the fact that it was not asked to do so by the UN.”

He went on to explain that Danish preparations come as part of the country’s participation in the SHIRBRIG group, which is made up of 16 countries and aims to be present in conflict areas in the world until the UN can take control of matters in them.