Gov’t confirms Georgian soldiers will serve in Africa

The Government of Georgia has approved Georgia’s military to contribute to a European Union (EU) rescue mission in the violence-torn Central African Republic.

One hundred Georgian soldiers will contribute to the mission, which will begin in May and last for six months.

"The Government of Georgia has discussed the request of the EU to contribute to the mission and a decision was made to send Georgian soldiers to the Central African Republic, said Georgia’s Minister of Defence Irakli Alasania.

"This is a humanitarian mission implemented in accordance with the United Nations’ resolution,” he said.

Officials discussed the upcoming mission and the decision to send Georgian troops to Africa was supported by the country’s Ministers.

An official invitation for Georgia to contribute came from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton.

Alasania said Georgia’s military was among the best in the world.

"Georgian armed forces are distinguished by their professionalism, combat readiness and inter-operability with EU and NATO member countries. I believe this mission, like others, will be very successful for Georgia. Our armed forces will perform their duties and come back to Georgia,” Alasania said.

Meanwhile, last week international news agency Reuters reported Georgia was ready to contribute soldiers to the EU rescue mission in Africa.

The EU planned to send 500 military personnel to the country in an effort to create a safe haven in the capital city, Bangui.

Reuters stated, at the Force Generation Conference in Brussels on Thursday, "Estonia and non-EU member Georgia had already voiced readiness to offer troops, a diplomatic source said.”