More troops for Sudan
2005-04-20 14:22
Sydney - Australia will send 15 troops to Sudan to help with United Nations peacekeeping operations in the African country, the government said on Wednesday.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the troops would include military observers, air movement and logistical specialists and would be deployed at the request of the UN for an initial period of 12 months.
He said Australia could increase its deployment, and that troops could stay in Africa beyond the initial one-year period.
"We could end up with some more (troops) but we have always said it would be a small deployment, and it would be people with specialised skills," Hill told reporters.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to establish the 10 000-strong peacekeeping mission to be sent to southern Sudan to help enforce a January 9 peace deal that ended the country's 21-year civil war between the north and south.
He said Australia remained committed to helping secure lasting peace in the region.
"The contribution demonstrates Australia's continuing concern to ensure that the resolution of the Sudan and Darfur conflicts remain high priorities on the international agenda, although the primary obligation for peace in Sudan continues to lie with the parties involved," Downer said in a statement.
- AP