EU MISSION IN CAR?

• Position: Brief article

The European External Action Service (EAS) has reviewed various options for a military mission to support African and French operations in the Central African Republic (CAR), say diplomatic sources. The member states are expected to come to a decision at the General Affairs Council, on 20 January.

The EAS proposes swift deployment of an EU "military force" to the CAR "to help restore security alongside the Misma (African force) and Sangaris (French force)," reads the document cited by AFP.

Under one of the options, the mission would be based in Bangui, where it would organise patrols and take over from French troops to secure the airport area, where a refugee camp has been established. In another option, the Europeans would be based in the West of the country to ensure...