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Denmark to send soldiers, aircraft for Mali peacekeeping mission

Xinhua, October 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Danish government announced on Friday it was ready to send 30 specially-trained soldiers and a transport aircraft to Mali as part of a battle-ready supply unit for the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission there.

The soldiers and the vehicle will be part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The decision came after the UN last week asked Denmark to send 250 soldiers and up to 30 armoured vehicles to Mali.

"We have a desire to support the UN's vital work. Mali is only a boundary away from Europe. If we are to cope with further pressure on the borders of Europe, we must also ensure peace and stability in Mali," said Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen.

He explained the reasons for sending few soldiers and vehicles than the requested contribution was that Denmark must have the flexibility to participate in other operations.

"We do not want to put all eggs in one basket. It is not the UN who decide what Denmark contributes," the minister said.

The MINUSMA was established in 2013 in order to carry out security-related tasks and support political processes in the country.

Denmark previously had 40 soldiers and a Hercules transport aircraft in Mali, but pulled them out in June 2014 despite a UN request to extend the mission.

In September, Denmark decided to send 12 police officers to strengthen its contribution to MINUSMA. Endit