Cambodia sends 2nd batch of peacekeepers to war-torn Central African Republic

Cambodia sent the second batch of 216 troops to join a United Nations peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday, officials said.

The group will substitute the first batch's forces who have completed a one-year mission in that country, Prak Sokhonn, chairman of the National Coordination Committee of UN Peacekeeping Operation, said at the send-off ceremony held at Phnom Penh Military Airbase.

The peacekeepers will conduct their mission in Bria town, about 600 km northeast of CAR's Bangui capital, doing work in mine clearance, and constructing roads, bridges, and campsites, he said.

He said Cambodia's participation in the UN Peacekeeping Operation was aimed to contribute to "humanitarian activities and maintaining world peace".

He also advised them to strictly abide by CAR's law and international law so as to maintain the disciplines and dignity of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

Claire Van der Vaeren, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Development Program-Cambodia, admired Cambodia for its active contributions to global peace and security and said the country stood out as an example to the world.

"The ceremony today reminds us of the event from 22 years ago when UN peacekeeping forces were sent here, but Cambodia now sends troops and expertise to the UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan, South Sudan, CAR, Chad, Syria, Lebanon and Mali," she said, adding "Your dedication to helping others, sharing your skills with another country suffering from conflict, will be a source of inspiration to many."

Cambodia firstly dispatched troops abroad in April 2006 under the UN umbrella. Enditem