Estonian gov't decides to send 50 troops for French anti-terror operation in Mali

TALLINN, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Estonian government decided on Thursday to send up to 50 active servicemen to participate in the French-led anti-terrorist Operation Barkhane in Mali.

The Estonian government will apply for a mandate from the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament) for the one-year mission. The Estonian contingent would be an infantry unit with armored personnel carriers and a support element tasked with ensuring the security of the base and its close environs, said the press release.

Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas said Estonia's decision to contribute to an anti-terrorist operation was another example of the excellent cooperation between Estonia and France.

"France sent their unit to Estonia last spring to accompany the unit of the UK in the NATO battle group located here. The French unit will return to the battle group next year. Countries do not send their units abroad without careful consideration," said Ratas.

Estonian Minister of Defence Juri Luik said that by supporting the operation, Estonia would show that it does not merely benefit from security, but also contributes to it.

The French defense minister proposed Estonia participate in Barkhane, France's largest foreign operation, in January, and Mali supports the decision, according to the press release.

Currently, Estonia is involved in two operations being carried out in Mali: the EU training mission EUTM-Mali and the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA. The operations carried out in the region coordinate and support each other's activities. Enditem