The Foreign Affairs Council under the European Union (EU) agreed on Monday a collective contribution of "at least 300 personnel" to reinforce police capability in Haiti, in response to a specific request from the United Nations.

The contributions made by EU member states are part of the European Gendarmerie Force, according to a new release published here on Monday.

The EU member states will also provide engineering expertise and equipment, a maritime logistic capability which can operate without port facilities.

The council agreed to the High Representative Catherine Ashton' s proposal to set up a coordination cell in Brussels to facilitate a proactive European response in the military and security domain in Haiti.

"This aims to facilitate contributions by EU member states, avoiding duplication and, in respect of military and security support, to complement action taken through the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC)," said the council meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2010)