Government Communications Department
Press release 74/2014
26.2.2014
On Wednesday 26 February 2014, the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed Finland’s participation in the EU’s military crisis management operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA). The objective of the operation is to contribute to protecting civilians, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and stabilising the environment. It will also support the operation launched by the African Union to reach its full operational capability.
In line with earlier decisions, Finland has deployed four staff officers to the EUFOR RCA operation headquarters. Finland has also examined possibilities to participate in the EU’s military crisis management operation. The President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy outlined that Finland prepares to participate in EUFOR RCA operation with a maximum of 30 soldiers for a period of six months from the declaration of full operational capability.
Situation in the unstable Central African Republic has polarised after the coup in March 2013. Almost a million people have been forced to leave their homes and 250,000 people have fled to the neighbouring countries. It is estimated that almost half of the country’s population is in need of urgent humanitarian aid. The situation in the Central African Republic affects the stability and security of the whole region.
The President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy also discussed the current situation in Ukraine.
Inquiries: Timo Kantola, Deputy Director General, tel. + 358 295 351 477, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Helena Partanen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 295 140 310, Ministry of Defence