EU Mali training mission begins
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
03.04.2013 08:46
The EU Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali has begun, an operation that is ultimately due to involve over 200 soldiers from EU countries, including 20 Poles.
Members of the Polish contingent: wp.mil.pl
“I can confirm that the training began on Tuesday,” Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton revealed, as cited by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
“We undertook this action to help Malian soldiers defend their country,” he stressed.
At present, five Polish soldiers are at large in Mali, and 15 more are due to arrive later this month.
Last December, French troops were the first to enter the country, responding to pleas from the Malian government after northern parts of the country were seized by Islamic insurgents.
France currently has 4000 troops stationed in the country.
The training programme, which involves soldiers from 22 EU countries, is taking place at a considerable distance from the frontline, at a base 60 km from Bamako, the Malian capital.
The EUTM hopes to have the first units of fully-trained Malian soldiers in action by July. (nh)