Translated material
Child-loving Russia
Our peacekeepers will conquer another point on the world map
The South Ossetian conflict has become part of world geopolitics, significantly affecting the nature of relations between Russia and the West. To demonstrate our country’s readiness to cooperate with international organizations and fulfill previously assumed obligations, President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on sending Russian military contingent to the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic.The decision on the participation of a Russian helicopter group in a humanitarian and peacekeeping operation in Chad was made in March of this year, during the presidency of Vladimir Putin. The Federation Council agreed to the use of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Chad back in September 2007.
Now, as it turns out from the decree of Dmitry Medvedev, about 200 people will be sent to Chad (in reality there will be fewer of them), four Mi-8MT helicopters with standard weapons. The expected period of stay of Russian peacekeepers in this African country is 12 months. Everything is being done, the Russian military assures, in accordance with the requirements of ICAO - the International Civil Aviation Organization. Back in early May, the head of the General Staff gave the order to reconnaissance of the territory of Chad. According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, General Alexander Zelin, the group's personnel are 100% complete.
The Russians' task is to transport cargo and UN personnel, possible evacuation, search and rescue, patrol and observation flights in the area of the proposed operation. Replacement - after six months. And all this in difficult desert conditions. The Russian government is entrusted with financing this military formation, including guarantees and compensation, including to members of their families.
In Chad today there is an armed confrontation between rebels and government troops. On June 11, troops from the National Alliance, opposed to the ruling regime of President Deby, made another attempt to fight their way to the capital of the country, N'Djamena. For several days they successfully advanced from the east of the country, then the offensive stopped. A Chadian court has sentenced the country's former president Hisène Habré to death. He ruled from 1982 to 1990. Habré is accused of torture and political assassinations during his reign. The verdict was passed in the absence of the accused, as Habré now lives in exile in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.
The Russian peacekeeping unit is similar to the one that served as part of the UN mission in Sierra Leone, where a Vremya Novostey correspondent once visited. The Russian group will be part of the European UNFOR peacekeeping contingent in Chad and the Central African Republic. Our peacekeepers will be supported by a multinational Army Aviation battalion. Its headquarters is in the area of the village of Abeche. The headquarters of YUFOR is also located there. In addition to Russian forces, this battalion will be armed with French and Polish helicopters - 11 Puma and Mi-7 type vehicles, which will be maintained by 280 people.