The Monitor (Kampala)
July 9, 2003
Posted to the web July 9, 2003
Frank Nyakairu
Kampala
About 3,800 Bangladeshi troops will replace the French force in Bunia. The French force pulls out on September 1.
The United Nations wants a two-week hand over period from the French-led EU force to the Bangladeshi forces beginning on August 15, the AFP reported yesterday.
"All efforts are being made to ensure that the second task force will be deployed by August 15," said Jean-Marie Guehenno, the UN under-secretary general for peacekeeping operations.
Guehenno told the UN Security Council that "the deployment of a strong multinational force in Bunia has begun to change the balance between the warring parties and legitimate political actors in that area.
The mandate of the current UN force (Monuc) runs out at the end of July and the Security Council is debating whether to extend the powers of the force and increase its numbers.
The French Army Chief of General Staff, Gen. Henri Bentegeat, said last week that there would be no extension of Operation Artemis.
Meanwhile, a contingent of 50 Brazilian troops is also expected at the Entebbe Airbase as part of Operation Artemis.
The spokesman of the forces based at Entebbe, Capt. Frederic Solano, yesterday said that the Brazilian troops would arrive in a few days.
