US praises French 'leadership' in C. Africa conflict

Bs_logoImage
AFP Washington
Last Updated : Dec 07 2013 | 4:55 AM IST
Washington has praised French military forces for beginning the tough task of helping restore security to the strife-torn Central African Republic.
"We believe that France's strong leadership in committing 800 additional troops and their support to the African Union-led stabilisation mission in the CAR (MISCA) sends a forceful message to all parties that the violence must end," deputy State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said yesterday.
France deployed its troops yesterday as part of a UN-backed operation to quell violence between Christians and Muslims in its former colony.
"We are deeply concerned by the worsening violence in the CAR, which has resulted in a growing humanitarian crisis and increased the risk of mass atrocities," Harf said in a statement.
The United States has pledged some USD 40 million in equipment, training and logistical support to the French-African force known as MISCA.
Germany said it was ready to offer transport and refuelling aircraft to the French operation, but Harf told journalists she was not aware of any specific requests for US military help.
"Obviously, we would consider them if they came in," she said.

You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 07 2013 | 4:55 AM IST

3 out of 5 articles left

Subscribe for unlimited access
Subscribe Now