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CAR

Idriss Deby Wants Minurca's Mission Extended In CAR

ALGIERS, Algeria (PANA) - The chairman of UN Standing Advisory Committee on security issues in Central Africa, Chadian leader Idriss Deby, has urged the Security Council to re-examine the political and security situation in the Central African Republic with a view to extending the mandate of the UN mission.
Deby, who is also current chairman of the Central African Economic and Monetary Union, felt the withdrawal of UN forces from the country was "premature" and is "likely to endanger the process under way in this country."

In a letter addressed to the Security Council, a copy of which was made available to PANA Thursday, Deby stressed that "the latest developments of the situation in the country suggest that the worst is still to come."

He said this was because "some institutions, important for bringing peace, security and stability to the country, such as the army which is undergoing reform, are yet to be established."

He also cited the general insecurity situation around the country's neighbours such as the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Southern Sudan, and the fragile political situation in the Republic of Congo as reasons for his plea for greater caution.

The Chadian leader said he wished to see an extension of the mission "either in its current form, or in a new form, to enable the Central African Republic get back to lasting peace."

"Chad is prepared to take part in the putting in place of a new structure," Deby added in his message, a copy of which was sent to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, current chairman of the Organisation of African Unity.

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