European Union ready to send 1,000 soldiers to restore security in Central African Republic 2301141.

The 47-member Council demanded an immediate halt to all human rights violations and abuses and acts of violence by all parties, as well as the restoration of rule of law in the country. The Council also urged the parties in the CAR to protect all civilians, in particular women and children from sexual violence, and emphasized the need for all sides to facilitate humanitarian access for the UN and other relief organizations for all persons in need of assistance.

Meeting in Brussels, the ministers approved an outline plan to send a battalion-sized force to the violence-torn country but detailed military plans still need to be worked out. It is not yet clear which countries will provide the troops.

The deployment initially limited to six months would come as reinforcement to some 1,600 French troops that were quickly dispatched there last month to assist some 4,400 overwhelmed African Union troops to restore order.

The first option would be to set up bases in some towns in the west of the country and carry out patrols between them to create a secure area, the sources said. This could cover the road to neighbouring Cameroon.

A second option would be for the force to focus on Bangui, coordinating closely with other international forces.

Under this option, the EU force could take over the airport zone, allowing French forces there to deploy elsewhere.