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Nigeria Hosts Conference to Discuss African Standby Force

7th Oct.'08

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence College, Rear Admiral John Jonah, has said that more than 150 delegates from 60 countries are expected to participate in the 14th International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres (IAPTC) this week in Abuja to discuss;, among other things, the proposed African Standby Force.

Jonah told journalists in Abuja during the African chapter of the meeting, which is preceding the international conference, that top military, police and civilian training institutions across Africa would conclude discussions on the proposed African Union Standby Force.

He said that the conference, which is being sponsored by the Nigerian and Canadian governments, would examine among others the operational Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Standby Force and its funding. "The meeting will focus mainly on the African Standby Force, its deployment, funding and training. We will also take a critical look at the MOU for the force," he said.

He explained that the international chapter of the conference, which opens on Monday in Abuja, is open to any organization or individual interested in education and training for peacekeeping operations. He, however, warned that advocacy groups and non-governmental organisations would not be allowed at the meeting. "It is not a forum for advocacy groups to promote causes nor is it an occasion for addressing operational issues," he said.

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