By Michelle Fitzpatrick - 16th May 2006
Most of the German soldiers headed for the EU Congo mission will not be travelling into the country at all, reports a German daily.
According to FT Deutschland, only in case of an emergency will the German troops stationed in neighbouring Gabon actually go to Congo.
“The bulk of the forces will be held ready in Gabon and Europe and only transferred in an emergency," defence ministry sources told the paper.
Until now it was thought that Germany’s soldiers would be placed in the capital of Kinshasa to secure Congo’s first democratic elections on July 30.
But it has emerged that most German troops will instead focus on evacuating election campaigners and western soldiers if unrest breaks out.
Earlier this week, the EU said it would contribute some 450 troops on the ground in the capital, and up to 1,000 in neighbouring countries which would intervene only if asked to by the UN.
Critics have accused the EU of not sending enough soldiers, although Germany has recently said it would deploy a larger contingent than previously discussed.
As well as up to 500 soldiers, it will add another 280 support troops.
A final decision on the deployment of troops will be made by German parliament on Friday.
The EU's Congo mission is expected to last for four months.
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