CAIRO, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced Egypt will deploy troops to Sudan for a security initiative and peacekeeping operation.
Mubarak held a meeting Wednesday to review the announced Egyptian military deployment to the Sudanese western region of Darfur and surrounding areas. Officials say the move is an effort to support African and international peace and security efforts in the region.
"I have decided that Egypt will participate in peacekeeping operations in the region of Darfur after an in-depth study and for a number of political and military considerations," Mubarak said in a statement. "The comprehensive peace agreement with south Sudan that was reached three years ago came to put an end to the longest civil war in Africa's history that has claimed so many Sudanese lives and depleted their resources and wealth."
Mubarak indicated that Egypt's involvement is an example of his country's interest in peace and security for Sudan and for the region as a whole. Mubarak called the ties between the countries important.
"Egypt looks forward to peace in Darfur being a main element for the realization of overall peace in Sudan, we are maintaining contacts with government of Khartoum and faction leaders in Darfur," Mubarak said.
