From The Local

“Sweden has extensive experience in these operations, and a mission in Mali would be yet another example of such participation,” Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Development Aid Minister Gunilla Carlsson, and Defence Minister Karin Enström wrote in an article published in the Expressen newspaper outlining the proposal.

According to the proposal, Sweden would send around 70 people to participate in the UN-led mission, although up to 160 could ultimately be involved.

Sweden would contribute with airborne transport, flight safety support, and a national support unit, Defence Minister Karin Enström told the TT news agency.

The mission is expected to cost 80 million kronor ($12 million) in 2013 and 2014.

Last month, the UN Security Council said that it planned to send 11,200 soldiers and 1,440 police officers in Mali for a period of 12 months in what has been dubbed the MINUSMA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) programme. The project is scheduled to kick off on July 1st this year.

Read more at thelocal.se