NATO extends training for African peacekeepers in Darfur

NATO allies have extended a training program for African peacekeepers in Darfur until September, the alliance's operational commander said Monday.

The NATO training mission for officers of the African Union peacekeeping force had been due to end this month, but the 25 allies agreed late last week to extend the program, said US Gen James L Jones, NATO's supreme commander for operations.

Jones told reporters that alliance military experts are working on plans to increase training and "capacity building" to back up the 7,000-strong African peacekeeping force. NATO is also providing planes to fly in African peacekeepers.

Full report AP/ST Apr 24, 2006.