Argentina, Chile mull joint peace force

[Judi Lynn]

Argentina, Chile mull joint peace force
by Staff Writers
Buenos Aires (UPI) Apr 26, 2010

Chile and Argentina will pool resources to form a joint military force for rapid response to humanitarian crises and peacekeeping missions in Latin America.

The combined rapid response force, to be called Southern Cross, will be drawn from the armed forces of both countries and will comprise initially about 1,000 troops. Officials said the force will be ready for deployment before the end of the year.

Analysts said the announcement of the joint force appeared to be symbolic, an expression of solidarity, as it wasn't immediately clear whether such a force could be deployed and under what mandate.

A joint statement issued after the talks indicated the accord would cover Chile for shipbuilding contracts it is struggling to complete because of extensive damage to its shipyards in the Feb. 27 earthquake.

A joint production deal means shipyards in Argentina could be sharing the work while Chile rebuilds its facilities.

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http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Argentina_Chile_mull_joint_peace_force_999.html