France would like the African-led mission to become a UN peacekeeping operation as soon as possible.

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The French have said they are planning to start withdrawing their 4, 000 soldiers next month, and would like the African-led contingent to become a UN peacekeeping operation.

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France has said it wants to start withdrawing its 4, 000 soldiers from its former colony next month - and would like the African-led mission to become a UN peacekeeping operation.

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Unamsil is now the biggest UN peacekeeping force in operation, numbering some 13, 000.

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Specifically, because we know the importance of peace in Darfur I am announcing today more help from Britain to train, equip and deploy African troops for the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping operation.

BBC: In full: Brown security statement

The UK's contribution to the UN operation in Cyprus began in 1964 making it the longest peacekeeping mission in British military history.

BBC: TA troops in training