MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile-Argentina agree to joint force under UN command

Argentina and Chile will sign this week an agreement for the creation of a combined regional military force in support of United Nations peace efforts worldwide.

Chilean Defence minister Jaime Ravinet is scheduled to arrive in Buenos Aires Tuesday when he will be meeting his recently named Argentine counterpart, Ms. Nilda Garré.

The Combined Chilean-Argentine Peace Force, under bi-national political control and a joint staff command should be operational by mid 2006.

"It's the first experience on building a combined force between two countries of the region and underlines the cooperation and understanding spirit of both sides", said an official release in Buenos Aires, adding that the initiative will contribute with UN efforts to preserve world peace.

Mr. Ravinet and Deputy Defence minister Gabriel Gaspar are also scheduled to review bilateral defense, military and strategic bilateral relations.