5 EU states agree to set up gendarmerie force

Defense ministers from five European states signed here Friday morning a Declaration of intent on set up a European gendarmerie force.

The declaration was signed by the defense ministers from France,Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands during the two-day informal meeting of the European Union's (EU) defense ministers.

Under the declaration, a 900-strong force is expected to be setup next year and to be deployed anywhere in the world within 30 days of a decision.

The force is aimed at helping managing post-crisis situations.The headquarters of the force will be in Italy.

Source: Xinhua