PARIS
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Tuesday, "We can make military operation against Central African Republic under the umbrella of United Nations (UN)", noting "the country is facing risk of being divided."
Answering questions on the France Culture radio channel, Minister Fabius warned "conflict in Central African Republic is a great risk for the whole region."
"France may expand its military presence in Central African Republic if international community approves", Fabius stated.
He noted that French troops would be sent to the country in order to help in safety, humanitarian assistance, political transition and economic development.
Prime Minister of the Central African Republic Nicolas Tiangaye said on Monday that "France will triple the number of its soldiers to 1,200."
The latest crisis in the country began when a coalition of rebels known as Seleka forced president Francois Bozize to flee in March and replaced him with Michel Djotodia, the country's first Muslim president.
A transitional government has since lost control of the country of 4.5 million people.
400,000 people have been displaced and more than 70,000 have fled to neighboring countries due to the conflict in the country.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
