N'DJAMENA, CHAD (VISNEWS - ERIC BOURBOTTE)

GV & SV Military attaches from Kenya, Togo, Senegal, Benin at airport after arrival. (2 SHOTS)
SV Military attaches walk off. (2 SHOTS)
CU PULL BACK Military attaches pose for cameras. (2 SHOTS)

Background: INTRODUCTION: Military attaches from countries of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) have arrived in Chad to discuss the deployment of a peacekeeping force in the region.Following the requested withdrawal of Libyan troops earlier this month (last units left on 16 November) Chad has turned to the OAU for military aid.President Goukouni Oueddei says his troops have come under attack from Sudanese forces along the eastern frontier.He also faces the threat of renewed civil war as the power struggle within Chad continues.

SYNOPSIS: The military delegations were sent to Chad's capital N'djamena on Tuesday (17 November) following a meeting of their Foreign Ministers in Lagos last Friday (13 November).First to arrive were the attaches from Kenya, Togo, Senegal and Benin.The other participating nations are Nigeria, Zaire and Guinea -- with both France and Gabon promising logistic support.After the Foreign Minister's meeting in Lagos, a spokesman said advance troops of the inter-African force could be in Chad within seven days, although President Oueddei has said the first units may not arrive until the end of the month (November).France is paying for the five thousand strong contingent, but the OAU members now want United States involvement.The delays are concerning the French who want stability in their former colony.

One of the problems facing the military delegations, is the deployment of troops.A sensative patrol area is the east of the country, where soldiers loyal to former Chad Defence Minister Hissene Habre have been attacking at least three towns.The military attaches also have to make the delicate decision on who commands the peacekeeping force.

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