The troops, who will number between 300 and 350, would be deployed only in neighbouring Uganda, where the Ituri peace mission has a forward base, and provide medical and logistical assistance to the multinational force, he said.

The German parliament, which has to ratify any deployment by the Bundeswehr outside NATO member states, is scheduled to discuss the move on Wednesday.

The spokesman said the operation was still in the planning stages, but that if it was ratified by parliament the troops could deploy with their French counterparts in five Transall transport aircraft.

The EU mission, codenamed Artemis, is led by France with combat troops and commanders almost exclusively from that country.

Its goal is to secure the town and airport of Bunia, where hundreds of people have been killed in ethnic clashes in recent weeks; to improve humanitarian conditions and protect civilians, UN personnel and aid workers.

Belgium, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Ethiopia, Pakistan, South Africa and Sweden have also said they would contribute to the force.

WAR.WIRE