(2) how many force generation conferences have taken place for the European Security and Defence Policy mission to Chad since August 2007.
The Operation Commander for the ESDP mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, Lieutenant General Nash, has held five formal force generation conferences. These took place on 9 November, 14 November and 21 November, 19 December 2007 and 11 January 2008. After the fifth force generation conference on 11 January, General Nash confirmed that he now has enough forces and assets available to recommend launching the mission. The final phase of planning has now begun and is due to culminate at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January, when the operation is expected to be formally launched. EUFOR is expected to reach its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) four to six weeks after a decision to launch the operation has been taken.