Czech army plane departs for Georgia - possible peacekeepers to follow

A Czech army Airbus 319 has departed for Georgia in order to bring humanitarian supplies and also bring home Czechs who have been caught up in the fighting. Specifically, the plane will be bringing blood and blood plasma as well as bandages and other medical supplies. The estimated value of the aid package is five million Czech crowns, according to the Czech Foreign Ministry. Both Czech and Polish citizens currently in Georgia are expected to be on board the return flight. Current estimates suggest around 250 people will return from the region. Because of cited security concerns, the plane will land in neighbouring Armenia. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers have agreed to be ready to send peacekeepers to the region, with the Czech Republic signaling its strong commitment to its soldiers joining the mission. Reports have also emerged that two Czech reporters have been mugged in the region of South Ossetia – both are reported to be unharmed.