Citation
BRUSSELS, April 10 (Reuter) - Belgian paratroops sent to evacuate
Westerners from the fighting in Rwanda have landed at the airport of
the capital Kigali, Belgian officials said on Sunday.
The officials said eight aircraft carrying troops had now landed at the
airport.
Planes carrying equipment and most of an 800-strong paratroop
contingent left Brussels on Saturday to protect some 1,500 nationals in
the former Belgian colony and help evacuate them if needed.
Rwandan troops had closed the airport to the Belgian aircraft for most
of the day.
Belgian Foreign Minister Willy Claes said earlier assurances had been
obtained from the Rwandan government that the troops, reported to
number between 400 and 600, would be able to land at Kigali.
Tens of thousands of people have died in fighting and ethnic violence
since the Rwandan president was assassinated last week.
(c) Reuters Limited 1994
