NATO has responded positively to a request by the African Union (AU) for support with a study on the evaluation/ assessment of the operational readiness of the African Standby Force (ASF) brigades. This continental force, which is intended to be deployed in Africa in times of crisis, is part of the AU's efforts to develop long-term peacekeeping capabilities. The ASF could be seen as an African contribution to wider efforts to preserve international peace and security. In addition to this initial support agreed on September 5, 2007 and at the request of the African Union, NATO has also assisted with the translation from English into Portuguese of African Standby Force documentation. As a member of the G8++ forum and at the AU's request, NATO has also participated as an observer in various ASF preparatory workshops. The G8++ brings together the group of partners supporting the AU in the area of peace and security. It includes international organizations and individual countries. On 13 December 2007, NATO received a Note Verbale from the African Union regarding continued NATO support to the African Standby Force. Consultations will be held between AU and NATO staff to identify specific areas for NATO assistance to the ASF. For more information, see
NATO assistance to African Union missions.