AMSTERDAM, Nov 2 (Reuters) - The Dutch government is considering contributing a small number of soldiers to the European Union peacekeeping operation in Chad, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

The spokesman said a final decision was expected before the end of the year with the number of troops "most likely in tens" and deployed for a year.

The EU force, expected to number up to 3,000 troops from several European countries, will have the task of protecting civilians in eastern Chad, one of Africa's most violent zones. It will start deploying soldiers this month.

France, Ireland, Poland and Sweden have already pledged soldiers.

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