Swiss approve deployment of 15,000 troops for Euro 2008

ZURICH, Sept 13 (Reuters) Switzerland's federal government today approved the deployment of up to 15,000 troops to help civilian authorities when the country co-hosts the 2008 European soccer championship.

The soldiers would be deployed from June 2-18 in Switzerland's four host cities, Basel, Bern, Geneva and Zurich, the Federal Council said in a statement.

Further details would be arranged after the Dec. 1, 2007 draw for the tournament, which Switzerland is co-hosting with neighbouring Austria.

REUTERS AY VC1824