HELSINKI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Finland is sending an additional contingent of peacekeepers to Afghanistan on Wednesday to help improve security during the country's presidential elections next month.

    A contingent of 85 soldiers will reinforce the main force of 110 Finnish peacekeepers participating in operations of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. The additional unit will be stationed in northern Afghanistan.

    Finnish peacekeepers are charged with supporting provincial government security. Their tasks include repairing government buildings and supplying equipment to Afghan police forces.