3 100 more troops for DRC
2008-11-20 19:41
New York - The UN Security Council unanimously agreed to send 3 100 more peacekeeping troops to conflict-wracked Congo.
Members of the 15-nation council voted on Thursday morning.
They say the dire situation required beefing up the 17 000-strong peacekeeping force as requested by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Some also say the increase could encourage a political resolution of the clashes between fighters loyal to rebel leader Laurent Nkunda and the Congolese army that have created a humanitarian crisis.
Since the fighting erupted in August, at least 250 000 people have been forced to flee their homes and camps where they had previously taken refuge.
- AP