No UN peacekeepers for Somalia: Ben Ki-moon

UNITED NATIONS – Against a backdrop of heavy fighting and growing insecurity, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is opposing the deployment of UN peacekeepers to Somalia and suggested instead a robust multinational force or a coalition of volunteer nations.

In August, the UN Security Council called on the secretary-general to begin planning for the possible deployment of UN peacekeepers to replace an African Union force that has struggled to put troops in the chaotic country. But in a new report to the council, Ban said Friday, “under the prevailing political and security situation, I believe that the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation cannot be considered a realistic and viable option.””Given the complex security situation in Somalia, it may be advisable to look at additional security options, including the deployment of a robust multinational force or coalition of the willing,” he said.Nampa-APBut in a new report to the council, Ban said Friday, “under the prevailing political and security situation, I believe that the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation cannot be considered a realistic and viable option.””Given the complex security situation in Somalia, it may be advisable to look at additional security options, including the deployment of a robust multinational force or coalition of the willing,” he said.Nampa-AP