US calls for regional force to aid Somalia peace effort

December 02, 2006|Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS -- The United States circulated a UN Security Council draft resolution yesterday that would authorize a regional force to protect Somalia's weak government and would threaten action against those who block peace efforts and attempt to overthrow it.

The draft would lift a 1992 arms embargo against Somalia so that troops in the "protection and training mission" could be militarily equipped.

It would ban Somalia's neighbors from sending soldiers -- a demand by a seven-nation East African group expected to contribute soldiers to the force, as well as European members of the Security Council who want to ensure the force's aim is to promote peace.

US Ambassador John R. Bolton said he expects Security Council analysts to discuss the draft Monday, "and then we'll proceed as rapidly as we can after that."

The move is being made after a veiled woman and two other suicide bombers exploded cars Thursday outside the western Somali town of Baidoa, the only area under the government's control. Ten people were killed.

The government blamed the Islamic movement vying for control of the country. The group denied involvement.

Somalia has not had an effective government since 1991, when warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre and then turned on one another. A government was formed with the help of the UN two years ago. Islamic militants have been rising up since June and now control the capital and most of the country's south.

A UN report said 6,000 to 8,000 Ethiopian troops were in Somalia or along the border, supporting the transitional government. It also said 2,000 soldiers from Eritrea were inside Somalia, supporting the Islamic militia.

Eritrea denies having any troops in Somalia, while Ethiopia insists it has sent only advisers.