AP: U.N. Security Council OKs Somalia Forces

[Eugene]

U.N. Security Council OKs Somalia Forces


Wednesday December 6, 2006 10:01 PM

AP Photo NAI104

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to
authorize a regional force to protect Somalia's government which is under increasing
pressure from Islamic militants.

The U.S.-sponsored resolution also lifted an arms embargo against Somalia to allow
the regional force to be equipped.

The resolution urged the Islamic militants, who have taken control of the capital and
most of southern Somalia since June, to stop any further military expansion and join
the transitional government in talks to achieve a peaceful political settlement in the
country which has not had an effective government since 1991.

It threatened Security Council action against those who block peace efforts or attempt
to overthrow the government. No measures were mentioned, but they could include
targeted sanctions.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6262862,00.html

[Kagemusha]

1. I realize this is what the UN does for a threatened member govt but

I see no wisdom or realism behind this action...

[Eugene]

2. You're not alone.

Observers fear that this move will only push the situation
closer to a regional conflict.

[Kagemusha]

3. Only one good answer to that statement.

"Duh!"

Really, it's that obvious. The government already lost the capitol city, so the only thing "protecting" it can do is try to re-fight the battle. Good luck.

[Eugene]

4. BBC: Islamist warning for Somali force

Last Updated: Thursday, 7 December 2006, 09:57 GMT

Islamist warning for Somali force

The Islamists who control much of southern Somalia have warned they will fight
any peacekeepers sent there, after the UN approved a peace force.

"We see this as creating instability in Somalia. Most of Somalia is peaceful,"
Union of Islamic Courts official Ibrahim Adow told the BBC.

The UN resolution backs the sending of an 8,000-strong African force to support
Somalia's weak government.

-snip-

"Deploying foreign forces to Somalia is seen as invading forces and the Somali
people are prepared to defend themselves against aggression," Mr Adow told
the BBC's Network Africa programme.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6216632.stm