Posted on 12/06/2002 9:30:20 AM PST by konijn
Peacekeepers held in Bosnian bar raid
Peacekeepers had been banned from the bar
By Nick Hawton BBC correspondent in Sarajevo
The Nato-led force in Bosnia, S-For, has confirmed that 10 of its soldiers were detained following a raid on a bar near the capital, Sarajevo. The bar is believed to be part of a network of establishments involved in the trafficking of women from eastern Europe.
Any punishment will be meted out by the soldiers' home officials
Last week the UN in Bosnia warned of an increase in the activities of criminal gangs who force women into prostitution.
The raid took place earlier this week at a bar on the outskirts of Sarajevo.
It was carried out by local special police units and members of the UN's international police task force which is charged with combating the trade in trafficked women.
S-For and other international organisations in Bosnia have banned their staff from visiting this bar, as well as many others believed to be involved in trafficking.
It is understood the 10 soldiers caught in the raid were all French and in uniform.
They are now being investigated by the military police.
A spokesman for S-For said any disciplinary action would be the responsibility of the home nation.
UN to leave
Whilst this is not the first time that international soldiers working in Bosnia have been found using such bars, this is the largest number to have been caught.
The UN's anti-trafficking unit is due to close down at the end of the year when it hands over to a European Union police mission.
The UN says organised criminal gangs have already stepped up their trade in trafficked women in anticipation of the UN leaving.
The UN has also expressed concern that the new EU mission may not have diverted enough resources to tackle the growing problem.
I bet that you're right.
hmmm, I wonder if blue helmets will clash with a blue dress?
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