Posted on 08/01/2003 5:16:28 PM PDT by mdittmar
The United States called for a vote by late Saturday on a U.N. resolution authorizing a multinational force to help implement a cease-fire in war-ravaged Liberia.
With West African leaders preparing to send the first contingent of Nigerian peacekeeping troops to Liberia on Monday, the United States said Friday it wants quick Security Council action on its resolution to establish an international force for a limited period. It makes no mention of U.S. troops participating.
"We are introducing our Liberia resolution today and expect to vote within the next 24 hours," said Richard Grenell, spokesman for U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte. "We've made some final adjustments ... and are hopeful for consensus."
As Negroponte headed into a Security Council meeting late Friday afternoon, he said: "We hope to put it to a vote."
The United Nations, African countries, and others have been pressing Washington to lead the force to help end a conflict between troops loyal to President Charles Taylor and rebels trying to oust him - but the draft resolution does not propose the participation of U.S. troops.
Negroponte said Wednesday the Bush administration wants the force being assembled by the Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, to take the lead, with the United States providing support.
But a key sticking point remains a provision dealing with prosecutions by the International Criminal Court.
The United States vehemently opposes the court, fearing frivolous or political prosecutions of U.S. troops.
The resolution would formally establish a multinational force to support implementation of a cease-fire, help establish security after Taylor leaves the country and "a successor authority" is installed, and help ensure delivery of humanitarian aid.
The Security Council would also be asked to declare its readiness to establish a follow-on U.N. peacekeeping force and start deploying it by Oct. 1.
Liberia was founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves and has been engulfed in intermittent conflict since Taylor launched a civil war in 1989.
I'm sure we'll get it,nothing to gain for the U.S. on this move so the U.N. will be happy to back this resolution.
I hate it when I'm right.
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