Free Republic

The UN Security Council on Wednesday demanded the release of 45 Fijian peacekeepers held in the Golan Heights by Syrian Al-Nusra Front terrorists, according to AFP. The 15 members of the council unanimously approved a declaration condemning "in the strongest terms" the detention of the Fijians. They were captured almost a week ago, when the rebels stormed a Golan Heights crossing. The council "reiterated their call for the peacekeepers' immediate and unconditional release," adding in its statement that "there can never be any justification for attacks on or the detention of UN peacekeepers." The government of Fiji also has called...

Turkey drops Iraq troops plan There were angry protests in Turkey against a troop deployment Turkey has decided not to send peacekeeping troops to Iraq, government officials have said. It follows fierce opposition from the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council and public opinion in Turkey. Last month, the Turkish parliament approved a deployment motion, after the United States, a fellow Nato member, requested more foreign troops. The Turkish foreign ministry said Turkey would still play a key role in Iraq's post-war reconstruction. US talksA Turkish foreign ministry statement said Turkey made its decision after talks between Turkish Foreign Minster Abdullah...