Security Council OKs Somalia forces
(AP)Updated: 2006-12-07 08:38
He said the Somali government is willing to negotiate with the Islamic Courts movement if it gives up its mission take over the country and ensures that Somalia does not become a haven for terrorists.
There are fears that Somalia could become a proxy battleground for Ethiopia and Eritrea, which fought a border war in 1998-2000.
A confidential UN report obtained recently by The Associated Press said 6,000-8,000 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 - which Eritrea denies. Mohamed insisted only a small number of Ethiopians are training its security forces.
The resolution authorizes a seven-nation East African group known as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, and the African Union to establish "a protection and training mission in Somalia" for an initial period of six months.
It lifts the arms embargo on Somalia so the force can by supplied with weapons and military equipment and engage in technical training.
The resolution bans Somalia's neighbors from sending soldiers - a provision demanded by European members of the Security Council who want to ensure the force's aim is to promote peace.
The ban would prohibit participation in the force by troops from Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya — but not Uganda, which is the only country thus far to volunteer troops.
Council diplomats said IGAD envisions a force of eight battalions, each with 700 to 800 troops, but only two would be deployed in the first phase.
"For years now, this country has felt abandoned by the international community," said UN Ambassador Basile Ikouebe of the Republic of Congo, which currently holds the African Union presidency. "We invite all states, in particular neighboring countries, to strictly respect this resolution and to respect the arms embargo."
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