U.N. OKs Multinational Force for Liberia

[MB121]

U.N. OKs Multinational Force for Liberia
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS - (AP) — The U.N. Security Council voted late Friday to authorize a multinational force to help end fighting in war-battered Liberia (news - web sites) and maintain security after President Charles Taylor steps down. France, Germany and Mexico abstained.

The United States pushed for a vote to formally establish an emergency force as West African leaders prepared to send the first contingent of Nigerian peacekeeping troops to Liberia on Monday.

The resolution authorizes the multinational force to remain in Liberia for two months when it will be replaced by a U.N. peacekeeping force — no later than Oct. 1.

France, Germany and Mexico said they support deployment of the force but abstained because of a provision in the resolution that they said violates their countries' laws.

The United Nations, African countries, and others have been pressing Washington to lead the force to help end a conflict between troops loyal to Taylor and rebels trying to oust him — but the draft resolution makes no mention of U.S. troops participating.

U.S. Ambassador John 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.

Complete article: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...f/un_liberia_7

[bikemancs]

Originally Posted by MB121

France, Germany and Mexico abstained.

First thought...well duh!

second thought: they don't have a military...

Third thought...ok maybe they have a reason other than that....