UN agrees on more peacekeepers for DR Congo

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-21-2008 10:11

The UN Security Council has agreed to send 3,100 more peacekeeping troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Meanwhile, rebels in the country say they remain committed to a pullback from the front lines despite an army attack.

The UN Security Council has agreed to send 3,100 more peacekeeping troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo. (CCTV.com)

On Thursday, the 15-nation UN Security Council approved a resolution to send more peacekeepers to the eastern part of Congo.

The Congolese mission currently has the largest number of peacekeeping forces in the world. But its 17,000 soldiers have not been able to stop the fighting across the vast nation.

The Security Council has not yet worked out who will contribute the additional peacekeepers. Some council members expect the increase could encourage a political resolution in Congo.

Dumisani Kunalo, South African Ambassador to UN, said, "While we are pleased with the increase in the number of peacekeepers that will be sent to this part of the country, we wish to also underline that this goes along with the political process that is also necessary."