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DATE=2/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-CONGO (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-259325
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  The United Nations Security Council was moving 
closer today/Friday to establishing an international 
military observer force for Congo-Kinshasa.  V-O-A 
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United 
Nations.
TEXT:  Council members are considering a proposed 
resolution, sponsored by the United States, which 
would send troops and military observers to Congo.  
After three hours of closed-door discussion, the 
Council announced only that it will meet again on the 
issue next week.
U-N spokeswoman Marie Okabe says the resolution being 
considered is in line with a recent recommendation 
from U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
            /// Okabe Act ///
      The secretary-general's recommendation is that 
      the U-N Mission in the Democratic Republic of 
      Congo be expanded to some 500 military observers 
      with more than five-thousand-500 military 
      personnel in all.
            /// End Act ///
Five-thousand troops would protect the 500 observers 
and other U-N personnel, but the troops would not be 
expected to disarm combatants in Congo.  However, 
under the proposed Security Council resolution the 
troops and observers could not be deployed until all 
sides in Congo's multi-sided conflict provide 
assurances the U-N observers will be allowed to carry 
out their mission with security and cooperation from 
all sides.  Diplomats say it is likely that a vote to 
authorize the troops and observers will come late next 
week.
            /// Rest Opt ///
The U-S ambassador to the United Nations, Richard 
Holbrooke, has been urging a cautious and phased 
strategy of U-N involvement in Congo.  In recent 
testimony to the U-S Congress, Mr. Holbrooke said the 
authorization of a major U-N peacekeeping force in 
Congo will be contingent on the success of the 
proposed observer mission.  Though no American troops 
will be involved in the observer mission, the U-S 
financial contribution for it is expected to be about 
40-million dollars for the first six months.
Mr. Holbrooke told Congress the United States has a 
clear national interest in promoting peace and 
stability in Congo.  Calling Congo a "contagion of 
crisis" Mr. Holbrooke said continued fighting there 
carries "enormous costs to U-S political and economic 
interests."(Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JP
18-Feb-2000 15:55 PM EDT (18-Feb-2000 2055 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.