UN Resolution Passed for Deployment of International Peacekeepers in Liberia - 2003-08-02

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution proposed by the United States to establish a peacekeeping operation in Liberia, which has been embroiled in civil war for three years. The Security Council, consisting of fifteen members, passed the resolution late Friday with twelve votes in favor and the absence of France, Germany, and Mexico, who stated they did not participate in the vote due to a clause in the resolution conflicting with their national laws. The United States wishes for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead this operation, with the U.S. playing a supportive role. The warship 'Iwo Jima', carrying several U.S. Marines, and another warship are expected to arrive near the shores of Liberia on Saturday. Last Thursday, West African leaders announced that a force of 1,500 Nigerian peacekeepers would arrive in Liberia by Monday, and Charles Taylor, the President of Liberia, would go to Nigeria as a refugee three days later. Meanwhile, in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, heavy fighting has been ongoing since early Friday for control of three main bridges leading to the city center. Humanitarian organizations report that over a thousand civilians have been killed in the clashes since June.