UN Peacekeeping Chief “Worried” about Sending Troops to Somalia

The head of the UN’s Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Marie Guehenno, has expressed worry about a possible plan to send UN troops to Somalia while it is unclear who controls militants on the ground. Speaking Tuesday, Guehenno cited the ineffectiveness of political pacts and ceasefires signed in the lawless country since the militias appear to be beyond the control of the political leaders who take part in negotiations. Guehenno was referring to a currently worsening spate of killings and displacements despite the recent signing of a UN-brokered peace deal between the Somali interim government and an alliance of opposition leaders. [PE]