United Nations Radio

Once again, the UN Security Council has taken up the issue of Somalia.

The Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing the international community to fight piracy and armed robbery at sea off the Somali coast. Today the Council's attention was focused on broader issues - a move welcomed by Dumisani Kumalo, South Africa's Ambassador to the United Nations.

South African Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo

"For the first time we debated about how we address the situation inside Somalia. As we know up to now we were addressing the piracy situation which is very serious. But finally now we're talking about the possibility even of having a peacekeeping force in Somalia. So it's a very good day for Somalia."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to authorize the reinforcement of the 3400-strong African Union force in the country. He said as many as 28,000 UN soldiers and civilian police may be required.

Gail Walker, UN Radio

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