A proposal to form a U.N. rapid-deployment military force received cautious backing Friday, but apparent U.S. concerns about its costs and command could pose an obstacle.
Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali recommended the Security Council consider reviving a little-known U.N. charter provision that calls for a standing army or a quick available force. The military plan was never acted on in the past because of U.S.-Soviet tensions.Boutros-Ghali's report, issued Thursday, urged U.N. members to make armed forces and facilities available to the 15 Security Council. He also proposed a combat-ready unit of "peace enforcers" who could enter hot spots to restore cease-fires and confront aggressors.
Presently, U.N. peacekeepers are sent to an area only with the agreement of all feuding parties and after a truce is reached.