Is it true that United Nations peacekeeping forces are not allowed to open fire until they have been fired upon?

skysmom65

Peacekeeping, as defined by the United Nations, is "a way to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace."[1]. Peacekeepers monitor and observe peace processes in post-conflict areas and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they may have signed. Such assistance comes in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development. Accordingly UN peacekeepers (often referred to as Blue Helmets because of their light blue helmets) can include soldiers, civilian police officers, and other civilian personnel. The Charter of the United Nations gives the UN Security Council the power and responsibility to take collective action to maintain international peace and security. For this reason, the international community usually looks to the Security Council to authorize peacekeeping operations, and all UN Peacekeeping missions must be authorized by the Security Council. http://www.answers.com/United%20Nations%20peacekeeping%20forces%20 I read the entire thing and found NOTHING stating that United Nations peacekeeping forces are not allowed to open fire until they have been fired upon. Feb 16 07, 10:56 AM

MandyL

The language of the resolution is very clear, which is if anybody uses force to try and resist the U.N. troops carrying out their mission, they have the right to shoot back. So, you know, while the first intent of the mission is that it is able to disarm any pockets of resistance or any smuggling efforts to bring in arms, if they need to, they can use their own firepower to secure their objective. http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=5646391 They claimed that the UN soldiers "never fire first" in their operations. http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=20050714&articleId=693 Feb 16 07, 10:57 AM

neon000

Okay, thank you everyone. Feb 16 07, 4:12 PM