MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UN instructs Uruguay blue helmets to defend Congolese city

United Nations ordered a contingent of 600 Uruguayan blue helmets to take over the defence of the Congolese city of Goma --and its airport--, devastated by combats between the Congolese Army and rebel forces under the command of Laurent Nkunda.

According to Uruguayan military sources following several days of rampage and rioting by fleeing Congolese troops and Nkunda's unilateral cease fire in the region so "as not to generate panic among civilians in Goma", on Thursday women and children were returning to the besieged city. Goma has a population of 160.000 and is the capital of the North Kiyu province, bordering with Rwanda and Uganda and is in the heart of a constant battling area between the Congolese government trying to establish control and rebel Tutsi groups operating from the jungle and allegedly from Rwanda. The city is particularly unfortunate not only because of the ongoing conflict but in 2002 was crippled by the eruption of the nearby volcano Nyiragongo. More over during the Rwanda genocide of 1994 ethnic Hutus crossed by the thousands to the Goma area setting up huge refuge camps short of food and water, and plagued with diseases. Uruguayan military sources said the contingent was instructed to set up a protection perimeter to the east of the city plus ensuring the local airport is secure and operational. Goma's air terminal is one of Congo four international stations. UN headquarters and civilian staff in Goma are also under protection from Uruguayan peace keeping forces. Meantime Uruguayan officials in Montevideo have contacted the UN Security Council urging them to find a quick diplomatic and political solution to the conflict. Apparently Uruguayan forces are short of ammunition and their armoured equipment is lacking spares and maintenance. Uruguayan blue helmets have been deployed in Congo for several years now and total 1.300. Uruguayan navy personnel also ensure the security and navigability of the Congo River while the Air Force is in charge of the county's main airports. The Uruguayan contingent has been instructed "to avoid clashes" but since it's the most volatile area of the conflict "they could have to defend themselves", said Deputy Defence Minister Jorge Menendez. Under chapter VII, the UN Security Council authorizes blue helmets "to repeal enemy fire". So far Uruguayan troops in the current situation have not been attacked but the Indian contingent did have to fight back. "Morale is high" and officers on the field have said that if attacked they will defend themselves, said the Uruguayan Army Public Information Officer Colonel Eduardo Sleseris in Montevideo.