Unanimous UN vote to bolster Ivory Coast peacekeeping force

The UN Security Council has overcome Russian objections and unanimously agreed to send 2,000 additional peacekeepers to Ivory Coast, where UN troops have been coming under attack. This will push the peacekeeping force to nearly 12,000.

Russia, which had expressed reservations about the draft resolution calling for the deployment of additional peacekeepers, joined the other 14 council members to support the move.

The resolution expressed "deep concern over the continued violence and human rights violations" triggered by a disputed presidential election.

Alassane Ouattara is widely recognised by Western and African governments as president-elect of Ivory Coast after the electoral commission proclaimed him the winner of the 28 November presidential poll. The results were certified by the UN mission in the country, but were rejected by incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.

The United Nations estimates at least 247 people have been killed since the dispute began.