UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. Security Council is hoping to adopt a resolution this week aimed at helping to restore security to the collapsing Central African Republic and demanding swift implementation of a political transition leading to free and fair elections, diplomats said Monday.
The U.N. diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have been private, said the draft resolution expresses the council's intention to consider options to support an African Union peacekeeping force, expected to eventually include up to 3,500 troops.
It asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to submit detailed options within 30 days of the resolution's adoption, including the possibility of transforming the AU force into a U.N. peacekeeping force, the diplomats said.
The Security Council is expected to vote on the resolution on Thursday, they said.
The draft resolution expresses the council's readiness to consider "appropriate measures" U.N. language for sanctions against anyone undermining peace and security or impeding the transitional process, the diplomats said.