UN likely to expand Golan peacekeeping force

The Security Council president says the UN is likely to expand its peacekeeping force in the disputed Golan Heights with more troops and heavy weapons.

British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant says there is "strong support" in the council for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's proposal to expand the 913-member force to 1,250. Grant said Tuesday that Russia and the US will circulate a resolution to renew the force's mandate. Grant also said Fiji is likely sending troops by the end of July to replace Austrian peacekeepers who are withdrawing.