The Clinton administration has tabled a resolution at the United Nations in support of a peace monitoring force for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The force as proposed by the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan would comprise five-hundred military observers backed by a five-thousand strong protection unit.

The aim of the force is to mediate between the warring factions in Congo -- not to get directly involved in peacekeeping.

The American ambassador to the UN, Richard Holbrooke, is due in Washington today Wednesday to explain the resolution to Congress, which has to approve the funding of any American involvement in foreign peacekeeping operations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service