MS RICE said an immediate US priority will be to help find the extra forces and specialised units required for the joint UN-African Union force in Darfur as well as for the UN peacekeeping mission in the neighbouring Central African Republic and Chad, 'to better protect civilians under imminent threat of physical, including sexual, violence.'

Another immediate priority will be beefing up the 22,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in Congo, she said. The Security Council in November approved 3,000 more troops for Congo but the UN has had trouble getting countries to contribute the soldiers.

Ms Rice said the United States will seek mandates for UN peacekeeping operations that are 'credible and achievable' and will also seek to expand the pool of countries contributing troops and police.

The US will also intensify diplomatic efforts 'to give new momentum to some of the stalled or faltering peace processes', particularly in Sudan and neighbouring countries.

UN peacekeeping chief Mr Alain Le Roy told the council a clearer consensus is needed on the role of peacekeepers in protecting civilians. There is also a need to ensure 'sustained political support for the missions', to improve the UN training system, and to attract specialist military units - 'not just numbers', he said. -- AP