Vietnam to participate in UN peacekeeping missions
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In this Sept. 2, 2005 file photo, Vietnamese soldiers march past the mausoleum of former communist leader Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the 60th anniversary parade celebrating Vietnam's independence. According to a state-controlled newspaper report on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, Vietnam will begin participating in United Nation's peacekeeping operations from early next year. --PHOTO: AP
HANOI - Vietnam has said it will begin participating in UN peacekeeping operations from early next year.
The move is a further sign that the country of 87 million wants to play a bigger international role.
The state-controlled Tien Phong newspaper on Tuesday quoted Vice-Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh as telling visiting assistant United Nations General Secretary Edmond Mulet that Vietnamese troops would be available from early next year.
More than 115 countries contribute troops and police to UN missions, of which there are 15 around the world.
