UN denies cancellation of peace contingent from India in Congo

 United Nations, Mar 9:The United Nations today denied that it has asked India not to send replacement for one of its peacekeeping contingents in Congo because of alleged sexual misconduct by some Indian security personnel.

Replying to a question on reports that world body has asked India not to send replacement, a UN spokesperson said the United Nations has not requested India the cancellation of a new deployment to Congo.

The Indian Air Force contingent with the peacekeeping operations, known by its French Acronym MONUC, is working at full strength, she said.

The United Nations greatly appreciates India's continued participation in peacekeeping operations, she added.

The reports had said that an IAF team deployed under MONUC would be completing its tenure there next month and UN has asked India not to send its replacement.

In an alleged sex-for-cash scandal, around 10 Indian soldiers deployed in Congo were accused of having sex with prostitutes last year, the reports had said.

The UN code of conduct in Congo prohibits peacekeepers from soliciting prostitutes. PTI