Annan proposes multinational force for Mideast

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the first time Friday proposed a multinational force to help halt the escalating violence in the Middle East.

His proposal was presented to the Security Council by U.N. Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast at a closed meeting.

Annan is hoping the Security Council will "keep in mind the experience of Bosnia, where the carnage was allowed to carry on for years before a meaningful international fighting force was put in place," U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

"He wants a force that's strong enough not to be challenged, and one that can secure the environment so that negotiations can be conducted and the Palestinian Authority can rebuild its capacity to govern," he added.

"Of course both parties would have to cooperate with the deployment of such a force," Eckhard said, touching on a point of contention with the Israelis, who have steadfastly refused to allow an international force into the West Bank and Gaza.

Eckhard said Annan, who is currently in Geneva, felt "something new, something bold" was needed to change the situation. But Annan does not think a U.N. peacekeeping force would be appropriate, he added.

"A multinational force can be assembled quickly and deployed quickly," Eckhard said. "We cannot remain neutral as people are being killed on both sides, from one day to the next."

Eckhard said Annan had not discussed the proposal with the United States or other Security Council members before Friday. The secretary-general will present his idea to council members sometime next week.

The concept of a multinational force was welcomed by the Palestinian observer and the Syrian ambassador.

"We think it's timely and we do hope that the Security Council will be able to proceed as quickly as possible with the consideration of such an important proposal," said Palestinian observer Nasser al-Kidwa.

Syrian Ambassador Mikhail Wehbe called Annan's proposal "sensitive," considering the current situation in the region.

But Israel did not welcome the idea.

"We believe that without the political will on part of the Palestinian side to renounce terror violence, an international presence will not bring about quiet and calm in the area," said Deputy Ambassador Aaron Jacob.

Eckhard also read a statement from Annan condemning the suicide bombing in Jerusalem Friday that left at least six people dead. "He reiterates his utter condemnation of such attacks against Israeli citizens as morally repugnant."

"The secretary-general calls on Chairman [Yasser] Arafat and Prime Minister [Ariel] Sharon to cooperate with United States Secretary of State Colin Powell's mission," Eckhard said.