Bahrain wants UN peacekeeping role

Manama: Bahrain says it is actively seeking to become part of the United Nation's international peacekeeping force.

Speaking to Bahrain's Gulf Daily, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abdulla Al Mannai said the country would formally put forward troops shortly.

"We are preparing ourselves for that prestigious role and we should be ready to take on the challenge in a few months," he said. "It is important we know what to expect and how to deal with it, whether it is the clauses of the Geneva Convention or other issues."

Al Mannai spoke on the sidelines at a conference in Manama, which was attended by military and medical officials from 13 countries.