21.   But representatives said no final decisions were taken because many members first wanted the Security Council to approve the mission.

22.   China abstained when the council approved the mission last March.

23.   Fini said that if the mission is approved without the Communists, the government in effect had lost its majority in Parliament.

24.   Gyarmati spoke to reporters after a closed OSCE session where all members, including Russia, approved the planned mission.

25.   He said such a mission must be approved by Moscow.

26.   If Beijing were to refuse to approve the mission, there are other institutions in Latin America that can do the job, he said.

27.   In approving the mission, the council authorized interested countries to send an Italian-led multinational force to the country to help restore order.

28.   In addition, bot houses of Parliament must approve the mission, the Defense Ministry said.

29.   Russia had been pressing the council to quickly approve the mission, but members demanded strict limitations on the mandate.

30.   Such a peacekeeping mission must be approved by parliament, on the request of the government and president, he noted.