NEW YORK, May 29: The UN Security Council is expected to approve a multinational peacekeeping force deployment in the Ituri province of Congo to end strife and unrest in the region, diplomats here said.

The 1,200 force which would be led by France would include soldiers from Pakistan, Britain, south Africa, Sweden and Nigeria.

Pakistan which heads the Security Council this month has called for an open meeting on African continent on Friday and the 15-member Council is expected to approve a peacekeeping force. The French, who have taken on responsibility for organizing an international force, have tabled a draft UN Security Council resolution authorizing the mission on Wednesday.