New York, Jumada I 14, 1434, Mar 26, 2013, SPA - The UN Security Council issued late Monday a statement "strongly" condemning the military-led coup by the Seleka coalition that toppled the government in Central African Republic (CAR) and criticizing the ensuing violence and looting. The statement "condemned the use of force, causing deaths of and injuries to soldiers from the South Africa training contingent deployed in the Central African Republic at the request of the government." The council said it intends to monitor closely the situation and, "if required, to consider further steps." It did not specify the steps. The council issued the statement following lengthy closed-door discussions on the situation in CAR, according to a report of DPA. --SPA 14:09 LOCAL TIME 11:09 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1091583