By NNN-APP
United Nations : The UN Security Council extended on Friday the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one more year.
In a resolution adopted unanimously by council members, the Council commended the positive role of UNIFIL whose deployment together with the Lebanese Armed Forces has helped to establish a new strategic environment in Southern Lebanon, and decided to extend the present mandate of the UN mission until Aug. 31, 2008.
The Council also reiterated its intention to consider further steps to contribute to the implementation of a permanent cease-fire and long-term solution.
UNIFIL has been deployed in the area since 1978, when it was created to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and help the Lebanese government restore its effective authority in the area.
However, the force was greatly expanded following last year’s war between Israel and Lebanese Hizbollah guerrillas. It currently has 11,500 troops and a 2,000-strong naval force from more than 30 nations.