UN Security Council votes to extend mandate of peacekeeping force in Lebanon
The UN Security Council voted unanimously Friday to extend the mandate of the 13,600-strong UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon and called for a permanent cease-fire and long-term solution to last summer's Israel-Hezbollah war.
The Security Council reiterated its intention ''to consider further steps to contribute to the implementation of a permanent cease-fire and a long-term solution.'' The resolution commends UNIFIL's positive role, with Lebanese troops, in helping ''to establish a new strategic environment in southern Lebanon.'' The current mandate of the force expires on Aug. 31. (AP)
