UN extends East Timor mandate

The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN integrated mission in East Timor for a year.

Resolution 1867 said that the situation "although generally calm, remains fragile," despite improvements since last year's attempts to assassinate Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and President Jose Ramos-Horta.

The council extended the mission's mandate through February 26, 2010.

The Timorese Government had sought an additional year at least for the international stabilisation force.

The country was rocked by violent unrest in 2006, just four years after its independence, in which at least 37 people were killed. The world body stepped up security assistance following its independence.

The force includes police under the mission's authority and about 700 Australian soldiers who are not under the UN command.

-AFP