ISAF mandate extended for another year in Afghanistan
United Nations, Sep 22 (UNI) Expressing concerns over increased violence and terrorism in Afghanistan, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has approved the extension of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in the country for another year and called on Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and funds to strengthen the NATO-led force.
Fourteeen Council members voted in favour of extending the mandate while Russia abstained saying it could not support because the new issue of maritime interception had yet to be clarified.
The ISAF was established after the US-led coalition forces ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001.
The UNSC also stressed the importance of improving Afghan security services to provide long-term solutions to security in the country and encouraged ISAF and other partners to sustain their efforts to train and empower the National Police and other Afghan forces.
UNI