UN extends Iraq multi-national force mandate

The UN Security Council voted unanimously today to extend the mandate of the nearly 180,000-strong multi-national force in Iraq for a year, a move the US called a significant signal of international commitment to Iraq’s political transition.

The resolution co-sponsored by the US, Britain, Denmark, Japan and Romania was adopted in response to a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari for the US-led force to remain in the country.