U.N. extends mandate for DRC

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UNITED NATIONS, June 28 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council extended the mandate for a stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo citing ongoing security concerns.

The council, through a unanimous vote, extended the mandate of the U.N. Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known by the initials MONUSCO, until June 30, 2013.

The council called on MONUSCO to support political reform in DRC. Congolese authorities were urged to prosecute those suspected for grave human rights abuses.

"(The council) the government to establish democratic, accountable and professional national security and judicial institutions, with the support of MONUSCO and by sharing strategies with international partners," a statement read.

Proper integration of former armed groups, meanwhile, must be pursued alongside judicial measures against those accused of serious human rights abuses.

Rebel forces in DRC were integrated into the national army under the terms of a 2006 peace agreement. Rebel Gen. Bosco Ntaganda waged mutiny in April, saying the government has violated the terms of the agreement, however.

Ntaganda is wanted for war crimes.

A European rights official this week estimated that than 222,000 people were displaced by conflict since fighting began in April.