UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The U.N. mission in Iraq was given another year to do its work in a unanimous vote Thursday by the Security Council.
The council followed the recommendations in a report by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that the mission should be extended until July 31, 2011, U.N. News said. The mission, known by the acronym UNAMI, has a broad range of responsibilities, including reconstruction and development, human rights and nurturing a democratic government.
In his report, Ban said he was worried about the delay in putting together a new government following the March election. A coalition led by former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi won more parliamentary seats that the group headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The results were certified in June, but political leaders have not negotiated a new government.
"I am concerned that continued delays in the government formation process are contributing to a growing sense of uncertainty in the country," Ban wrote. "Not only does this risk undermining confidence in the political process, but elements opposed to Iraq's democratic transition may try to exploit the situation."
