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U.N. extends peacekeeping mission in DRC

UNITED NATIONS, June 28 (UPI) -- The U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was extended for another year, the U.N. Security Council said Tuesday.

The council adopted unanimously a resolution that "reaffirms that the protection of civilians must be given priority" by the peacekeeping mission, the non-government organization said in a release.

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The force is scheduled to stay in the African country until at least June 30, 2012.

The mission has nearly 20,000 uniformed personnel, including 17,000 blue helmet military personnel, more than 1,000 police officers and almost 1,000 international civilian staff, the United Nations said.

Earlier this month, Roger Meece, special representative and head of peacekeeping mission, told the Security Council significant improvements in security have been made in the DRC, but many challenges remain before stability is restored in conflict-affected areas.

The mission is charged with providing technical and logistical support to Congolese authorities in the staging of the elections upon request.

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