The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia by one year. The News Agency of Nigeria today said thee extension followed the unanimous adoption of a resolution on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). It said the 15-member council authorized the peacekeeping force to assist Liberia with the 2011 general presidential and legislative election, and facilitate access to remote areas in the country. UNMIL was set up in 2003 to bolster a ceasefire agreement ending a war that had killed almost 150,000 Liberians, mostly civilians, and sent 50,000 others fleeing to neighboring countries. At the end of July, the mission had more than 11,500 uniformed personnel, including Nigerian soldiers and their military officers. Other members of the mission include more than 1,300 police, nearly 500 international civilian personnel, almost 1,000 local staff and about 200 UN Volunteers.