The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of its peace-keeping force in Ivory Coast, in what is being seen as a direct challenge to Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to admit he lost the recent Presidential election. The UN has urged Mr. Gbagbo to respect the will of the people and step down in favour of Alassane Ouattara, the man widely recognised as the rightful winner. The UN peace-keeping mission in Ivory Coast will now continue its operations for the next six months after member states ignored Mr. Gbagbo's demand to leave. Some 900 French troops have also been authorised to continue their role giving support to the peace-keepers.