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Peacekeeping mission extended in Lebanon, new mandate
3:06 AM
The UN Security Council has unanimously extended the UN peacekeepers’ mandate in Lebanon till 31 August 2010. The peacekeeping operation in Lebanon started in 1978, but was stepped up after the 2006 war. Currently is has 12 thousand troops. Israel has criticized the UN forces for their inability to contain the growth of Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Hezbollah has been stockpiling weapons despite the resolution 1701 by the Security Council. UN considers it to be the main responsibility of the local authorities to prevent the spread of weapons. The new mandate is not aimed at tackling this issue, the Gulfnews reports.