UN extends mandate of Nato force in Afghanistan

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan for another 12 months and has called on countries to boost its strength as pressure from Taliban fighters intensifies.
The International Security Assistance Force is not a UN operation but was set up by the Security Council at the end of 2001 and is authorised by annual council resolutions.
American forces make up most of the remaining foreign military presence. A resolution passed Thursday evening by the Security Council, recognised the need to further strengthen ISAF to meet all its operational requirements, and in this regard calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources.
Voicing strong concern over the rise in terrorism and drug-trafficking in the SAsian country, the 15-member body underscored the importance of reinforcing the Afghan forces to establish the rule of law throughout the country, and encouraged ISAF and its partners to support the planned expansion of the national army and police.