U.N. extends international forces` mandate in Afghanistan

United Nations, Sept 23 (PTI) The U.N. Security Council
has extended the mandate of the N.A.T.O.-led international
force in Afghanistan by one year, while asking for redoubling
of efforts to avoid civilian casualties.

The resolution, adopted unanimously by the 15-member
council extended the authorisation of the International
Security Assistance Force (I.S.A.F.) till October 13, 2009.

The Council, however, voiced "serious concern with the
high number of civilian casualties" while tackling "threats
posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other extremist groups."

About 70,000 troops have been deployed, most of them
under N.A.T.O. to help Kabul fight a Taliban-led insurgency.

The resolution was held up for several days as Russia
demanded that the Council condemn the killing of innocent
civilians in the force's operations. But the US and its allies
strongly opposed it.

Following days of deliberations, diplomats finally
arrived at the language acceptable to both sides, with
Ambassadors expressing satisfaction over the agreed draft.

As negotiators tried to hammer out the language, some
diplomats voiced concern over the prospect of Russia using its
veto power to block the resolution given that Russia has felt
aggrieved over Western criticism of Moscow's action in
Georgia.

But during negotiations, Russia agreed at a draft that
acknowledged that I.A.S.F. was responsible for civilian
casualties rather than condemning the actions of the force
which the U.S., another veto wielding member, would not have
allowed.

The extension of mandate comes at time when Taliban have
once again become active and are repeatedly confronting the
allied forces.