The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN support mission in Libya where the new government is facing a post-war proliferation of weapons.
The 15-member council unanimously approved on Friday a resolution to extend the mission until March 16, 2012.
The UN Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) was set up by the UN Security Council on September 17 with an initial period of three months to help restore public security and initiate political and economic recovery in the North African country torn by civil war.
Libyan opposition revolted against the Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in mid-February. The international NATO-led military operation began on March 19 in line with a UN resolution on "targeted measures" to protect civilians.
Following eight months of fierce fighting, which claimed hundreds of lives and considerably harmed the economy, the Libyan Transitional National Council has established control over the oil-rich country.
Deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled Libya for 42 years, was killed in October after being captured by the rebels near his home town of Sirte.
Libya's interim government was sworn in late November, but the political situation and the security conditions in the country remain worrisome.
The UN Security Council has earlier adopted a Russian-drafted resolution calling on Libya's new authorities and neighboring countries to prevent the spread of weapons from Gaddafi’s stockpile, especially portable surface-to-air missile systems, amid fears could end up in the hands of terrorist groups around the world.
