Security Council Extends UN Force Mandate In Georgia

(RFE/RL) 1 February 2006 -- The United Nations' Security Council has unanimously extended the mandate of a small force monitoring the ceasefire between Georgia and its breakaway republic of Abkhazia.

The Security Council extended the monitors' mandate on 31 January, when it expired, by two months. It will now end on 31 March.

The United Nations' Observer Mission in Georgia (UNIMOG), which includes 122 military observers, was set up in August 1993 after a war in which Abkhazia won de facto independence.

Russia has had a peacekeeping force in Abkhazia since 1994. Georgia accuses Russia of backing the rebels and has repeatedly called upon the UN to strengthen its presence in Abkhazia.

(AFP)