UN Considers Extension of Haiti Peacekeeping Force

The United Nations Security Council is considering a 12-month extension of the peacekeeping force in Haiti.

The council met Monday but did not reach a decision about the force's mandate, which is due to expire February 15.

Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan had called for a 12-month extension before leaving his post last year.

After Monday's meeting, Russia's U.N. ambassador Vitaly Churkin said that some of the council's 15 members continue to oppose extending the force.

There are almost 8,000 U.N. peacekeepers in Haiti currently working to root out violent gangs.

The peacekeepers were deployed in 2004 after former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted in an uprising. - VOA News