"UN extends peacekeeping force in Liberia; calls for plans to transfer security to government."

Couple weeks old now, but kind of big deal still, what with next year's presidential election.

The Canadian Press: UN extends peacekeeping force in Liberia; calls for plans to transfer security to government:

"The Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to extend the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Liberia for a year but called for plans to transfer responsibility for security to government authorities.

A resolution adopted unanimously by the council endorsed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recommendation that free, fair and peaceful presidential and legislative elections next year be "a core benchmark" for further reductions in the U.N. force. It also asked Ban to continue monitoring progress on other benchmarks, including improving the capabilities of the national police.

When the council authorized the U.N. force in 2003 after a peace deal ended back-to-back civil wars, it set a ceiling of 15,000 troops. The size of the force has been reduced three times in recent years and now stands at fewer than 8,000 peacekeepers.

The U.S.-drafted resolution welcomes the Liberian government's efforts to promote national reconciliation, economic recovery and good governance and to combat corruption. But it stressed that a well-functioning government, including security and judicial institutions, is essential for "lasting stability" in Liberia and the West African region, and noted "with concern" that in some areas progress has been slow..."