UN extends mission in Iraq for another year

The Security Council has agreed to extend the UN mission in Iraq for another year as US troops withdraw and the country takes on more responsibility for its own security. The council said Thursday it will review the political mission's mandate in another 12 months, or sooner if the Iraqi government requests it.
The Iraqi government has asked the UN to keep its mission in the country for now, saying that it has helped Iraq form a national partnership government. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has told the council in a letter that his country's relations with Arab and other nations are flourishing, and that is giving his country greater credibility in the region.