UNITED NATIONS: The Security Council has unanimously approved a new UN peacekeeping force for Mali to help restore democracy and stabilize the northern half of the country.
Islamist militants controlled northern Mali until a France-led military operation ousted them three months ago.
The resolution authorizes deployment of a UN force comprising 11,200 military personnel and 1,440 international police.
The UN peacekeepers would take over from a 6,000-member African-led mission on July 1, although the deployment date would subject to review.
UN approves peacekeepers for Mali
