United Nations, Ramadan 21, 1431/Aug 31, SPA -- The U.N. Security Council on Monday extended the mandate of its 12,000-strong peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon for a further 12 months. The council voted 15 to 0 to continue the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission through August 31, 2011, saying the peacekeepers and the Lebanese army have established a “new strategic environment” in southern Lebanon since 2006. --SPA 11:56 LOCAL TIME 08:56 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/814063