UN downsizing peacekeeping mission in Liberia

The UN Security Council agreed on Monday to reduce the size of its peacekeeping mission in Liberia and transfer security responsibility to the government, citing a more stable situation there, dpa reported. The council authorized about 4,200 military personnel out of a total force of nearly 8,000 to return to their countries in the coming years. It said the total force remaining by July 2015 would be 3,750 troops. The mission's mandate was extended until September, 2013. The mission was first dispatched to the Western African nation in 2000 to restore peace and security following years of warfare. The council said in a resolution adopted unanimously that the government in Liberia "bears primary and ultimate responsibility for security."