The Security Council voted on Wednesday to expand the size of the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti, by more than 1,000, to 7,500 troops to improve security before the country's elections in late 2005.

Unanimously adopting a resolution Wednesday morning, the council extended the mandate of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti for eight months until February 2006.

On the recommendation of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the council decided to temporarily increase the UN mission's civilian police component by 275 during the election period and the subsequent political transition.

It also agreed to expand the UN force's military strength by 750 in order to create a rapid reaction force in Haiti to provide increased security, particularly in and around the country's capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haiti is scheduled to hold local elections on Oct. 9 and the first round of presidential and parliamentary elections on Nov. 13.

Source: Xinhua