(VOVworld) - The United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of the UN interim peacekeeping force in Abyei – a resource-rich area contested by the Republic of Sudan and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan – as part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians in the disputed territory. The mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was extended until December 15. The resolution approved by all 15 members of Security Council, addresses continuing tensions in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, which is a serious threat to international peace and security. UNISFA was established in June, 2011, with the aim of maintaining security in the demilitarized zone of Abyei, after violence flared up following Sudan’s army seizing control of an oil sector and before southern Sudan became an independent state.