The UN Security Council said Wednesday that the task of protecting civilians was a priority for its peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to dpa. The 15-nation council decided unanimously that the mission - the largest in the world, with more than 20,000 military, police and civilian personnel - would remain in the country until June 30, 2013. The council asked the mission to use "innovative measures" to protect civilians in the vast country. Fighting is ongoing in the eastern part of Congo, led by rebel groups - including the Lord's Resistance Army - who have committed terrible atrocities against civilians.
