From correspondents in New York, United States, 02:03 PM IST

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to extend for another 12 months a mandate for member countries to conduct anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

The Security Council Monday renewed for another 12 months the authorisation for states and regional organisations fighting piracy off the Somali coast to enter the territorial waters and 'undertake all necessary measures that are appropriate in Somalia'.

The 15-member council noted 'with concern' that escalating ransom payments and the lack of enforcement of a 17-year-old arms embargo on Somalia are 'fuelling the growth of piracy'.

Somalia has been without a functioning central government since 1991.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)