UN extends South Sudan peacekeeping mission for 6 months; government says peace deal possible

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council has unanimously extended the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for another six months.

Tuesday's vote was followed by a statement from South Sudan's representative, who said his government remains confident that a peace agreement is possible with rebels despite a year of violence and a number of failed cease-fires.

About 100,000 civilians remain camped at U.N. bases throughout the world's youngest country in an effort to escape the conflict between troops loyal to the government and rebels loyal to a former vice president.

More than 1.7 million people have fled their homes.