[JURIST] The UN Security Council [official website] has unanimously adopted Resolution 1637 [text and summary], extending the mandate of the 180,000-strong multinational force in Iraq [official website] for another year. The US-led force was originally authorized [JURIST report] in May 2004 under UN Security Council Resolution 1546 [UN summary] and the mandate has since been renewed in six-month increments. The latest resolution, approved Tuesday, would instead authorize forces to remain in Iraq until December 31, 2006, with a review after eight months. The mandate could be terminated early, however, upon request from the Iraqi government. The US, which began circulating the draft resolution [JURIST report] last week, has called the unanimous approval a significant signal [Bolton statement] of international support for Iraq's transition to a democratic government. AP has more. The UN News Centre has additional coverage.