UN Security Council Renews Ban on Liberian Diamonds

The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to extend a ban on Liberia's diamond exports for six months.

The council said Tuesday the Liberian government has not done enough to ensure that revenues from diamond sales are not being used to fuel unrest in the region.

The resolution also expressed deep concern over reports that former Liberian President Charles Taylor is trying to influence Liberian politics from exile in Nigeria.

But it did not ask Nigeria to extradite Mr. Taylor to a war crimes court in Sierra Leone. The court has indicted Mr. Taylor on charges of backing rebels in Sierra Leone in exchange for diamonds.

Nigeria has refused to expel Mr. Taylor unless it is proven that he is violating the terms of his exile.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.