The United Nations Security Council on 20 December renewed the mandate of the peacekeeping operation in Cote d'lvoire, ignoring demands from the country's self-proclaimed president, Laurent Gbagbo, that the troops withdraw, as political violence claimed at least 170 lives.rnIn a unanimous decision the Council also reaffirmed the critical need for Gbagbo to step down and concede defeat while urging all Ivorian parties "to respect the will of the people and the outcome of the election". There was, however, no decision to expand or modify the mandate of the peacekeeping force to allow for offensive action in pursuit of those who would commit human rights violations.
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