The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution supporting recent political developments in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau.

It follows an agreement earlier this month between the President, Joao Bernardo Vieira, and the rebel leader, General Ansumane Mane, about the make-up of a government of national unity.

The UN resolution also supports the proposals for elections by the end of March, the withdrawal of all foreign troops and the deployment of West African peacekeepers.

Fighting broke out in Guinea-Bissau in June after President Vieira sacked General Mane as army chief.