The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to prolong by two weeks its mission in the disputed territory of Western Sahara until February the eleventh.

The mission's mandate to prepare for a referendum on self-determination was due to have expired on Saturday, and the extra time will allow preparations to continue.

A report by the UN Secretary-General, written after his trip to the region late last year, was discussed at the meeting.

The referendum has been held up by disagreement over who is eligible to vote.

The Polisario Front has been fighting for independence from Morocco, which has occupied Western Sahara since l975.