AMSTERDAM, Sept 14 (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council extended as expected the mandate for its chief prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, until Dec. 31, the war crimes tribunal in The Hague said on Friday.

"The Security Council noted the need to ensure a smooth transition between the departure of Ms. Carla del Ponte and the assumption of office of her successor," the tribunal said in a statement.

The U.N. Security Council appointed Del Ponte as Louise Arbour's successor in 1999. Del Ponte had been due to leave The Hague at the end of September but was asked by the UN to remain in her position until the end of the year.

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