UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council extended the mandate of a U.N. team in Georgia for another six months on Friday to monitor a cease-fire between the government and Abkhaz separatists, envoys said.

The Black Sea region of Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in 1993 after the Soviet Union collapsed, when separatists, backed by mercenaries and arms from Russia's northern Caucasus region, drove out Tbilisi's troops.

A U.N. mission of 142 military and police observers has monitored the situation since 1993. The new mandate of the mission, known as UNOMIG, will expire on Oct. 15.

In a resolution, the Security Council called on both sides to show restraint and resume dialogue to resolve the stand-off.

AlertNet news is provided by