Peacekeepers gathering, spreading out (9)

I believe the answer is:

unfolding

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'spreading out' is the definition.
('unfold' can be a synonym of 'spread out')

'peacekeepers gathering' is the wordplay.
'peacekeepers' becomes 'UN' (United Nations, peacekeeping organisation).
'gathering' becomes 'folding' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'un'+'folding'='UNFOLDING'

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I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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