YUGOSLAV SANCTIONS COMMITTEE BRIEFED BY UNHCR COORDINATOR

Following is the text of the statement issued today by Emilio J. Cardenas (Argentina), Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 724 (1991) concerning Yugoslavia, on behalf of the Committee members:

At its 132nd meeting on Friday, 27 October, the Committee met with Anne-Willem Bijleveld, Coordinator and Special Envoy for the Former Yugoslavia of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Referring to the recent developments in the region, the Coordinator expressed particular concern over the plight of refugees and displaced persons from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this connection, he appreciated the Committee's prompt approval of requested relief shipments. In reference to the forthcoming winter, the Coordinator welcomed the Committee's decision to authorize UNHCR deliveries of fuel, partly donated by the Russian Federation, to the suffering population.

Expressing his hope for the successful outcome of the diplomatic peace efforts in the region, the Coordinator stated the readiness of the UNHCR to play a role in the post-war peace implementation process, mainly to ensure the orderly return of refugees and their participation in elections. Committee members highly praised the UNHCR, as well as all other humanitarian agencies and organizations active in the region, for their remarkable relief effort there. The Committee stressed its resolve to continue doing its utmost, within the framework of its mandate, to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations and consider their applications on a priority basis.

The Committee approved the request of the United States to allow the entry into its territory of representatives of the Bosnian Serb party to participate in the proximity peace talks among the parties to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and others.

On other matters of concern, the Chairman wishes to bring to the attention of States that the Committee considers as inappropriate applications to supply industrial equipment and raw materials, as well as horticultural produce, except fruits and vegetables, to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), unless such applications contain, in every case, specific explanations of how the commodities and products in question are intended to meet essential humanitarian need.

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