SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON PARTIES TO TAJIKISTAN CONFLICT TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH CEASE-FIRE AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

21 May 1996

Press Release
SC/6221*

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON PARTIES TO TAJIKISTAN CONFLICT TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH CEASE-FIRE AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

19960521 Presidential Statement Condemns Recent Violations of 1994 Tehran Agreement

The Security Council this afternoon called upon the parties to the Tajikistan conflict to strictly comply with the cease-fire and other obligations they have assumed, as well as its own resolutions. It reminded them that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) was subject to the cease-fire remaining in force, and to the parties' continued commitment to reconciliation and the promotion of democracy.

Through a statement read out by its President, Qin Huasun (China), the Council condemned recent violations of the Tehran cease-fire agreement of 17 September 1994, particularly by the Tajik opposition's armed offensive in Tavildara region. It deplored the totally unacceptable loss of life of civilians and of members of the Collective Peace-keeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) owing to acts of violence.

It also called on the parties to resolve their differences over the functioning of the Joint Commission, including the issue of security guarantees for Commission members, and to recommence its operations as soon as possible. The Commission, made up of both the Government and the opposition, was established following the 1994 cease-fire agreement, to oversee its implementation.

The Council demanded the immediate cessation of the offensive actions and acts of violence, and expressed grave concern that they further aggravated the already serious humanitarian situation. It called on Member States and others concerned to respond promptly in support of the relief efforts of the United Nations and other international bodies.

Expressing concern at the restrictions placed upon UNMOT by the parties, the Council called on them, in particular the Government, to ensure the safety

__________ * In Press Release SC/6220 dated 15 May 1996, the meeting number should read 3664th Meeting.

and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and other international organizations. It also commended the personnel of UNMOT for their contribution under difficult circumstances.

The Council invited the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to continue their efforts for the early resumption of the inter-Tajik talks, and called on the countries and regional bodies acting as observers at the talks to support those efforts. It emphasized its support for extension of the cease-fire agreement for the whole duration of the talks, and noted that the Islamic Revival Movement of Tajikistan had agreed to extend the cease- fire, albeit only for a further three months.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Tajikistan and to the inviolability of its borders.

Text of Presidential Statement

The full text of the statement, to be issued as S/PRST/1996/25, reads as follows:

"The Security Council condemns the recent violations of the Tehran cease-fire agreement of 17 September 1994 (S/1994/1102, annex I), in particular the planned and organized offensive by the armed Tajik opposition in the Tavildara region. It strongly deplores the loss of life of civilians and of members of the CIS Collective Peace-keeping Forces as a result of acts of violence. It affirms that such acts are totally unacceptable.

"The Security Council expresses its grave concern that all such actions further aggravate the already serious humanitarian situation in Tajikistan. It demands the immediate cessation of the offensive actions and acts of violence.

"The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Tajikistan and to the inviolability of its borders.

"The Security Council emphasizes its support for the extension of the cease-fire agreement for the whole duration of the inter-Tajik talks, and notes that the Islamic Revival Movement of Tajikistan (IRMT) has agreed to extend the cease-fire, albeit only for further three months. It calls upon the parties to demonstrate their commitment to peace by strict compliance with the cease-fire and other obligations which they have assumed, as well as with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. It also reminds the parties that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) is subject to the proviso that the cease-fire agreement remains in force and that the parties continue to be committed to an effective cease- fire, to national reconciliation and to the promotion of democracy.

Security Council - 3 - Press Release SC/6221 3665th Meeting (PM) 21 May 1996

"The Security Council commends the personnel of UNMOT for their contribution under difficult circumstances. It expresses its concern at the restrictions placed upon UNMOT by the parties and calls upon them, in particular the Government of Tajikistan, to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of the personnel of the United Nations and other international organizations.

"The Security Council calls upon both parties to resolve their differences over the functioning of the Joint Commission, including the issue of security guarantees for Commission members, and to recommence the operations of the Commission as soon as possible.

"The Security Council is concerned that the worsening humanitarian situation makes it all the more urgent to obtain the required resources and calls upon Member States and others concerned to respond promptly in support of the humanitarian relief efforts of the United Nations and other international organizations.

"The Security Council invites the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to continue their efforts aimed at the earliest possible resumption of the inter-Tajik talks and calls upon the countries and regional organizations acting as observers at those talks to render all possible support to those efforts."

The Council also had before it a letter from Emomali Rakhmonov, President of Tajikistan (document S/1996/354). In it, he draws attention to the increasing deterioration in the social and political situation in certain regions of his country and asks the Council to assist in resolving the situation by peaceful means.

The meeting, which was called to order at 5:15 p.m., was adjourned at 5:23 p.m.

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