COUNCIL DECIDES ON INTERIM EXTENSION OF MONUC MANDATE UNTIL 15 OCTOBER

Press Release
SC/6913

COUNCIL DECIDES ON INTERIM EXTENSION OF MONUC MANDATE UNTIL 15 OCTOBER

‘Technical Extension’ Designed to Allow Time For Further Diplomatic Activity, Possible Adjustments to Mandate

The Security Council this afternoon decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) until 15 October.

By a unanimous vote, the Council adopted resolution 1316 (2000), by whose terms it emphasized that the technical extension of the Mission was designed to allow time for further diplomatic activities in support of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, and for Council reflection on MONUC's future mandate and possible adjustments to it.

Calling on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other parties to lift all obstacles to full MONUC deployment and operations, the Council asked the Secretary-General to report to it by 21 September on progress in the implementation of both its relevant resolutions and the Ceasefire Agreement.

Before adoption of the text, the President of the Council, Hasmy Agam (Malaysia), extended condolences on behalf of the Council to the Government of the Russian Federation and the families of the crew members of the submarine Kursk.

The meeting began at 1:30 p.m. and adjourned at 1:34 p.m.

Text of Resolution

The full text of resolution 1316 (2000) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolution 1291 (2000) of 24 February 2000, 1304 (2000) of 16 June 2000, 1273 (1999) of 5 November 1999, and all other resolutions and presidential statements on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

“Noting the letter of the Secretary-General to its President of 14 August 2000 (S/2000/799),

“Reaffirming the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all States in the region,

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6913 4189th Meeting (PM) 23 August 2000

“Reaffirming its commitment to assisting in the implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, and noting the results of the 7 August Summit of the Southern African Development Community and the 14 August Second Summit of Signatories to the Agreement on the Ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

“Noting with concern that the lack of adequate conditions of access, security and cooperation has restricted the ability of the United Nations Mission in the Congo to deploy up to its authorized strength,

“Reaffirming its will to work with the Lusaka signatories and other interested parties, including potential troop contributors, in order to create the conditions necessary for deployment as authorized under United Nations Security Council resolution 1291,

“Expressing its appreciation to all States that have declared their willingness to provide military units required for the deployment of the second phase of the United Nations Mission in the Congo,

“Calling on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other parties to lift all obstacles to full MONUC deployment and operations,

“Recalling the responsibility of all parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for ensuring the safety and security of United Nations and associated personnel throughout the country,

“Commending the outstanding work of MONUC personnel in challenging conditions, and noting the strong leadership of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative,

“1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Congo until 15 October 2000;

“2. Emphasizes that this technical extension of the MONUC mandate is designed to allow time for further diplomatic activities in support of the Ceasefire Agreement and for Council reflection on MONUC’s future mandate and possible adjustments thereto;

“3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council by 21 September on progress in the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and relevant Council resolutions.”

Security Council Work Programme

When the Security Council met this afternoon to consider the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it had before it a letter of the Secretary- General dated 14 August (document S/2000/799). In it, the Secretary-General, states that his next report on the issue would be due on 24 August and would contain recommendations on the status of MONUC in light of the situation in the country.

The Secretary-General draws the Council’s attention to the adverse climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has so far prevented the deployment of the Mission. The situation is characterized by persistent large-scale fighting

in many parts of the country, severe restrictions on MONUC's freedom of movement and the refusal of the Government to permit the deployment of United Nations armed troops. He also draws the Council’s attention to the sustained campaign of vilification conducted against the Mission and its staff, which has created significant risks to their security.

According to the Secretary-General, the Lusaka peace process is currently undergoing an extremely challenging phase, which requires substantial reevaluation. The role MONUC can play in the peace process also remains unclear under current circumstances. In light of the present situation, and in order to allow time to assess the latest developments and formulate his recommendations accordingly, the Secretary-General asks the Council to consider an interim extension of the Mission's mandate for one month, until 30 September.

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