SECRETARY-GENERAL CLARIFIES ROLE OF UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER GROUP IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

SECRETARY-GENERAL CLARIFIES ROLE OF UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER GROUP

IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

A recent article in the local press in Kashmir carried a number of groundless and potentially inflammatory accusations about the role of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).  In this context, it may be useful to briefly recall the functions of UNMOGIP, and the basis for its activities.

According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of

1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reporting developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.  The observers report only to UNMOGIP Headquarters, which forwards reports to Headquarters here in New York.  They do not provide information to any third party.

The 45 military observers in UNMOGIP, drawn from nine countries, serve unarmed and the host authorities have full responsibility for ensuring their safety.  We trust that the authorities will ensure that the difficulty and risks faced by these dedicated officers are not exacerbated by such irresponsible and misinformed reports.

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