Security Council

4804^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZES WEST AFRICAN, FRENCH FORCES

IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE FOR SIX MORE MONTHS

Resolution 1498 (2003) Adopted Unanimously

The Security Council this morning, reaffirming its full support for the national reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire, renewed for six months the authorization given to troops of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France dispatched to aid the peace process.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1498 (2003), the Council also requested ECOWAS and France to report to the Council periodically on all aspects of the implementation of their respective mandates.

On 4 February, through resolution 1464 (2003), the Council welcomed the deployment of ECOWAS and French troops, which aimed at supporting a peaceful solution of the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement.  That Agreement, signed on 24 January, called for the formation of a government of national reconciliation and the establishment of a monitoring committee to supervise compliance, leading to elections in 2005.

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter, the Council also in February authorized the forces to take the necessary steps to guarantee the security and freedom of movement of their personnel and, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the government of national reconciliation, to ensure protection of civilians immediately threatened with physical violence.

Also, to facilitate implementation by the Ivorian parties of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, the Council had, through the adoption of resolution 1479 (2003) on 13 May, established the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI) for an initial period of six months (see Press Release SC/7758).

The Mission consists of a military liaison group, co-located with the field headquarters of the French, ECOWAS, government and rebel forces, charged with:  advising the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on military matters; monitoring the military situation, including the security of Liberian refugees; helping build confidence among the armed groups in cooperation with French and ECOWAS troops; and providing input on forward planning on disengagement, disarmament and demobilization.

Today’s meeting started at 12:10 p.m. and ended at 12:15 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1498 (2003) reads, as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Reaffirming its resolution 1464 (2003) of 4 February 2003, the statement by its President of 25 July 2003 (S/PRST/2003/11) and its resolution 1479 (2003) of 13 May 2003,

“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 March 2003 (S/2003/374),

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire,

“Reaffirming also the importance of principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,

“Stressing the importance of the commitment of the Government of National Reconciliation to redeploy administration throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire,

“Reaffirming the need to implement the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme,

“Welcoming the implementation of the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI), in accordance with its resolution 1479 (2003) of 13 May 2003,

“Reaffirming its full support for the national reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire,

“1.      Decides to renew for a period of six months the authorization given to Member States participating in ECOWAS forces together with French Forces supporting them;

“2.      Requests ECOWAS, through the command of its force, and France to report to the Council periodically, through the Secretary-General, on all aspects of the implementation of their respective mandates;

“3.      Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

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