RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL, 2003
| Press Release SC/7976 |
RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS
OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
2003
CONTENTS
Page
Chronology of 2003 Security Council Resolutions iii
Chronology of 2003 Security Council Presidential Statements vii
Security Council Presidency 2003, Security Council Members 2003 ix
Security Council Resolutions 1
Security Council Presidential Statements 105
Peacekeeping Operations Subject to Security Council Action in 2003 131
Index 133
CHRONOLOGY OF SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS
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S/RES/1455 Improved implementation of measures against Taliban and Al Qaeda 1
S/RES/1456 Prevention and suppression of all support to terrorism 3
S/RES/1457 Plunder of Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources 5
S/RES/1458 Compliance with Liberia sanctions 8
S/RES/1459 Illicit trade in rough diamonds 9
S/RES/1460 Call for halt to use of child soldiers 10
S/RES/1461 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon 12
S/RES/1462 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia 14
S/RES/1463 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara 16
S/RES/1464 Implementation of Côte d’Ivoire Peace Agreement 16
S/RES/1465 Condemnation of bomb attack in Bogotá, Colombia 18
S/RES/1466 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea 18
S/RES/1467 Strengthened cooperation against small arms proliferation in West Africa 21
S/RES/1468 Welcoming agreement on transitional arrangement in Democratic Republic of Congo 22
S/RES/1469 Extension of UN Mission for Reference in Western Sahara 25
S/RES/1470 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone 25
S/RES/1471 Extension of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan 27
S/RES/1472 Adjustments to Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ programme 28
S/RES/1473 Revised downsizing of military component of Timor-Leste Mission 31
S/RES/1474 Re-establishment of panel to investigate arms embargo violations against Somalia 32
S/RES/1475 Failure to reach agreement on settlement plan for Cyprus 34
S/RES/1476 Extension of Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ programme 35
S/RES/1477 Nomination of ‘ad litem’ judges for International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda 35
S/RES/1478 Extension of sanctions against Liberia 36
S/RES/1479 Establishment of UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire 40
S/RES/1480 Extension of UN Mission of Support in East Timor 43
S/RES/1481 Amendment of Statute of Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia on functions of ‘ad litem’ judges 44
S/RES/1482 Extension of term of office of four Judges of International Tribunal for Rwanda 45
S/RES/1483 Lifting of sanctions on Iraq 46
S/RES/1484 Establishment of interim multinational force in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo 51
S/RES/1485 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara 53
S/RES/1486 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus 53
S/RES/1487 One-year extension of UN peacekeeper immunity from International Criminal Court 54
S/RES/1488 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force 55
S/RES/1489 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo 55
S/RES/1490 Final mandate of UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission 55
S/RES/1491 Extension of mandate of multinational stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina 56
S/RES/1492 Approval of ‘modified status quo’ option for drawdown of UN Mission in Sierra Leone 59
S/RES/1493 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo 60
S/RES/1494 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia 64
S/RES/1495 Extension of UN Mission for Reference in Western Sahara 67
S/RES/1496 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon 68
S/RES/1497 Support by multinational force for ceasefire in Liberia 69
S/RES/1498 Renewal of authorization to West African and French forces in Côte d’Ivoire 71
S/RES/1499 Extension of panel to investigate resource plunder in Democratic Republic of Congo 72
S/RES/1500 Establishment of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq 73
S/RES/1501 Deployment of emergency multinational force in Democratic Republic of Congo 73
S/RES/1502 Condemnation of Violence against UN humanitarian personnel 74
S/RES/1503 Split of prosecutorial duties for Rwanda and Yugoslav Tribunals 76
S/RES/1504 Appointment of Prosecutor for Yugoslav Tribunal 78
S/RES/1505 Appointment of Prosecutor for Rwanda Tribunal 79
S/RES/1506 Lifting of sanctions imposed on Libya 79
S/RES/1507 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea 80
S/RES/1508 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone 81
S/RES/1509 Establishment of UN Mission in Liberia 83
S/RES/1510 Expansion of International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan 87
S/RES/1511 Call for return of power to Iraqi people 88
S/RES/1512 Amendment of Statute of International Tribunal for Rwanda 91
S/RES/1513 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara 93
S/RES/1514 Extension of UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire 93
S/RES/1515 Endorsement of Middle East Road Map 94
S/RES/1516 Condemnation of bomb attacks in Istanbul, Turkey 95
S/RES/1517 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus 95
S/RES/1518 Establishment of Committee to track financial assets removed from Iraq 96
S/RES/1519 Investigation of arms embargo violations on Somalia 96
S/RES/1520 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force 98
S/RES/1521 Revised bans in Liberia 99
CHRONOLOGY OF SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENTS
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S/PRST/2003/1 Reaffirmation of commitment to multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo 105
S/PRST/2003/2 Call for immediate end to violence in Somalia 106
S/PRST/2003/3 Briefing by Counter-Terrorism Committee 107
S/PRST/2003/4 Peaceful transition of power in Burundi 108
S/PRST/2003/5 Effective use of Charter provisions for peaceful settlement of disputes 109
S/PRST/2003/6 Ceasefire agreement in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri region 109
S/PRST/2003/7 Strengthening cooperation against drug production, trafficking in Afghanistan 110
S/PRST/2003/8 ‘Putting back on track’ Guinea-Bissau’s peace-building agenda 112
S/PRST/2003/9 Situation in Middle East 113
S/PRST/2003/10 Cooperation by Ethiopia and Eritrea with Boundary Commission 114
S/PRST/2003/11 Need to implement peace and ceasefire agreements in Côte d’Ivoire 115
S/PRST/2003/12 Endorsement of recommendations of Council missions to Central and West Africa 115
S/PRST/2003/13 Condemnation of terrorist attack against UN headquarters in Baghdad 116
S/PRST/2003/14 Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Liberia 117
S/PRST/2003/15 Justice and rule of law in post-conflict societies 117
S/PRST/2003/16 Agreements between Sudan, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army 118
S/PRST/2003/17 Briefing by Counter-Terrorism Committee 118
S/PRST/2003/18 Funding renovation of prison facilities by Rwanda Tribunal 119
S/PRST/2003/19 Agreement on viable government, durable solution to conflict in Somalia 119
S/PRST/2003/20 Slowdown of peace process in Côte d’Ivoire 120
S/PRST/2003/21 Condemnation of exploitation of natural resources in Democratic Republic of Congo 121
S/PRST/2003/22 Mine action in mandates of peacekeeping operations 122
S/PRST/2003/23 Support for international conference on Great Lakes region 123
S/PRST/2003/24 Termination of ‘oil-for-food’ programme 124
S/PRST/2003/25 Observance of ceasefire in Côte d’Ivoire 125
S/PRST/2003/26 Support for ‘Standards before Status’ Kosovo policy 126
S/PRST/2003/27 Protection of civilians in armed conflict 126
S/PRST/2003/28 Condemnation of killings of Kuwaiti, third-country nationals by previous Iraqi regime 127
S/PRST/2003/29 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force 128
S/PRST/2003/30 Support for peace process in Burundi 128
Presidents of the Security Council in 2003January France
February Germany
March Guinea
April Mexico
May Pakistan
June Russian Federation
July Spain
August Syria
September United Kingdom
October United States
November Angola
December Bulgaria
Security Council Members in 2003Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China, France, Germany, Guinea, Mexico, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Spain, Syria, United Kingdom, United States
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SECURITY COUINCIL IN 2003
S/RES/1455 Improved implementation of measures against Taliban and Al Qaeda
Date: 17 January 2003 Meeting: 4686
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1333 (2000) of 19 December 2000, 1363 (2001) of 30 July 2001, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1390 (2002) of 16 January 2002 and 1452 (2002) of 20 December 2002,
Underlining the obligation placed upon all Member States to implement, in full, resolution 1373 (2001), including with regard to any member of the Taliban and the Al-Qaida organization, and any individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban and the Al-Qaida organization, who have participated in the financing, planning, facilitating and preparation or perpetration of terrorist acts or in supporting terrorist acts, as well as to facilitate the implementation of counter terrorism obligations in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions,
Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,
Noting that, in giving effect to the measures in paragraph 4 (b) of resolution 1267 (1999), paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) and paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1390 (2002), full account is to be taken of the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1452 (2002),
Reiterating its condemnation of the Al-Qaida network and other associated terrorist groups for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts, aimed at causing the deaths of innocent civilians, and other victims, and the destruction of property,
Reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of terrorism and terrorist acts as noted in resolutions 1368 (2001) of 12 September 2001, 1438 (2002) of 14 October 2002, 1440 (2002) of 24 October 2002, and 1450 (2002) of 13 December 2002,
Reaffirming that acts of international terrorism constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to improve the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 4 (b) of resolution 1267 (1999), paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) and paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1390 (2002);
2. Decides that the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above will be further improved in 12 months, or sooner if necessary;
3. Stresses the need for improved coordination and increased exchange of information between the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001);
4. Requests the Committee to communicate to Member States the list referred to in paragraph 2 of resolution 1390 (2002) at least every three months, and stresses to all Member States the importance of submitting to the Committee the names and identifying information, to the extent possible, of and about members of the Al-Qaida organization and the Taliban and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them so that the
Committee can consider adding new names and details to its list, unless to do so would compromise investigations or enforcement actions;
5. Calls upon all States to continue to take urgent steps to enforce and strengthen through legislative enactments or administrative measures, where appropriate, the measures imposed under domestic laws or regulations against their nationals and other individuals or entities operating in their territory, to prevent and punish violations of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution, and to inform the Committee of the adoption of such measures, and invites States to report the results of all related investigations or enforcement actions to the Committee, unless to do so would compromise the investigation or enforcement actions;
6. Calls upon all States to submit an updated report to the Committee no later than 90 days from adoption of this resolution on all steps taken to implement the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above and all related investigations and enforcement actions, including a comprehensive summary of frozen assets of listed individuals and entities within Member State territories, unless to do so would compromise investigations or enforcement actions;
7. Calls upon all States, relevant United Nations bodies, and, as appropriate, other organizations and interested parties to cooperate fully with the Committee and with the Monitoring Group referred to in paragraph 8 below, including supplying such information as may be sought by the Committee pursuant to all pertinent resolutions and by providing all relevant information, to the extent possible, to facilitate proper identification of all listed individuals and entities;
8. Requests the Secretary-General, upon adoption of this resolution and acting in consultation with the Committee, to reappoint five experts, drawing, as much as possible and as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the Monitoring Group established pursuant to paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1363 (2001), to monitor for a further period of 12 months the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution and to follow up on relevant leads relating to any incomplete implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above;
9. Requests the Chairman of the Committee to report orally at least every 90 days to the Council in detail on the overall work of the Committee and the Monitoring Group and stipulates that these updates shall include a summary of progress in submitting the reports referred to in paragraph 6 of resolution 1390 (2002) and paragraph 6 above;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the Monitoring Group and the Committee and its Chairman have access to sufficient expertise and resources as and when required to assist in the discharge of their responsibilities;
11. Requests the Committee to consider, where and when appropriate, a visit to selected countries by the Chairman of the Committee and/or Committee members to enhance the full and effective implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, with a view to encouraging States to implement all relevant Council resolutions;
12. Requests the Monitoring Group to submit a detailed work programme within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution and to assist the Committee in providing guidance for Member States on the format of the reports referred to in paragraph 6 above;
13. Further requests the Monitoring Group to submit two written reports to the Committee, the first by 15 June 2003 and the second by 1 November 2003, on implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above and to brief the Committee when the Committee so requests;
14. Further requests the Committee, through its Chairman, to provide the Council by 1 August 2003 and by 15 December 2003 with detailed oral assessments of Member State implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above based on Member State reports referred to in paragraph 6 above, paragraph 6 of resolution 1390 (2002) and all pertinent parts of Member State reports submitted under resolution 1373 (2001), and in line with transparent criteria to be determined by the Committee and communicated to all Member States, in addition to considering supplementary recommendations by the Monitoring Group, with a view to recommending further measures for Council consideration to improve the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above;
15. Requests the Committee, based on its oral assessments, through its Chairman, to the Council referred to in paragraph 14 above, to prepare and then to circulate a written assessment to the Council of actions taken by States to implement the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above;
16. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1456 Prevention and suppression of all support to terrorism
Date: 20 January 2003 Meeting: 4688
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Decides to adopt the attached declaration on the issue of combating terrorism.
Annex
The Security Council,
Meeting at the level of Ministers for Foreign Affairs on 20 January 2003 reaffirms that:
-- terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and
security;
-- any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever and by
whomsoever committed and are to be unequivocally condemned, especially when they indiscriminately target or injure civilians;
-- there is a serious and growing danger of terrorist access to and use of nuclear, chemical, biological and other potentially deadly materials, and therefore a need to strengthen controls on these materials;
-- it has become easier, in an increasingly globalized world, for terrorists to exploit sophisticated technology, communications and resources for their criminal objectives;
-- measures to detect and stem the flow of finance and funds for terrorist purposes must be urgently strengthened;
-- terrorists must also be prevented from making use of other criminal activities such as transnational organized crime, illicit drugs and drug trafficking, money-laundering and illicit arms trafficking;
-- since terrorists and their supporters exploit instability and intolerance to justify their criminal acts, the Security Council is determined to counter this by contributing to peaceful resolution of disputes and by working to create a climate of mutual tolerance and respect;
-- terrorism can only be defeated, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, by a sustained comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States, international and regional organizations, and by redoubled efforts at the national level.
* * *
The Security Council therefore calls for the following steps to be taken:
1. All States must take urgent action to prevent and suppress all active and passive support to terrorism, and in particular comply fully with all relevant resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolutions 1373 (2001), 1390 (2002) and 1455 (2003);
2. The Security Council calls upon States to:
(a) become a party, as a matter of urgency, to all relevant international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, in particular the 1999 international convention for the suppression of the financing of terrorism and to support all international initiatives taken to that aim, and to make full use of the sources of assistance and guidance which are now becoming available;
(b) assist each other, to the maximum extent possible, in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of acts of terrorism, wherever they occur;
(c) cooperate closely to implement fully the sanctions against terrorists and their associates, in particular Al Qaeda and the Taliban and their associates, as reflected in resolutions 1267 (1999), 1390 (2002) and 1455 (2003), to take urgent actions to deny them access to the financial resources they need to carry out their actions, and to cooperate fully with the Monitoring Group established pursuant to resolution 1363 (2001);
3. States must bring to justice those who finance, plan, support or commit terrorist acts or provide safe havens, in accordance with international law, in particular on the basis of the principle to extradite or prosecute;
4. The Counter-Terrorism Committee must intensify its efforts to promote the implementation by Member States of all aspects of resolution 1373 (2001), in particular through reviewing States' reports and facilitating international assistance and cooperation, and through continuing to operate in a transparent and effective manner, and in that regard the Council;
(i) stresses the obligation on States to report to the CTC, according to the timetable set by the CTC, calls on the 13 States who have not yet submitted a first report and on the 56 States who are late in submitting further reports to do so by 31 March, and requests the CTC to report regularly on progress;
(ii) calls on States to respond promptly and fully to the CTC's requests for information, comments and questions in full and on time, and instructs the CTC to inform the Council of progress, including any difficulties it encounters;
(iii) requests the CTC in monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) to bear in mind all international best practices, codes and standards which are relevant to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), and underlines its support for the CTC's approach in constructing a dialogue with each State on further action required to fully implement resolution 1373 (2001);
5. States should assist each other to improve their capacity to prevent and fight terrorism, and notes that such cooperation will help facilitate the full and timely implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), and invites the CTC to step up its efforts to facilitate the provision of technical and other assistance by developing targets and priorities for global action;
6. States must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, and should adopt such measures in accordance with international law, in particular international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law;
7. International organizations should evaluate ways in which they can enhance the effectiveness of their action against terrorism, including by establishing dialogue and exchanges of information with each other and with other relevant international actors, and directs this appeal in particular to those technical agencies and organizations whose activities relate to the control of the use of or access to nuclear, chemical, biological and other deadly materials; in this context the importance of fully complying with existing legal obligations in the field of disarmament, arms limitation and non-proliferation and, where necessary, strengthening international instruments in this field should be underlined;
8. Regional and subregional organizations should work with the CTC and other international organizations to facilitate sharing of best practice in the fight against terrorism, and to assist their members in fulfilling their obligation to combat terrorism;
9. Those participating in the Special Meeting of the Counter Terrorism Committee with international regional and sub-regional organizations on 7 March 2003 should use that opportunity to make urgent progress on the matters referred to in this declaration which involve the work of such organizations;
* * *
The Security Council also:
10. emphasizes that continuing international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden the understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, to further strengthen the campaign against terrorism, and to address unresolved regional conflicts and the full range of global issues, including development issues, will contribute to international cooperation and collaboration, which by themselves are necessary to sustain the broadest possible fight against terrorism;
11. reaffirms its strong determination to intensify its fight against terrorism in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations, and takes note of the contributions made during its meeting on 20 January 2003 with a view to enhancing the role of the United Nations in this regard, and invites Member States to make further contributions to this end;
12. invites the Secretary General to present a report within 28 days summarizing any proposals made during its ministerial meeting and any commentary or response to these proposals by any Security Council member;
13. encourages Members States of the United Nations to cooperate in resolving all outstanding issues with a view to the adoption, by consensus, of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the draft international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism;
14. decides to review actions taken towards the realization of this declaration at further meetings of the Security Council.
S/RES/1457 Plunder of Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources
Date: 24 January 2003 Meeting: 4691
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1291 (2000) of 24 February 2000, 1304 (2000) of 16 June 2000, 1323 (2000) of 13 October 2000, 1332 (2000) of 14 December 2000, 1341 (2001) of 22 February 2001, 1355 (2001) of 15 June 2001, 1376 (2001) of 9 November 2001, 1417 (2002) of 14 June 2002 and 1445 (2002) of 4 December 2002, and the statements of its President of 26 January 2000 (S/PRST/2000/2), 2 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/20), 7 September 2000 (S/PRST/2000/28), 3 May 2001 (S/PRST/2001/13) and 19 December 2001 (S/PRST/2001/39),
Reaffirming the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of all other States in the region,
Reaffirming also the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over its natural resources,
Recalling the letters from the Secretary-General of 12 April 2001 (S/2001/357), 13 November 2001 (S/2001/1072), and 22 May 2002 (S/2002/565),
Reiterating its commitment to take appropriate action to help put an end to the plundering of the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in support of the peace process,
Determining that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and stability in the Great Lakes region,
1. Takes note of the report of the Panel of Experts (hereinafter “the Panel”) on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, transmitted by the Secretary-General in his letter dated 15 October 2002 (S/2002/1146);
2. Strongly condemns the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
3. Notes with concern that the plundering of the natural resources and other forms of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues and is one of the main elements fuelling the conflict in the region, and in this regard, demands that all States concerned take immediate steps to end these illegal activities, which are perpetuating the conflict, impeding the economic development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and exacerbating the suffering of its people;
4. Reiterates that the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be exploited transparently, legally and on a fair commercial basis, to benefit the country and its people;
5. Stresses that the completion of the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the early establishment of an all-inclusive transitional government in the country, which will ensure that central government control is reinstated and that viable administrations are empowered to protect and regulate the exploitation activities, are important steps towards ending the plundering of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
6. Stresses also that the possible convening of an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region at the appropriate time could help the States of the region in promoting a sound regional economic integration, to the benefit of all the States in the region;
7. Takes note of the importance of the natural resources and extractive sectors for the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, encourages States, international financial institutions, and other organizations to assist Governments in the region in efforts to create appropriate national structures and institutions to control resource exploitation, encourages also the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to work closely with the International Financial Institutions and the donor community to establish Congolese institutional capacity to ensure that these sectors are controlled and operated in a transparent and legitimate way, so that the riches of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can benefit the Congolese people;
8. Stresses the importance of following up the independent findings of the Panel regarding the link between the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the continuation of the conflict, stresses the importance of exerting the necessary pressure to put an end to such exploitation, notes that the reports of the Panel to date have made a useful contribution to the peace process in this regard, and therefore requests the Secretary-General to give a new mandate to the Panel for a period of six months at the end of which the Panel should provide a report to the Council;
9. Stresses that the new mandate of the Panel should include:
-- Further review of relevant data and analysis of information previously gathered by the Panel, as well as any new information, including specifically material provided by individuals and entities named in the previous reports of the Panel, in order to verify, reinforce and, where necessary, update the Panel’s findings, and/or clear parties named in the Panel’s previous reports, with a view to adjusting accordingly the lists attached to these reports;
-- Information on actions taken by Governments in response to the Panel’s previous recommendations, including information on how capacity-building and reforms in the region are affecting exploitation activities;
-- An assessment of the actions taken by all those named in the reports in respect of paragraphs 12 and 15 below;
-- Recommendations on measures a transitional Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other Governments in the region could take to develop and enhance their policies, legal framework and administrative capacity to ensure the resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are exploited legally and on a fair commercial basis to benefit the Congolese people;
10. Requests the chairman of the Panel to brief the Council on any progress towards the cessation of the plundering of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo three months after the resumption of the Panel’s work;
11. Invites, in the interests of transparency, individuals, companies and States, which have been named in the Panel’s last report to send their reactions, with due regard to commercial confidentiality, to the Secretariat, no later than 31 March 2003, and requests the Secretary-General to arrange for the publication of these reactions, upon request by individuals, companies and States named in the report of 15 October 2002, as an attachment to this report, no later than 15 April 2003;
12. Stresses the importance of dialogue between the Panel, individuals, companies and States and requests in this regard that the Panel provide to the individuals, companies and States named, upon request, all information and documentation connecting them to the illegal exploitation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s natural resources, and requests the Panel to establish a procedure to provide to Member States, upon request, information previously collected by the Panel to help them take the necessary investigative action, subject to the Panel’s duty to preserve the safety of its sources, and in accordance with United Nations established practice in consultation with the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs;
13. Emphasizes the duty of the individuals, companies and States named in the report to respect the confidentiality of the material to be given to them by the Panel so as to ensure that the safety of the Panel’s sources is preserved;
14. Requests the Panel to provide information to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Committee on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises and to the National Contact Points for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises in the States where business enterprises listed in annex 3 of the last report as being allegedly in contravention of the OECD guidelines are registered, in accordance with United Nations established practice;
15. Urges all States, especially those in the region to conduct their own investigations, including as appropriate through judicial means, in order to clarify credibly the findings of the Panel, taking into account the fact that the Panel, which is not a judicial body, does not have the resources to carry out an investigation whereby these findings can be considered as established facts;
16. In this regard, notes with satisfaction the decision of the Attorney General of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to start a judicial procedure, commends the decision of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to suspend momentarily the officials named in the reports pending further clarification, and requests the Panel to cooperate fully with the Office of the Attorney General and to provide to this Office information it may need to conduct its investigations, subject to the Panel’s duty to preserve the safety of its sources, and in accordance with United Nations established practice in consultation with the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs;
17. Further notes with satisfaction the actions taken by other States, including the decision by the Government of Uganda to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, urges all States concerned and in particular the Governments of Zimbabwe and Rwanda to cooperate fully with the Panel and investigate further the accusations made through due judicial process and stresses the importance of collaboration between the Panel and all investigative bodies;
18. Encourages all organizations concerned to consider, as appropriate, the relevant recommendations contained in the reports of the Panel, and in particular encourages the specialized industries’ organizations to monitor trade in commodities from conflict areas, in particular the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to collect data in this regard, with a view to helping put an end to the plundering of the natural resources in these areas;
19. Encourages the implementation of the decisions taken within the framework of the Inter-Congolese dialogue, especially its recommendation to establish a special commission to examine the validity of economic and financial agreements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
20. Expresses its full support to the Panel and reiterates that all parties and relevant States must extend their full cooperation to the Panel, while ensuring necessary security for the experts;
21. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1458 Compliance with Liberia sanctions
Date: 28 January 2003 Meeting: 4693
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolution 1408 (2002) of 6 May 2002,
Noting that the next six-monthly review by the Security Council of the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 to 7 of resolution 1343 (2001), and extended by paragraph 5 of resolution 1408 (2002), is scheduled to take place on or before 6 May 2003,
Deeply concerned by the situation in Liberia and neighbouring countries, especially in Côte d’Ivoire,
Recognizing the importance of monitoring the implementation of the provisions of resolutions 1343 (2001) and 1408 (2002),
1. Takes note of the report of the Panel of Experts on Liberia dated 25 October 2002 (S/2002/1115) submitted pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 1408 (2002);
2. Expresses its intention to continue to give full consideration to the report;
3. Decides to re-establish the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 1408 (2002) for a further period of three months commencing no later than 10 February 2003;
4. Requests the Panel of Experts to conduct a follow-up assessment mission to Liberia and neighbouring States, in order to investigate and compile a report on the Government of Liberia’s compliance with the demands referred to in paragraph 2 of resolution 1343 (2001), and of any violations of the measures referred to in paragraph 5 of resolution 1408 (2002), including any involving rebel movements, to conduct a review of the audits referred to in paragraph 10 of resolution 1408 (2002), and to report to the Council through the Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1343 (2001) (“the Committee”) no later than 16 April 2003 with the Panel’s observations and recommendations in relation to the tasks set out herein;
5. Requests the Panel of Experts, as far as possible, to bring any relevant information collected in the course of its investigations conducted in accordance with its mandate to the attention of the States concerned for prompt and thorough investigation and, where appropriate, corrective action, and to allow them the right of reply;
6. Requests the Secretary-General, upon the adoption of this resolution and acting in consultation with the Committee, to appoint no more than five experts, with the range of expertise necessary to fulfil the Panel’s mandate referred to in paragraph 4 above, drawing as much as possible and as appropriate on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 1408 (2002), and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Panel;
7. Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, other organizations and interested parties to cooperate fully with the Committee and Panel of Experts, including by supplying information on possible violations of the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 to 7 of resolution 1343 (2001);
8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1459 Illicit trade in rough diamonds
Date: 28 January 2003 Meeting: 4694
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Noting with deep concern the linkage between the illicit trade in rough diamonds from certain regions of the world and the fuelling of armed conflicts that affect international peace and security,
Recalling all relevant resolutions of the Security Council to control the illicit trade in rough diamonds, including 1173 (1998) of 12 June 1998, 1306 (2000) of
5 July 2000, 1343 (2001) of 7 March 2001, 1385 (2001) of 19 December 2001, and 1408 (2002) of 6 May 2002,Highlighting in particular resolution 1295 (2000) of 18 April 2000 which welcomed the proposal that led to the adoption of the Interlaken Declaration of
5 November 2002 on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds,Highlighting further the importance of conflict prevention through efforts to hinder the fuelling of conflicts by illicit trade in rough diamonds, which is the very nature of the Kimberley Process,
Noting in particular the importance of the major diamond producing, and trading, and processing countries participating in the Kimberley Process system of self-regulation,
Expressing its appreciation to the Governments of South Africa, Namibia, Belgium, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, Angola, Botswana, Canada and Switzerland for hosting meetings of the Kimberley Process,
Noting with appreciation the important contribution made by industry and civil society to the development of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,
Further noting the decision made at the 5 November 2002 Interlaken meeting to launch the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme beginning on 1 January 2003,
Welcoming the progress achieved at the Interlaken meeting in developing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, including the adoption on 5 November 2002 of the Interlaken Declaration on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds,
1. Strongly supports the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, as well as the ongoing process to refine and implement the regime, adopted at the Interlaken Conference as a valuable contribution against trafficking in conflict diamonds and looks forward to its implementation and strongly encourages the participants to further resolve outstanding issues;
2. Further welcomes the voluntary system of industry self-regulation, as described in the Interlaken Declaration; and
3. Stresses that the widest possible participation in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is essential and should be encouraged and facilitated and urges all Member States to actively participate in the Scheme.
S/RES/1460 Call for halt to use of child soldiers
Date: 30 January 2003 Meeting: 4695
Vote: Unanimous:
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1261 (1999) of 25 August 1999, 1314 (2000) of 11 August 2000 and 1379 (2001) of 20 November 2001, which provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the protection of children affected by armed conflict,
Further recalling its resolutions 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999, 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000, 1306 (2000) of 5 July 2000, 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000, and 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000, as well as all Statements of its President on children and armed conflict, and taking note of the Secretary-General’s report on Women, Peace and Security of 16 October 2002 (S/2002/1154),
Reiterating its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and, in this connection, its commitment to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on children,
Underlining the need for all parties concerned to comply with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and with international law, in particular those regarding children,
Emphasizing the responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children,
Underlining the importance of the full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel and goods and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all children affected by armed conflict,
Welcoming the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict,
Noting the fact that the conscription or enlistment of children under the age of 15 into the national armed forces or using them to participate actively in hostilities is classified as a war crime by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which recently entered into force,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 November 2002 on the implementation of, inter alia, its resolution 1379 (2001),
1. Supports the Secretary-General’s call for “an era of application” of international norms and standards for the protection of children affected by armed conflict;
2. Encourages the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations, within their respective mandates, to strengthen their cooperation and their coordination when addressing the protection of children in armed conflict;
3. Calls upon all parties to armed conflict, who are recruiting or using children in violation of the international obligations applicable to them, to immediately halt such recruitment or use of children;
4. Expresses its intention to enter into dialogue, as appropriate, or to support the Secretary-General in entering into dialogue with parties to armed conflict in violation of the international obligations applicable to them on the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict, in order to develop clear and time bound action plans to end this practice;
5. Notes with concern the list annexed to the Secretary-General’s report, and calls on the parties identified in this list to provide information on steps they have taken to halt their recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of the international obligations applicable to them, to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, bearing in mind the provisions of paragraph 9 of its resolution 1379 (2001);
6. Expresses, accordingly, its intention to consider taking appropriate steps to further address this issue, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and its resolution 1379 (2001), if it deems that insufficient progress is made upon the review of the next Secretary-General’s report;
7. Urges Member States, in accordance with the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Lights Weapons to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, to take effective action through, inter alia, conflict resolution and the development and implementation of national legislation, in a manner which is consistent with existing responsibilities of States under relevant international law, to control the illicit trade of small arms to parties in armed conflict that do not respect fully the relevant provisions of applicable international law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict;
8. Calls upon States to respect fully the relevant provisions of applicable international humanitarian law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict, in particular the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, inter alia, the Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War;
9. Reiterates its determination to continue to include specific provisions for the protection of children in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations, including provisions recommending child protection advisers on a case-by-case basis and training for United Nations and associated personnel on child protection and child rights;
10. Notes with concern all the cases of sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children, especially girls, in humanitarian crisis, including those cases involving humanitarian workers and peacekeepers, and requests contributing countries to incorporate the Six Core Principles of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Emergencies into pertinent codes of conduct for peacekeeping personnel and to develop appropriate disciplinary and accountability mechanisms;
11. Requests the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations, with support from contributing countries, to implement HIV/AIDS education and offer HIV testing and counselling services for all United Nations peacekeepers, police and humanitarian personnel;
12. Calls upon all concerned parties to ensure that the protection, rights and well-being of children are integrated into the peace processes, peace agreements and the post-conflict recovery and reconstruction phases;
13. Calls upon Member States and international organizations to ensure that children affected by armed conflict are involved in all disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes, taking into account the specific needs and capacities of girls, and that the duration of these processes is sufficient for a successful transition to normal life, with a particular emphasis on education, including the monitoring, through, inter alia, schools, of children demobilized in order to prevent re‑recruitment;
14. Calls on parties involved in armed conflict to abide by the concrete commitments they have made to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and to cooperate fully with the United Nations system in the implementation of their commitments;
15. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that in all his reports to the Security Council on country-specific situations, the protection of children in armed conflict is included as a specific aspect of the report;
16. Further requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by 31 October 2003 on the implementation of this resolution and of its resolution 1379 (2001) which would include, inter alia:
(a) Progress made by the parties listed in the Annex of his report in ending the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to them, taking into account the parties to other armed conflicts that recruit or use children which are mentioned in the report in accordance with paragraph 16 of resolution 1379 (2001);
(b) An assessment of violations of rights and abuses of children in armed conflict, including in the context of illicit exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and of illicit trafficking of small arms in conflict zones;
(c) Specific proposals on ways to ensure monitoring and reporting in a more effective and efficient way within the existing United Nations system on the application of the international norms and standards for the protection of children in situations of armed conflict in all its various aspects;
(d) Best practices on integrating the specific needs of children in armed conflict into disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, including an assessment of child protection advisers in peacekeeping and peace-building support operations, and on negotiations aimed at ending the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to the parties concerned;
17. Decides to remain actively seized of this matter.
S/RES/1461 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon
Date: 30 January 2003 Meeting: 4696
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978 and 1428 (2002) of 30 July 2002 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),
Recalling further the letter from its President to the Secretary-General of 18 May 2001 (S/2001/500),
Recalling also the Secretary-General’s conclusion that, as of 16 June 2000, Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978) and met the requirements defined in the Secretary-General’s report of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/460), as well as the Secretary-General’s conclusion that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had essentially completed two of the three parts of its mandate, focusing now on the remaining task of restoring international peace and security,
Emphasizing the interim nature of UNIFIL,
Recalling its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,
Recalling also its resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000,
Recalling further the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,
Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon, as stated in the letter from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations of 9 January 2003 to the Secretary-General (S/2003/36),
1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 14 January 2003 (S/2003/38), and in particular its recommendation to renew the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months;
2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 July 2003;
3. Takes note of the completion of the reconfiguration of UNIFIL as outlined in paragraph 26 of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2003/38) and in accordance with the letter of the President of the Security Council of 18 May 2001 (S/2001/500);
4. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
5. Commends the Government of Lebanon for taking steps to ensure the return of its effective authority throughout the south, including the deployment of Lebanese armed forces, and calls on it to continue to extend these measures and to do its utmost to ensure a calm environment throughout the south;
6. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement in the discharge of its mandate throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report;
7. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the withdrawal line identified by the United Nations, as set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 June 2000 (S/2000/590), to exercise utmost restraint and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL;
8. Condemns all acts of violence, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel;
9. Supports the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation;
10. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational demining, encourages further assistance in mine action by the United Nations to the Government of Lebanon in support of both the continued development of its national mine action capacity and emergency demining activities in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in-kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, takes note of the communication to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL of maps and information on the location of mines and stresses the necessity to provide the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL with any additional maps and records on the location of mines;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned on the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Council before the end of the present mandate as well as on the activities of UNIFIL and the tasks presently carried out by the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO);
12. Looks forward to the early fulfilment of the mandate of UNIFIL;
13. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolution 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.
S/RES/1462 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia
Date: 30 January 2003 Meeting: 4697
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1427 (2002) of 29 July 2002,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 January 2003 (S/2003/39),
Recalling the conclusions of the Lisbon (S/1997/57, annex) and Istanbul summits of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regarding the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia,
Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,
Recalling its condemnation of the shooting down of a helicopter of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) on 8 October 2001, which resulted in the death of the nine people on board, and deploring the fact that the perpetrators of that attack have still not been identified,
Stressing that the continued lack of progress on key issues of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia, is unacceptable,
Welcoming the important contributions made by UNOMIG and the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS peacekeeping force) in stabilizing the situation in the zone of conflict, and stressing its attachment to the close cooperation existing between them in the performance of their respective mandates,
1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 13 January 2003 (S/2003/39);
2. Reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and the necessity to define the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia in strict accordance with these principles;
3. Commends and strongly supports the sustained efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, with the assistance of the Russian Federation in its capacity as facilitator as well as of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General and of the OSCE, to promote the stabilization of the situation and the achievement of a comprehensive political settlement, which must include a settlement of the political status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia;
4. Reiterates, in particular, its support for the document on “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and for its letter of transmittal, finalized by, and with the full support of, all members of the Group of Friends;
5. Regrets the lack of progress on the initiation of political status negotiations, and recalls, once again, that the purpose of these documents is to facilitate meaningful negotiations between the parties, under the leadership of the United Nations, on the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia, and is not an attempt to impose or dictate any specific solution to the parties;
6. Underlines further that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;
7. Deeply regrets, in particular, the repeated refusal of the Abkhaz side to agree to a discussion on the substance of this document, again strongly urges the Abkhaz side to receive the document and its transmittal letter, urges both parties thereafter to give them full and open consideration, and to engage in constructive negotiations on their substance, and urges those having influence with the parties to promote this outcome;
8. Welcomes in that regard the Secretary-General’s intention to invite senior representatives of the Group of Friends to an informal brainstorming session on the way ahead;
9. Calls on the parties to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust;
10. Condemns any violations of the provisions of the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces (S/1994/583, annex I);
11. Welcomes the decrease of tensions in the Kodori Valley and the intention reaffirmed by the parties to resolve the situation peacefully, recalls its strong support to the protocol signed by the two sides on 2 April 2002 regarding the situation in the Kodori Valley, calls on both sides, and in particular the Georgian side, to continue to fully implement this protocol, and recognizes the legitimate security concerns of the civilian populations in the area, calls on the political leaders in Tbilisi and Sukhumi to observe security agreements, and calls on both sides to spare no efforts to agree on a mutually acceptable arrangement for security of the population in, and in the vicinity of, the Kodori Valley;
12. Calls on the Georgian side to continue to improve security for joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols in the Kodori Valley to enable them to monitor the situation independently and regularly;
13. Strongly urges the parties to ensure the necessary revitalization of the peace process in all its major aspects, to resume their work in the Coordinating Council and its relevant mechanisms, to build on the results of the Yalta meeting on confidence-building measures in March 2001 (S/2001/242), to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, and to consider holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures;
14. Stresses the urgent need for progress on the question of the refugees and internally displaced persons, calls on both sides to display a genuine commitment to make returns the focus of special attention and to undertake this task in close coordination with UNOMIG, reaffirms the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict, reaffirms also the inalienable right of all refugees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions, in accordance with international law and as set out in the Quadripartite Agreement of 4 April 1994 (S/1994/397, annex II) and the Yalta Declaration, recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population, and requests further measures to be undertaken inter alia by the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to create conditions conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, including through quick-impact projects, to develop their skills and to increase their self-reliance, with full respect for their inalienable right to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions;
15. Urges once again the parties to implement the recommendations of the joint assessment mission to the Gali district, carried out under the aegis of the United Nations, welcomes the recent visit of a United Nations police assessment team to Gali and Zugdidi sectors, looks forward to its recommendations, and calls in particular on the Abkhaz side to improve law enforcement involving the local population and to address the lack of instruction in their mother tongue for the ethnic Georgian population;
16. Calls on both parties publicly to dissociate themselves from militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options and for the activities of illegal armed groups, and encourages the Georgian side in particular to continue its efforts to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups;
17. Welcomes the additional safeguards for helicopter flights instituted in response to the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, calls, once again, on the parties to take all necessary steps to identify those responsible for the incident, to bring them to justice, and to inform the Special Representative on the implementation of these steps;
18. Underlines that it is the primary responsibility of both sides to provide appropriate security and to ensure the freedom of movement of UNOMIG, the CIS peacekeeping force and other international personnel;
19. Welcomes constant review by UNOMIG of its security arrangements in order to ensure the highest possible level of security for its staff;
20. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 July 2003, and to further review that mandate unless a decision on the presence of the CIS peacekeeping force is taken by 15 February 2003;
21. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed and to report three months from the date of the adoption of this resolution on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia;
22. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1463 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 30 January 2003 Meeting: 4698
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, in particular resolution 1429 (2002) of 30 July 2002,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 March 2003 in order to give the parties time to consider the proposal presented to them by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a report on the situation by
17 March 2003;3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1464 Implementation of Cote d’Ivoire Peace Agreement
Date: 4 February 2003 Meeting: 4700
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire,
Recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling the decision taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit held in Accra on 29 September 2002 to deploy a peacekeeping force in Côte d’Ivoire,
Further recalling its full support for the efforts of ECOWAS to promote a peaceful settlement of the conflict, and also appreciating the efforts of the African Union to reach a settlement,
Welcoming the convening, at the invitation of France, of the Round Table of Ivorian political forces, held in Linas-Marcoussis from 15 to 23 January 2003, and the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003,
Welcoming the communiqué issued on 31 January 2003 following the twenty-sixth regular Summit of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Dakar as well as the communiqué issued on 3 February 2003 following the seventh ordinary session of the Central Organ of the Mechanism of the African Union for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution at Heads of State and Government Level,
Noting the existence of challenges to the stability of Côte d’Ivoire and determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,
1. Endorses the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (“the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement”) and adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and calls on all Ivorian political forces to implement it fully and without delay;
2. Notes the provisions in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement for the formation of a government of national reconciliation and calls on all Ivorian political forces to work with the President and the Prime minister towards the establishment of a balanced and stable government;
3. Also notes the provisions in the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement providing for the establishment of a Monitoring Committee, calls on all the members of that committee to monitor closely compliance with the terms of the Agreement and urges all parties to cooperate fully with the committee;
4. Expresses its gratitude to the Secretary-General for the vital role he has played in the smooth conduct of these meetings and encourages him to continue to contribute to a final settlement of the Ivorian crisis;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the Council at the earliest possible date recommendations on how the United Nations could support fully the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, in accordance with the request by the Round Table of Ivorian political forces and by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, and declares its readiness to take appropriate measures on the basis of these recommendations;
6. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to appoint a Special Representative for Côte d’Ivoire, based in Abidjan, and requests him to do so as soon as possible;
7. Condemns violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have taken place in Côte d’Ivoire since 19 September 2002 and stresses the need to bring to justice those responsible and urges all parties, including the Government, to take all necessary steps to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular against civilians regardless of their origin;
8. Welcomes the deployment of ECOWAS forces and French troops with a view to contributing to a peaceful solution of the crisis and, in particular, to the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement;
9. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and in accordance with the proposal contained in paragraph 14 of the conclusions of the conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, authorizes Member States participating in the ECOWAS forces in accordance with Chapter VIII together with the French forces supporting them to take the necessary steps to guarantee the security and freedom of movement of their personnel and to ensure, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the Government of National Reconciliation, the protection of civilians immediately threatened with physical violence within their zones of operation, using the means available to them, for a period of six months after which the Council will assess the situation on the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 10 below and decide whether to renew this authorization;
10. 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;
11. Calls upon all States neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to support the peace process by preventing any action that might undermine the security and territorial integrity of Côte d’Ivoire, particularly the movement of armed groups and mercenaries across their borders and illicit trafficking and proliferation of arms in the region, including small arms and light weapons;
12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1465 Condemnation of bomb attack in Bogotá, Colombia
Date: 13 February 2003 Meeting: 4706
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001,
Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,
1. Condemns in the strongest terms the bomb attack in Bogotá, Colombia, on 7 February 2003 in which many lives were claimed and people injured, and regards such act, like any act of terrorism, as a threat to peace and security;
2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and the Government of Colombia and to the victims of the bomb attack and their families;
3. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to work together urgently and to cooperate with and provide support and assistance, as appropriate, to the Colombian authorities in their efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this terrorist attack;
4. Expresses its reinforced determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/RES/1466 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
Date: 14 March 2003 Meeting: 4719
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolution 1434 (2002) of 6 September 2002,
Further reaffirming its unwavering support for the peace process and its commitment, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in the implementation of its mandate, to the full and expeditious implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the parties on 12 December 2000 and the preceding Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/1183 and S/2000/601, respectively, hereinafter referred to as the “Algiers Agreements”), the Delimitation Decision by the Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2002/423) embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements, including the Orders issued on 17 July 2002 (S/2002/853), and the ensuing binding Demarcation Directions,
Commending the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea on the progress made thus far in the peace process, including the recently concluded release and repatriation of prisoners of war, and calling on both parties to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to clarify and to resolve the remaining issues in accordance with the Geneva Conventions, and with the commitments made in the Algiers Agreements,
Reiterating the need for both parties to fulfil their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law, and to ensure the safety of all personnel of the United Nations, the Boundary Commission, the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations,
Noting that the peace process is about to enter its crucial phase of demarcation, and emphasizing the importance of ensuring expeditious implementation of the Boundary Decision while maintaining stability in all areas affected by the decision,
Stressing that only the full implementation of the Algiers Agreements will lead to sustainable peace which is a crucial precondition to address reconstruction and development needs as well as economic recovery,
Noting with concern the continued violations of the model status of forces agreement, which Ethiopia has signed and Eritrea has agreed to respect,
Welcoming the eighth report of the Boundary Commission, noting the concerns expressed therein with regard to full adherence by the parties to the Boundary Decision and demarcation-related decisions of the Commission, and expressing its full support for the work of the Commission and the legal framework within which the Commission is taking its decisions,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/257),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE at the troop and military observer levels authorized by its resolution 1320 (2000) until 15 September 2003;
2. Urges both Ethiopia and Eritrea to continue to assume their responsibilities and fulfil their commitments under the Algiers Agreements and calls upon them to cooperate fully and promptly with the Boundary Commission to enable it to fulfil the mandate conferred upon it by the parties of expeditiously delimiting and demarcating the boundary, to implement fully the Commission’s binding Demarcation Directions, to abide promptly by all its Orders, including those issued on 17 July 2002 (S/2002/853), and to take all steps necessary to provide the necessary security on the ground for the staff of the Commission when operating in territories under their control;
3. Expresses concern regarding recent incidents of incursions across the southern boundary of the Temporary Security Zone and calls on both parties to ensure an immediate end to such incidents and to cooperate fully with UNMEE investigations in this regard, and expresses further concern about the placement by unknown entities of anti-tank mines in the Temporary Security Zone;
4. Calls on the parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate to ensure the personal security of UNMEE staff when operating in territories under their control, and to facilitate their work, including by establishing a direct high-altitude flight route for UNMEE between Asmara and Addis Ababa, which would relieve the unnecessary additional cost to UNMEE;
5. Demands that the parties allow UNMEE full freedom of movement and remove with immediate effect any and all restrictions on, and impediments to the work of, UNMEE and its staff in the discharge of its mandate;
6. Affirms the ability of UNMEE, within its existing verification mandate, to monitor the parties’ fulfilment of their responsibilities with regard to the security of the Boundary Commission staff working in the field;
7. Notes the work done by the UNMEE Mine Action Coordination Centre in demining and education on risk related to mines, and urges the parties to pursue efforts on mine clearance;
8. Urges the two parties to engage expeditiously in further discussions with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General so that they reach agreement on the timing and modalities of territorial transfer, which could include the establishment by the parties of a mechanism for the resolution of problems in this regard;
9. Urges the two parties to begin to sensitize their populations about the demarcation process and its implications, including the role of the United Nations in support of this process;
10. Calls on the parties to refrain from unilateral troop or population movements, including establishment of any new settlements in areas near the border, until demarcation and orderly transfer of territorial control has been accomplished, in accordance with article 4.16 of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;
11. Reaffirms its decision to review frequently the progress made by the parties in the implementation of their commitments pursuant to the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE, including with regard to the process of territorial transfers during the demarcation as outlined by the Secretary-General in his report of 10 July 2002;
12. Encourages the guarantors, facilitators and witnesses of the Algiers Agreements and the Friends of UNMEE to further intensify their contacts with the authorities of both countries with a view to contributing to an expeditious demarcation process;
13. Welcomes the contributions by Member States to the Trust Fund for the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Border and calls on the international community to continue to contribute urgently to the Trust Fund in order to facilitate the conclusion of the demarcation process in accordance with the Boundary Commission’s schedule;
14. Calls again on the parties to increase their efforts to take measures that will build confidence and contribute to the normalization of relations between them, including in particular their political relations and those in the areas listed in paragraph 14 of resolution 1398 (2002) of 15 March 2002;
15. Expresses its concern at the prevailing drought and worsening humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea and the implications this could have for the peace process and calls on Member States to continue to provide prompt and generous support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea;
16. Invites the African Union to continue to lend its full support to the peace process;
17. Expresses its strong support for the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Mr. Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, the UNMEE Force Commander, Major General Robert Gordon, the military and civilian personnel of UNMEE and the Boundary Commission for their work in support of the peace process;
18. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1467 Strengthened cooperation against small arms proliferation in West Africa
Date: 18 March 2003 Meeting: 4720
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Decides to adopt the attached declaration on the item entitled ‘Proliferation of small arms and light weapons and mercenary activities: threat to peace and security in West Africa’.
Annex
The Security Council expresses its profound concern at the impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as mercenary activities, on peace and security in West Africa. These contribute to serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, which the Council condemns. The Council requests States of the subregion to ensure that relevant measures adopted at the national, regional and international levels to combat these problems are put into effect.
The Security Council calls on the States of the subregion to strengthen the adopted measures and to consider other appropriate steps, taking into account the recommendations emanating from this workshop. The Council also emphasizes the need for the States of the subregion to strengthen their cooperation in order to identify individuals and entities that engage illegally in trafficking in small arms and light weapons and provide support for mercenary activities in West Africa.
The Security Council acknowledges the need to involve national Commissions/national Committees and other relevant local structures (including civil society) more fully in the practical implementation of the moratorium on small arms and light weapons adopted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on 31 October 1998 and of the Programme of Action adopted on 20 July 2001 by the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held in New York.
The Security Council calls on the States of West Africa to consider the following recommendations that might contribute to the more effective implementation of the ECOWAS Moratorium on Small Arms:
(a) Broadening of the Moratorium to include an information exchange mechanism for all types of small arms procured by ECOWAS member States as well as for arms transfers by supplier countries;
(b) Enhancement of transparency in armaments, including through the establishment of an ECOWAS register that would record national inventories of small arms and light weapons;
(c) Strengthening national Commissions set up to oversee implementation of the Moratorium, in terms of staffing and equipment, and developing national plans of action;
(d) Taking necessary measures to build the capacity of the ECOWAS secretariat;
(e) Computerization of aircraft registration lists to ensure better monitoring of airspace, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed at Chicago on 7 December 1944;
(f) Introduction of a standardized end-user certificate for imported weapons.
The Security Council expresses concern at the serious violations of the arms embargoes in West Africa and calls on Member States to comply fully with the relevant resolutions of the Council.
The Security Council expresses its concern at links between mercenary activities, illicit arms trafficking and the violation of arms embargoes that help to foster and prolong conflicts in West Africa.
The Security Council emphasizes the need to make peoples and entities of the subregion aware of the danger and consequences of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and of mercenary activities.
The Security Council encourages all ECOWAS States, especially those most affected by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, to submit, as did other States, national reports on actions undertaken to implement the United Nations programme of action for small arms and light weapons to the Secretary-General in advance of the 2003 biennial review meeting.
The Security Council appeals to the donor community to assist States of the subregion in implementing and strengthening measures relating to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and mercenary activities.
The Security Council calls on relevant parties to conflicts in West Africa to recognize the importance of activities related to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in post-conflict situations, and of including such measures in the text of negotiated agreements, as well as specific measures for the collection and disposal of illicit and/or surplus small arms.
The Security Council calls on all States in the subregion to cease military support for armed groups in neighbouring countries, and to take action to prevent armed individuals and groups from using their territory to prepare and launch attacks on neighbouring countries.
The Security Council calls on arms-producing and exporting countries that have not yet done so to enact stringent laws, regulations and administrative procedures in order to ensure, through their implementation, more effective control over the transfer to West Africa of small arms by manufacturers, suppliers, brokers, and shipping and transit agents, including a mechanism that would facilitate the identification of illicit arms transfers, as well as careful scrutiny of end-user certificates.
The Security Council reiterates its call to regional and subregional organizations to develop policies, activities and advocacy for the benefit of war-affected children in their regions. In this regard, the Council welcomes the Accra Declaration and Programme of Action on war-affected children and the subsequent establishment of a Child Protection Unit at the ECOWAS secretariat.
S/RES/1468 Welcoming agreement on transitional arrangement in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 20 March 2003 Meeting: 4723
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Expressing its full support for the efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its appreciation of his report on the situation in Ituri (S/2003/216) and recalling the previous report on the situation in Kisangani (S/2002/764),
Welcoming the thirteenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) (S/2003/211),
Commending the Government of Angola for its efforts in ensuring the implementation, by the parties, of the Luanda Agreement of 6 September 2002, which establishes the basis for a settlement in the Ituri area, and expressing its gratitude to the Government of Angola for their readiness to continue these efforts,
Commending also the Government of South Africa for its role in cooperation with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to help the Congolese parties reach an agreement on the transitional arrangements,
Commending the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and their teams for helping steer the negotiations in Pretoria to a successful conclusion,
Determining that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
1. Welcomes the agreement reached by the Congolese parties in Pretoria on 6 March 2003 on the transitional arrangements, commends the Congolese parties, whose responsibility it is to implement fully the commitments they have taken, for their efforts in settling the outstanding issues, and calls on them to establish as soon as possible the transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stresses that any effort to undermine or delay its establishment would be unacceptable;
2. Condemns the massacres and other systematic violations of International Humanitarian Law and human rights perpetrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular sexual violence against women and girls as a tool of warfare and atrocities perpetrated in the Ituri area by the Mouvement de Libération du Congo (MLC) and the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie/National (RCD/N) troops, as well as the acts of violence recently perpetrated by the Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPC) forces, and reiterates that there will be no impunity for such acts and that the perpetrators will be held accountable;
3. Stresses that the military officers whose names are mentioned in the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in connection with serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights should be brought to justice, through further investigation, and if warranted by that investigation, held accountable through a credible judicial process;
4. Calls upon the Congolese parties, when selecting individuals for key posts in the transitional government, to take into account the commitment and record of those individuals with regard to respect for International Humanitarian Law and human rights and the promotion of the well-being of all the Congolese;
5. Strongly encourages the Congolese parties forming the transitional government to establish as soon as possible a Truth and Reconciliation Commission charged with determining responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, as set forth in the resolutions adopted in the framework of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in Sun City in April 2002;
6. Reiterates that all parties claiming a role in the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must demonstrate their respect for human rights, International Humanitarian Law, as well as the security and well-being of civilian populations and emphasizes that the transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will have to restore law and order and respect for human rights, and end impunity, across the entire country;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to increase the number of personnel in MONUC’s human rights component to assist and enhance, in accordance with its current mandate, the capacity of the Congolese parties to investigate all the serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights perpetrated on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the beginning of the conflict in August 1998, and requests also the Secretary-General, in consultation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to make recommendations to the Council on other ways to help the transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo address the issue of impunity;
8. Expresses its deep concern over the heavy fighting in Bunia, demands that all parties to the conflict in Ituri immediately cease the hostilities and that all parties sign an unconditional ceasefire agreement, stresses that they must cooperate with MONUC to set up without further delay the Ituri Pacification Commission, and also stresses that the necessary steps must be taken to restore public order in Bunia, in accordance with the agreements reached among Congolese parties and within the framework of the Ituri Pacification Commission;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to increase MONUC’s presence in the Ituri area, as security conditions permit, in particular military observers and human rights personnel, to monitor developments on the ground, including the use of airfields in the Ituri area, and also requests MONUC to provide further support and assistance to humanitarian efforts as well as to facilitate the formation of the Ituri Pacification Commission and assist the work of this commission as consistent with MONUC’s current mandate, in consultation with all the Congolese parties to the conflict;
10. Encourages MONUC’s efforts to consult with the relevant parties on possible options for addressing the immediate security situation in the Ituri area and requests that MONUC keep the Council informed of its efforts in this regard;
11. Demands that all governments in the Great Lakes region immediately cease military and financial support to all the parties engaged in armed conflict in the Ituri region, stresses the need for all Congolese parties, including the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to respect their commitments under the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, as well as the Kampala plan and the Harare sub-plans for disengagement and redeployment, and reiterates that all foreign troops must be withdrawn from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
12. Calls on the Government of Uganda to complete the withdrawal of all its troops without further delay and, in this regard, expresses its concern that that Government’s commitment to withdraw by 20 March 2003 has not been met, and, concerned also at the statement of 14 March 2003 issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of Rwanda, calls on the Government of Rwanda not to return any forces to the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stresses that any renewal of strengthening of foreign military presence on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo would be unacceptable and would undermine the progress achieved thus far in the peace process;
13. Expresses its deep concern at the rising tensions between Rwanda and Uganda and their proxies on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stresses that the governments of these two countries must take steps to build mutual confidence, must settle their concerns through peaceful means, and without any interference in Congolese affairs, and must refrain from any action that could undermine the peace process;
14. Demands also that all the parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular in Ituri, ensure the security of civilian populations and grant to MONUC and to humanitarian organizations full and unimpeded access to the populations in need;
15. Reiterates its demand expressed in its resolution 1460 that all parties to the conflict provide information without delay on steps they have taken to halt their recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of the international obligations applicable to them, as well as its demands with regard to the protection of children contained in its resolutions 1261, 1314, 1379 and 1460;
16. Recalls its demand that full and unimpeded access be granted to MONUC and the Third Party Verification Mechanism so that it could verify the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement of 30 July 2002 and investigate the allegations on the presence of Rwandan troops in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as allegations of support by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the armed groups in the east of the country, reiterates that both would be unacceptable and would undermine the continuation of the peace process, and stresses that any ongoing military activity in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a detrimental effect on MONUC’s operations of disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration or resettlement (DDRRR) of armed groups;
17. Requests that MONUC report as soon as possible to the Council on the results of its investigations referred to in paragraph 16;
18. Expresses its support to the broad orientations set out by the Secretary- General in paragraph 59 of his last report on the role of MONUC in support of the peace process, and expresses its intention to consider his recommendations in this regard;
19. Reiterates its full support for MONUC and the efforts it continues to deploy to help the parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region advance their peace process and stresses the importance of MONUC moving forward with its phase III deployment in accordance with resolution 1445;
20. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1469 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 25 March 2003 Meeting: 4725
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, in particular resolution 1429 (2002) of 30 July 2002,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 May 2003;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a report on the situation by 19 May 2003 as proposed by the Secretary-General in his letter to the President of the Security Council of 19 March 2003 (S/2003/341);
3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1470 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone
Date: 28 March 2003 Meeting: 4729
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,
Affirming the commitment of all States to respect the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone,
Expressing its concern at the continuing fragile security situation in the Mano River region, particularly the conflict in Liberia and its consequences for neighbouring States, including Côte d’Ivoire, and at the substantial number of refugees and the humanitarian consequences for the civilian, refugee and internally displaced populations in the region, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the countries of the subregion,
Recognizing that the security situation in Sierra Leone remains fragile, and recognizing the need to strengthen further the capacity, and to mobilize the resources, of the Sierra Leone Police and armed forces to enable them to maintain security and stability independently,
Noting certain recent challenges to security described in paragraphs 2 to 9 of the Secretary-General’s report of 17 March 2003 (S/2003/321),
Reiterating the importance of the effective consolidation of State authority throughout Sierra Leone, particularly in the diamond fields, the reintegration of ex-combatants, voluntary and unhindered return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and full respect for human rights and the rule of law, paying special attention to the protection of women and children, and stressing continued United Nations support to the Government of Sierra Leone in fulfilling these objectives,
Emphasizing the importance of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in taking effective action on impunity and accountability and in promoting reconciliation,
Emphasizing the importance of the continuing support of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to the Government of Sierra Leone in the consolidation of peace and stability,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 17 March 2003 (S/2003/321),
1. Decides that the mandate of UNAMSIL shall be extended for a period of six months from 30 March 2003;
2. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States providing troops, civilian police personnel and support elements to UNAMSIL and those who have made commitments to do so;
3. Commends UNAMSIL for the progress made in the adjustments to its size, composition and deployment, as outlined in paragraphs 10 and 11 of the Secretary-General’s report of 17 March 2003 (S/2003/321), achieved while continuing to support the Sierra Leonean security forces in maintaining internal security and protecting Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity;
4. Urges UNAMSIL, guided by an evaluation of the security situation and the capacity and ability of the Sierra Leonean security sector to take responsibility for internal and external security, to complete phase 2 of the Secretary-General’s plan as planned and to embark on phase 3 as soon as practicable thereafter;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to provide the Council with detailed plans for the remainder of the drawdown once phase 3 is under way, including options for faster and slower withdrawal depending on the security situation and the capacity and ability of the Sierra Leonean security sector to take responsibility for internal and external security;
6. Expresses concern at the continuing financial shortfall in the multi-donor Trust Fund for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, and urges the Government of Sierra Leone to seek actively the urgently needed additional resources for reintegration;
7. Emphasizes that the development of the administrative capacities of the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly and effective and sustainable police force, army, penal system and independent judiciary, is essential to long-term peace and development, and urges the Government of Sierra Leone, with the assistance of donors and UNAMSIL, in accordance with its mandate, to accelerate the consolidation of civil authority and public services throughout the country, and to strengthen the operational effectiveness and capabilities of the security sector;
8. Calls on States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to continue to support the National Recovery Strategy of the Government of Sierra Leone;
9. Notes the efforts made by the Government of Sierra Leone towards effective control of the diamond mining areas, urges the Government of Sierra Leone to consider urgently relevant policy options for more effective regulation and control of diamond mining activities, and encourages the Government of Sierra Leoneto adopt and implement such a policy as soon as possible;
10. Welcomes the progress with deployment of United Nations civilian police to UNAMSIL and urges Member States able to do so to provide qualified civilian police trainers and advisers, and resources, to help the Sierra Leone Police to fulfil its size and capacity targets;
11. Reiterates its strong support for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, appeals to States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for the Special Court, as requested in the Secretary-General’s letter of 18 March 2003, appeals to existing donors to disburse their pledges rapidly, and urges all States to cooperate fully with the Court;
12. Welcomes the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and progress made in its activities, and urges donors to commit funds to it generously;
13. Urges the Presidents of the Mano River Union member States to resume dialogue and to implement their commitments to building regional peace and security, encourages the Economic Community of West African States and Morocco to continue their efforts towards a settlement of the crisis in the Mano River Union region, and expresses its support for the efforts of the International Contact Group on Liberia towards a resolution of the conflict in that country;
14. Notes with concern the recent instability on the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia, demands that the armed forces of Liberia and any armed groups refrain from illegal incursions into the territory of Sierra Leone, calls upon all States to comply fully with all relevant resolutions of the Council, including the embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment to Liberia, and encourages the Sierra Leonean armed forces, together with UNAMSIL, to maintain intensive patrolling of the border with Liberia;
15. Encourages the Government of Sierra Leone to pay special attention to the needs of women and children affected by the war, bearing in mind paragraph 42 of the report of the Secretary-General of 17 March 2003 (S/2003/321);
16. Encourages the continued support of UNAMSIL, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons, and urges all stakeholders to continue to cooperate to this end to fulfil their commitments under the Abuja Ceasefire Agreement of 10 November 2000 (S/2000/1091);
17. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Sierra Leone under close review and to report to the Council, after due consultations with troop-contributing countries and the Government of Sierra Leone, with any additional recommendations;
18. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1471 Extension of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Date: 28 March 2003 Meeting: 4730
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolution 1401 (2002) establishing the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan, as well as its endorsement of the Kabul Declaration of 22 December 2002 on good-neighbourly relations (S/2002/1416) and its call on all States to respect and support the implementation of its provisions,
Recognizing the Transitional Administration as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan pending democratic elections by June 2004 and reiterating its strong support for the full implementation of the Agreement on provisional arrangements in Afghanistan pending the re-establishment of permanent government institutions, signed in Bonn on 5 December 2001 (S/2001/1154) (the Bonn Agreement), in particular its annex 2 regarding the role of the United Nations during the interim period,
Also recognizing that the United Nations must continue to play its central and impartial role in the international efforts to assist the Afghan people in consolidating peace in Afghanistan and rebuilding their country,
1. Decides to extend UNAMA for an additional period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution;
2. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 18 March 2003 (S/2003/333) and the recommendations contained therein and endorses the Secretary-General’s proposal that an electoral unit be established within UNAMA, and encourages Member States support the United Nations electoral activities in Afghanistan;
3. Stresses that the continued provision of focused recovery and reconstruction assistance can contribute significantly to the implementation of the Bonn Agreement and, to this end, urges bilateral and multilateral donors to coordinate closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Transitional Administration, in particular through the Afghan Consultative Group Process;
4. Stresses also, in the context of paragraph 3 above, that while humanitarian assistance should be provided wherever there is a need, recovery or reconstruction assistance ought to be provided, through the Transitional Administration, and implemented effectively, where local authorities demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a secure environment, respecting human rights and countering narcotics;
5. Reaffirms its strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the concept of a fully integrated mission and endorses the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s full authority, in accordance with its relevant resolutions, over all United Nations activities in Afghanistan;
6. Requests UNAMA, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue to assist the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission in the full implementation of the human rights provisions of the Bonn Agreement and the National Human Rights Programme for Afghanistan, in order to support the protection and development of human rights in Afghanistan;
7. Calls upon all Afghan parties to cooperate with UNAMA in the implementation of its mandate and to ensure the security and freedom of movement of its staff throughout the country;
8. Requests the International Security Assistance Force, in implementing its mandate in accordance with resolution 1444 (2002) of 27 November 2002, to continue to work in close consultation with the Secretary-General and his Special Representative;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every four months on the implementation of this resolution;
10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1472 Adjustments to Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ programme
Date: 28 March 2003 Meeting: 4732
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Noting that under the provisions of Article 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949), to the fullest extent of the means available to it, the Occupying Power has the duty of ensuring the food and medical supplies of the population; it should, in particular, bring in the necessary foodstuffs, medical stores and other articles if the resources of the occupied territory are inadequate,
Convinced of the urgent need to continue to provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq throughout the country on an equitable basis, and of the need to extend such humanitarian relief measures to the people of Iraq who leave the country as a result of hostilities,
Recalling its previous relevant resolutions, and in particular resolutions 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990, 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, 1409 (2002) of 14 May 2002, and 1454 (2002) of 30 December 2002, as they provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq,
Noting the decision made by the Secretary-General on 17 March 2003 to withdraw all United Nations and international staff tasked with the implementation of the “Oil-for-Food” Programme (hereinafter “the Programme”) established under resolution 986 (1995),
Stressing the necessity to make every effort to sustain the operation of the present national food basket distribution network,
Stressing also the need for consideration of a further reassessment of the Programme during and after the emergency phase,
Reaffirming the respect for the right of the people of Iraq to determine their own political future and to control their own natural resources,
Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Requests all parties concerned to strictly abide by their obligations under international law, in particular the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Regulations, including those relating to the essential civilian needs of the people of Iraq, both inside and outside Iraq;
2. Calls on the international community also to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq, both inside and outside Iraq in consultation with relevant States, and in particular to respond immediately to any future humanitarian appeal of the United Nations, and supports the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross and of other international humanitarian organizations;
3. Recognizes that additionally, in view of the exceptional circumstances prevailing currently in Iraq, on an interim and exceptional basis, technical and temporary adjustments should be made to the Programme so as to ensure the implementation of the approved funded and non-funded contracts concluded by the Government of Iraq for the humanitarian relief of the people of Iraq, including to meet the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons, in accordance with this resolution;
4. Authorizes the Secretary-General and representatives designated by him to undertake as an urgent first step, and with the necessary coordination, the following measures:
(a) to establish alternative locations, both inside and outside Iraq, in consultation with the respective governments, for the delivery, inspection and authenticated confirmation of humanitarian supplies and equipment provided under the Programme, as well as to re-direct shipments of goods to those locations, as necessary;
(b) to review, as a matter of urgency, the approved funded and non-funded contracts concluded by the Government of Iraq to determine the relative priorities of the need for adequate medicine, health supplies, foodstuffs and other materials and supplies for essential civilian needs represented in these contracts which can be shipped within the period of this mandate, to proceed with these contracts in accordance with such priorities;
(c) to contact suppliers of these contracts to determine the precise location of contracted goods and, when necessary, to require suppliers to delay, accelerate or divert shipments;
(d) to negotiate and agree on necessary adjustments in the terms or conditions of these contracts and their respective letters of credit and to implement the measures referred to in paragraph 4 (a), (b) and (c), notwithstanding distribution plans approved under the Programme;
(e) to negotiate and execute new contracts for essential medical items under the Programme and to authorize issuance of the relevant letters of credit, notwithstanding approved distribution plans, provided that such items cannot be delivered in execution of contracts pursuant to paragraph 4 (b) and subject to the approval of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990);
(f) to transfer unencumbered funds between the accounts created pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 986 (1995) on an exceptional and reimbursable basis as necessary to ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies to the people of Iraq and to use the funds in the escrow accounts referred to in paragraphs 8 (a) and (b) of resolution 986 (1995) to implement the Programme as provided for in this resolution, irrespective of the phase in which such funds entered the escrow accounts or the phase to which those funds may have been allocated;
(g) to use, subject to procedures to be decided by the Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) prior to the end of the period set out in paragraph 10 below and based on recommendations provided by the Office of the Iraq Programme, funds deposited in the accounts created pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and (b) of resolution 986 (1995), as necessary and appropriate, to compensate suppliers and shippers for agreed additional shipping, transportation and storage costs incurred as a result of diverting and delaying shipments as directed by him according to the provisions of paragraph 4 (a), (b) and (c) in order to perform his functions set out in paragraph 4 (d);
(h) to meet additional operational and administrative costs resulting from the implementation of the temporarily modified Programme by the funds in the escrow account established pursuant to paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 986 (1995) in the same manner as costs arising from those activities set forth in paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 986 (1995) in order to perform his functions set out in (d);
(i) to use funds deposited in the escrow accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 986 (1995) for the purchase of locally produced goods and to meet the local cost for essential civilian needs which have been funded in accordance with the provisions of resolution 986 (1995) and related resolutions, including, where appropriate, the costs of milling, transportation and other costs necessary to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies to the people of Iraq;
5. Expresses its readiness as a second step to authorize the Secretary-General to perform additional functions with the necessary coordination as soon as the situation permits as activities of the Programme in Iraq resume;
6. Expresses further its readiness to consider making additional funds available, including from the account created pursuant to paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 986 (1995), on an exceptional and reimbursable basis, to meet further the humanitarian needs of the people of Iraq;
7. Decides that, notwithstanding the provisions of resolution 661 (1990) and resolution 687 (1991) and for the duration of the present resolution, all applications outside the Oil-for-Food Programme submitted by the United Nations agencies, programmes and funds, other international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for distribution or use in Iraq of emergency humanitarian supplies and equipment, other than medicines, health supplies and foodstuffs, shall be reviewed by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990), under a 24-hour no-objection procedure;
8. Urges all parties concerned, consistent with the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Regulations, to allow full unimpeded access by international humanitarian organizations to all people of Iraq in need of assistance and to make available all necessary facilities for their operations and to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated personnel and their assets, as well as personnel of humanitarian organizations in Iraq in meeting such needs;
9. Directs the Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990) to monitor closely the implementation of the provisions in paragraph 4 above and, in that regard, requests the Secretary-General to update the Committee on the measures as they are being taken and to consult with the Committee on prioritization of contracts for shipments of goods, other than foodstuffs, medicines, health and water sanitation related supplies;
10. Decides that the provisions contained in paragraph 4 of this resolution shall remain in force for a period of 45 days following the date of adoption of this resolution and may be subject to further renewal by the Council;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to take all measures required for the implementation of the present resolution and to report to the Security Council prior to the termination of the period defined in paragraph 10;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1473 Revised downsizing of military component of Timor-Leste Mission
Date: 4 April 2003 Meeting: 4735
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on the situation in Timor-Leste, in particular resolution 1410 (2002) of 17 May 2002,
Reiterating its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET),
Welcoming the progress that Timor-Leste has achieved with the assistance of UNMISET since independence,
Noting the continued existence of challenges to the security and stability of Timor-Leste,
Stressing that improving the overall capabilities of the Timor-Leste police force is a key priority,
Having considered the special report of the Secretary-General on UNMISET of 3 March 2003 (S/2003/243),
Having considered also the letter of 28 March 2003 from the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations to the members of the Security Council (S/2003/379, annex),
1. Decides that the composition and strength of the police component of UNMISET and the schedule for its downsizing will be adjusted in line with paragraphs 33 and 35 of the special report of the Secretary-General and will include the following specific measures:
(i) inclusion of an internationally formed unit for one year;
(ii) the provision of additional training capacity in key areas specified in the Special Report of the Secretary-General;
(iii) greater emphasis on human rights and rule of law elements;
(iv) the retention of a greater monitoring and advisory presence in districts where policing authority has been handed over to the Timor-Leste Police Force;
(v) the following-up of the recommendations outlined in the report of the Joint Assessment Mission on policing of November 2002;
(vi) adjustment of planning for the gradual transfer of policing authority to the Timor-Leste Police Force;
2. Decides that the schedule for the downsizing of the military component of UNMISET for the period up until December 2003 will be adjusted in line with the letter of 28 March 2003 from the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations to the members of the Security Council; and, accordingly, that two battalions will be retained within regions adjoining the Tactical Coordination Line during this period, together with associated force elements, including mobility; and that the number of military peacekeepers will reduce to 1,750 more gradually than was foreseen in resolution 1410 (2002);
3. Requests the Secretary-General to provide by 20 May 2003 for the approval of the Security Council a detailed military strategy for the revised schedule for the downsizing of the military component of UNMISET;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council closely and regularly informed of developments on the ground and on implementation of the revised military and police strategies;
5. Requests the Government of Timor-Leste to continue to work closely with UNMISET, including in the implementation of the revised police and military strategies;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1474 Re-establishment of panel to investigate arms embargo violations against Somalia
Date: 8 April 2003 Meeting: 4737
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, which established an embargo on all delivery of weapons and military equipment to Somalia (hereinafter referred to as the “arms embargo”), resolution 1407 (2002) of 3 May 2002, resolution 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002, and the statements of its President of 28 March 2002 (S/PRST/2002/8), of 12 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/35), and of 12 March 2003 (S/PRST/2003/2),
Noting with regret that the arms embargo has been continuously violated since 1992, including since the signing of the “Declaration on Cessation of Hostilities and the Structure and Principles of the Somalia National Reconciliation Process” (Eldoret Declaration) in October 2002, and expressing concern over the illegal activities linked to the financing of arms purchases and military activities by the violators of the arms embargo in Somalia,
Reiterating its firm support for the Somali National Reconciliation Process and the ongoing Somali National Reconciliation Conference, reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter, and commending the efforts of Kenya as the host of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sponsored Somali National Reconciliation Conference,
Reiterating its insistence that all States, in particular those of the region, should not interfere in the internal affairs of Somalia. Such interference only further destabilizes Somalia, contributes to a climate of fear and impacts adversely on human rights, and could jeopardize the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia. Stressing that the territory of Somalia should not be used to undermine stability in the subregion,
Reiterating its serious concern over the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia from sources outside the country, in contravention of the arms embargo, which is severely undermining peace and security and the political efforts for national reconciliation in Somalia, and which undermines the commitments made at the Nairobi Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons in 2000,
Recognizing the importance of improving the implementation and enhancing the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into violations of the arms embargo,
Determining that the situation in Somalia constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Stresses the obligation of all States and other actors to comply fully with resolution 733 (1992), and reaffirms that non-compliance constitutes a violation of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations;
2. Welcomes the report of the Panel of Experts dated 25 March 2003 (S/2003/223) submitted pursuant to paragraph 11 of resolution 1425 (2002), notes with interest the observations and recommendations contained therein, and expresses its intention to give full consideration to the report;
3. Decides to re-establish a Panel of Experts for a period of 6 months commencing no later than
3 weeks from the date of the adoption of this resolution, to be based in Nairobi, with the following mandate:
(a) to investigate the violations of the arms embargo covering access to Somalia by land, air and sea, in particular by pursuing any sources that might reveal information related to violations;
(b) to detail information and make specific recommendations in relevant areas of expertise related to violations and measures to give effect to and strengthen the arms embargo in its various aspects;
(c) to carry out field based research, where possible, in Somalia, States neighbouring Somalia and other States, as appropriate;
(d) to assess the capacity of States in the region to implement fully the arms embargo, including through a review of national customs and border control regimes;
(e) to focus on the ongoing arms embargo violations, including transfers of ammunition, single use weapons, and small arms;
(f) to seek to identify those who continue to violate the arms embargo inside and outside Somalia, and their active supporters, and to provide the Committee established by resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) with a draft list for possible future actions;
(g) to explore the possibility of establishing a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of the arms embargo with partners inside and outside Somalia in close cooperation with regional and international organizations, including with the African Union;
(h) to refine the recommendations provided in the report of the Panel of Experts (S/2003/223);
4. Requests the Secretary-General, upon the adoption of this resolution and acting in consultation with the Committee, to appoint up to four experts, including the Chairman, drawing as much as possible and as appropriate on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1425 (2002), and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Panel;
5. Further requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the Panel of Experts comprises, and has access to, sufficient expertise in the areas of armament and financing thereof, civil aviation, maritime transport, and regional affairs, including specialized knowledge of Somalia, in accordance with the resource requirements, administrative and financial arrangements outlined in the report of the expert team pursuant to resolution 1407 (2002);
6. Requests all Somali and regional parties as well as government officials and other actors contacted outside the region to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts in the discharge of its mandate, and requests the Panel of Experts to notify the Security Council immediately, through the Committee, of any lack of cooperation;
7. Requests the Panel of Experts to provide a mid-term briefing to the Council, through the Committee, and to submit a final report at the end of its mandated period to the Security Council, through the Committee, for its consideration;
8. Decides to send a mission of the Committee, led by the Chairman of the Committee, to the region at an earliest possible stage after the Panel of Experts has resumed its work to demonstrate the Security Council’s determination to give full effect to the arms embargo;
9. Calls again upon all States, in particular those in the region, to provide the Committee with all available information on violations of the arms embargo;
10. Invites the neighbouring States to report to the Committee quarterly on their efforts to implement the arms embargo;
11. Calls upon regional organizations, in particular the African Union and the League of Arab States, as well as States that have the resources, to assist Somali parties and the States in the region in their efforts to fully implement the arms embargo;
12. Expresses its determination to review the situation regarding the implementation of the arms embargo in Somalia on the basis of information provided by the Panel of Experts in its reports;
13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1475 Failure to reach agreement on settlement plan for Cyprus
Date: 14 April 2003 Meeting: 4740
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1250 (1999) of 29 June 1999 aimed at achieving agreement on a comprehensive Cyprus settlement,
Reiterating its strong interest in achieving an overall political settlement on Cyprus which takes full consideration of relevant Security Council resolutions and treaties,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 1 April 2003 (S/2003/398) on his mission of good offices in Cyprus,
1. Commends the extraordinary effort made by the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser and his team since 1999 in pursuance of his Good Offices mission and within the framework of Security Council resolution 1250 (1999);
2. Further commends the Secretary-General for taking the initiative to present to the parties a comprehensive settlement plan aimed at bridging the gaps between them, drawing upon the talks that began in December 1999 under United Nations auspices and, following negotiations, to revise that plan on 10 December 2002 and 26 February 2003;
3. Regrets that, as described in the Secretary-General’s report, due to the negative approach of the Turkish Cypriot leader, culminating in the position taken at the 10-11 March 2003 meeting in The Hague, it was not possible to reach agreement to put the plan to simultaneous referenda as suggested by the Secretary-General, and thus that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots have been denied the opportunity to decide for themselves on a plan that would have permitted the reunification of Cyprus and as a consequence it will not be possible to achieve a comprehensive settlement before 16 April 2003;
4. Gives its full support to the Secretary-General’s carefully balanced plan of 26 February 2003 as a unique basis for further negotiations, and calls on all concerned to negotiate within the framework of the Secretary-General’s Good Offices, using the plan to reach a comprehensive settlement as set forth in paragraphs 144-151 of the Secretary-General’s report;
5. Stresses its full support for the Secretary-General’s mission of Good Offices as entrusted to him in resolution 1250 (1999) and asks the Secretary-General to continue to make available his Good Offices for Cyprus as outlined in his report;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1476 Extension of Iraq ‘oil-for-food’ programme
Date: 24 April 2003 Meeting: 4743
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council
Recalling its previous relevant resolutions, and in particular resolutions 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990, 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, 1409 (2002) of 14 May 2002, 1454 (2002) of 30 December 2002, and 1472 (2003) of
28 March 2003, as they provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that the provisions contained in paragraph 4 of resolution 1472 (2003) shall remain in force until 3 June 2003 and may be subject to further renewal by the Council;
2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1477 Nomination of ‘ad litem’ judges for International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
Date: 29 April 2003 Meeting: 4745
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994, 1165 (1998) of 30 April 1998, 1329 (2000) of
30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002 and 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002,
Having considered the nominations for ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for Rwanda received by the Secretary-General,
Forwards the following nominations to the General Assembly in accordance with article 12 ter, paragraph 1 (d), of the Statute of the International Tribunal:
Ms. Achta Saker Abdoul (Chad)
Mr. Aydin Sefa Akay (Turkey)
Ms. Florence Rita Arrey (Cameroon)
Mr. Abdoulaye Barry (Burkina Faso)
Mr. Miguel Antonio Bernal (Panama)
Ms. Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda)
Mr. Robert Fremr (Czech Republic)
Mr. Silvio Guerra Morales (Panama)
Ms. Taghreed Hikmat (Jordan)
Ms. Karin Hökborg (Sweden)
Mr. Vagn Joensen (Denmark)
Mr. Gberdao Gustave Kam (Burkina Faso)
Mr. Joseph-Médard Kaba Kashala Katuala (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Ms. Engera A. Kileo (United Republic of Tanzania)
Ms. Nathalia P. Kimaro (United Republic of Tanzania)
Ms. Agnieszka Klonowiecka-Milart (Poland)
Ms. Flavia Lattanzi (Italy)
Mr. Kenneth Machin (United Kingdom)
Mr. Joseph Edward Chiondo Masanche (United Republic of Tanzania)
Mr. Patrick Matibini (Republic of Zambia)
Mr. Edouard Ngarta Mbaïouroum (Chad)
Mr. Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Mr. Tan Sri Dato ’Hj. Mohd. Azmi Dato ’Hj. Kamaruddin (Malaysia)
Mr. Lee Gacuiga Muthoga (Kenya)
Mr. Laurent Ngaoundi (Chad)
Ms. Beradingar Ngonyame (Chad)
Mr. Daniel David Ntanda Nsereko (Uganda)
Mr. Seon Ki Park (Republic of Korea)
Ms. Tatiana Răducanu (Republic of Moldova)
Mr. Mparany Mamy Richard Rajohnson (Madagascar)
Mr. Edward Mukandara K. Rutakangwa (United Republic of Tanzania)
Mr. Emile Francis Short (Ghana)
Mr. Albertus Henricus Joannes Swart (Netherlands)
Mr. Xenofon Ulianovschi (Republic of Moldova)
Ms. Aura Emérita Guerra de Villalaz (Panama)
S/RES/1478 Extension of sanctions against Liberia
Date: 6 May 2003 Meeting: 4751
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1132 (1997) of 8 October 1997, 1171 (1998) of 5 June 1998, 1306 (2000) of 5 July 2000, 1343 (2001) of 7 March 2001, 1385 (2001) of 19 December 2001, 1395 (2002) of 27 February 2002, 1400 (2002) of 28 March 2002, 1408 (2002) of 6 May 2002, 1458 (2003) of 28 January 2003, 1467 (2003) of 18 March 2003 and its other resolutions and statements of its President on the situation in the region,
Taking note of the Secretary-General’s report of 22 April 2003 (S/2003/466),
Taking note of the reports of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia dated 25 October 2002 (S/2002/1115) and 24 April 2003 (S/2003/498) submitted pursuant to paragraph 16 of resolution 1408 (2002) and paragraph 4 of resolution 1458 (2003) respectively,
Expressing serious concern at the findings of the Panel of Experts about the actions of the Government of Liberia and the LURD and other armed rebel groups, including the evidence that the Government of Liberia continues to breach the measures imposed by resolution 1343 (2001), particularly through the acquisition of arms,
Welcoming General Assembly Resolution A/Res/57/302 of 15 April 2003, and Security Council resolution 1459 (2003), welcoming the launch of the Kimberley Process on 1 January 2003, and recalling its concern at the role played by the illicit trade in diamonds in the conflict in the region,
Welcoming the continued efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Contact Group on Liberia to work towards the restoration of peace and stability in the region, particularly the appointment of former President Abubakar of Nigeria as a mediator in the conflict in Liberia,
Noting the positive effects of the Rabat Process on peace and security in the subregion, and encouraging all countries of the Mano River Union to reinvigorate the Rabat Process with further meetings and renewed cooperation,
Encouraging civil society initiatives in the region, including those of the Mano River Union Women’s Peace Network, to continue their contribution towards regional peace,
Welcoming the summit meeting between the Presidents of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire held in Togo on 26 April 2003, and encouraging them to continue dialogue,
Calling on all States, in particular the Government of Liberia, to cooperate fully with the Special Court for Sierra Leone,
Recalling the ECOWAS Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Africa adopted in Abuja on 31 October 1998 (S/1998/1194, annex), and its extension from 5 July 2001 (S/2001/700),
Deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation and widespread human rights violations in Liberia, and by the serious instability in Liberia and neighbouring countries, including Côte d’Ivoire,
Determining that the active support provided by the Government of Liberia to armed rebel groups in the region, including to rebels in Côte d’Ivoire and former Revolutionary United Front (RUF) combatants who continue to destabilize the region, constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that the Government of Liberia has not complied fully with the demands in resolution 1343 (2001);
2. Notes with concern that the new aircraft registry updated by the Government of Liberia in response to the demand in paragraph 2 (e) of resolution 1343 (2001) remains inactive;
3. Stresses that the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above are intended to help consolidate and assure peace and stability in Sierra Leone and to build and strengthen peaceful relations among the countries of the region;
4. Calls upon all States in the region, particularly the Government of Liberia, to participate actively in all regional peace initiatives, particularly those of ECOWAS, the International Contact Group, the Mano River Union and the Rabat Process, and expresses its strong support for these initiatives;
5. Calls upon the Government of Liberia and the LURD to enter without delay into bilateral ceasefire negotiations under the auspices of ECOWAS and the mediation of former President Abubakar of Nigeria;
6. Stresses its readiness to grant exemptions from the measures imposed by paragraph 7 (a) of resolution 1343 (2001) in cases of travel which would assist in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the subregion;
7. Welcomes the Government of Liberia’s agreement to the revised mandate of the United Nations Office in Liberia and calls on the Government to respond constructively to the Council’s statement of 13 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/36);
8. Calls upon the Government of Liberia and all parties, particularly the LURD and other armed rebel groups, to ensure unimpeded and safe movement for the personnel of United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations, to end the use of child soldiers and to prevent sexual violence and torture;
9. Reiterates its demand that all States in the region cease military support for armed groups in neighbouring countries, take action to prevent armed individuals and groups from using their territory to prepare and commit attacks on neighbouring countries and refrain from any actions that might contribute to further destabilization of the situation in the region, and declares its readiness to consider, if necessary, ways of promoting compliance with this demand;
10. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 to 7 of resolution 1343 (2001) shall remain in force for a further period of 12 months from 00:01 Eastern Daylight Time on 7 May 2003, and that, before the end of this period, the Council will decide whether the Government of Liberia has complied with the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above, and, accordingly, whether to extend these measures for a further period with the same conditions;
11. Recalls that the measures imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 1343 (2001) apply to all sales or supply of arms and related materiel to any recipient in Liberia, including all non-State actors, such as Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD);
12. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 to 7 of resolution 1343 (2001) and by paragraph 17 below shall be terminated immediately if the Council, taking into account, inter alia, the reports of the Panel of Experts referred to in paragraph 25 below and of the Secretary-General referred to in paragraph 20 below, inputs from ECOWAS, any relevant information provided by the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 14 of resolution 1343 (2001) (“the Committee”) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1132 (1997) and any other relevant information, particularly the conclusions of its forthcoming mission to West Africa, determines that the Government of Liberia has complied with the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above;
13. Reiterates its call upon the Government of Liberia to establish an effective Certificate of Origin regime for Liberian rough diamonds that is transparent, internationally verifiable and fully compatible with the Kimberley Process, and to provide the Committee with a detailed description of the proposed regime;
14. Notwithstanding paragraph 15 of resolution 1343 (2001), decides that rough diamonds controlled by the Government of Liberia through the Certificate of Origin regime shall be exempt from the measures imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1343 (2001) when the Committee has reported to the Council, taking into account expert advice obtained through the Secretary-General, that an effective and internationally verifiable regime is ready to become fully operational and to be properly implemented;
15. Calls again upon States, relevant international organizations and other bodies in a position to do so to offer assistance to the Government of Liberia and other diamond exporting countries in West Africa with their Certificate of Origin regimes;
16. Considers that the audits commissioned by the Government of Liberia pursuant to paragraph 10 of resolution 1408 (2002) do not demonstrate that the revenue derived by the Government of Liberia from the Liberia Ship and Corporate Registry and the Liberian timber industry is used for legitimate social, humanitarian and development purposes, and is not used in violation of resolution 1408 (2002);
17. Decides that
(a) all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent, for a period of 10 months, the import into their territories of all round logs and timber products originating in Liberia;
(b) these measures shall come into force at 00:01 Eastern Daylight Time on 7 July 2003, unless the Council decides otherwise;
(c) at the end of this period of 10 months, the Council will decide whether the Government of Liberia has complied with the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above, and, accordingly, whether to extend these measures for a further period with the same conditions;
18. Decides to consider by 7 September 2003 how best to minimize any humanitarian or socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraph 17 above, including the possibility of allowing timber exports to resume in order to fund humanitarian programmes, taking into account the recommendations of the expert panel requested in paragraph 25 below and the assessment of the Secretary-General requested in paragraph 19 below;
19. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Council by 7 August 2003 on the possible humanitarian or socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraph 17 above;
20. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Council by 21 October 2003 and thereafter at six-monthly intervals from that date, drawing on information from all relevant sources, including the United Nations Office in Liberia, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and ECOWAS, on whether Liberia has complied with the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above, and calls on the Government of Liberia to support United Nations efforts to verify all information on compliance which is brought to the United Nations notice;
21. Invites ECOWAS to report regularly to the Committee on all activities undertaken by its members pursuant to paragraphs 10 and 17 above and in the implementation of this resolution, particularly on the implementation of the ECOWAS Moratorium on small arms and light weapons referred to in the preamble of this resolution;
22. Calls on States of the subregion to strengthen the measures they have taken to combat the spread of small arms and light weapons and mercenary activities and to improve the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Moratorium, and urges States in a position to do so to provide assistance to ECOWAS to this end;
23. Calls on all parties to conflicts in the region to include disarmament, demobilization and reintegration provisions in peace agreements;
24. Requests the Committee to carry out the tasks set out in this resolution and to continue with its mandate as set out in paragraph 14 (a)-(h) of resolution 1343 (2001) and in resolution 1408 (2002);
25. Requests the Secretary-General to establish, within one month from the date of adoption of this resolution, in consultation with the Committee, for a period of five months, a Panel of Experts consisting of up to six members, with the range of expertise necessary to fulfil the Panel’s mandate described in this paragraph, drawing as much as possible and as appropriate on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1458 (2003), to undertake the following tasks:
(a) to conduct a follow-up assessment mission to Liberia and neighbouring States, in order to investigate and compile a report on the Government of Liberia’s compliance with the demands referred to in paragraph 1 above, and on any violations of the measures referred to in paragraphs 10 and 17 above, including any involving rebel movements;
(b) to investigate whether any revenues of the Government of Liberia are used in violation of this resolution, with particular emphasis on the effect on the Liberian populace of any possible diversion of funds from civilian purposes;
(c) to assess the possible humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraph 17 above and to make recommendations to the Council through the Committee by 7 August 2003 on how to minimize any such impact;
(d) to report to the Council through the Committee no later than 7 October 2003 with observations and recommendations, particularly on how to improve the effectiveness of implementing and monitoring the measures referred to in paragraph 5 of resolution 1343 (2001), including any recommendations pertinent to paragraphs 28 and 29 below,
and further requests the Secretary-General to provide the necessary resources;
26. Requests the Panel of Experts referred to in paragraph 25 above, as far as possible, to bring any relevant information collected in the course of its investigations conducted in accordance with its mandate to the attention of the States concerned for prompt and thorough investigation and, where appropriate, corrective action, and to allow them the right of reply;
27. Calls upon all States to take appropriate measures to ensure that individuals and companies in their jurisdiction, in particular those referred to in the reports of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolutions 1343 (2001), 1395 (2002), 1408 (2002) and 1458 (2003), act in conformity with United Nations embargoes, in particular those established by resolutions 1171 (1998), 1306 (2000) and 1343 (2001), and, as appropriate, to take the necessary judicial and administrative action to end any illegal activities by those individuals and companies;
28. Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of any individuals, including from the LURD or other armed rebel groups, determined by the Committee, taking account of information provided by the Panel of Experts and other relevant sources, to be in violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1343 (2001), provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory by its own nationals;
29. Requests the Committee to establish, maintain and update, taking account of information provided by the Panel of Experts and other relevant sources, a list of air and maritime companies whose aircraft and vessels have been used in violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1343 (2001);
30. Calls on all member States of ECOWAS to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts in the identification of such aircraft and vessels, and in particular to inform the Panel about any transit on their territory of aircraft and vessels suspected of being used in violation of paragraph 5 of resolution 1343 (2001);
31. Asks the Government of Liberia to authorize the Approach and Control Unit at Robertsfield International Airport to provide regularly to the Flight Information Region in Conakry statistical data related to aircraft listed pursuant to paragraph 29 above;
32. Decides to conduct reviews of the measures referred to in paragraphs 10 and 17 above before 7 November 2003, and every six months thereafter;
33. Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, other organizations and all interested parties to cooperate fully with the Committee and Panel of Experts referred to in paragraph 25 above, including by supplying information on possible violations of the measures referred to in paragraphs 10 and 17 above;
34. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1479 Establishment of UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire
Date: 13 May 2003 Meeting: 4754
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolution 1464 (2003) of 4 February 2003, the statement by its President of 20 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/42), as well as its resolutions 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003 and 1467 (2003) of 18 March 2003,
Reaffirming also its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirming also its opposition to any attempts to seize power by unconstitutional means,
Recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Further recalling its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France to promote a peaceful settlement of the conflict, and reiterating its appreciation for the efforts of the African Union to reach a settlement,
Reaffirming its endorsement of the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces at Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (“Linas-Marcoussis Agreement”), approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire held in Paris on 25 and 26 January,
Noting with satisfaction the conclusions reached at the meeting in Accra, 6-8 March 2003, under the chairmanship of the President of Ghana, the current presidency of ECOWAS,
Noting with satisfaction the appointment of the Government of National Reconciliation and the cabinet meeting on 3 April 2003, attended by all the constituent political groups, in the presence of the Presidents of Ghana, Nigeria and Togo,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General on 26 March 2003 (S/2003/374) and the recommendations therein,
Noting the existence of challenges to the stability of Côte d’Ivoire and determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,
1. Reaffirms its strong support for the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and approves his full authority for the coordination and conduct of all the activities of the United Nations system in Côte d’Ivoire;
2. Decides to establish, for an initial period of six months, a United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI), with a mandate to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, and including a military component on the basis of option (b) identified in the Secretary-General’s report, complementing the operations of the French and ECOWAS forces;
3. Approves the establishment of a small staff to support the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on political, legal, civil affairs, civilian police, elections, media and public relations, humanitarian and human rights issues, and the establishment of a military liaison group whose tasks shall include:
-- Providing advice to the Special Representative on military matters;
-- Monitoring the military situation, including the security of Liberian refugees and reporting to the Special Representative thereon;
-- Establishing liaison with the French and ECOWAS forces for the purpose of advising the Special Representative on military and related developments;
-- Establishing also liaison with the Forces armées nationales de Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the forces nouvelles, in order to build confidence and trust between the armed groups, in cooperation with the French and ECOWAS forces, in particular concerning helicopters and combat aircraft;
-- Providing input to forward planning on disengagement, disarmament and demobilization and identifying future tasks, in order to advise the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and support the French and ECOWAS forces;
-- Reporting to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the above issues;
4. Stresses that the military liaison group should be initially composed of 26 military officers and that up to 50 additional officers may be progressively deployed when the Secretary-General determines that there is a need and that security conditions permit;
5. Requests that in addition to the recommendations made in the Secretary-General’s report regarding the organization of MINUCI, in particular its reference to the human rights components of the mission, special attention be given to the gender component within the staff of MINUCI and to the situation of women and girls, consistent with resolution 1325 (2000);
6. Renews its appeal to all Ivorian political forces to implement fully and without delay the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and invites the government of national reconciliation to this end to develop a timetable for implementing the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and to communicate this timetable to the Monitoring Committee;
7. Recalls the importance of sparing no effort, in keeping with the spirit of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, to enable the Government of National Reconciliation fully to exercise its mandate during this transitional period;
8. Emphasizes again the need to bring to justice those responsible for the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have taken place in Côte d’Ivoire since 19 September 2002, and reiterates its demand that all Ivorian parties take all the necessary measures to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against civilian populations whatever their origins;
9. Stresses the importance of an early start to the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration;
10. Requests all Ivorian parties to cooperate with MINUCI in the execution of its mandate, to ensure the freedom of movement of its personnel throughout the country and the unimpeded and safe movement of the personnel of humanitarian agencies, and to support efforts to find safe and durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons;
11. Requests the ECOWAS forces and the French forces, in the execution of their mandate in accordance with resolution 1464 (2003), to continue to work in close consultation with the Special Representative and the Monitoring Committee, and to continue to report to the Council periodically on all aspects of the implementation of their respective mandates;
12. Welcomes the complete ceasefire reached on 3 May between FANCI and the forces nouvelles for the entire territory of Côte d’Ivoire, in particular the West, and welcomes the intention of ECOWAS forces and the French forces to lend their full support in the implementation of this ceasefire;
13. Renews its appeal to all the States in the region to support the peace process by refraining from any action that might undermine the security and territorial integrity of Côte d’Ivoire, particularly the movement of armed groups and mercenaries across their borders and the illicit trafficking and proliferation in the region of arms, especially small arms and light weapons;
14. Urges all Ivorian parties to refrain from any recruitment or use of mercenaries or foreign military units and expresses its intention to consider possible actions to address this issue;
15. Demands that, in accordance with its resolution 1460 (2003), all parties to the conflict who are recruiting or using children in violation of the international obligations applicable to them, immediately halt such recruitment or use of children;
16. Emphasizes again the urgent need to provide logistic and financial support to the ECOWAS force including through an appropriate trust fund established by ECOWAS to this effect, and calls on the member States to provide substantial international aid to meet the emergency humanitarian needs and permit the reconstruction of the country, and in this context stresses that the return of internally displaced persons, particularly to the north of the country, would be important for the process of reconstruction;
17. Stresses the importance of the regional dimension of the conflict and its consequences for neighbouring States and invites the donor community to help the neighbouring States to face the humanitarian and economic consequences of the crisis;
18. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every three months on the implementation of this resolution and to provide monthly updates;
19. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1480 Extension of UN Mission of Support in East Timor
Date: 19 May 2003 Meeting: 4758
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Timor-Leste, in particular resolutions 1410 (2002) of 17 May 2002 and 1473 (2003) of 4 April 2003,
Commending the efforts of the people and Government of Timor-Leste and the progress achieved in developing the institutions of an independent state and in promoting a stable, equitable society based on democratic values and respect for human rights,
Commending also the work of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), under the leadership of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, in assisting the government of Timor-Leste in developing the nation’s infrastructure, public administration, law enforcement and defence capacities, and in planning for the completion of UNMISET’s mandate, including through the creation of a mission liquidation task force,
Stressing that improving the overall capabilities of the Timor-Leste police force is a key priority,
Welcoming the continuing progress in developing a positive bilateral relationship between the Governments of Timor-Leste and Indonesia which is crucial for the future stability of Timor-Leste, and encouraging continued efforts by both governments to secure agreement on the issue of border demarcation; to promote security in the border area; to facilitate the resettlement of East Timorese remaining in West Timor; and to bring to justice those responsible for serious crimes committed in 1999,
Recognizing the importance of continued efforts to transfer skills and authority from UNMISET to the government of Timor-Leste in a coordinated and structured manner in the run-up to UNMISET’s withdrawal, with the aim of helping ensure the long-term security and stability of Timor-Leste,
Noting the planned end-date for UNMISET of 20 May 2004, as indicated in the Mandate Implementation Plan set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 17 April 2002 (S/2002/432), and in the special report of the Secretary-General of 3 March 2003 (S/2003/243),
Stressing the need for continued international support for Timor-Leste, and encouraging continued bilateral and multilateral development assistance,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 21 April 2003 (S/2003/449),
Taking note of the military strategy outlined in paragraphs 38 to 51 of that report,
1. Decides to extend the current mandate of UNMISET until 20 May 2004;
2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1481 Amendment of Statute of Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia on functions of ‘ad litem’ judges
Date: 19 May 2003 Meeting: 4759
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, 1166 (1998) of 13 May 1998, 1329 (2000) of
30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002 and 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002,
Having considered the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated
18 March 2002 (S/2002/304) and the annexed letter from the President of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia addressed to the Secretary-General dated 12 March 2002,
Having considered also the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated
7 May 2003 (S/2003/530) and the annexed letter from the President of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia addressed to the President of the Security Council dated 1 May 2003,
Convinced of the advisability of enhancing the powers of ad litem judges in the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia so that, during the period of their appointment to a trial, they might also adjudicate in pre-trial proceedings in other cases, should the need arise and should they be in a position to do so,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to amend article 13 quater of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and to replace that article with the provisions set out in the annex to this resolution;
2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Annex
Article 13 quater
Status of ad litem judges1. During the period in which they are appointed to serve in the International Tribunal, ad litem judges shall:
(a) Benefit from the same terms and conditions of service mutatis mutandis as the permanent judges of the International Tribunal;
(b) Enjoy, subject to paragraph 2 below, the same powers as the permanent judges of the International Tribunal;
(c) Enjoy the privileges and immunities, exemptions and facilities of a judge of the International Tribunal;
(d) Enjoy the power to adjudicate in pre-trial proceedings in cases other than those that they have been appointed to try.
2. During the period in which they are appointed to serve in the International Tribunal, ad litem judges shall not:
(a) Be eligible for election as, or to vote in the election of, the President of the Tribunal or the Presiding Judge of a Trial Chamber pursuant to article 14 of the Statute;
(b) Have power:
(i) To adopt rules of procedure and evidence pursuant to article 15 of the Statute. They shall, however, be consulted before the adoption of those rules;
(ii) To review an indictment pursuant to article 19 of the Statute;
(iii) To consult with the President in relation to the assignment of judges pursuant to article 14 of the Statute or in relation to a pardon or commutation of sentence pursuant to article 28 of the Statute.
S/RES/1482 Extension of term of office of four Judges of International Tribunal for Rwanda
Date: 19 May 2003 Meeting: 4760
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Taking note of the letter to the President of the Council from the Secretary-General dated 16 April 2003, attaching the letter to him from the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda dated 26 March 2003 (S/2003/431),
Taking note also of the letter from the President of the Security Council to the President of the International Criminal Court dated 30 April 2003 and the reply from the Vice-President of the International Criminal Court dated 2 May 2003 (S/2003/554), and of the letter from the President of the Security Council to the Secretary-General dated 30 April 2003 (S/2003/550) and the reply from the Secretary-General dated 8 May 2003 attaching the letter to him from the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda dated 6 May 2003 (S/2003/551),
1. Decides in response to the request by the Secretary General that:
(a) Judge Dolenc, once replaced as a member of the Tribunal, finish the Cyangugu case which he has begun before expiry of his term of office;
(b) Judge Maqutu, once replaced as a member of the Tribunal, finish the Kajelijeli and Kamuhanda cases which he has begun before expiry of his term of office;
(c) Notwithstanding Article 11, paragraph 1, of the Statute of the Tribunal and on an exceptional basis, Judge Ostrovsky, once replaced as a member of the Tribunal, finish the Cyangugu case which he has begun before expiry of his term of office;
(d) Judge Pillay, once replaced as a member of the Tribunal, finish the Media case which she has begun before expiry of her term of office;
2. Takes note in this regard of the intention of the Tribunal to finish the Cyangugu case before the end of February 2004 and the Kajelijeli, Kamuhanda and Media cases before the end of December 2003;
3. Requests the President of the Tribunal to provide it, by 1 August 2003, by 15 November 2003 and by 15 January 2004, with reports on the progress of the cases referred to in paragraph 1 above.
S/RES/1483 Lifting of sanctions on Iraq
Date: 22 May 2003 Meeting: 4761
Vote: 14-0-0 In favour: Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China,
France, Germany, Guinea, Mexico, Pakistan,
Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom,
United States.
Against: None.
Not
Participating:: Syria.
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions,
Reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq,
Reaffirming also the importance of the disarmament of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and of eventual confirmation of the disarmament of Iraq,
Stressing the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources, welcoming the commitment of all parties concerned to support the creation of an environment in which they may do so as soon as possible, and expressing resolve that the day when Iraqis govern themselves must come quickly,
Encouraging efforts by the people of Iraq to form a representative government based on the rule of law that affords equal rights and justice to all Iraqi citizens without regard to ethnicity, religion, or gender, and, in this connection, recalls resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000,
Welcoming the first steps of the Iraqi people in this regard, and noting in this connection the 15 April 2003 Nasiriyah statement and the 28 April 2003 Baghdad statement,
Resolved that the United Nations should play a vital role in humanitarian relief, the reconstruction of Iraq, and the restoration and establishment of national and local institutions for representative governance,
Noting the statement of 12 April 2003 by the Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors of the Group of Seven Industrialized Nations in which the members recognized the need for a multilateral effort to help rebuild and develop Iraq and for the need for assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in these efforts,
Welcoming also the resumption of humanitarian assistance and the continuing efforts of the Secretary-General and the specialized agencies to provide food and medicine to the people of Iraq,
Welcoming the appointment by the Secretary-General of his Special Adviser on Iraq,
Affirming the need for accountability for crimes and atrocities committed by the previous Iraqi regime,
Stressing the need for respect for the archaeological, historical, cultural, and religious heritage of Iraq, and for the continued protection of archaeological, historical, cultural, and religious sites, museums, libraries, and monuments,
Noting the letter of 8 May 2003 from the Permanent Representatives of the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the President of the Security Council (S/2003/538) and recognizing the specific authorities, responsibilities, and obligations under applicable international law of these states as occupying powers under unified command (the “Authority”),
Noting further that other States that are not occupying powers are working now or in the future may work under the Authority,
Welcoming further the willingness of Member States to contribute to stability and security in Iraq by contributing personnel, equipment, and other resources under the Authority,
Concerned that many Kuwaitis and Third-State Nationals still are not accounted for since 2 August 1990,
Determining that the situation in Iraq, although improved, continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Appeals to Member States and concerned organizations to assist the people of Iraq in their efforts to reform their institutions and rebuild their country, and to contribute to conditions of stability and security in Iraq in accordance with this resolution;
2. Calls upon all Member States in a position to do so to respond immediately to the humanitarian appeals of the United Nations and other international organizations for Iraq and to help meet the humanitarian and other needs of the Iraqi people by providing food, medical supplies, and resources necessary for reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq’s economic infrastructure;
3. Appeals to Member States to deny safe haven to those members of the previous Iraqi regime who are alleged to be responsible for crimes and atrocities and to support actions to bring them to justice;
4. Calls upon the Authority, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant international law, to promote the welfare of the Iraqi people through the effective administration of the territory, including in particular working towards the restoration of conditions of security and stability and the creation of conditions in which the Iraqi people can freely determine their own political future;
5. Calls upon all concerned to comply fully with their obligations under international law including in particular the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Hague Regulations of 1907;
6. Calls upon the Authority and relevant organizations and individuals to continue efforts to locate, identify, and repatriate all Kuwaiti and Third-State Nationals or the remains of those present in Iraq on or after
2 August 1990, as well as the Kuwaiti archives, that the previous Iraqi regime failed to undertake, and, in this regard, directs the High-Level Coordinator, in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tripartite Commission and with the appropriate support of the people of Iraq and in coordination with the Authority, to take steps to fulfil his mandate with respect to the fate of Kuwaiti and Third-State National missing persons and property;
7. Decides that all Member States shall take appropriate steps to facilitate the safe return to Iraqi institutions of Iraqi cultural property and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific, and religious importance illegally removed from the Iraq National Museum, the National Library, and other locations in Iraq since the adoption of resolution 661 (1990) of 6 August 1990, including by establishing a prohibition on trade in or transfer of such items and items with respect to which reasonable suspicion exists that they have been illegally removed, and calls upon the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Interpol, and other international organizations, as appropriate, to assist in the implementation of this paragraph;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative for Iraq whose independent responsibilities shall involve reporting regularly to the Council on his activities under this resolution, coordinating activities of the United Nations in post-conflict processes in Iraq, coordinating among United Nations and international agencies engaged in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction activities in Iraq, and, in coordination with the Authority, assisting the people of Iraq through:
(a) coordinating humanitarian and reconstruction assistance by United Nations agencies and between United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;
(b) promoting the safe, orderly, and voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons;
(c) working intensively with the Authority, the people of Iraq, and others concerned to advance efforts to restore and establish national and local institutions for representative governance, including by working together to facilitate a process leading to an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq;
(d) facilitating the reconstruction of key infrastructure, in cooperation with other international organizations;
(e) promoting economic reconstruction and the conditions for sustainable development, including through coordination with national and regional organizations, as appropriate, civil society, donors, and the international financial institutions;
(f) encouraging international efforts to contribute to basic civilian administration functions;
(g) promoting the protection of human rights;
(h) encouraging international efforts to rebuild the capacity of the Iraqi civilian police force; and
(i) encouraging international efforts to promote legal and judicial reform;
9. Supports the formation, by the people of Iraq with the help of the Authority and working with the Special Representative, of an Iraqi interim administration as a transitional administration run by Iraqis, until an internationally recognized, representative government is established by the people of Iraq and assumes the responsibilities of the Authority;
10. Decides that, with the exception of prohibitions related to the sale or supply to Iraq of arms and related materiel other than those arms and related materiel required by the Authority to serve the purposes of this and other related resolutions, all prohibitions related to trade with Iraq and the provision of financial or economic resources to Iraq established by resolution 661 (1990) and subsequent relevant resolutions, including resolution 778 (1992) of 2 October 1992, shall no longer apply;
11. Reaffirms that Iraq must meet its disarmament obligations, encourages the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America to keep the Council informed of their activities in this regard, and underlines the intention of the Council to revisit the mandates of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency as set forth in resolutions 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991, 1284 (1999) of 17 December 1999, and 1441 (2002) of 8 November 2002;
12. Notes the establishment of a Development Fund for Iraq to be held by the Central Bank of Iraq and to be audited by independent public accountants approved by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board of the Development Fund for Iraq and looks forward to the early meeting of that International Advisory and Monitoring Board, whose members shall include duly qualified representatives of the Secretary-General, of the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, of the Director-General of the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development, and of the President of the World Bank;
13. Notes further that the funds in the Development Fund for Iraq shall be disbursed at the direction of the Authority, in consultation with the Iraqi interim administration, for the purposes set out in paragraph 14 below;
14. Underlines that the Development Fund for Iraq shall be used in a transparent manner to meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people, for the economic reconstruction and repair of Iraq’s infrastructure, for the continued disarmament of Iraq, and for the costs of Iraqi civilian administration, and for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq;
15. Calls upon the international financial institutions to assist the people of Iraq in the reconstruction and development of their economy and to facilitate assistance by the broader donor community, and welcomes the readiness of creditors, including those of the Paris Club, to seek a solution to Iraq’s sovereign debt problems;
16. Requests also that the Secretary-General, in coordination with the Authority, continue the exercise of his responsibilities under Security Council resolution 1472 (2003) of 28 March 2003 and 1476 (2003) of 24 April 2003, for a period of six months following the adoption of this resolution, and terminate within this time period, in the most cost effective manner, the ongoing operations of the “Oil-for-Food” Programme (the “Programme”), both at headquarters level and in the field, transferring responsibility for the administration of any remaining activity under the Programme to the Authority, including by taking the following necessary measures:
(a) to facilitate as soon as possible the shipment and authenticated delivery of priority civilian goods as identified by the Secretary-General and representatives designated by him, in coordination with the Authority and the Iraqi interim administration, under approved and funded contracts previously concluded by the previous Government of Iraq, for the humanitarian relief of the people of Iraq, including, as necessary, negotiating adjustments in the terms or conditions of these contracts and respective letters of credit as set forth in paragraph 4 (d) of resolution 1472 (2003);
(b) to review, in light of changed circumstances, in coordination with the Authority and the Iraqi interim administration, the relative utility of each approved and funded contract with a view to determining whether such contracts contain items required to meet the needs of the people of Iraq both now and during reconstruction, and to postpone action on those contracts determined to be of questionable utility and the respective letters of credit until an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq is in a position to make its own determination as to whether such contracts shall be fulfilled;
(c) to provide the Security Council within 21 days following the adoption of this resolution, for the Security Council’s review and consideration, an estimated operating budget based on funds already set aside in the account established pursuant to paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, identifying:
(i) all known and projected costs to the United Nations required to ensure the continued functioning of the activities associated with implementation of the present resolution, including operating and administrative expenses associated with the relevant United Nations agencies and programmes responsible for the implementation of the Programme both at Headquarters and in the field;
(ii) all known and projected costs associated with termination of the Programme;
(iii) all known and projected costs associated with restoring Government of Iraq funds that were provided by Member States to the Secretary-General as requested in paragraph 1 of resolution 778 (1992); and
(iv) all known and projected costs associated with the Special Representative and the qualified representative of the Secretary-General identified to serve on the International Advisory and Monitoring Board, for the six month time period defined above, following which these costs shall be borne by the United Nations;
(d) to consolidate into a single fund the accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 986 (1995);
(e) to fulfil all remaining obligations related to the termination of the Programme, including negotiating, in the most cost effective manner, any necessary settlement payments, which shall be made from the escrow accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 986 (1995), with those parties that previously have entered into contractual obligations with the Secretary-General under the Programme, and to determine, in coordination with the Authority and the Iraqi interim administration, the future status of contracts undertaken by the United Nations and related United Nations agencies under the accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (b) and 8 (d) of resolution 986 (1995);
(f) to provide the Security Council, 30 days prior to the termination of the Programme, with a comprehensive strategy developed in close coordination with the Authority and the Iraqi interim administration that would lead to the delivery of all relevant documentation and the transfer of all operational responsibility of the Programme to the Authority;
17. Requests further that the Secretary-General transfer as soon as possible to the Development Fund for Iraq 1 billion United States dollars from unencumbered funds in the accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 986 (1995), restore Government of Iraq funds that were provided by Member States to the Secretary-General as requested in paragraph 1 of resolution 778 (1992), and decides that, after deducting all relevant United Nations expenses associated with the shipment of authorized contracts and costs to the Programme outlined in paragraph 16 (c) above, including residual obligations, all surplus funds in the escrow accounts established pursuant to paragraphs 8 (a), 8 (b), 8 (d), and 8 (f) of resolution 986 (1995) shall be transferred at the earliest possible time to the Development Fund for Iraq;
18. Decides to terminate effective on the adoption of this resolution the functions related to the observation and monitoring activities undertaken by the Secretary-General under the Programme, including the monitoring of the export of petroleum and petroleum products from Iraq;
19. Decides to terminate the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 661 (1990) at the conclusion of the six month period called for in paragraph 16 above and further decides that the Committee shall identify individuals and entities referred to in paragraph 23 below;
20. Decides that all export sales of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas from Iraq following the date of the adoption of this resolution shall be made consistent with prevailing international market best practices, to be audited by independent public accountants reporting to the International Advisory and Monitoring Board referred to in paragraph 12 above in order to ensure transparency, and decides further that, except as provided in paragraph 21 below, all proceeds from such sales shall be deposited into the Development Fund for Iraq until such time as an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq is properly constituted;
21. Decides further that 5 per cent of the proceeds referred to in paragraph 20 above shall be deposited into the Compensation Fund established in accordance with resolution 687 (1991) and subsequent relevant resolutions and that, unless an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq and the Governing Council of the United Nations Compensation Commission, in the exercise of its authority over methods of ensuring that payments are made into the Compensation Fund, decide otherwise, this requirement shall be binding on a properly constituted, internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq and any successor thereto;
22. Noting the relevance of the establishment of an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq and the desirability of prompt completion of the restructuring of Iraq’s debt as referred to in paragraph 15 above, further decides that, until December 31, 2007, unless the Council decides otherwise, petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas originating in Iraq shall be immune, until title passes to the initial purchaser from legal proceedings against them and not be subject to any form of attachment, garnishment, or execution, and that all States shall take any steps that may be necessary under their respective domestic legal systems to assure this protection, and that proceeds and obligations arising from sales thereof, as well as the Development Fund for Iraq, shall enjoy privileges and immunities equivalent to those enjoyed by the United Nations except that the above-mentioned privileges and immunities will not apply with respect to any legal proceeding in which recourse to such proceeds or obligations is necessary to satisfy liability for damages assessed in connection with an ecological accident, including an oil spill, that occurs after the date of adoption of this resolution;
23. Decides that all Member States in which there are:
(a) funds or other financial assets or economic resources of the previous Government of Iraq or its state bodies, corporations, or agencies, located outside Iraq as of the date of this resolution, or
(b) funds or other financial assets or economic resources that have been removed from Iraq, or acquired, by Saddam Hussein or other senior officials of the former Iraqi regime and their immediate family members, including entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by them or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction,
shall freeze without delay those funds or other financial assets or economic resources and, unless these funds or other financial assets or economic resources are themselves the subject of a prior judicial, administrative, or arbitral lien or judgement, immediately shall cause their transfer to the Development Fund for Iraq, it being understood that, unless otherwise addressed, claims made by private individuals or non-government entities on those transferred funds or other financial assets may be presented to the internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq; and decides further that all such funds or other financial assets or economic resources shall enjoy the same privileges, immunities, and protections as provided under paragraph 22;
24. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council at regular intervals on the work of the Special Representative with respect to the implementation of this resolution and on the work of the International Advisory and Monitoring Board and encourages the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America to inform the Council at regular intervals of their efforts under this resolution;
25. Decides to review the implementation of this resolution within twelve months of adoption and to consider further steps that might be necessary;
26. Calls upon Member States and international and regional organizations to contribute to the implementation of this resolution;
27. Decides to remain seized of this matter.
S/RES/1484 Establishment of interim multinational force in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 30 May 2003 Meeting: 4764
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular the statement of 16 May 2003 (S/PRST/2003/6),
Determined to promote the peace process at the national level, and in particular to facilitate the early establishment of an inclusive transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Expressing its utmost concern at the fighting and atrocities in Ituri, as well as the gravity of the humanitarian situation in the town of Bunia,
Reaffirming its full support for the political process initiated by the Ituri Pacification Commission, calling for its swift resumption and for the establishment of an effective inclusive security mechanism in this framework, to complement and support the existing Ituri Interim administration,
Recognizing the urgent need for a secure base to allow the full functioning of the institutions of the Ituri Interim Administration, and recognizing that the Engagement to Relaunch the Ituri pacification process, signed in Dar es Salaam on 16 May 2003, reaffirms the Ituri parties’ commitment to the Ituri Interim Administration, and commits them to join a process of cantonment and demilitarization,
Commending the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) for its efforts in order to stabilize the situation in Bunia and to support the political process in Ituri, in particular the effective performance of its Uruguayan contingent deployed there, recognizing the need to support the work of MONUC in the field, and deploring attacks on MONUC and consequent loss of life,
Taking note of the request of the Secretary-General to the Council in his letter dated 15 May 2003 (S/2003/574) and taking note also of the support for this request expressed in the letter to the Secretary-General from the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and also by the Ituri parties on 16 May 2003 in Dar es Salaam, as well as the support expressed in the letters to the Secretary-General from the President of Rwanda and from the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda, as requested by the Secretary-General, for the deployment of a multinational force in Bunia,
Determining that the situation in the Ituri region and in Bunia in particular constitutes a threat to the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the peace and security in the Great Lakes region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Authorizes the deployment until 1 September 2003 of an Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia in close coordination with MONUC, in particular its contingent currently deployed in the town, to contribute to the stabilization of the security conditions and the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Bunia, to ensure the protection of the airport, the internally displaced persons in the camps in Bunia and, if the situation requires it, to contribute to the safety of the civilian population, United Nations personnel and the humanitarian presence in the town;
2. Stresses that this Interim Emergency Multinational Force is to be deployed on a strictly temporary basis to allow the Secretary-General to reinforce MONUC’s presence in Bunia and in this regard, authorizes the Secretary-General to deploy, within the overall authorized MONUC ceiling, of a reinforced United Nations presence to Bunia, and requests him to do so by mid-August 2003;
3. Calls on Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other necessary financial and logistic resources to the multinational force and invites contributing Member States to inform the leadership of the force and the Secretary-General;
4. Authorizes the Member States participating in the Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;
5. Demands that all the parties to the conflict in Ituri and in particular in Bunia cease hostilities immediately and reiterates that international humanitarian law must be respected, and that there will be no impunity for violators;
6. Strongly condemns the deliberate killing of unarmed MONUC personnel and staff of humanitarian organizations in Ituri and demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice;
7. Demands that all Congolese parties and all States in the Great Lakes region respect human rights, cooperate with the Interim Emergency Multinational Force and with MONUC in the stabilization of the situation in Bunia and provide assistance as appropriate, that they provide full freedom of movement to the Force, and that they refrain from any military activity or from any activity that could further destabilize the situation in Ituri, and in this regard, demands also the cessation of all support, in particular weapons and any other military materiel, to the armed groups and militias, and further demands that all Congolese parties and all States in the region actively prevent the supply of such support;
8. Calls on all Member States and in particular those in the Great Lakes region to provide all necessary support to facilitate the swift deployment in Bunia of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force;
9. Requests the leadership of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia to report regularly to the Council through the Secretary-General, on the implementation of its mandate;
10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1485 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 30 May 2003 Meeting: 4765
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, in particular resolution 1429 (2002) of 31 July 2002,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 23 May 2003 (S/2003/565),
Commending the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Western Sahara, including his efforts to resolve the pending humanitarian issues related to the conflict and to implement UNHCR confidence-building measures,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 July 2003 in order to consider further the report of the Secretary-General of 23 May 2003 (S/2003/565);
2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1486 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
Date: 11 June 2003 Meeting: 4771
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 27 May 2003 (S/2003/572) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, and in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness,
Noting that the Government of Cyprus has agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) beyond 15 June 2003,
Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,
1. Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, and in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;
2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period ending 15 December 2003;
3. Endorses the increase of the UNFICYP civilian police component by no more than 34 officers in order to meet the increased workload resulting from the welcome partial easing of restrictions on island-wide freedom of movement, which has been met by goodwill from Greek and Turkish Cypriots;
4. Notes the limited steps taken by the Turkish Cypriot side to ease some of the restrictions imposed on 30 June 2000 on the operation of UNFICYP, but urges the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish forces to rescind all remaining restrictions on UNFICYP;
5. Expresses concern at the recent, further violations by the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces at Strovilia and urges them to restore the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by 1 December 2003 on the implementation of this resolution;
7. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1487 One-year extension of UN peacekeeper immunity from International Criminal Court
Date: 12 June 2003 Meeting: 4772
Vote: 12-0-3 In favour: Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile,
China, Guinea, Mexico, Pakistan, Russian
Federation, Spain, United Kingdom,
United States
Against: None.
Abstaining: France, Germany, Syria.
The Security Council,
Taking note of the entry into force on 1 July 2002, of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), done at Rome 17 July 1998 (the Rome Statute),
Emphasizing the importance to international peace and security of United Nations operations,
Noting that not all States are parties to the Rome Statute,
Noting that States Parties to the Rome Statute have chosen to accept its jurisdiction in accordance with the Statute and in particular the principle of complementarity,
Noting that States not Party to the Rome Statute will continue to fulfil their responsibilities in their national jurisdictions in relation to international crimes,
Determining that operations established or authorized by the United Nations Security Council are deployed to maintain or restore international peace and security,
Determining further that it is in the interests of international peace and security to facilitate Member States’ ability to contribute to operations established or authorized by the United Nations Security Council,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Requests, consistent with the provisions of Article 16 of the Rome Statute, that the ICC, if a case arises involving current or former officials or personnel from a contributing State not a Party to the Rome Statute over acts or omissions relating to a United Nations established or authorized operation, shall for a 12-month period starting 1 July 2003 not commence or proceed with investigation or prosecution of any such case, unless the Security Council decides otherwise;
2. Expresses the intention to renew the request in paragraph 1 under the same conditions each 1 July for further 12-month periods for as long as may be necessary;
3. Decides that Member States shall take no action inconsistent with paragraph 1 and with their international obligations;
4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1488 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 26 June 2003 Meeting: 4779
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 18 June 2003 (S/2003/655), and also reaffirming its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,
1. Calls upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;
2. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 31 December 2003;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).
S/RES/1489 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 26 June 2003 Meeting: 4780
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 1291 (2000) and other relevant resolutions relating to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially resolutions 1468 and 1484,
Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all States of the region,
Deeply concerned over the continuation of hostilities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular in the province of North Kivu,
Taking note of the second special report of the Secretary-General of 27 May 2003 (S/2003/566) and its recommendations,
Reaffirming its readiness to support the peace process, in particular through the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), in accordance with resolution 1291 (2000),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC until 30 July 2003;
2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1490 Final mandate of UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission
Date: 3 July 2003 Meeting: 4783
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, including resolutions 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991, 689 (1991) of 9 April 1991, 806 (1993) of 5 February 1993, 833 (1993) of 27 May 1993 and 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003,
Taking note of the Secretary-General’s report of 17 June 2003 (S/2003/656) on the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM),
Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and Kuwait,
Recognizing that the continued operation of UNIKOM and a demilitarized zone established under resolution 687 (1991) are no longer necessary to protect against threats to international security posed by Iraqi actions against Kuwait,
Expressing its appreciation for the substantial voluntary contributions made to the Observation Mission by the Government of Kuwait,
Commending the superior role played by UNIKOM and Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) personnel, and noting also that UNIKOM successfully fulfilled its mandate from 1991 to 2003,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to continue the mandate of UNIKOM for a final period until
6 October 2003;2. Directs the Secretary-General to negotiate the transfer of UNIKOM’s non-removable property and of those assets that cannot be disposed otherwise to the States of Kuwait and Iraq, as appropriate;
3. Decides to end the demilitarized zone extending 10 kilometres into Iraq and 5 kilometres into Kuwait from the Iraq-Kuwait border at the end of UNIKOM’s mandate on 6 October 2003;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the completion of UNIKOM’s mandate;
5. Expresses its appreciation of the decision of the Government of Kuwait to defray since 1 November 1993 two thirds of the cost of the Observation Mission;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1491 Extension of mandate of multinational stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: 11 July 2003 Meeting: 4786
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions concerning the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and relevant statements of its President, including resolutions 1031 (1995) of 15 December 1995, 1088 (1996) of 12 December 1996 and 1423 (2002) of 12 July 2002,
Reaffirming its commitment to the political settlement of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States there within their internationally recognized borders,
Emphasizing its full support for the High Representative’s continued role in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Underlining its commitment to support the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes thereto (collectively the Peace Agreement, S/1995/999, annex), as well as the relevant decisions of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC),
Emphasizing its appreciation to the High Representative, the Commander and personnel of the multinational stabilization force (SFOR), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the personnel of other international organizations and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their contributions to the implementation of the Peace Agreement,
Emphasizing that a comprehensive and coordinated return of refugees and displaced persons throughout the region continues to be crucial to lasting peace,
Recalling the declarations of the Ministerial meetings of the Peace Implementation Conference,
Noting the reports of the High Representative, including his latest report of 21 October 2002 (S/2002/1176),
Determining that the situation in the region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Determined to promote the peaceful resolution of the conflicts in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994 and the statement of its President of 10 February 2000 (S/PRST/2000/4),
Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
I
1. Reaffirms once again its support for the Peace Agreement, as well as for the Dayton Agreement on implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 (S/1995/1021, annex), calls upon the parties to comply strictly with their obligations under those Agreements, and expresses its intention to keep the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under review;
2. Reiterates that the primary responsibility for the further successful implementation of the Peace Agreement lies with the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves and that the continued willingness of the international community and major donors to assume the political, military and economic burden of implementation and reconstruction efforts will be determined by the compliance and active participation by all the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Peace Agreement and rebuilding a civil society, in particular in full cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, in strengthening joint institutions, which foster the building of a fully functioning self-sustaining state, able to integrate itself into the European structures and in facilitating returns of refugees and displaced persons;
3. Reminds the parties once again that, in accordance with the Peace Agreement, they have committed themselves to cooperate fully with all entities involved in the implementation of this peace settlement, as described in the Peace Agreement, or which are otherwise authorized by the Security Council, including the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, as it carries out its responsibilities for dispensing justice impartially, and underlines that full cooperation by States and entities with the International Tribunal includes, inter alia, the surrender for trial of all persons indicted by the Tribunal and provision of information to assist in Tribunal investigations;
4. Emphasizes its full support for the continued role of the High Representative in monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement and giving guidance to and coordinating the activities of the civilian organizations and agencies involved in assisting the parties to implement the Peace Agreement, and reaffirms that the High Representative is the final authority in theatre regarding the interpretation of Annex 10 on civilian implementation of the Peace Agreement and that in case of dispute he may give his interpretation and make recommendations, and make binding decisions as he judges necessary on issues as elaborated by the Peace Implementation Council in Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997;
5. Expresses its support for the declarations of the Ministerial meetings of the Peace Implementation Conference;
6. Recognizes that the parties have authorized the multinational force referred to in paragraph 10 below to take such actions as required, including the use of necessary force, to ensure compliance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement;
7. Reaffirms its intention to keep the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina under close review, taking into account the reports submitted pursuant to paragraphs 18 and 20 below, and any recommendations those reports might include, and its readiness to consider the imposition of measures if any party fails significantly to meet its obligations under the Peace Agreement;
II
8. Pays tribute to those Member States which participated in the multinational stabilization force established in accordance with its resolution 1088 (1996), and welcomes their willingness to assist the parties to the Peace Agreement by continuing to deploy a multinational stabilization force;
9. Notes the support of the parties to the Peace Agreement for the continuation of the multinational stabilization force, set out in the declaration of the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Madrid on 16 December 1998 (S/1999/139, annex);
10. Authorizes the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the organization referred to in Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement to continue for a further planned period of 12 months the multinational stabilization force (SFOR) as established in accordance with its resolution 1088 (1996) under unified command and control in order to fulfil the role specified in Annex 1-A and Annex 2 of the Peace Agreement, and expresses its intention to review the situation with a view to extending this authorization further as necessary in the light of developments in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
11. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above to take all necessary measures to effect the implementation of and to ensure compliance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, stresses that the parties shall continue to be held equally responsible for compliance with that Annex and shall be equally subject to such enforcement action by SFOR as may be necessary to ensure implementation of that Annex and the protection of SFOR, and takes note that the parties have consented to SFOR’s taking such measures;
12. Authorizes Member States to take all necessary measures, at the request of SFOR, either in defence of SFOR or to assist the force in carrying out its mission, and recognizes the right of the force to take all necessary measures to defend itself from attack or threat of attack;
13. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above, in accordance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the rules and procedures established by the Commander of SFOR, governing command and control of airspace over Bosnia and Herzegovina with respect to all civilian and military air traffic;
14. Requests the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate with the Commander of SFOR to ensure the effective management of the airports of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the light of the responsibilities conferred on SFOR by Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement with regard to the airspace of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
15. Demands that the parties respect the security and freedom of movement of SFOR and other international personnel;
16. Invites all States, in particular those in the region, to continue to provide appropriate support and facilities, including transit facilities, for the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above;
17. Recalls all the agreements concerning the status of forces as referred to in Appendix B to Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, and reminds the parties of their obligation to continue to comply therewith;
18. Requests the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the organization referred to in Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement to continue to report to the Council, through the appropriate channels and at least at monthly intervals;
* * *
19. Welcomes the deployment by the European Union (EU) of its Police Mission (EUPM) to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1 January 2003;
20. Also requests the Secretary-General to continue to submit to the Council reports from the High Representative, in accordance with Annex 10 of the Peace Agreement and the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in London on 4 and 5 December 1996 (S/1996/1012), and later Peace Implementation Conferences, on the implementation of the Peace Agreement and in particular on compliance by the parties with their commitments under that Agreement;
21. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1492 Approval of ‘modified status quo’ option for drawdown of UN Mission in Sierra Leone
Date: 18 July 2003 Meeting: 4789
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,
Recognizing the continuing fragile security situation in the Mano River region, particularly the conflict in Liberia and the need to strengthen further the capacity of the Sierra Leone police and armed forces to enable them to maintain security and stability independently,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General of 23 June 2003 (S/2003/663), particularly the options for drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) described in paragraphs 32 to 40,
1. Approves the recommendation of the Secretary-General, in paragraph 68 of his report, that the drawdown of UNAMSIL should proceed according to the “modified status quo” option towards withdrawal by December 2004, and welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to submit additional recommendations to the Council in early 2004 concerning a residual presence of the United Nations;
2. Decides to monitor closely the key benchmarks for drawdown and requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council at the end of each phase, and at regular intervals, on the progress made with respect to the benchmarks, and to make any necessary recommendations on the planning of subsequent phases of the withdrawal;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to proceed accordingly;
4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1493 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 28 July 2003 Meeting: 4797
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the States of the region,
Reaffirming also the obligations of all States to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any State or in any other manner incompatible with the purposes and principles of the United Nations,
Concerned by the continued illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and reaffirming in this regard its commitment to respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over its natural resources,
Welcoming the conclusion of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002), and the subsequent establishment of the Government of National unity and Transition,
Deeply concerned by the continuation of hostilities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu and in Ituri, and by the grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law that accompany them,
Recalling that it is incumbent on all the parties to cooperate in the overall deployment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),
Renewing its support to the Interim Emergency Multinational Force deployed in Bunia and stressing the need to ensure effective and timely replacement of the Force, as requested in resolution 1484 (2003), to contribute in the best way to the stabilization of Ituri,
Taking note of the second special report of the Secretary-General on MONUC, of 27 May 2003 (S/2003/566), and of its recommendations,
Taking note also of the report of the Security Council Mission to Central Africa, of 18 June 2003 (S/2003/653),
Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Expresses satisfaction at the promulgation, on 4 April 2003, of the Transitional Constitution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and at the formation, announced on 30 June 2003, of the Government of National unity and Transition, encourages the Congolese parties to take the necessary decisions in order to allow the transitional institutions to begin functioning effectively, and encourages them also in this regard to include representatives of the interim institutions that emerged from the Ituri Pacification Commission in the transitional institutions;
2. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC until 30 July 2004;
3. Notes with appreciation the recommendations in the second special report of the Secretary-General and authorizes increasing the military strength of MONUC to 10,800 personnel;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure, through his Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who convenes the International Committee in support of the Transition, the coordination of all the activities of the United Nations system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to facilitate coordination with other national and international actors of activities in support of the transition;
5. Encourages MONUC, in coordination with other United Nations agencies, donors and non-governmental organizations, to provide assistance, during the transition period, for the reform of the security forces, the re-establishment of a State based on the rule of law and the preparation and holding of elections, throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and welcomes, in this regard, the efforts of the Member States to support the transition and national reconciliation;
6. Approves the temporary deployment of MONUC personnel intended, during the first months of the establishment of the transitional institutions, to participate in a multi-layer security system in Kinshasa in accordance with paragraphs 35 to 38 of the second special report of the Secretary-General, approves also the reconfiguration of the MONUC civilian police component as outlined in paragraph 42 of that report, and encourages MONUC to continue to support police development in areas of urgent need;
7. Encourages donors to support the establishment of an integrated Congolese police unit and approves the provision by MONUC of the additional assistance that might be needed for its training;
8. Strongly condemns the acts of violence systematically perpetrated against civilians, including the massacres, as well as other atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, in particular, sexual violence against women and girls, stresses the need to bring to justice those responsible, including those at the command level, and urges all parties, including the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to take all necessary steps to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular those committed against civilians;
9. Reaffirms the importance of a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalls the need to address violence against women and girls as a tool of warfare, and in this respect encourages MONUC to continue to actively address this issue; and calls on MONUC to increase the deployment of women as military observers as well as in other capacities;
10. Reaffirms that all Congolese parties have an obligation to respect human rights, international humanitarian law and the security and well-being of the civilian population;
11. Urges the Government of National unity and Transition to ensure that the protection of human rights and the establishment of a State based on the rule of law and of an independent judiciary are among its highest priorities, including the establishment of the necessary institutions as reflected in the Global and All-inclusive agreement, encourages the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to coordinate their efforts in particular to assist the transitional authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to put an end to impunity, and encourages also the African Union to play a role in this regard;
12. States that it is profoundly preoccupied by the humanitarian situation throughout the country and, in particular, in the eastern regions, and demands that all the parties guarantee the security of the civilian population thereby enabling MONUC and humanitarian organizations to have total, unrestricted and immediate access to the population groups in need;
13. Strongly condemns the continued recruitment and use of children in the hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in North and South Kivu and in Ituri, and reiterates the request addressed to all the parties, in Security Council resolution 1460 (2003) to provide the Special Representative of the Secretary-General with information on the measures that they have taken to put an end to the recruitment and use of children in their armed components, as well as the requests concerning the protection of children set forth in resolution 1261 (1999) and subsequent resolutions;
14. Strongly condemns the continuing armed conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo especially the serious ceasefire violations that occurred recently in North and South Kivu, including in particular the offensives by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma), demands that all the parties, in compliance with the Bujumbura “Acte d’Engagement” of 19 June 2003, establish without delay or precondition the full cessation of hostilities and withdraw to the positions agreed to in the Kampala/Harare disengagement plans, and that they refrain from any provocative action;
15. Demands that all the parties desist from any interference with freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, recalls that all the parties have the obligation to provide full and unhindered access to MONUC to allow it to carry out its mandate, and asks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to report any failure to comply with this obligation;
16. Expresses concern at the fact that the continuing hostilities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are seriously compromising MONUC action in the process of the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration or resettlement (DDRRR)of the foreign armed groups referred to in chapter 9.1 of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement (S/1999/815), urges all the parties concerned to cooperate with MONUC and underscores the importance of making rapid and appreciable progress in that process;
17. Authorizes MONUC to assist the Government of National Unity and Transition in disarming and demobilizing those Congolese combatants who may voluntarily decide to enter the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process within the framework of the Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Programme, pending the establishment of a national DDR programme in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme and other agencies concerned;
18. Demands that all States and in particular those in the region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ensure that no direct or indirect assistance, especially military or financial assistance, is given to the movements and armed groups present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
19. Demands that all parties provide full access to MONUC military observers, including in ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings, and requests the Secretary-General to deploy MONUC military observers in North and South Kivu and in Ituri and to report to the Security Council regularly on the position of the movements and armed groups and on information concerning arms supply and the presence of foreign military, especially by monitoring the use of landing strips in that region;
20. Decides that all States, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shall, for an initial period of 12 months from the adoption of this resolution, take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer, from their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and any related materiel, and the provision of any assistance, advice or training related to military activities, to all foreign and Congolese armed groups and militias operating in the territory of North and South Kivu and of Ituri, and to groups not party to the Global and All-inclusive agreement, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
21. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraph 20 above shall not apply to:
-- supplies to MONUC, the Interim Emergency Multinational Force deployed in Bunia and the integrated Congolese national army and police forces;
-- supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance and training as notified in advance to the Secretary-General through its Special Representative;
22. Decides that, at the end of the initial 12 months, the Security Council will review the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular in the eastern part of the country, with a view to renewing the measures stipulated in paragraph 20 above if no significant progress has been made in the peace process, in particular an end to support for armed groups, an effective ceasefire and progress in the DDRRR by foreign and Congolese armed groups;
23. Expresses its determination closely to monitor compliance with the measures laid down in paragraph 20 and to consider necessary steps to ensure the effective monitoring and implementation of these measures, including the possible establishment of a monitoring mechanism;
24. Urges the States neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly Rwanda and Uganda, which have an influence over movements and armed groups operating in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to exercise a positive influence on them to settle their disputes by peaceful means and join in the process of national reconciliation;
25. Authorizes MONUC to take the necessary measures in the areas of deployment of its armed units, and as it deems it within its capabilities:
-- to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment;
-- to ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel, including in particular those engaged in missions of observation, verification or DDRRR;
-- to protect civilians and humanitarian workers under imminent threat of physical violence; and
-- to contribute to the improvement of the security conditions in which humanitarian assistance is provided;
26. Authorizes MONUC to use all necessary means to fulfil its mandate in the Ituri district and, as it deems it within its capabilities, in North and South Kivu;
27. Requests the Secretary-General to deploy in the Ituri district, as soon as possible, the tactical brigade-size force whose concept of operation is set out in paragraphs 48 to 54 of his second special report, including the reinforced MONUC presence in Bunia by mid-August 2003 as requested in resolution 1484 (2003), particularly with a view to helping to stabilize the security conditions and improving the humanitarian situation, ensuring the protection of airfields and displaced persons living in camps and, if the circumstances warrant it, helping to ensure the security of the civilian population and the personnel of the United Nations and the humanitarian organizations in Bunia and its environs and eventually, as the situation permits, in other parts of Ituri;
28. Condemns categorically the illegal exploitation of the natural resources and other sources of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and expresses its intention to consider means that could be used to end it, awaits with interest the report to be submitted shortly by the group of experts on such illegal exploitation and on the link that exists between it and the continuation of hostilities, and demands that all parties and interested States offer full cooperation to the group of experts;
29. Encourages the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi to take steps to normalize their relations and cooperate in assuring mutual security along their common borders, and invites these Governments to conclude good-neighbourly agreements among themselves;
30. Reaffirms that an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa, with participation by all the Governments of the region and all the other parties concerned, should be organized at the appropriate time under the aegis of the United Nations and the African Union with a view to strengthening stability in the region and working out conditions that will enable everyone to enjoy the right to live peacefully within national borders;
31. Reiterates its support unreservedly for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and for all MONUC personnel, and for the efforts they continue to make to assist the parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region to advance the peace process;
32. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1494 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia
Date: 30 July 2003 Meeting: 4800
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1462 (2003) of 30 January 2003,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 21 July 2003 (S/2003/751),
Recalling the conclusions of the Lisbon (S/1997/57, annex) and Istanbul summits of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regarding the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia,
Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,
Deploring that the perpetrators of the shooting down of a helicopter of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) on 8 October 2001, which resulted in the death of nine people on board, have still not been identified,
Stressing that the continued lack of progress on key issues of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia, is unacceptable,
Welcoming, however, the positive momentum given to the United Nations-led peace process by the two high-level meetings of the Group of Friends in Geneva and the subsequent meeting of the Presidents of Georgia and the Russian Federation in Sochi,
Welcoming also the important contributions made by UNOMIG and the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS peacekeeping force) in stabilizing the situation in the zone of conflict, and stressing its attachment to the close cooperation existing between them in the performance of their respective mandates,
1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 21 July 2003 (S/2003/751);
2. Reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and the necessity to define the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia in strict accordance with these principles;
3. Commends and strongly supports the sustained efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, with the assistance of the Russian Federation in its capacity as facilitator as well as of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General and of the OSCE, to promote the stabilization of the situation and the achievement of a comprehensive political settlement, which must include a settlement of the political status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia;
4. Stresses, in particular, its strong support for the document on “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and for its letter of transmittal, finalized by, and with the full support of, all members of the Group of Friends;
5. Deeply regrets the continued refusal of the Abkhaz side to agree to a discussion on the substance of this document, again strongly urges the Abkhaz side to receive the document and its transmittal letter, urges both parties thereafter to give them full and open consideration, and to engage in constructive negotiations on their substance, and urges those having influence with the parties to promote this outcome;
6. Regrets the lack of progress on the initiation of political status negotiations, and recalls, once again, that the purpose of these documents is to facilitate meaningful negotiations between the parties, under the leadership of the United Nations, on the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia, and is not an attempt to impose or dictate any specific solution to the parties;
7. Underlines further that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;
8. Welcomes the convening of two meetings of senior representatives of the Group of Friends in Geneva and particularly welcomes the participation in a positive spirit of representatives of the two parties at the second meeting;
9. Welcomes also the identification in the first Geneva meeting of three sets of issues as key to advancing the peace process (economic cooperation, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, political and security matters) and the following work on the substance of those issues, including in bilateral working groups by Russia and Georgia as agreed by the two Presidents in their meeting in Sochi in March 2003, and also in the initial high-level meeting of the parties on 15 July 2003, chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with the participation of the Group of Friends;
10. Further welcomes the commitment of the parties to continue their dialogue on economic cooperation, refugee returns as well as political and security matters regularly and in a structured manner and their agreement to join the Group of Friends again towards the end of the year to review progress and explore future steps and encourages them to act upon that commitment;
11. Calls on the parties to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust;
12. Calls again on the parties to ensure the necessary revitalization of the peace process in all its major aspects, including their work in the Coordinating Council and its relevant mechanisms, to build on the results of the Yalta meeting on confidence-building measures in March 2001 (S/2001/242), to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, and to consider holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures;
13. Reminds all concerned to refrain from any action that might impede the peace process;
14. Stresses the urgent need for progress on the question of the refugees and internally displaced persons, calls on both sides to display a genuine commitment to make returns the focus of special attention and to undertake this task in close coordination with UNOMIG and consultations with UNHCR and the Group of Friends and recalls the understanding in Sochi by Georgia and the Russian Federation that the reopening of the Sochi-Tbilisi railway will be undertaken in parallel with the return of refugees and displaced persons, starting in the Gali district, reaffirms the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict, reaffirms also the inalienable right of all refugees and IDPs affected by the conflict to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions, in accordance with international law and as set out in the Quadripartite Agreement of 4 April 1994 (S/1994/397, annex II) and the Yalta Declaration;
15. Recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population, and requests further measures to be undertaken inter alia by the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to create conditions conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, including through quick-impact projects, to develop their skills and to increase their self-reliance, with full respect for their inalienable right to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions;
16. Welcomes the positive consideration by the parties given to the recommendations of the joint assessment mission to the Gali district, urges them once again to implement those recommendations and in particular calls upon the Abkhaz side to agree to the opening as soon as possible of the Gali branch of the human rights office in Sukhumi and to provide security conditions for its unhindered functioning;
17. Endorses the recommendations by the Secretary-General in his report of 21 July 2003 (S/2003/751, para. 30) that a civilian police component of 20 officers be added to UNOMIG, to strengthen its capacity to carry out its mandate and in particular contribute to the creation of conditions conducive to the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and welcomes the commitment of the parties to implement the recommendations by the security assessment mission of October to December 2002;
18. Calls in particular on the Abkhaz side to improve law enforcement involving the local population and to address the lack of instruction in their mother tongue for the ethnic Georgian population;
19. Condemns any violations of the provisions of the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces (S/1994/583, annex I);
20. Calls on both parties publicly to dissociate themselves from militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options and for the activities of illegal armed groups, and encourages the Georgian side in particular to continue its efforts to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups;
21. Welcomes the relative calm in the Kodori Valley and the intention reaffirmed by the parties to resolve the situation peacefully, recalls its strong support to the protocol signed by the two sides on 2 April 2002 regarding the situation in the Kodori Valley, calls on both sides, and in particular the Georgian side, to continue to fully implement this protocol, and recognizes the legitimate security concerns of the civilian populations in the area, calls on the political leaders in Tbilisi and Sukhumi to observe security agreements, and calls on both sides to spare no efforts to agree to a mutually acceptable arrangement for security of the population in, and in the vicinity of, the Kodori Valley;
22. Strongly condemns, however, the abduction of four UNOMIG personnel of 5 June 2003, which is the sixth hostage taking since the establishment of the mission, deeply deplores that none of the perpetrators have ever been identified or brought to justice and supports the Secretary-General’s call that this impunity must end;
23. Welcomes the additional safeguards for helicopter flights instituted in response to the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, calls, once again, on the parties to take all necessary steps to identify those responsible for the incident, to bring them to justice, and to inform the Special Representative on the implementation of these steps;
24. Calls on the Georgian side to continue to improve security for joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols in the Kodori Valley to enable them to monitor the situation independently and regularly;
25. Underlines that it is the primary responsibility of both sides to provide appropriate security and to ensure the freedom of movement of UNOMIG, the CIS peacekeeping force and other international personnel;
26. Welcomes the constant review by UNOMIG of its security arrangements in order to ensure the highest possible level of security for its staff;
27. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 January 2004, subject to a review as appropriate of its mandate by the Council in the event of changes in the mandate of the CIS peacekeeping force;
28. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed and to report three months from the date of the adoption of this resolution on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia;
29. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1495 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 31 July 2003 Meeting: 4801
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its resolutions on the question of Western Sahara, and reaffirming, in particular, resolution 1429 (2002) of 30 July 2002,
Stressing that in view of lack of progress in the settlement of the dispute over Western Sahara a political solution is critically needed,
Concerned that this lack of progress continues to cause suffering to the people of Western Sahara, remains a source of potential instability in the region and obstructs the economic development of the Maghreb region,
Reaffirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect,
Commending the parties for their continuing commitment to the ceasefire and welcoming the essential contribution which the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is making in that regard,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 23 May 2003 (S/2003/565) and the Peace plan for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara presented by his Personal Envoy, as well as the responses of the parties and the neighbouring States,
Acting under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Continues to support strongly the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy and similarly supports their Peace plan for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as an optimum political solution on the basis of agreement between the two parties;
2. Calls upon the parties to work with the United Nations and with each other towards acceptance and implementation of the Peace plan;
3. Calls upon all the parties and the States of the region to cooperate fully with the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy;
4. Reaffirms its call upon the POLISARIO Front to release without further delay all remaining prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law, and its call upon Morocco and the POLISARIO Front to continue to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross to resolve the fate of persons who are unaccounted for since the beginning of the conflict;
5. Reiterates its call upon the parties to collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the implementation of confidence-building measures and continues to urge the international community to provide generous support to UNHCR and the World Food Programme in order to help them overcome the deteriorating food situation among the refugees;
6. Decides to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 31 October 2003;
7. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation before the end of the present mandate that contains progress made in the implementation of the present resolution;
8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1496 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon
Date: 31 July 2003 Meeting: 4802
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of
19 March 1978 and 1461 of 30 January 2003 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),
Recalling further the letter from its President to the Secretary-General of 18 May 2001 (S/2001/500),
Recalling also the Secretary-General’s conclusion that, as of 16 June 2000, Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978) and met the requirements defined in the Secretary-General’s report of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/460), as well as the Secretary-General’s conclusion that United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had essentially completed two of the three parts of its mandate, focusing now on the remaining task of restoring international peace and security,
Emphasizing the interim nature of UNIFIL,
Recalling its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,
Recalling also its resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000,
Recalling further the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,
Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon, as stated in the letter from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations of 2 July 2003 to the Secretary-General (S/2003/685),
1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 23 July 2003 (S/2003/728), and in particular its recommendation to renew the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of six months;
2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 January 2004;
3. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries;
4. Welcomes the steps already taken by the Government of Lebanon to ensure the return of its effective authority throughout the south, including the deployment of Lebanese armed forces, and calls on it to continue to extend these measures and to do its utmost to ensure a calm environment throughout the south;
5. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement in the discharge of its mandate throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report;
6. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the withdrawal line identified by the United Nations, as set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 June 2000 (S/2000/590), to exercise utmost restraint and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL;
7. Condemns all acts of violence, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel;
8. Supports the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation;
9. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational demining, applauds the progress in demining efforts noted by the Secretary-General in his report, encourages further assistance in mine action by the United Nations to the Government of Lebanon in support of both the continued development of its national mine action capacity and emergency demining activities in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in-kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, takes note of the communication to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL of maps and information on the location of mines and stresses the necessity to provide the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL with any additional maps and records on the location of mines;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned on the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Council before the end of the present mandate as well as on the activities of UNIFIL and the tasks presently carried out by the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO);
11. Looks forward to the early fulfilment of the mandate of UNIFIL;
12. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.
S/RES/1497 Support by multinational force for ceasefire in Liberia
Date; 1 August 2003 Meeting: 4803
Vote: 12-0-3 In favour: Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile,
China, Guinea, Pakistan, Russian
Federation, Spain, Syria, United Kingdom,
United States
Against: None.
Abstaining: France, Germany, Mexico.
The Security Council,
Deeply concerned over the conflict in Liberia and its effects on the humanitarian situation, including the tragic loss of countless innocent lives, in that country, and its destabilizing effect on the region,
Stressing the need to create a secure environment that enables respect for human rights, including the well-being and rehabilitation of children, protects the well-being of civilians, and supports the mission of humanitarian workers,
Reminding the parties of their obligations under the Liberian ceasefire agreement, signed in Accra, 17 June 2003,
Recalling that paragraph 4 of resolution 1343 (2001) demanded that all States take action to prevent armed groups and individuals and groups from using their territory to prepare and commit attacks on neighbouring countries and refrain from any action that might contribute to further destabilization on the borders between Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone,
Commending the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in particular its Chairman, President Kufuor of Ghana, for its leadership role in facilitating the achievement of the aforementioned ceasefire agreement, and recognizing the critically important role it has played and necessarily will continue to play in the Liberia peace process, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations,
Commending also Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for his efforts to bring peace to Liberia,
Recalling further the 30 June 2003 request of the Secretary-General to the Security Council to authorize the deployment of a Multinational Force to Liberia,
Determining that the situation in Liberia constitutes a threat to international peace and security, to stability in the West Africa subregion, and to the peace process for Liberia,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Authorizes Member States to establish a Multinational Force in Liberia to support the implementation of the 17 June 2003 ceasefire agreement, including establishing conditions for initial stages of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities, to help establish and maintain security in the period after the departure of the current President and the installation of a successor authority, taking into account the agreements to be reached by the Liberian parties, and to secure the environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to prepare for the introduction of a longer-term United Nations stabilization force to relieve the Multinational Force;
2. Declares its readiness to establish such a follow-on United Nations stabilization force to support the transitional government and to assist in the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement for Liberia and requests the Secretary-General to submit to the Council recommendations for the size, structure, and mandate of this force, preferably by 15 August 2003, and subsequent deployment of the United Nations force no later than 1 October 2003;
3. Authorizes UNAMSIL to extend the necessary logistical support, for a limited period of up to
30 days, to the forward ECOWAS elements of the Multinational Force, without prejudicing UNAMSIL’s operational capability with respect to its mandate in Sierra Leone;
4. Requests the Secretary-General, pending a decision by the Security Council on the establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Liberia, to take the necessary steps, including the necessary logistical support to the ECOWAS elements of the Multinational Force, and pre-positioning critical logistical and personnel requirements to facilitate the rapid deployment of the envisaged operation;
5. Authorizes the Member States participating in the Multinational Force in Liberia to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;
6. Calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment, and other resources to the Multinational Force; and stresses that the expenses of the Multinational Force will be borne by the participating Member States and other voluntary contributions;
7. Decides that current or former officials or personnel from a contributing State, which is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of that contributing State for all alleged acts or omissions arising out of or related to the Multinational Force or United Nations stabilization force in Liberia, unless such exclusive jurisdiction has been expressly waived by that contributing State;
8. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 (a) and 5 (b) of resolution 1343 (2001) shall not apply to supplies of arms and related materiel and technical training and assistance intended solely for support of and use by the Multinational Force;
9. Demands that all States in the region refrain from any action that might contribute to instability in Liberia or on the borders between Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire;
10. Calls on the Liberian parties to cooperate with the Joint Verification Team and Joint Monitoring Commission as established under the 17 June 2003 ceasefire agreement;
11. Further calls on all Liberian parties and Member States to cooperate fully with the Multinational Force in Liberia in the execution of its mandate and to respect the security and freedom of movement of the Multinational Force, as well as to ensure the safe and unimpeded access of international humanitarian personnel to populations in need in Liberia;
12. Stresses the urgent need for all Liberian parties who are signatories to the 17 June ceasefire agreement, in particular the LURD and MODEL leadership, immediately and scrupulously to uphold the 17 June ceasefire agreement, to cease using violent means and to agree as soon as possible to an all-inclusive political framework for a transitional government until such a time when free and fair elections can be held and notes that critical to this endeavour is the fulfilment of the commitment to depart from Liberia made by President Charles Taylor;
13. Urges the LURD and MODEL to refrain from any attempt to seize power by force, bearing in mind the position of the African Union on unconstitutional changes of government as stated in the 1999 Algiers Decision and the 2000 Lomé Declaration;
14. Decides to review the implementation of this resolution within 30 days of adoption to consider the report and recommendations of the Secretary-General called for in paragraph 2 and consider further steps that might be necessary;
15. Requests that the Secretary-General through his Special Representative to report to the Council periodically on the situation in Liberia in relation to the implementation of this resolution, including information on implementation by the Multinational Force of its mandate;
16. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1498 Renewal of authorization to West African and French forces in Cote d’Ivoire
Date: 4 August 2003 Meeting: 4804
Vote: Unanimous
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.
S/RES/1499 Extension of panel to investigate resource plunder in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 13 August 2003 Meeting: 4807
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1457 and 1493 (2003),
Welcoming recent progress in the political process and the establishment of the transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Noting with great concern that the plundering of natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues, especially in the eastern part of the country, as reported to the Council in an interim briefing, on 24 July 2003, from the Chairman of the Expert Panel on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (hereinafter “the Panel”), and stressing that appropriate action should be taken with regard to those responsible for such activities,
Taking note of the Panel’s efforts to establish constructive dialogue with individuals, companies and States named in its report (S/2002/1146) of 15 October 2002,
Welcoming the publication, as an attachment to the Panel’s report, of the reactions of those individuals, companies and States,
Recognizing that exchanging information and attempting to resolve issues will help the transparency of the Panel’s work as well as heighten awareness of the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the context of the conflict and, in particular, its connection with the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons,
Taking note of the Panel’s intent, in accordance with paragraph 9 of resolution 1457, to remove from the annexes attached to its report the names of those parties with which it has or will have reached a resolution by the end of its mandate,
Renewing its support to the Panel in its efforts to secure, including through dialogue with parties named in its last report, particularly with governments concerned, a clearer picture of activities related to the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to update its findings during the remainder of its mandate period,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the Panel until 31 October 2003 to enable it to complete the remaining elements of its mandate, at the end of which the Panel will submit a final report to the Council;
2. Reiterates its demand that all States concerned take immediate steps to end the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
3. Requests the Panel to provide the necessary information to the governments concerned as required in paragraph 12 and 13 of resolution 1457, with due regard to safety of sources, in order to enable them, if necessary, to take appropriate action according to their national laws and international obligations;
4. Calls on all States to respect the relevant Security Council resolutions in this regard;
5. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1500 Establishment of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq
Date: 14 August 2003 Meeting: 4808
Vote: 14-0-1 In favour: Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile,
China, France, Germany, Guinea, Mexico,
Pakistan, Russian Federation, Spain, United
Kingdom, United States
Against: None.
Abstaining: Syria.
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003,
Reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq,
Reaffirming also the vital role for the United Nations in Iraq which was set out in relevant paragraphs of resolution 1483 (2003),
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 15 July 2003 (S/2003/715),
1. Welcomes the establishment of the broadly representative Governing Council of Iraq on 13 July 2003, as an important step towards the formation by the people of Iraq of an internationally recognized, representative government that will exercise the sovereignty of Iraq;
2. Decides to establish the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq to support the Secretary-General in the fulfilment of his mandate under resolution 1483 in accordance with the structure and responsibilities set out in his report of 15 July 2003, for an initial period of twelve months;
3. Decides to remain seized of this matter.
S/RES/1501 Deployment of emergency multinational force in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 26 August 2003 Meeting: 4813
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1484 (2003) and 1493 (2003),
Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the States of the region,
Deeply concerned by the continuation of hostilities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the district of Ituri as well as in the provinces of North and South Kivu,
Reaffirming its support to the peace process and national reconciliation, in particular through the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),
Reaffirming also its support to the Interim Emergency Multinational Force deployed in Bunia in accordance with resolution 1484 (2003), and stressing the need to ensure the best conditions for transfer of authority from the Force to MONUC, on 1 September 2003, to contribute in the most efficient way possible to the continuing stabilization of Ituri,
Having taken note of the letter sent by the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council, dated 14 August 2003 (S/2003/821), and of the recommendation it contains,
Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Approves the recommendation contained in the Secretary-General’s letter of 14 August 2003;
2. Authorizes the States members of the Interim Emergency Multinational Force, within the limits of the means at the disposal of those elements of the Force which will not yet have left Bunia before 1 September 2003, to provide assistance to the MONUC contingent deployed in the town and its immediate surroundings, if MONUC requests them to do so and if exceptional circumstances demand it, during the period of the Force’s disengagement which should last until 15 September 2003 at the latest;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1502 Condemnation of violence against UN humanitarian personnel
Date: 26 August 2003 Meeting: 4814
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reiterating its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and, in this context, the need to promote and ensure respect for the principles and rules of international humanitarian law,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1296 (2000), of 19 April 2000, and 1265 (1999), of 17 September 1999, on protection of civilians in armed conflict, and resolution 1460 (2003), of 30 January 2003, on children and armed conflict, as well as other relevant resolutions, and recalling the statements of its President on protection of civilians in armed conflict[1] and on protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones,[2]
Welcoming the adoption by the General Assembly of resolutions 57/28 entitled Scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and 57/155 entitledSafety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel,
Reaffirming the obligation of all humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel to observe and respect the laws of the country in which they are operating, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and underlining the importance for humanitarian organizations to uphold the principles of neutrality, impartiality and humanity in their humanitarian activities,
Emphasizing that there are existing prohibitions under international law against attacks knowingly and intentionally directed against personnel involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission undertaken in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations which in situations of armed conflicts constitute war crimes, and recalling the need for States to end impunity for such criminal acts,
Aware that the protection of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel is a concern in situations of armed conflict and otherwise,
Gravely concerned at the acts of violence in many parts of the world against humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel, in particular deliberate attacks, which are in violation of international humanitarian law, as well as other international law that may be applicable, such as the attack against the Headquarters of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) in Baghdad on 19 August 2003,
1. Expresses its strong condemnation of all forms of violence, including, inter alia, murder, rape and sexual assault, intimidation, armed robbery, abduction, hostage-taking, kidnapping, harassment and illegal arrest and detention to which those participating in humanitarian operations are increasingly exposed, as well as attacks on humanitarian convoys and acts of destruction and looting of their property;
2. Urges States to ensure that crimes against such personnel do not remain unpunished;
3. Reaffirms also the obligation of all parties involved in an armed conflict to comply fully with the rules and principles of international law applicable to them related to the protection of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel, in particular international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law;
4. Urges all those concerned as set forth in international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Regulations, to allow full unimpeded access by humanitarian personnel to all people in need of assistance, and to make available, as far as possible, all necessary facilities for their operations, and to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel and their assets;
5. Expresses its determination to take appropriate steps in order to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel, including, inter alia, by:
(a) Requesting the Secretary-General to seek the inclusion of, and that host countries include, key provisions of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, among others, those regarding the prevention of attacks against members of United Nations operations, the establishment of such attacks as crimes punishable by law and the prosecution or extradition of offenders, in future as well as, if necessary, in existing status-of-forces, status-of-missions and host country agreements negotiated between the United Nations and those countries, mindful of the importance of the timely conclusion of such agreements;
(b) Encouraging the Secretary-General, in accordance with his prerogatives under the Charter of the United Nations, to bring to the attention of the Security Council situations in which humanitarian assistance is denied as a consequence of violence directed against humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel;
(c) Issuing the declaration of exceptional risk for the purposes of article 1 (c) (ii) of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, in situations where in its assessment circumstances would support such a declaration, and inviting the Secretary-General to advise the Council, where in his assessment circumstances would support such a declaration;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to address in all his country-specific situation reports, the issue of the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel, including specific acts of violence against such personnel, remedial actions taken to prevent similar incidents and actions taken to identify and hold accountable those who commit such acts, and to explore and propose additional ways and means to enhance the safety and security of such personnel.
S/RES/1503 Split of prosecutorial duties for Rwanda and Yugoslav Tribunals
Date: 28 August 2003 Meeting: 4817
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994, 978 (1995) of 27 February 1995, 1165 (1998) of 30 April 1998, 1166 (1998) of 13 May 1998, 1329 (2000) of 30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002, and 1481 (2003) of 19 May 2003,
Noting the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated 28 July 2003 (S/2003/766),
Commending the important work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in contributing to lasting peace and security in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and the progress made since their inception,
Noting that an essential prerequisite to achieving the objectives of the ICTY and ICTR Completion Strategies is full cooperation by all States, especially in apprehending all remaining at-large persons indicted by the ICTY and the ICTR,
Welcoming steps taken by States in the Balkans and the Great Lakes region of Africa to improve cooperation and apprehend at-large persons indicted by the ICTY and ICTR, but noting with concern that certain States are still not offering full cooperation,
Urging Member States to consider imposing measures against individuals and groups or organizations assisting indictees at large to continue to evade justice, including measures designed to restrict the travel and freeze the assets of such individuals, groups, or organizations,
Recalling and reaffirming in the strongest terms the statement of 23 July 2002 made by the President of the Security Council (S/PRST/2002/21), which endorsed the ICTY’s strategy for completing investigations by the end of 2004, all trial activities at first instance by the end of 2008, and all of its work in 2010 (ICTY Completion Strategy) (S/2002/678), by concentrating on the prosecution and trial of the most senior leaders suspected of being most responsible for crimes within the ICTY’s jurisdiction and transferring cases involving those who may not bear this level of responsibility to competent national jurisdictions, as appropriate, as well as the strengthening of the capacity of such jurisdictions,
Urging the ICTR to formalize a detailed strategy, modelled on the ICTY Completion Strategy, to transfer cases involving intermediate- and lower-rank accused to competent national jurisdictions, as appropriate, including Rwanda, in order to allow the ICTR to achieve its objective of completing investigations by the end of 2004, all trial activities at first instance by the end of 2008, and all of its work in 2010 (ICTR Completion Strategy),
Noting that the above-mentioned Completion Strategies in no way alter the obligation of Rwanda and the countries of the former Yugoslavia to investigate those accused whose cases would not be tried by the ICTR or ICTY and take appropriate action with respect to indictment and prosecution, while bearing in mind the primacy of the ICTY and ICTR over national courts,
Noting that the strengthening of national judicial systems is crucially important to the rule of law in general and to the implementation of the ICTY and ICTR Completion Strategies in particular,
Noting that an essential prerequisite to achieving the objectives of the ICTY Completion Strategy is the expeditious establishment under the auspices of the High Representative and early functioning of a special chamber within the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the “War Crimes Chamber”) and the subsequent referral by the ICTY of cases of lower- or intermediate-rank accused to the Chamber,
Convinced that the ICTY and the ICTR can most efficiently and expeditiously meet their respective responsibilities if each has its own Prosecutor,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Calls on the international community to assist national jurisdictions, as part of the completion strategy, in improving their capacity to prosecute cases transferred from the ICTY and the ICTR and encourages the ICTY and ICTR Presidents, Prosecutors, and Registrars to develop and improve their outreach programmes;
2. Calls on all States, especially Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on the Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina, to intensify cooperation with and render all necessary assistance to the ICTY, particularly to bring Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, as well as Ante Gotovina and all other indictees to the ICTY and calls on these and all other at-large indictees of the ICTY to surrender to the ICTY;
3. Calls on all States, especially Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo, to intensify cooperation with and render all necessary assistance to the ICTR, including on investigations of the Rwandan Patriotic Army and efforts to bring Felicien Kabuga and all other such indictees to the ICTR and calls on this and all other at-large indictees of the ICTR to surrender to the ICTR;
4. Calls on all States to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-Interpol) in apprehending and transferring persons indicted by the ICTY and the ICTR;
5. Calls on the donor community to support the work of the High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina in creating a special chamber, within the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to adjudicate allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law;
6. Requests the Presidents of the ICTY and the ICTR and their Prosecutors, in their annual reports to the Council, to explain their plans to implement the ICTY and ICTR Completion Strategies;
7. Calls on the ICTY and the ICTR to take all possible measures to complete investigations by the end of 2004, to complete all trial activities at first instance by the end of 2008, and to complete all work in 2010 (the Completion Strategies);
8. Decides to amend Article 15 of the Statute of the International Tribunal for Rwanda and to replace that Article with the provision set out in Annex I to this resolution, and requests the Secretary-General to nominate a person to be the Prosecutor of the ICTR;
9. Welcomes the intention expressed by the Secretary-General in his letter dated 28 July 2003, to submit to the Security Council the name of Mrs. Carla Del Ponte as nominee for Prosecutor for the ICTY;
10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Annex I
Article 15
The Prosecutor
1. The Prosecutor shall be responsible for the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda and Rwandan citizens responsible for such violations committed in the territory of neighbouring States, between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994.
2. The Prosecutor shall act independently as a separate organ of the International Tribunal for Rwanda. He or she shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other source.
3. The Office of the Prosecutor shall be composed of a Prosecutor and such other qualified staff as may be required.
4. The Prosecutor shall be appointed by the Security Council on nomination by the Secretary-General. He or she shall be of high moral character and possess the highest level of competence and experience in the conduct of investigations and prosecutions of criminal cases. The Prosecutor shall serve for a four-year term and be eligible for reappointment. The terms and conditions of service of the Prosecutor shall be those of an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
5. The staff of the Office of the Prosecutor shall be appointed by the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Prosecutor.
S/RES/1504 Appointment of Prosecutor for Yugoslav Tribunal
Date: 4 September 2003 Meeting: 4819
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003,
Noting that by that resolution the Council created a new position of Prosecutor for the International Tribunal for Rwanda,
Noting that by its resolution 1503 (2003) the Council welcomed the intention of the Secretary-General to submit to the Council the name of Mrs. Carla Del Ponte as nominee for Prosecutor for the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,
Having regard to Article 16(4) of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,
Having considered the nomination by the Secretary-General of Mrs. Carla Del Ponte as Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,
Appoints Mrs. Carla Del Ponte as Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia with effect from 15 September 2003 for a four-year term.
S/RES/1505 Appointment of Prosecutor for Rwanda Tribunal
Date: 4 September 2003 Meeting: 4819
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003,
Noting that by that resolution the Council created a new position of Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for Rwanda,
Having regard to Article 15(4) of the Statute of the International Tribunal for Rwanda as adopted by the Council in its resolution 1503 (2003),
Having considered the nomination by the Secretary-General of Mr. Hassan Bubacar Jallow as Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for Rwanda,
Appoints Mr. Hassan Bubacar Jallow as Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for Rwanda with effect from 15 September 2003 for a four-year term.
S/RES/1506 Lifting of sanctions imposed on Libya
Date: 12 September 2003 Meeting: 4820
Vote: 13-0-2 In favour: Angola, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, China
Germany, Guinea, Mexico, Pakistan,
Russian Federation, Spain, Syria, United
Kingdom.
Against: None.
Abstaining: France, United States.
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 731 (1992) of 21 January 1992, 748 (1992) of 31 March 1992, 883 (1993) of
11 November 1993 and 1192 (1998) of 27 August 1998, relating to the destruction of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, and the destruction of Union de transports aeriens flight 772 over Niger,
Recalling the statement by its President on 8 April 1999 (S/PRST/1999/10),
Welcoming the letter to the President of the Council dated 15 August 2003 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, recounting steps the Libyan Government has taken to comply with the above-mentioned resolutions, particularly concerning acceptance of responsibility for the actions of Libyan officials, payment of appropriate compensation, renunciation of terrorism, and a commitment to cooperating with any further requests for information in connection with the investigation (S/2003/818),
Also welcoming the letter to the President of the Council dated 15 August 2003 from the Permanent Representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States of America (S/2003/819),
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to lift, with immediate effect, the measures set forth in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of its resolution 748 (1992) and paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of its resolution 883 (1993);
2. Decides further to dissolve the Committee established by paragraph 9 of resolution 748 (1992);
3. Decides also that it has concluded its consideration of the item entitled “Letters dated 20 and
23 December 1991 from France, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America” and hereby removes this item from the list of matters of which the Council is seized.
S/RES/1507 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
Date: 12 September 2003 Meeting: 4822
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolution 1466 (2003) of 14 March 2003, and the presidential statement of 17 July 2003 (S/PRST/2003/10),
Further reaffirming its unwavering support for the peace process and its commitment, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in the implementation of its mandate, to the full and expeditious implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”) on 12 December 2000 and the preceding Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/1183 and S/2000/601, respectively, hereinafter referred to as the “Algiers Agreements”) and the Delimitation Decision by the Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2002/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,
Noting that the peace process has now entered its crucial phase of demarcation and emphasizing the importance of ensuring expeditious implementation of the Boundary Decision while maintaining stability in all areas affected by the decision,
Expressing concern at delays in the demarcation process, particularly given the operational cost of UNMEE at a time of growing demands on United Nations peacekeeping,
Expressing concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia and Eritrea and the implications this could have on the peace process, and calling on Member States to continue to provide prompt and generous support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea,
Reiterating its urgent demand that the parties allow UNMEE full freedom of movement and remove with immediate effect any and all restrictions on, and impediments to the work of, UNMEE and its staff in the discharge of its mandate,
Expressing concern regarding the reported increase in incidents of incursions at the local level into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), and calling on both parties to prevent such incidents, and expressing further concern about the increasing number of mine incidents in the TSZ, including newly planted mines,
Noting the work done by the UNMEE Mine Action Coordination Centre in demining and education on risk related to mines, and urging the parties to pursue efforts on mine clearance,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2003/858), and fully supporting the observations and recommendations made therein,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE at the troop and military observer levels authorized by its resolution 1320 (2000) of 15 September 2000, until 15 March 2004;
2. Calls for demarcation of the boundary to begin as scheduled by the Boundary Commission and further calls on the parties to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed, including the appointment of field liaison officers;
3. Urges the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea to assume their responsibilities and to take further concrete steps to fulfil their commitments under the Algiers Agreements;
4. Calls on Ethiopia and Eritrea to cooperate fully and promptly with the Boundary Commission to enable it to fulfil the mandate conferred upon it by the parties of expeditiously demarcating the boundary and to implement fully the Commission’s Demarcation Directions and Orders, and to take all necessary steps to provide the necessary security on the ground for the Boundary Commission’s staff and contractors operating in territories under their control, and welcomes assurances given by both parties in this regard;
5. Urges the parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the personal security of all UNMEE staff when operating in territories under their control, and to facilitate their work, including by establishing a direct high-altitude flight route between Asmara and Addis Ababa to relieve the unnecessary additional cost to UNMEE, and by lifting all visa restrictions on UNMEE personnel and mission partners;
6. Reaffirms the crucial importance of political dialogue between the two countries for the success of the peace process and the consolidation of progress made so far, welcomes initiatives to facilitate this dialogue, and calls again on both parties to normalize their relationship through political dialogue, including confidence-building measures;
7. Decides to follow closely the progress made by the parties in the implementation of their commitments under the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE;
8. Welcomes the contributions by Member States to the Trust Fund for the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Border, and calls on the international community to continue to contribute urgently to the Trust Fund in order to facilitate the conclusion of the demarcation process in accordance with the Boundary Commission’s schedule;
9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1508 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone
Date: 19 September 2003 Meeting: 4829
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,
Affirming the commitment of all States to respect the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone,
Welcoming the increasingly stable security situation in Sierra Leone, while encouraging further progress towards strengthening the capacity of the Sierra Leone Police and armed forces to maintain security and stability independently,
Noting that lasting stability in Sierra Leone will depend on peace in the subregion, especially in Liberia, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the countries of the subregion to this end, as well as the need for coordination of United Nations efforts to contribute to the consolidation of peace and security in the subregion,
Reiterating the importance of the effective consolidation of stability and State authority throughout Sierra Leone, particularly in the diamond fields, the reintegration of ex-combatants, voluntary and unhindered return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and full respect for human rights and the rule of law, paying special attention to the protection of women and children, and stressing continued United Nations support to the Government of Sierra Leone in fulfilling these objectives,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 5 September 2003 (S/2003/863),
1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) shall be extended for a period of six months from 30 September 2003;
2. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States providing troops, civilian police personnel and support elements to UNAMSIL and those who have made commitments to do so;
3. Commends UNAMSIL for the progress made to date in the adjustments to its size, composition and deployment, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1436 (2002) and 1492 (2003), and welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to continue with these adjustments, as outlined in paragraph 10 of his report;
4. Emphasizes that the development of the administrative capacities of the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly an effective and sustainable police force, army, penal system and independent judiciary, is essential to long-term peace and development, and urges the Government of Sierra Leone, with the assistance of donors and UNAMSIL, in accordance with its mandate, to accelerate the consolidation of civil authority and public services throughout the country, and to continue to strengthen the operational effectiveness and capabilities of the security sector;
5. Urges the Government of Sierra Leone to continue to strengthen its control over, and regulation of, diamond mining, including through the High Level Steering Committee, and encourages member States to volunteer candidates for the post of diamond mining police adviser;
6. Notes with serious concern the precarious financial situation of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, reiterates its appeal to States to contribute generously to the Court, as requested in the Secretary-General’s letter of
18 March 2003, and urges all States to cooperate fully with the Court;
7. Commends the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for its work, encourages states to contribute generously to it and welcomes the intention of the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a Human Rights Commission;
8. Expresses its strong support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards building peace in the subregion, and encourages the Presidents of the Mano River Union member States to resume dialogue and to implement their commitments to building regional peace and security;
9. Welcomes the deployment of ECOWAS forces to Liberia, supported by UNAMSIL, reiterates its demand that armed groups in Liberia refrain from illegal incursions into Sierra Leone, and encourages the Sierra Leonean armed forces, together with UNAMSIL, to maintain intensive patrolling of the border with Liberia;
10. Encourages the continued support of UNAMSIL, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons;
11. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Sierra Leone under close review and to report to the Council, after due consultations with troop-contributing countries and the Government of Sierra Leone, with any additional recommendations;
12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1509 Establishment of UN Mission in Liberia
Date: 19 September 2003 Meeting: 4830
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on Liberia, including its resolution 1497 (2003) of 1 August 2003, and the 27 August 2003 Statement by its President (S/PRST/2003/14), and other relevant resolutions and statements,
Expressing its utmost concern at the dire consequences of the prolonged conflict for the civilian population throughout Liberia, in particular the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons,
Stressing the urgent need for substantial humanitarian assistance to the Liberian population,
Deploring all violations of human rights, particularly atrocities against civilian populations, including widespread sexual violence against women and children,
Expressing also its deep concern at the limited access of humanitarian workers to populations in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and stressing the need for the continued operation of United Nations and other agencies’ relief operations, as well as promotion and monitoring of human rights,
Emphasizing the need for all parties to safeguard the welfare and security of humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel in accordance with applicable rules and principles of international law, and recalling in this regard its resolution 1502 (2003),
Mindful of the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and urging the transitional government once established to ensure that the protection of human rights and the establishment of a state based on the rule of law and of an independent judiciary are among its highest priorities,
Reiterating its support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly organization Chairman and President of Ghana John Kufuor, Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and mediator General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as those of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, to bring peace to Liberia, and recognizing the critically important role they continue to play in the Liberia peace process,
Welcoming the continued support of the African Union (AU) for the leadership role of ECOWAS in the peace process in Liberia, in particular the appointment of an AU Special Envoy for Liberia, and further encouraging the AU to continue to support the peace process through close collaboration and coordination with ECOWAS and the United Nations,
Commending the rapid and professional deployment of the ECOWAS Mission in Liberia (ECOMIL) forces to Liberia, pursuant to its resolution 1497 (2003), as well as Member States which have assisted ECOWAS in its efforts, and stressing the responsibilities of all parties to cooperate with ECOMIL forces in Liberia,
Noting that lasting stability in Liberia will depend on peace in the subregion, and emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the countries of the subregion to this end, as well as the need for coordination of United Nations efforts to contribute to the consolidation of peace and security in the subregion,
Gravely concerned by the use of child soldiers by armed rebel militias, government forces, and other militias,
Reaffirming its support, as stated in its Statement by its President on 27 August 2003 (S/PRST/2003/14), for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement reached by Liberia’s Government, rebel groups, political parties, and civil society leaders in Accra, Ghana on 18 August 2003, and the Liberian ceasefire agreement, signed in Accra, 17 June 2003,
Reaffirming that the primary responsibility for implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the ceasefire agreement rests with the parties, and urging the parties to move forward with implementation of these agreements immediately in order to ensure the peaceful formation of a transitional government by 14 October 2003,
Welcoming the 11 August 2003 resignation and departure of former Liberian President Charles Taylor from Liberia, and the peaceful transfer of power from Mr. Taylor,
Stressing the importance of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), as provided for by the 17 June ceasefire agreement, to ensuring peace in Liberia, and urging all parties to establish this body as quickly as possible,
Recalling the framework for establishment of a longer-term United Nations stabilization force to relieve the ECOMIL forces, as set out in resolution 1497 (2003),
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s report of 11 September 2003 (S/2003/875) and its recommendations,
Taking note also of the intention of the Secretary-General to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Office in Liberia (UNOL), as indicated in his letter dated 16 September 2003 addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2003/899),
Taking note also of the intention of the Secretary-General to transfer the major functions performed by UNOL to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), together with staff of UNOL, as appropriate,
Determining that the situation in Liberia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, to stability in the West Africa subregion, and to the peace process for Liberia,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to establish the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the stabilization force called for in resolution 1497 (2003), for a period of 12 months, and requests the Secretary-General to transfer authority from the ECOWAS-led ECOMIL forces to UNMIL on 1 October 2003, and further decides that UNMIL will consist of up to 15,000 United Nations military personnel, including up to 250 military observers and 160 staff officers, and up to 1,115 civilian police officers, including formed units to assist in the maintenance of law and order throughout Liberia, and the appropriate civilian component;
2. Welcomes the appointment by the Secretary-General of his Special Representative for Liberia to direct the operations of UNMIL and coordinate all United Nations activities in Liberia;
3. Decides that UNMIL shall have the following mandate:
Support for Implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement:
(a) to observe and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and investigate violations of the ceasefire;
(b) to establish and maintain continuous liaison with the field headquarters of all the parties’ military forces;
(c) to assist in the development of cantonment sites and to provide security at these sites;
(d) to observe and monitor disengagement and cantonment of military forces of all the parties;
(e) to support the work of the JMC;
(f) to develop, as soon as possible, preferably within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution, in cooperation with the JMC, relevant international financial institutions, international development organizations, and donor nations, an action plan for the overall implementation of a disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation (DDRR) programme for all armed parties; with particular attention to the special needs of child combatants and women; and addressing the inclusion of non-Liberian combatants;
(g) to carry out voluntary disarmament and to collect and destroy weapons and ammunition as part of an organized DDRR programme;
(h) to liaise with the JMC and to advise on the implementation of its functions under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the ceasefire agreement;
(i) to provide security at key government installations, in particular ports, airports, and other vital infrastructure;
Protection of United Nations Staff, Facilities and Civilians:
(j) to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of its personnel and, without prejudice to the efforts of the government, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, within its capabilities;
Support for Humanitarian and Human Rights Assistance:
(k) to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance, including by helping to establish the necessary security conditions;
(l) to contribute towards international efforts to protect and promote human rights in Liberia, with particular attention to vulnerable groups including refugees, returning refugees and internally displaced persons, women, children, and demobilized child soldiers, within UNMIL’s capabilities and under acceptable security conditions, in close cooperation with other United Nations agencies, related organizations, governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations;
(m) to ensure an adequate human rights presence, capacity and expertise within UNMIL to carry out human rights promotion, protection, and monitoring activities;
Support for Security Reform:
(n) to assist the transitional government of Liberia in monitoring and restructuring the police force of Liberia, consistent with democratic policing, to develop a civilian police training programme, and to otherwise assist in the training of civilian police, in cooperation with ECOWAS, international organizations, and interested States;
(o) to assist the transitional government in the formation of a new and restructured Liberian military in cooperation with ECOWAS, international organizations and interested States;
Support for Implementation of the Peace Process:
(p) to assist the transitional Government, in conjunction with ECOWAS and other international partners, in reestablishment of national authority throughout the country, including the establishment of a functioning administrative structure at both the national and local levels;
(q) to assist the transitional government in conjunction with ECOWAS and other international partners in developing a strategy to consolidate governmental institutions, including a national legal framework and judicial and correctional institutions;
(r) to assist the transitional government in restoring proper administration of natural resources;
(s) to assist the transitional government, in conjunction with ECOWAS and other international partners, in preparing for national elections scheduled for no later than the end of 2005;
4. Demands that the Liberian parties cease hostilities throughout Liberia and fulfil their obligations under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the ceasefire agreement, including cooperation in the formation of the JMC as established under the ceasefire agreement;
5. Calls upon all parties to cooperate fully in the deployment and operations of UNMIL, including through ensuring the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, together with associated personnel, throughout Liberia;
6. Encourages UNMIL, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, to support the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons;
7. Requests the Liberian Government to conclude a status-of-force agreement with the Secretary-General within 30 days of adoption of this resolution, and notes that pending the conclusion of such an agreement the model status-of-force agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594) shall apply provisionally;
8. Calls upon all parties to ensure, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, the full, safe and unhindered access of relief personnel to all those in need and delivery of humanitarian assistance, in particular to internally displaced persons and refugees;
9. Recognizes the importance of the protection of children in armed conflict, in accordance with its resolution 1379 (2001) and related resolutions;
10. Demands that all parties cease all use of child soldiers, that all parties cease all human rights violations and atrocities against the Liberia population, and stresses the need to bring to justice those responsible;
11. Reaffirms the importance of a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peace-building in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalls the need to address violence against women and girls as a tool of warfare, and encourages UNMIL as well as the Liberian parties to actively address these issues;
12. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraphs 5 (a) and 5 (b) of resolution 1343 (2001) shall not apply to supplies of arms and related materiel and technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by UNMIL;
13. Reiterates its demand that all States in the region cease military support for armed groups in neighbouring countries, take action to prevent armed individuals and groups from using their territory to prepare and commit attacks on neighbouring countries and refrain from any actions that might contribute to further destabilization of the situation in the region, and declares its readiness to consider, if necessary, ways of promoting compliance with this demand;
14. Calls upon the transitional government to restore fully Liberia’s relations with its neighbours and to normalize Liberia’s relations with the international community;
15. Calls on the international community to consider how it might help future economic development in Liberia aimed at achieving long-term stability in Liberia and improving the welfare of its people;
16. Stresses the need for an effective public information capacity, including the establishment as necessary of United Nations radio stations to promote understanding of the peace process and the role of UNMIL among local communities and the parties;
17. Calls on the Liberian parties to engage for the purpose of addressing the question of DDRR on an urgent basis and urges the parties, in particular the transitional government of Liberia, and rebel groups Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), to work closely with UNMIL, the JMC, relevant assistance organizations, and donor nations, in the implementation of a DDRR programme;
18. Calls on the international donor community to provide assistance for the implementation of a DDRR programme, and sustained international assistance to the peace process, and to contribute to consolidated humanitarian appeals;
19. Requests the Secretary-General to provide regular updates, including a formal report every 90 days to the Council on the progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and this resolution, including the implementation of UNMIL’s mandate;
20. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1510 Expansion of International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
Date: 13 October 2003 Meeting: 4840
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolutions 1386 (2001) of 20 December 2001, 1413 (2002) of 23 May 2002 and 1444 (2002) of 27 November 2002,
Reaffirming also its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan,
Reaffirming also its resolutions 1368 (2001) of 12 September 2001 and 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001 and reiterating its support for international efforts to root out terrorism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
Recognizing that the responsibility for providing security and law and order throughout the country resides with the Afghans themselves and welcoming the continuing cooperation of the Afghan Transitional Authority with the International Security Assistance Force,
Reaffirming the importance of the Bonn Agreement and recalling in particular its annex 1 which, inter alia, provides for the progressive expansion of the International Security Assistance Force to other urban centres and other areas beyond Kabul,
Stressing also the importance of extending central government authority to all parts of Afghanistan, of comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of all armed factions, and of security sector reform including reconstitution of the new Afghan National Army and Police,
Recognizing the constraints upon the full implementation of the Bonn Agreement resulting from concerns about the security situation in parts of Afghanistan,
Noting the letter dated 10 October 2003 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan (S/2003/986, annex) requesting the assistance of the International Security Assistance Force outside Kabul,
Noting the letter dated 6 October 2003 from the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to the Secretary-General (S/2003/970) regarding a possible expansion of the mission of the International Security Assistance Force,
Determining that the situation in Afghanistan still constitutes a threat to international peace and security,
Determined to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force, in consultation with the Afghan Transitional Authority and its successors,
Acting for these reasons under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Authorizes expansion of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force to allow it, as resources permit, to support the Afghan Transitional Authority and its successors in the maintenance of security in areas of Afghanistan outside of Kabul and its environs, so that the Afghan Authorities as well as the personnel of the United Nations and other international civilian personnel engaged, in particular, in reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, can operate in a secure environment, and to provide security assistance for the performance of other tasks in support of the Bonn Agreement;
2. Calls upon the International Security Assistance Force to continue to work in close consultation with the Afghan Transitional Authority and its successors and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as well as with the Operation Enduring Freedom Coalition in the implementation of the force mandate, and to report to the Security Council on the implementation of the measures set out in paragraph 1;
3. Decides also to extend the authorization of the International Security Assistance Force, as defined in resolution 1386 (2001) and this resolution, for a period of twelve months;
4. Authorizes the Member States participating in the International Security Assistance Force to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;
5. Requests the leadership of the International Security Assistance Force to provide quarterly reports on the implementation of its mandate to the Security Council through the Secretary-General;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1511 Call for return of power to Iraqi people
Date: 16 October 2003 Meeting: 4844
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Iraq, including resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003 and 1500 (2003) of 14 August 2003, and on threats to peace and security caused by terrorist acts, including resolution 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, and other relevant resolutions,
Underscoring that the sovereignty of Iraq resides in the State of Iraq, reaffirming the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources, reiterating its resolve that the day when Iraqis govern themselves must come quickly, and recognizing the importance of international support, particularly that of countries in the region, Iraq’s neighbours, and regional organizations, in taking forward this process expeditiously,
Recognizing that international support for restoration of conditions of stability and security is essential to the well-being of the people of Iraq as well as to the ability of all concerned to carry out their work on behalf of the people of Iraq, and welcoming Member State contributions in this regard under resolution 1483 (2003),
Welcoming the decision of the Governing Council of Iraq to form a preparatory constitutional committee to prepare for a constitutional conference that will draft a constitution to embody the aspirations of the Iraqi people, and urging it to complete this process quickly,
Affirming that the terrorist bombings of the Embassy of Jordan on 7 August 2003, of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003, of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf on 29 August 2003, and of the Embassy of Turkey on 14 October 2003, and the murder of a Spanish diplomat on 9 October 2003 are attacks on the people of Iraq, the United Nations, and the international community, and deploring the assassination of Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, who died on 25 September 2003, as an attack directed against the future of Iraq,
In that context, recalling and reaffirming the statement of its President of 20 August 2003 (S/PRST/2003/13) and resolution 1502 (2003) of 26 August 2003,
Determining that the situation in Iraq, although improved, continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, and underscores, in that context, the temporary nature of the exercise by the Coalition Provisional Authority (Authority) of the specific responsibilities, authorities, and obligations under applicable international law recognized and set forth in resolution 1483 (2003), which will cease when an internationally recognized, representative government established by the people of Iraq is sworn in and assumes the responsibilities of the Authority, inter alia through steps envisaged in paragraphs 4 through 7 and 10 below;
2. Welcomes the positive response of the international community, in fora such as the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations General Assembly, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to the establishment of the broadly representative Governing Council as an important step towards an internationally recognized, representative government;
3. Supports the Governing Council’s efforts to mobilize the people of Iraq, including by the appointment of a cabinet of ministers and a preparatory constitutional committee to lead a process in which the Iraqi people will progressively take control of their own affairs;
4. Determines that the Governing Council and its ministers are the principal bodies of the Iraqi interim administration, which, without prejudice to its further evolution, embodies the sovereignty of the State of Iraq during the transitional period until an internationally recognized, representative government is established and assumes the responsibilities of the Authority;
5. Affirms that the administration of Iraq will be progressively undertaken by the evolving structures of the Iraqi interim administration;
6. Calls upon the Authority, in this context, to return governing responsibilities and authorities to the people of Iraq as soon as practicable and requests the Authority, in cooperation as appropriate with the Governing Council and the Secretary-General, to report to the Council on the progress being made;
7. Invites the Governing Council to provide to the Security Council, for its review, no later than
15 December 2003, in cooperation with the Authority and, as circumstances permit, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, a timetable and a programme for the drafting of a new constitution for Iraq and for the holding of democratic elections under that constitution;
8. Resolves that the United Nations, acting through the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq, should strengthen its vital role in Iraq, including by providing humanitarian relief, promoting the economic reconstruction of and conditions for sustainable development in Iraq, and advancing efforts to restore and establish national and local institutions for representative government;
9. Requests that, as circumstances permit, the Secretary-General pursue the course of action outlined in paragraphs 98 and 99 of the report of the Secretary-General of 17 July 2003 (S/2003/715);
10. Takes note of the intention of the Governing Council to hold a constitutional conference and, recognizing that the convening of the conference will be a milestone in the movement to the full exercise of sovereignty, calls for its preparation through national dialogue and consensus-building as soon as practicable and requests the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, at the time of the convening of the conference or, as circumstances permit, to lend the unique expertise of the United Nations to the Iraqi people in this process of political transition, including the establishment of electoral processes;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the resources of the United Nations and associated organizations are available, if requested by the Iraqi Governing Council and, as circumstances permit, to assist in furtherance of the programme provided by the Governing Council in paragraph 7 above, and encourages other organizations with expertise in this area to support the Iraqi Governing Council, if requested;
12. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on his responsibilities under this resolution and the development and implementation of a timetable and programme under paragraph 7 above;
13. Determines that the provision of security and stability is essential to the successful completion of the political process as outlined in paragraph 7 above and to the ability of the United Nations to contribute effectively to that process and the implementation of resolution 1483 (2003), and authorizes a multinational force under unified command to take all necessary measures to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq, including for the purpose of ensuring necessary conditions for the implementation of the timetable and programme as well as to contribute to the security of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, the Governing Council of Iraq and other institutions of the Iraqi interim administration, and key humanitarian and economic infrastructure;
14. Urges Member States to contribute assistance under this United Nations mandate, including military forces, to the multinational force referred to in paragraph 13 above;
15. Decides that the Council shall review the requirements and mission of the multinational force referred to in paragraph 13 above not later than one year from the date of this resolution, and that in any case the mandate of the force shall expire upon the completion of the political process as described in paragraphs 4 through 7 and 10 above, and expresses readiness to consider on that occasion any future need for the continuation of the multinational force, taking into account the views of an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq;
16. Emphasizes the importance of establishing effective Iraqi police and security forces in maintaining law, order, and security and combating terrorism consistent with paragraph 4 of resolution 1483 (2003), and calls upon Member States and international and regional organizations to contribute to the training and equipping of Iraqi police and security forces;
17. Expresses deep sympathy and condolences for the personal losses suffered by the Iraqi people and by the United Nations and the families of those United Nations personnel and other innocent victims who were killed or injured in these tragic attacks;
18. Unequivocally condemns the terrorist bombings of the Embassy of Jordan on 7 August 2003, of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003, and of the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf on 29 August 2003, and of the Embassy of Turkey on 14 October 2003, the murder of a Spanish diplomat on 9 October 2003, and the assassination of Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, who died on 25 September 2003, and emphasizes that those responsible must be brought to justice;
19. Calls upon Member States to prevent the transit of terrorists to Iraq, arms for terrorists, and financing that would support terrorists, and emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cooperation of the countries of the region, particularly neighbours of Iraq, in this regard;
20. Appeals to Member States and the international financial institutions to strengthen their efforts to assist the people of Iraq in the reconstruction and development of their economy, and urges those institutions to take immediate steps to provide their full range of loans and other financial assistance to Iraq, working with the Governing Council and appropriate Iraqi ministries;
21. Urges Member States and international and regional organizations to support the Iraq reconstruction effort initiated at the 24 June 2003 United Nations Technical Consultations, including through substantial pledges at the 23-24 October 2003 International Donors Conference in Madrid;
22. Calls upon Member States and concerned organizations to help meet the needs of the Iraqi people by providing resources necessary for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq’s economic infrastructure;
23. Emphasizes that the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB) referred to in paragraph 12 of resolution 1483 (2003) should be established as a priority, and reiterates that the Development Fund for Iraq shall be used in a transparent manner as set out in paragraph 14 of resolution 1483 (2003);
24. Reminds all Member States of their obligations under paragraphs 19 and 23 of resolution 1483 (2003) in particular the obligation to immediately cause the transfer of funds, other financial assets and economic resources to the Development Fund for Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people;
25. Requests that the United States, on behalf of the multinational force as outlined in paragraph 13 above, report to the Security Council on the efforts and progress of this force as appropriate and not less than every six months;
26. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1512 Amendment of Statute of International Tribunal for Rwanda
Date: 27 October 2003 Meeting: 4849
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994, 1165 (1998) of 30 April 1998, 1329 (2000) of 30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002 and 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003,
Having considered the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated
12 September 2003 (S/2003/879) and the annexed letter from the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda addressed to the Secretary-General dated 8 September 2003,
Having considered also the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated
3 October 2003 (S/2003/946) and the annexed letter from the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda addressed to the Secretary-General dated 29 September 2003,
Convinced of the advisability of enhancing the powers of ad litem judges in the International Tribunal for Rwanda so that, during the period of their appointment to a trial, they might also adjudicate in pre-trial proceedings in other cases, should the need arise and should they be in a position to do so,
Convinced also of the advisability of increasing the number of ad litem judges that may be appointed at any one time to serve in the Trial Chambers of the International Tribunal for Rwanda so that the Tribunal might be better placed to complete all trial activities at first instance by the end of 2008, as envisaged in its Completion Strategy,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to amend articles 11 and 12 quater of the Statute of the International Tribunal for Rwanda and to replace those articles with the provisions set out in the annex to this resolution;
2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Annex
Article 11
Composition of the Chambers1. The Chambers shall be composed of sixteen permanent independent judges, no two of whom may be nationals of the same State, and a maximum at any one time of nine ad litem independent judges appointed in accordance with article 12 ter, paragraph 2, of the present Statute, no two of whom may be nationals of the same State.
2. Three permanent judges and a maximum at any one time of six ad litem judges shall be members of each Trial Chamber. Each Trial Chamber to which ad litem judges are assigned may be divided into sections of three judges each, composed of both permanent and ad litem judges. A section of a Trial Chamber shall have the same powers and responsibilities as a Trial Chamber under the present Statute and shall render judgement in accordance with the same rules.
3. Seven of the permanent judges shall be members of the Appeals Chamber. The Appeals Chamber shall, for each appeal, be composed of five of its members.
4. A person who for the purposes of membership of the Chambers of the International Tribunal for Rwanda could be regarded as a national of more than one State shall be deemed to be a national of the State in which that person ordinarily exercises civil and political rights.
Article 12 quater
Status of ad litem judges1. During the period in which they are appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for Rwanda, ad litem judges shall:
(a) Benefit from the same terms and conditions of service mutatis mutandis as the permanent judges of the International Tribunal for Rwanda;
(b) Enjoy, subject to paragraph 2 below, the same powers as the permanent judges of the International Tribunal for Rwanda;
(c) Enjoy the privileges and immunities, exemptions and facilities of a judge of the International Tribunal for Rwanda;
(d) Enjoy the power to adjudicate in pre-trial proceedings in cases other than those that they have been appointed to try.
2. During the period in which they are appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for Rwanda, ad litem judges shall not:
(a) Be eligible for election as, or to vote in the election of, the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda or the Presiding Judge of a Trial Chamber pursuant to article 13 of the present Statute;
(b) Have power:
(i) To adopt rules of procedure and evidence pursuant to article 14 of the present Statute. They shall, however, be consulted before the adoption of those rules;
(ii) To review an indictment pursuant to article 18 of the present Statute;
(iii) To consult with the President of the International Tribunal for Rwanda in relation to the assignment of judges pursuant to article 13 of the present Statute or in relation to a pardon or commutation of sentence pursuant to article 27 of the present Statute.
S/RES/1513 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 28 October 2003 Meeting: 4850
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, and reaffirming, in particular, resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 January 2004;
2. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation before the end of the present mandate;
3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1514 Extension of UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire
Date: 13 November 2003 Meeting: 4857
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions concerning Côte d’Ivoire, in particular its resolution 1479 (2003) of
13 May 2003 which authorized the establishment of a special political mission in Côte d’Ivoire as confirmed in the letter of the Security Council President to the Secretary-General (A/58/535), and its resolutions 1464 (2003) of 4 February 2003 and 1498 (2003) of 4 August 2003,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 4 November 2003 (S/2003/1069),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirming also its opposition to any attempts to take power by unconstitutional means,
Reaffirming also its endorsement of the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces at Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (“Linas-Marcoussis Agreement”), approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire held in Paris on 25 and 26 January,
Stressing the urgent need for all parties to participate fully in the Government of National Reconciliation so as to enable it to implement fully all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement,
Stressing also the importance of the commitment of the Government of National Reconciliation to resume effective administration throughout Côte d’Ivoire and reminding all Ivorian parties of their obligation to contribute positively thereto,
Reaffirming the need for the Government of National Reconciliation to commit itself fully and immediately to the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme (DDR), including the dismantling of militias, and to the restructuring of the armed forces,
Recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the relations between States of the region,
Further recalling its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France to promote a peaceful settlement of the conflict,
Noting the continued need for MINUCI in accordance with its resolution 1479 (2003),
Noting with concern the continued existence of challenges to the stability of Côte d’Ivoire and determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations special political mission in Côte d’Ivoire, MINUCI, shall be extended until 4 February 2004;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council by 10 January 2004 on MINUCI’s efforts to facilitate peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, including how those efforts might be improved and in particular the possible reinforcement of the United Nations presence in Côte d’Ivoire;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1515 Endorsement of Middle East Road Map
Date: 19 November 2003 Meeting: 4862
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and the Madrid principles,
Expressing its grave concern at the continuation of the tragic and violent events in the Middle East,
Reiterating the demand for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terrorism, provocation, incitement and destruction,
Reaffirming its vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders,
Emphasizing the need to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese tracks,
Welcoming and encouraging the diplomatic efforts of the international Quartet and others,
1. Endorses the Quartet Performance-based Roadmap to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (S/2003/529);
2. Calls on the parties to fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap in cooperation with the Quartet and to achieve the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security;
3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1516 Condemnation of bomb attacks in Istanbul, Turkey
Date: 20 November 2003 Meeting: 4867
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular its resolution 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001,
Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,
1. Condemns in the strongest terms the bomb attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, on 15 November 2003 and 20 November 2003, in which many lives were claimed and people injured, as well as other terrorist acts in various countries, and regards such acts, like any act of terrorism, as a threat to peace and security;
2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and Governments of Turkey and the United Kingdom and to the victims of the terrorist attacks and their families;
3. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks;
4. Expresses its reinforced determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/RES/1517 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
Date: 24 November 2003 Meeting: 4870
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 12 November 2003 (S/2003/1078) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, and in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness,
Noting that the Government of Cyprus has agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) beyond 15 December 2003,
Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,
1. Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, and in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;
2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period ending 15 June 2004;
3. Urges the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish forces to rescind all remaining restrictions on UNFICYP;
4. Expresses concern at the further continuing violations by the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces at Strovilia and urges them to restore the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by 1 June 2004 on the implementation of this resolution;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1518 Establishment of Committee to track financial assets removed from Iraq
Date: 24 November 2003 Meeting: 4872
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all of its previous relevant resolutions,
Recalling further its earlier decision in resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003 to terminate the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990),
Stressing the importance of all Member States fulfilling their obligations under paragraph 10 of resolution 1483 (2003),
Determining that the situation in Iraq, although improved, continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to establish, with immediate effect, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security Council, consisting of all the members of the Council, to continue to identify pursuant to paragraph 19 of resolution 1483 (2003) individuals and entities referred to in paragraph 19 of that resolution, including by updating the list of individuals and entities that have already been identified by the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 661 (1990), and to report on its work to the Council;
2. Decides to adopt the guidelines (reference SC/7791 IK/365 of 12 June 2003) and definitions (reference SC/7831 IK/372 of 29 July 2003) previously agreed by the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 661 (1990), to implement the provisions of paragraphs 19 and 23 of resolution 1483 (2003), and further decides that the guidelines and definitions can be amended by the Committee in light of further considerations;
3. Decides that the mandate of the Committee referred to in paragraph 1 above will be kept under review and to consider the possible authorization of the additional task of observing Member States’ fulfilment of their obligations under paragraph 10 of resolution 1483 (2003);
4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1519 Investigation of arms embargo violations on Somalia
Date: 16 December 2003 Meeting: 4885
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, which established an embargo on all delivery of weapons and military equipment to Somalia (hereinafter referred to as the “arms embargo”), resolution 1356 (2001) of 19 June 2001, resolution 1407 (2002) of
3 May 2002, resolution 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002, resolution 1474 (2003) of 8 April 2003, and the statements of its President of 12 March 2003 (S/PRST/2003/2), and of 11 November 2003 (S/PRST/2003/19),
Reiterating its firm support for the Somali National Reconciliation Process and the ongoing Somali National Reconciliation Conference, commending the efforts of Kenya as the host of the Conference sponsored by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reiterating its insistence that all States, in particular those of the region, should not interfere in the internal affairs of Somalia. Such interference only further destabilizes Somalia, contributes to a climate of fear and impacts adversely on human rights, and could jeopardize the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia. Stressing that the territory of Somalia should not be used to undermine stability in the subregion,
Reiterating its serious concern over the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia from sources outside the country, in contravention of the arms embargo, bearing in mind that the Somali National Reconciliation Process and the implementation of the arms embargo serve as mutually reinforcing processes,
Having considered the report of the Panel of Experts dated 4 November 2003 (S/2003/l035) submitted pursuant to paragraph 7 of resolution 1474 (2003),
Welcoming the mission of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), led by the Chairman of the Committee, to the States in the region from 11 to 21 November 2003 as a step towards giving full effect to the arms embargo,
Reiterating the importance of improving the implementation and enhancing the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into violations of the arms embargo, and expressing its determination of holding those violators accountable,
Determining that the situation in Somalia constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Stresses the obligation of all States and other actors to comply fully with resolution 733 (1992) and resolution 1356 (2001), and reaffirms that non-compliance constitutes a violation of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to establish a monitoring group (hereinafter referred to as the “Monitoring Group”) composed of up to four experts, for a period of 6 months commencing as soon as possible from the date of the adoption of the resolution, to be based in Nairobi, with the following mandate, which should focus on the ongoing arms embargo violations, including transfers of ammunition, single use weapons, and small arms:
(a) to investigate the violations of the arms embargo covering access to Somalia by land, air and sea;
(b) to detail information and make specific recommendations in relevant areas of expertise related to violations and measures to give effect to and strengthen the implementation of the arms embargo in its various aspects;
(c) to carry out field based investigations in Somalia, where possible, and in States neighbouring Somalia and other States, as appropriate;
(d) to assess the progress made by the States in the region to implement fully the arms embargo, including through a review of national customs and border control regimes;
(e) to provide the Committee in its final report with a draft list of those who continue to violate the arms embargo inside and outside Somalia, and their active supporters, for possible future measures by the Council;
(f) to make recommendations based on its investigations and the previous reports of the Panel of Experts (S/2003/223 and S/2003/1035) appointed pursuant to resolution 1425 (2002) and 1474 (2003);
3. Further requests the Secretary-Genera1 to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Monitoring Group;
4. Requests all Somali and regional parties as well as government officials and other actors contacted outside the region to cooperate fully with the Monitoring Group in the discharge of its mandate, and requests the Monitoring Group to notify the Security Council immediately, through the Committee, of any lack of cooperation;
5. Calls upon all States in the region and regional organizations, in particular the IGAD, the African Union (AU), and the League of Arab States (LAS), to establish focal points to enhance cooperation with the Monitoring Group and to facilitate information exchange;
6. Requests the Monitoring Group to provide a mid-term briefing to the Council, through the Committee, and to submit a final report at the end of its mandated period to the Security Council, through the Committee, for its consideration;
7. Encourages all States signatories to the Nairobi Declaration on the Problem of the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons to implement quickly the measures required by the Coordinated Agenda for Action as an important means in support of the arms embargo on Somalia;
8. Calls on the neighbouring States to report to the Committee quarterly on their efforts to implement the arms embargo, bearing in mind their crucial role in the implementation of the arms embargo;
9. Encourages the donor community, including the IGAD Partner Forum group, to provide technical and material assistance to States in the region, as well as to the regional organizations, IGAD, AU and LAS, in support of their national and regional capacity for monitoring and implementing the arms embargo, including for monitoring the coastline, land and air boundaries with Somalia;
10. Encourages Member States from the region to continue their efforts in enacting legislation or regulations, necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the arms embargo;
11. Expresses its determination to review the situation regarding the implementation of the arms embargo in Somalia on the basis of information provided by the Monitoring Group in its reports;
12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1520 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 22 December 2003 Meeting: 4889
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 9 December 2003 (S/2003/1148), and also reaffirming its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,
1. Calls upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;
2. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 30 June 2004;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).
S/RES/1521 Revised bans on Liberia
Date: 22 December 2003 Meeting: 4890
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on the situation in Liberia and West Africa,
Taking note of the reports of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia dated 7 August 2003 (S/2003/779) and 28 October 2003 (S/2003/937 and S/2003/937/Add.1) submitted pursuant to resolution 1478 (2003),
Expressing serious concern at the findings of the Panel of Experts that the measures imposed by resolution 1343 (2001) continue to be breached, particularly through the acquisition of arms,
Welcoming the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the former Government of Liberia, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) on 18 August 2003 in Accra, and that the National Transitional Government of Liberia under Chairman Gyude Bryant took office on 14 October 2003,
Calling upon all States in the region, particularly the National Transitional Government of Liberia, to work together to build lasting regional peace, including through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Contact Group on Liberia, the Mano River Union and the Rabat Process,
Noting with concern, however, that the ceasefire and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are not yet being universally implemented throughout Liberia, and that much of the country remains outside the authority of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, particularly those areas to which the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has not yet deployed,
Recognizing the linkage between the illegal exploitation of natural resources such as diamonds and timber, illicit trade in such resources, and the proliferation and trafficking of illegal arms as a major source of fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in West Africa, particularly in Liberia,
Determining that the situation in Liberia and the proliferation of arms and armed non-State actors, including mercenaries, in the subregion continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security in West Africa, in particular to the peace process in Liberia,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
A
Recalling its resolutions 1343 (2001) of 7 March 2001, 1408 (2002) of 6 May 2002, 1478 (2003) of 6 May 2003, 1497 (2003) of 1 August 2003, and 1509 (2003) of 19 September 2003,
Noting that the changed circumstances in Liberia, in particular the departure of former President Charles Taylor and the formation of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, and progress with the peace process in Sierra Leone, require the Council’s determination for action under Chapter VII to be revised to reflect these altered circumstances,
1. Decides to terminate the prohibitions imposed by paragraphs 5, 6, and 7 of resolution 1343 (2001) and paragraphs 17 and 28 of resolution 1478 (2003) and to dissolve the committee established under resolution 1343 (2001);
B
2. (a) Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the sale or supply to Liberia, by their nationals or from their territories or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned, whether or not originating in their territories;
(b) Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent any provision to Liberia by their nationals or from their territories of technical training or assistance related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of the items in subparagraph (a) above;
(c) Reaffirms that the measures in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above apply to all sales or supply of arms and related materiel destined for any recipient in Liberia, including all non-State actors, such as LURD and MODEL, and to all former and current militias and armed groups;
(d) Decides that the measures imposed by subparagraphs (a) and (b) above shall not apply to supplies of arms and related materiel and technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by UNMIL;
(e) Decides that the measures imposed by subparagraphs (a) and (b) above shall not apply to supplies of arms and related materiel and technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use in an international training and reform programme for the Liberian armed forces and police, as approved in advance by the Committee established by paragraph 21 below (“the Committee”);
(f) Decides that the measures imposed by subparagraphs (a) and (b) above shall not apply to supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance or training, as approved in advance by the Committee;
(g) Affirms that the measures imposed by subparagraph (a) above do not apply to protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to Liberia by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, for their personal use only;
3. Demands that all States in West Africa take action to prevent armed individuals and groups from using their territory to prepare and commit attacks on neighbouring countries and refrain from any action that might contribute to further destabilization of the situation in the subregion;
4. (a) Decides also that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all such individuals, as designated by the Committee, who constitute a threat to the peace process in Liberia, or who are engaged in activities aimed at undermining peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion, including those senior members of former President Charles Taylor’s Government and their spouses and members of Liberia’s former armed forces who retain links to former President Charles Taylor, those individuals determined by the Committee to be in violation of paragraph 2 above, and any other individuals, or individuals associated with entities, providing financial or military support to armed rebel groups in Liberia or in countries in the region, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;
(b) Decides that the measures in paragraph 4 (a) above shall continue to apply to the individuals already designated pursuant to paragraph 7 (a) of resolution 1343 (2001), pending the designation of individuals by the Committee as required by and in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) above;
(c) Decides that the measures imposed by subparagraph 4 (a) above shall not apply where the Committee determines that such travel is justified on the grounds of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would otherwise further the objectives of the Council’s resolutions, for the creation of peace, stability and democracy in Liberia and lasting peace in the subregion;
5. Expresses its readinessto terminate the measures imposed by paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) and 4 (a) above when the Council determines that the ceasefire in Liberia is being fully respected and maintained, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and restructuring of the security sector have been completed, the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are being fully implemented, and significant progress has been made in establishing and maintaining stability in Liberia and the subregion;
6. Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect import of all rough diamonds from Liberia to their territory, whether or not such diamonds originated in Liberia;
7. Calls upon the National Transitional Government of Liberia to take urgent steps to establish an effective Certificate of Origin regime for trade in Liberian rough diamonds that is transparent and internationally verifiable with a view to joining the Kimberley Process, and to provide the Committee with a detailed description of the proposed regime;
8. Expresses its readiness to terminate the measures referred to in paragraph 6 above when the Committee, taking into account expert advice, decides that Liberia has established a transparent, effective and internationally verifiable Certificate of Origin regime for Liberian rough diamonds;
9. Encourages the National Transitional Government of Liberia to take steps to join the Kimberley Process as soon as possible;
10. Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the import into their territories of all round logs and timber products originating in Liberia;
11. Urges the National Transitional Government of Liberia to establish its full authority and control over the timber producing areas, and to take all necessary steps to ensure that government revenues from the Liberian timber industry are not used to fuel conflict or otherwise in violation of the Council’s resolutions but are used for legitimate purposes for the benefit of the Liberian people, including development;
12. Expresses its readinessto terminate the measures imposed by paragraph 10 above once the Council determines that the goals in paragraph 11 above have been achieved;
13. Encourages the National Transitional Government of Liberia to establish oversight mechanisms for the timber industry that will promote responsible business practices, and to establish transparent accounting and auditing mechanisms to ensure that all government revenues, including those from the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry, are not used to fuel conflict or otherwise in violation of the Council’s resolutions but are used for legitimate purposes for the benefit of the Liberian people, including development;
14. Urges all parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 18 August 2003 to implement fully their commitments and fulfil their responsibilities in the National Transitional Government of Liberia, and not to hinder the restoration of the Government’s authority throughout the country, particularly over natural resources;
15. Calls upon States, relevant international organizations and others in a position to do so to offer assistance to the National Transitional Government of Liberia in achieving the objectives in paragraphs 7, 11 and 13 above, including the promotion of responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices in the timber industry, and to offer assistance with the implementation of the ECOWAS Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Africa adopted in Abuja on 31 October 1998 (S/1998/1194, annex);
16. Encourages the United Nations and other donors to assist the Liberian civil aviation authorities, including through technical assistance, in improving the professionalism of their staff and their training capabilities and in complying with the standards and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization;
17. Takes note of the establishment by the National Transitional Government of Liberia of a review committee with the task of establishing procedures to fulfil the demands of the Security Council for the lifting of the measures imposed under this resolution;
18. Decides that the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 above are established for 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution, unless otherwise decided, and that, at the end of this period, the Council will review the position, assess progress towards the goals in paragraphs 5, 7, and 11 and decide accordingly whether to continue these measures;
19. Decides to review the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 above by 17 June 2004, to assess progress towards the goals in paragraphs 5, 7, and 11 and decide accordingly whether to terminate these measures;
20. Decides to keep under regular review the measures imposed by paragraphs 6 and 10 above, so as to terminate them as soon as possible once the conditions in paragraphs 7 and 11 have been met, in order to create revenue for the reconstruction and development of Liberia;
21. Decides to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security Council, consisting of all the members of the Council, to undertake the following tasks:
(a) to monitor the implementation of the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 above, taking into consideration the reports of the expert panel established by paragraph 22 below;
(b) to seek from all States, particularly those in the subregion, information about the actions taken by them to implement effectively those measures;
(c) to consider and decide upon requests for the exemptions set out in paragraphs 2 (e), 2 (f) and 4 (c) above;
(d) to designate the individuals subject to the measures imposed by paragraph 4 above and to update this list regularly;
(e) to make relevant information publicly available through appropriate media, including the list referred to in subparagraph (d) above;
(f) to consider and take appropriate action, within the framework of this resolution, on pending issues or concerns brought to its attention concerning the measures imposed by resolutions 1343 (2001), 1408 (2002) and 1478 (2003) while those resolutions were in force;
(g) to report to the Council with its observations and recommendations;
22. Requests the Secretary-General to establish, within one month from the date of adoption of this resolution, in consultation with the Committee, for a period of five months, a Panel of Experts consisting of up to five members, with the range of expertise necessary to fulfil the Panel’s mandate described in this paragraph, drawing as much as possible on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1478 (2003), to undertake the following tasks:
(a) to conduct a follow-up assessment mission to Liberia and neighbouring States, in order to investigate and compile a report on the implementation, and any violations, of the measures referred to in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 above, including any violations involving rebel movements and neighbouring countries, and including any information relevant to the Committee’s designation of the individuals described in paragraph 4 (a) above, and including the various sources of financing, such as from natural resources, for the illicit trade of arms;
(b) to assess the progress made towards the goals described in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 above;
(c) to report to the Council through the Committee no later than 30 May 2004 with observations and recommendations, including, inter alia, how to minimize any humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraph 10 above;
23. Welcomes UNMIL’s readiness, within its capabilities, its areas of deployment and without prejudice to its mandate, once it is fully deployed and carrying out its core functions, to assist the Committee established by paragraph 21 above and the Panel of Experts established by paragraph 22 above in monitoring the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 above, and requests the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire, likewise without prejudicing their capacities to carry out their respective mandates, to assist the Committee and the Panel of Experts by passing to the Committee and the Panel any information relevant to the implementation of the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10, in the context of enhanced coordination among United Nations missions and offices in West Africa;
24. Reiterates its call on the international donor community to provide assistance for the implementation of a programme of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation, and sustained international assistance to the peace process, and to contribute generously to consolidated humanitarian appeals, and further requests the donor community to respond to the immediate financial, administrative and technical needs of the National Transitional Government of Liberia;
25. Encourages the National Transitional Government of Liberia to undertake, with the assistance of UNMIL, appropriate actions to sensitize the Liberian population to the rationale of the measures in this resolution, including the criteria for their termination;
26. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Council by 30 May 2004, drawing on information from all relevant sources, including the National Transitional Government of Liberia, UNMIL and ECOWAS, on progress made towards the goals described in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 above;
27. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
* * *
STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL IN 2003
S/PRST/2003/1 Reaffirmation of commitment to multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo
Date: 6 February 2003 Meeting: 4703
The Security Council reaffirms its continued commitment to the full and effective implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). The Council notes the transformation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into Serbia and Montenegro and, in this context, reaffirms that resolution 1244 (1999) remains fully valid in all its aspects. Resolution 1244 (1999) continues to be the basis of the international community’s policy on Kosovo.
The Security Council further reaffirms its commitment to the objective of a multiethnic and democratic Kosovo and calls upon all communities to work towards this goal and actively participate in the public institutions as well as the decision-making process, and integrate into society. It condemns all attempts to establish and maintain structures and institutions as well as initiatives that are inconsistent with resolution 1244 (1999) and the Constitutional Framework. The Council calls for the authority of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to be respected throughout Kosovo, and welcomes the establishment of UNMIK’s authority in the northern part of Mitrovica. It encourages the establishment of direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on issues of practical importance to both sides.
The Security Council condemns the violence within the Kosovo Albanian community, as well as the violence against the Kosovo Serb community. It urges local institutions and leaders to exert influence on the climate for the rule of law by condemning all violence and actively supporting the efforts of the police and the judiciary. It underlines the responsibility of the majority to make the minority communities feel that Kosovo is their home too, and that the laws apply equally to everyone. The minority community representatives must join and work within the institutions to benefit from them. The Council stresses that all communities must make renewed efforts to inject momentum into improving inter-ethnic dialogue and promoting the reconciliation process, not least through full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of UNMIK and recent developments in Kosovo (S/2003/113) and the briefing of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the status of implementation of the benchmarks for Kosovo. The Council reiterates its full support for the “Standards before Status” policy with postulated targets in the eight key areas: functioning of the democratic institutions, the rule of law, freedom of movement, the return of refugees and IDPs, economy, property rights, dialogue with Belgrade, and the Kosovo Protection Corps. The Council welcomes the presentation of a detailed plan for its implementation that will provide the appropriate baseline against which progress can be measured, as discussed with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General during the Council’s Mission in December 2002. The fulfilment of these targets is essential to commencing a political process designed to determine Kosovo’s future, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). The Council strongly rejects unilateral initiatives which may jeopardize stability and the normalization process not only in Kosovo but also in the entire region. It urges all political leaders in Kosovo and in the region to shoulder responsibility for democratization, peace and stability in the region by rejecting all initiatives contravening resolution 1244 (1999). The Council rejects any attempts to exploit the question of the future of Kosovo for other political ends.
The Security Council welcomes progress made in 2002, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. It supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s continued efforts including in such priority areas as revitalizing the economy through investment, combating crime and illegal trafficking, and building a multi-ethnic society, while ensuring conditions for the sustainable return of refugees and IDPs.
The Security Council welcomes the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s intention to transfer remaining competencies to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) by the end of the year, except those reserved for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General under resolution 1244 (1999). It calls on the Kosovo PISG as well as all Kosovars to take on their responsibilities and genuinely cooperate for this transfer to be successful.
The Security Council reiterates its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and urges Kosovo´s leaders once again to work in close cooperation with UNMIK and the international Security Presence (KFOR) for a better future for Kosovo and stability in the region.
S/PRST/2003/2 Call for immediate end to violence in Somalia
Date: 12 March 2003 Meeting 4718
The Security Council, recalling its previous decisions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statements of its President of 13 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/35) and of 28 March 2002 (S/PRST/2002/8), and welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 26 February 2003 (S/2003/231), reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia, and its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the country, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council reiterates its firm support for the Somali National Reconciliation Process and the ongoing Somali National Reconciliation Conference in Kenya, launched under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and led by the Government of Kenya. The Council strongly encourages all parties throughout Somalia to participate in the process, which offers a unique opportunity for all Somalis to end the suffering of their people and to restore peace and stability to their country. The Council demands the Somalia parties to abide by and implement expeditiously the decisions adopted throughout the process, including the Declaration on Cessation of Hostilities and the Structures and Principles of the Somali National Reconciliation Process, on 27 October 2002, hereafter referred to as the ‘Eldoret Declaration’ (S/2002/1359), as well as the December 2002 agreement reached by five Mogadishu faction leaders and the Transitional National Government regarding the restoration of peace and security in Mogadishu and a subsequent agreement among the five faction leaders which included a commitment to make efforts to reopen the International Airport and Seaport in Mogadishu, as mentioned in paragraph 26 of the report of the Secretary-General of 26 February 2003 (S/2003/231).
The Security Council commends the Government of Kenya for its crucial role in facilitating the Somali National Reconciliation Process, and calls on the IGAD Technical Committee comprised of the three Frontline States (Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya) to continue their active role in promoting the Process. The Council welcomes the appointment of Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat as the Special Envoy of Kenya to the Process. The Council also welcomes the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Ali Foum as the Special Envoy of the African Union for Somalia, the generous financial contribution of the European Union, Norway and the US, and the sustained engagement of their envoys, as well as those of the IGAD Partners Forum and the League of Arab States. The Council strongly encourages their continued active and positive role in support of the reconciliation process.
The Security Council notes that the six reconciliation committees of the Somali National Reconciliation Process have continued their work despite difficulties faced by the Somali participants regarding representation. The Council urges all parties involved to fully participate in the six reconciliation committees and to resolve the representation issue, and welcomes the establishment of an arbitration committee in this regard. The Council supports the Secretary-General’s commitment to assist in the work of the six reconciliation committees with technical support and relevant expertise.
The Security Council expresses its strong regret that even after the signing of the ‘Eldoret Declaration’, fighting continued to break out in Somalia in particular in Mogadishu and Baidoa. The Council condemns all those involved in the fighting and calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence in Somalia. The Council shares the Secretary-General’s conclusion that it is those that have weapons of war who continue to hold the people of Somalia hostage to the cycle of violence. The Council also shares the Secretary-General’s view that these people will be held accountable by the Somali people and the international community for their actions if they persist on the path of confrontation and conflict. In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the establishment of a mechanism by the IGAD Frontline States to monitor compliance with the ‘Eldoret Declaration’ and their intention to consider appropriate measures against all individuals and groups violating the ‘Eldoret Declaration’ and December 2002 agreements.
The Security Council notes with serious concern the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to Somalia, as well as allegations of the role of some of the neighbouring States in breach of the arms embargo established by resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, and calls on all States and other actors to comply scrupulously with the arms embargo. The Council welcomes the work of the Panel of Experts, established pursuant to resolution 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002, and expresses its intention to give full consideration to and take appropriate action regarding the Panel’s report as a step towards reinforcing the arms embargo and disarmament.
The Security Council, insisting that persons and entities must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation in Somalia to finance, plan, facilitate, support or commit terrorist acts from the country, emphasizes that efforts to combat terrorism in Somalia are inseparable from the establishment of peace and governance in the country. In this spirit, the Council urges the international community to provide assistance to Somalia for the further and comprehensive implementation of resolution 1373 (2001).
The Security Council expresses serious concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Somalia, in particular the internally displaced persons, especially in the area of Mogadishu. The Council urges the Somalia leaders to live up to their commitments under the ‘Eldoret Declaration’, to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance, to assure the safety of all international and national aid workers, to provide immediate safe access for all humanitarian personnel, and to support the return and reintegration of refugees. The Council calls on Member States to respond urgently and generously to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for 2003.
The Security Council notes that while some parts of Somalia remain unstable, relative stability continues to prevail in significant portions of the country. The Council welcomes the evolution of the community-based peace-building activities and calls for the acceleration of comprehensive peace-building activities. The Council requests the Secretary-General to continue putting in place, in a coherent manner, preparatory activities on the ground for a comprehensive post-conflict peace-building mission in Somalia once security conditions permit, as stipulated in the statement by the President of the Council of 28 March 2002 (S/PRST/2002/8), which should take into account combating poverty and strengthening public institutions.
The Security Council stresses that a comprehensive post-conflict peace-building programme with special emphasis on disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration will be an important contribution towards the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia. The Council welcomes the contribution of Ireland, Italy and Norway to the Trust Fund for Peace-building in Somalia and calls on other donors to do the same without delay.
The Security Council commends the work done by the United Nations Country Team, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movements and non-governmental organizations in support of peace and reconciliation in Somalia. The Council encourages the Secretary-General to continue to support actively the IGAD-sponsored Somalia National Reconciliation Process and to continue to implement and enhance ongoing humanitarian and peace-building activities on the ground.
The Security Council reiterates its commitment to assist the Somali parties and support the IGAD mediation in the implementation of the steps and conclusions for peace, as adopted throughout the Somalia National Reconciliation Process.
S/PRST/2003/3 Briefing by Counter-Terrorism Committee
Date: 4 April 2003 Meeting: 4734
The Security Council welcomes the briefing by the Chairman of the CTC on the work of the Committee.
The Security Council recalls the statement of its President of 8 October 2002 (S/PRST/2002/26), which recorded its intention to review the structure and activities of the CTC no later than 4 April 2003. The Council thanks Ambassador Greenstock (United Kingdom) for his chairmanship of the CTC during the first 18 months of its work, and confirms the appointment of Ambassador Arias (Spain) as the new Chairman. The Council confirms the continuation in office of Ambassador Gaspar Martins (Angola), Ambassador Aguilar Zinser (Mexico) and Ambassador Lavrov (Russian Federation) as Vice-Chairmen of the Committee.
The Council invites the CTC to pursue its agenda as set out in the work programme for the CTC’s seventh 90-day period (S/2003/387).
The Council notes that three States have not yet submitted a report to the CTC, and that 51 Member States are late in submitting a further report, in contravention of the requirements set out in resolution 1373 (2001). It calls on them urgently to do so, in order to maintain the universality of response which resolution 1373 (2001) requires.
The Security Council invites the CTC to continue reporting on its activities at regular intervals and expresses its intention to review the structure and activities of the CTC no later than 4 October 2003.
S/PRST/2003/4 Peaceful transition of power in Burundi
Date: 2 May 2003 Meeting: 4749
The Security Council congratulates the Burundian parties on a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement. The transition in presidency represents a major milestone in the implementation of the Agreement.
The Security Council believes that it is now crucial to follow up this positive development with the implementation of those Arusha provisions that are still outstanding, such as meaningful security sector and judicial reforms. Resolving such pressing and other related issues is the only way to ensure that the 36-month transitional period is a success.
The Security Council condemns the 17 April and 25 April attacks on Bujumbura and other cities by the forces of CNDD-FDD (Nkurunziza). The Security Council takes note of the CNDD-FDD’s 27 April statement that it will refrain from attacking unless attacked and urges all Burundian parties to observe the terms of the ceasefire agreements and implement them without delay.
The Security Council reiterates its demands that FNL (Rwasa) lay down its arms and immediately enter into a ceasefire with the Government of Burundi without preconditions. The FNL’s unwillingness to date to seek a peaceful resolution of this conflict makes it difficult for the international community to accept the legitimacy of its concerns.
The Security Council urges all relevant regional parties and actors to continue their efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Burundi and stands ready to consider steps against those that are found to continue to support armed attacks by the Burundi rebels.
The Security Council also expresses support for the speedy deployment of the African Mission in Burundi to facilitate the continuing implementation of the ceasefire agreements. The Council appeals for adequate and sustained international assistance to the African Mission in Burundi, while underscoring the importance of providing the donor community with as many details as possible to enable it to make determinations regarding the best way to assist the mission.
The Security Council urges donors to support the economy of Burundi, to honour the engagements taken at the Paris and Geneva Conferences, and to, within their abilities, provide as a matter of the utmost urgency budgetary and balance of payments support to the Government of Burundi, and to contribute generously to the transitional debt relief fund, with continued strong performance on economic reforms by the Government of Burundi.
The Security Council urges the Burundian parties to take serious, meaningful steps to address human rights and accountability issues. In this regard, the Council welcomes the approval by the Burundian Senate on 23 April of legislation on genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, and legislation establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. The Security Council looks forward to their effective implementation.
The Security Council reaffirms the vital importance of the Burundian parties themselves taking ownership of the process to address the devastating impact of impunity, as detailed in the Arusha Accords. The international community pledges its willingness and readiness to assist in efforts to build up the Burundian capacity for promoting respect for human rights standards and the rule of law.
The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to support the peace process in Burundi, including the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed by the Burundian parties.
S/PRST/2003/5 Effective use of Charter provisions for peaceful settlement of disputes
Date: 13 May 2003 Meeting: 4753
The Council guided by the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter, reaffirms its commitment to maintain international peace and security through effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace.
The Security Council recognizes that the United Nations and its organs can play an important role in preventing disputes from arising between parties, in preventing existing disputes from escalating into conflicts, and in containing and resolving the conflicts when they occur. The Security Council recalls, in this regard, the successes of the United Nations in these areas.
The Security Council recalls that the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Chapter VI, sets forth means and a framework for the pacific settlement of disputes.
The Security Council underscores that the efforts to strengthen the process of the peaceful settlement of disputes should be continued and made more effective.
The Security Council reiterates its commitment to make a wider and effective use of the procedures and means enshrined in the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations on the pacific settlement of disputes, particularly Articles 33-38 (Chapter VI), as one of the essential components of its work to promote and maintain international peace and security.
The Security Council decides to continue to keep this item under review.
S/PRST/2003/6 Ceasefire agreement in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri region
Date: 16 May 2003 Meeting: 4756
The Security Council condemns the recent killings, the violence and other human rights violations and atrocities in Bunia, as well as the attacks against the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and internally displaced persons who have sought refuge at the MONUC premises, and reiterates that there will be no impunity for such acts and that the perpetrators will be held accountable. It demands that all hostilities in Ituri cease immediately. The fighting is unacceptable. It threatens the stability of the Ituri area and severely undermines the continuation of the peace process and the establishment of the Transitional National Government.
The Security Council fully supports the work initiated by the Ituri Pacification Commission, established by the Luanda Agreement of 6 September 2002, under which the Ituri interim administration was formed, and encourages donors to provide additional funding and emphasizes that it is up to the various Congolese parties in Ituri to pursue an effective inclusive political and security mechanism in this framework.
The Security Council welcomes the agreement signed in Dar es Salaam on 16 May 2003 and calls on the parties to implement it fully and without delay.
The Security Council calls on all parties in the region to end all support to armed groups and refrain from any action that might compromise the return to peace in Ituri, in particular the work of the Ituri interim administration, and reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over all its territory.
The Security Council expresses its concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Bunia and demands that all parties grant full and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and guaranty the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. It also calls on the donor community to continue to support the humanitarian organizations.
The Security Council pays tribute to the work that has been achieved by the staff and contingents of MONUC in Ituri in very difficult conditions, and fully supports them.
The Security Council welcomes the efforts by the Secretary-General to address the urgent humanitarian and security situation in Bunia, including options for sending an emergency international force, and encourages him to complete consultations to this end as a matter of urgency.
The Security Council demands that all Congolese parties and regional States involved in the DRC conflict refrain from any action that could undermine the possible deployment of an international force, and support it.
S/PRST/2003/7 Strengthening cooperation against drug production, trafficking in Afghanistan
Date: 17 June 2003 Meeting: 4774
The Security Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan.
The Security Council stresses that security remains a serious challenge facing Afghanistan. In particular, the Council expresses its concern over the increased number of attacks against international and local humanitarian personnel, Coalition forces, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan Transitional Administration targets by Taliban and other rebel elements. In this regard, the Council condemns in the strongest terms the attack against the ISAF in Kabul on 7 June. The Council also expresses its concern over other security threats, including from illicit drug trafficking. The Council stresses the need to improve the security situation in the provinces and further to extend the authority of the Afghan Transitional Administration throughout the country. Against this backdrop, the Council underlines the importance of accelerating the comprehensive reform of Afghanistan’s security sector, including the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants.
The Security Council welcomes the establishment and deployment of international civilian-military Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in the provinces and encourages States to support further efforts to assist with improving security in the regions.
The Security Council believes that constructive and mutually supportive bilateral and regional relations between Afghanistan and all States, and in particular its neighbours, based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s affairs, are important for stability in Afghanistan. The Council calls upon all States to respect the Kabul Declaration on Good-Neighbourly Relations (S/2002/1416) and to support the implementation of its provisions.
The Security Council reaffirms the principles established in the Political Declaration adopted by the General Assembly at its twentieth special session, inter alia, that action against the world drug problem is a common and shared responsibility requiring an integrated and balanced approach in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
The Security Council recognizes the links between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as other forms of crimes, and the challenges posed by these activities inside Afghanistan, as well as to the transit, neighbouring and other States affected by the trafficking of drugs from Afghanistan.
The Security Council also expresses its concern at the increasing risk of the spread of HIV/AIDS associated with drug abuse in the region and beyond.
The Security Council stresses that security will be enhanced by continued coordinated efforts to combat the production of illicit drugs in Afghanistan, as well as to interdict narco-trafficking beyond its borders. The Council recognizes that the effort to counter the problem of drugs originating in Afghanistan will only be effective when it is integrated into the wider context of reconstruction and development programmes in the country.
The Security Council expresses its concern, that despite the efforts pursued, volume of illegal opium production inside Afghanistan in year 2002 has returned to former high levels. The Council notes with concern the assessment contained in the Opium Rapid Assessment Survey of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that opium poppy cultivation has been reported in several districts of Afghanistan for the first time. The Council stresses the need to promote the comprehensive international approach, carried out, inter alia, under the auspices of the United Nations and through other international fora, in support of the Afghan Transitional Administration’s Drugs Strategy to eliminate the illicit cultivation of opium poppy. The Council also supports the fight against illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors within Afghanistan and in neighbouring States and countries along trafficking routes, including increased cooperation among them to strengthen anti-narcotic controls to curb the drug flow. Extensive efforts have also to be made to reduce the demand of drugs globally in order to contribute to the sustainability of the elimination of illicit cultivation in Afghanistan. The Council welcomes the comprehensive drug strategy for Afghanistan as set out in the Transitional Administration’s Drugs Strategy and calls for help to be provided within the framework of that strategy. The Council also welcomes the ‘Paris Pact’ (S/2003/641) introduced at the International Conference on Drug Routes From Central Asia to Europe held in Paris on 21-22 May 2003, and thanks the Government of France for convening the Conference.
The Security Council expresses support for the commitment by the Afghan Transitional Administration to eliminate drug production by the year 2013 and its efforts to implement the decrees prohibiting the cultivation, production and processing of the opium poppy, including illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.
The Security Council welcomes the significant contribution by the UNODC and notes that the work of this Office in Afghanistan is restrained by the lack of general stability and security in the opium growing areas of that country which the international community as a whole should endeavour to ensure. The Council further welcomes projects under way by individual states to counter the threat of drugs in Afghanistan. Most of these projects are long-term, which is vital to eliminate drugs on a sustainable basis. The Council underscores the pressing need to achieve as soon as possible a significant and sustainable decrease in opium production in Afghanistan.
The Security Council acknowledges the necessity of coordination through the lead nation on this and all issues in Afghanistan; and expresses in this regard its gratitude to the United Kingdom and Germany for their work on counternarcotics and police issues, respectively.
The Security Council recognizes the problems caused to neighbouring countries, by the increase in Afghan opium production as well as the efforts made by them and other countries to interdict illicit drugs.
The Security Council stresses the need to promote effective realization of anti-drug projects for Afghanistan. These efforts can be reinforced through promulgation of a comprehensive programme of action in the region and the states of transit and destination. The Council notes in this regard a major coordinating capacity available with the UNODC, and calls upon all those concerned to cooperate with the UNODC in order to adopt harmonized measures in this area. The Council notes the call for all those concerned to adopt compatible and harmonized measures for law enforcement and counternarcotics efforts through support for implementation of the Afghan Transitional Administration’s Drugs Strategy and the ‘Paris Pact’, supported by the G-8 Summit in Evian on 3 June 2003. The Council urges donor States to work within such a consultative process to maximize the effects of their bilateral and multilateral assistance programmes.
The Security Council urges the international community, in collaboration with the UNODC and in accordance with the Afghan Transitional Administration’s Drugs Strategy, to provide assistance to the Afghan Transitional Administration that addresses, inter alia, certain key areas, including development of alternative livelihood and markets, improving national institutional capacities, enforcing prohibitions on illicit cultivation, manufacturing, and trafficking of drugs, encouraging demand reduction, and building up the effective use of intelligence including aerospace monitoring.
The Security Council urges the international community, in collaboration with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UNODC to encourage cooperation among affected countries, specifically in strengthening border controls, assisting the flow of information between and among appropriate security and law enforcement agencies, combating groups involved in illicit drug trafficking and related crimes, particularly money-laundering, carrying out operational interdiction activities and controlled deliveries, encouraging demand reduction, and coordinating information and intelligence to maximize the effectiveness of all measures taken inside Afghanistan and beyond its borders.
The Security Council invites the Secretary-General to include in his next report to the Security Council and the General Assembly on the situation in Afghanistan a summary of proposals made during its 4774th meeting held on 17 June 2003 and any commentary and response to these proposals by any Member State and to submit his relevant recommendations to the Security Council for its consideration.
The Security Council decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/PRST/2003/8 ‘Putting back on track’ Guinea-Bissau’s peace-building agenda
Date: 19 June 2003 Meeting: 4776
The Security Council, recalling its previous statements on Guinea-Bissau, including the statement of its President of 29 November 2000 (S/PRST/2000/37), having considered the report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peace-Building Support Office in that country (S/2003/621), and anticipating the Council mission to Guinea-Bissau, expresses its concern with regard to the fragile political situation in Guinea-Bissau, to the persistent economic and social crisis and to continuing disturbing information regarding the human rights situation. It urges the country’s leaders and the international community to work more purposefully together to ensure that the development, humanitarian and peace-building agendas are quickly put back on track.
The Security Council appeals to the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau to timely and effectively organize the forthcoming legislative elections and to ensure that these elections are conducted in a transparent, fair and credible manner, in accordance with the Constitution and the electoral law. It is the Council’s expectation that candidates as well as political parties will not be subjected to violence and intimidation, and that the presence of international observers at these elections will be acceptable to all parties. The Council also expresses the hope that following the successful conduct of the elections, the Government will embark on additional concrete measures to show further proof of its commitment to democracy and the rule of law by promulgating the new Constitution and by having the President and Vice-President of the Supreme Court duly elected without further delay.
The Security Council calls on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to take the necessary steps to facilitate a constructive dialogue with the international community and the Bretton Woods institutions and to fully endorse the partnership approach defined by the ad hoc advisory group of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on Guinea-Bissau.
The Security Council appeals to the donor community to contribute financially to the implementation of the political and economical process in Guinea-Bissau, including necessary support for the legislative elections.
The Security Council expresses its concern with regard to the situation of human rights and civil liberties, and urges the Government of Guinea-Bissau to take the necessary measures in order to improve this situation. It stresses the importance that freedom of speech and freedom of the press be fully respected.
The Security Council acknowledges the importance of the regional dimension in the solution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in that regard, calls on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Organization of Portuguese Speaking African Countries (PALOPS) to further strengthen their involvement and expresses its intention to intensify its cooperation with these organizations.
The Security Council welcomes the willingness of President Kumba Yala to host negotiations on the issue of Casamance and appeals to him to continue to cooperate constructively with the Government of Senegal in order to contribute to a solution of this issue.
The Security Council recognizes and commends the important role played by the Representative of the Secretary-General as well as by the United Nations country team towards helping consolidate peace, democracy and the rule of law, and expresses its appreciation for their activities.
The Security Council expresses its full support to the forthcoming mission to Guinea-Bissau, to be led by the Permanent Representative of Mexico, and which will be the first part of an overall mission to West Africa, and looks forward to its conclusions and recommendations.
The Security Council expresses its intention to keep the situation in Guinea-Bissau under regular review.
S/PRST/2003/9 Situation in Middle East
Date: 26 June 2003 Meeting: 4779
In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:
“As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2003/655) states in paragraph 12: “ ... the situation in the Middle East is very tense and is likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached”. That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.”
S/PRST/2003/10 Cooperation by Ethiopia and Eritrea with Boundary Commission
Date: 17 July 2003 Meeting: 4787
The Security Council, recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President regarding the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as the conclusions of the Security Council mission to Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2002, welcomes the Secretary-General’s progress report of 23 June 2003 (S/2003/665).
The Security Council reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and its support for the 13 April 2002 delimitation decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC).
The Security Council welcomes the public commitment of both parties to a full and expeditious implementation of the Algiers Agreement of 12 December 2000, and reaffirms the Council’s commitment to contribute to the completion of the peace process. The Council welcomes the parties’ acceptance of the 13 April 2002 delimitation decision as final and binding.
The Security Council welcomes that the situation in the Temporary Security Zone has remained calm and that the parties have cooperated well with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with UNMEE. The Council reiterates its serious concern about outstanding issues referred to in the Secretary-General’s report, in particular some restrictions on the freedom of movement of UNMEE that remain and the continuing absence of a direct high altitude flight route for UNMEE aircraft between Asmara and Addis Ababa, resulting in additional costs to the mission.
The Security Council supports the Secretary-General’s observation in his progress report (S/2003/665) that expeditious demarcation of the border is crucial, and expresses concern at the delays so far, particularly given UNMEE’s operational cost at a time of growing demands on UN peacekeeping. Delays would be contrary to the wish of both parties to achieve lasting peace and stability as manifested in the Algiers Agreement.
The Security Council urges the parties to provide their full and prompt cooperation to the Boundary Commission for the beginning of demarcation in Sector East and for the initiation of survey work in Sectors Centre and West. The Council calls upon the parties to pursue any matters that may arise in connection with the implementation of the Boundary Commission’s delimitation decision within the provisions of the Algiers Agreement.
The Security Council encourages the parties to continue their cooperation with the Military Coordination Commission in order to resolve military and security coordination issues arising from the Boundary Commission’s activities. The Security Council welcomes assurances given by both parties regarding the provision of security for the Boundary Commission’s staff and contractors operating in the Temporary Security Zone and adjacent areas during demarcation.
The Security Council regrets the absence of political contacts between the parties. It believes that political dialogue between the two countries is crucial for the success of the peace process and the consolidation of progress made thus far. The Council calls on both parties to normalize their relationship through political dialogue, including confidence-building measures such as holding alternating meetings of the Military Coordination Commission in each other’s capital.
The Council underlines the United Nations readiness to facilitate political dialogue if requested and to offer strong support in addressing the humanitarian and development challenges that would result from the demarcation of the border.
The Security Council encourages UNMEE to continue its local outreach activities in order to provide valuable information about the peace process and mine awareness programmes to the local population. The Council welcomes UNMEE’s intention to continue quick-impact projects, which provide direct assistance to communities in the border regions, and welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendation contained in paragraph 22 of his report. The Council, expressing appreciation to those Member States that have already provided contributions to the Trust Fund for the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Border and to the Trust Fund to Support the Peace Process in Ethiopia and Eritrea, calls on Member States in a position to do so to urgently provide further support to these Trust Funds.
The Security Council is concerned about the serious shortfall of resources received in response to the consolidated appeals to address the humanitarian consequences of the drought in Ethiopia and Eritrea and calls on Member States and the international community to contribute generously to these appeals.
S/PRST/2003/11 Need to implement peace and ceasefire agreements in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 25 July 2003 Meeting: 4793
The Security Council reiterates the need for Ivorian political forces to implement fully and without delay all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, as well as those of the agreement signed in Accra on 8 March 2003 (“Accra II”), with a view to open, free and transparent elections being held in 2005. The Council takes note with satisfaction of the formation of a government of national reconciliation and the progress made, particularly the identification of cantonment areas and the delegation of powers to the Prime Minister, and is looking forward to new progress in accordance with the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. The Council also welcomes the “joint declaration by Côte d’Ivoire defense and security forces and the armed forces of the Forces Nouvelles” of 4 July 2003 (S/2003/704).
The Security Council emphasizes, however, that much remains to be done to achieve the full implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. In this regard, the Council endorses the recommendations of its mission to West Africa (S/2003/668). The Council calls on Ivorian political forces to redouble their efforts in the following areas: voting for the amnesty bill submitted to the National Assembly by the Government, the complete implementation of a “disarmament, demobilization and reintegration” programme, the extension of public services and the authority of the State to areas still under control of the Forces Nouvelles, the appointment of ministers for defence and interior security, the guarantee of equal security for all ministers, the dismantling of militias throughout the country and the termination of the activities of mercenaries and of the purchase of weapons.
The Security Council renews its support and encouragement to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire. It asks him to keep the Council closely informed of developments towards the full implementation of the above objectives. It is pleased that the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI) is now operational and hopes it will soon be fully staffed, including in such crucial areas as the political and human rights components.
The Security Council reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France in contributing to a peaceful solution to the crisis. It welcomes in particular the satisfactory deployment of their peacekeeping forces in the western part of the country to support the implementation of the ceasefire reached on 3 May. The Council calls on Member States to continue to respond to the appeal made at the donors’ conference in Paris on 18 July, attended by the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and to provide logistic and financial support to ECOMICI so that it can continue to fulfil its important mandate.
The Security Council invites donor countries to contribute to the reconstruction of Côte d’Ivoire in compliance with the commitments undertaken at Kleber.
The Security Council expresses its concern at the continued existence of regional factors of instability, particularly the use of mercenaries and child soldiers, and the spread of small arms and light weapons which prevent a lasting solution to the crisis in the region. The Council requests the Secretary-General to submit recommendations to the Council as soon as possible on ways to combat such subregional and cross-border problems, focusing in particular on better coordination of United Nations efforts.
The Security Council is convinced that a lasting solution to the problems of the subregion also requires genuine cooperation among all States concerned, together with confidence-building measures and the personal commitment of heads of State in the subregion.
S/PRST/2003/12 Endorsement of recommendations of Council missions to Central and West Africa
Date: 25 July 2003 Meeting; 4794
The Security Council welcomes the recommendations made in the reports of its mission to Central Africa from 7 to 16 June 2003 (S/2003/653) and its mission to West Africa from 26 June to 5 July 2003 (S/2003/688).
The Security Council endorses the recommendations of these two missions which fall within its area of responsibility and wishes to see them implemented. It has already taken the relevant recommendations into account in preparing its resolution renewing and strengthening the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Where responsibility for implementation falls to others, the Council looks forward to working in partnership with them, including United Nations agencies and programmes; Governments in Central Africa and West Africa; regional and subregional organizations, notably the Economic Community of West African States; donor countries; non-governmental organizations; and civil society. The Council invites them to keep it informed about their efforts at implementation, so that the Council can support them and take any further action necessary.
The Security Council emphasizes the importance of a subregional approach to issues such as small arms and light weapons, mercenaries, child soldiers and humanitarian access. It stresses that follow-up activity by the United Nations will require close cooperation and coordination throughout the United Nations system. Action in these areas should also involve the appropriate organizations, especially in West Africa.
The Security Council invites the Secretary-General to follow up those recommendations which lie within his responsibility, and would be grateful for a report on progress by 30 November 2003.
“The Security Council recognizes that resources may be needed to implement its recommendations. Therefore it will continue to encourage donor countries in a position to do so to support such efforts, and to assist regional and subregional organizations in this respect.
The Security Council intends to review progress in implementing the recommendations in December 2003.
S/PRST/2003/13 Condemnation of terrorist attack against UN headquarters in Baghdad
Date: 20 August 2003 Meeting; 4811
The Security Council unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack that took place on 19 August 2003 against the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad and thereby against the international community as a whole, causing numerous deaths and injuries among international personnel and Iraqi people.
The Security Council condemns also in the strongest terms the perpetrators of such attack and underlines the need to bring them to justice.
The Security Council pays tribute and expresses its deepest admiration to all those among the United Nations personnel who have lost their lives or have been injured in the service of the United Nations and of the Iraqi people, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families.
The Security Council reaffirms the imperative to respect, in all circumstances, the safety and security of United Nations personnel and the need for adequate security measures to be taken in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms its determination to assist the Iraqi people to build peace and justice in their country and to determine their own political future by themselves. It welcomes in this regard the determination of the United Nations to continue its operation in Iraq to fulfil its mandate in the service of the Iraqi people, and will not be intimidated by such attacks.
S/PRST/2003/14 Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Liberia
Date: 27 August 2003 Meeting: 4815
The Security Council welcomes the briefing provided by representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana Nana Akufo Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire Mamadou Bamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea François Fall, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Oluyemi Adeniji, Permanent Representative of Senegal Ambassador Papa Louis Fall, and Executive Secretary of ECOWAS Ambassador Mohamed Ibn Chambas, on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement reached in Accra, Ghana on 18 August 2003.
The Security Council welcomes the Comprehensive Peace Agreement reached by Liberia’s Government, rebel groups, political parties, and civil society leaders in Accra, Ghana on 18 August 2003.
The Security Council appreciates the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly organization Chairman and President of Ghana John Kufuor, Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and mediator General Abdulsalami Abubakar in negotiating this agreement.
The Security Council remains concerned at the situation in Liberia, particularly the continuing dire humanitarian situation of much of the population. It calls on all parties to allow full, secure and unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies and personnel.
The Security Council again stresses the need to create a secure environment that enables respect for human rights, including the well-being and rehabilitation of children especially child combatants, protects the well-being of civilians, and supports the mission of humanitarian workers.
The Security Council pays tribute to the donors that are supporting the deployment of ECOMIL, encourages all Member States to provide financial, logistical and material support to the Member States participating in the ECOWAS-led force, and calls on the donor community to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those in need in Liberia.
The Security Council urges all parties to respect fully the ceasefire and to implement fully all their commitments under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Accra on 18 August, including through full cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States’ Mission in Liberia (ECOMIL), the United Nations, the International Contact Group on Liberia (ICGL), the African Union (AU), and the United States to establish a Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), which is a critical aspect of the Liberian peace process, as required under the Accra agreement.
The Security Council reaffirms its readiness as stated in paragraph 2 of its resolution 1497 of 1 August 2003 (S/RES/1497) to establish a follow-on United Nations stabilization force to support the transitional government and to assist in the implementation of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Liberia.
S/PRST/2003/15 Justice and rule of law in post-conflict societies
Date; 24 September 2003 Meeting: 4833
The Security Council met at Ministerial level on 24 September 2003 to consider ‘Justice and the Rule of Law: the United Nations Role’. Ministers expressed their respective views and understandings on, and reaffirmed the vital importance of these issues, recalling the repeated emphasis given to them in the work of the Council, for example in the context of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, in relation to peacekeeping operations and in connection with international criminal justice.
The statements made on 24 September demonstrated the abundant wealth of relevant experience and expertise that exists within the United Nations system and in the Member States. Ministers considered that it would be appropriate to examine further how to harness and direct this expertise and experience so that it was more readily accessible to the Council, to the wider United Nations membership and to the international community as a whole, so that the lessons and experience of the past could be, as appropriate, learned and built on. The Council welcomed in particular the offer by the Secretary-General to provide a report which could guide and inform further consideration of these matters.
The Council invites all Members of the United Nations, and other parts of the United Nations system with relevant experience and expertise, to contribute to this process of reflection and analysis on these matters, beginning with the further meeting on this subject which will be convened on 30 September 2003.
S/PRST/2003/16 Agreements between Sudan, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army
Date: 10 October 2003 Meeting: 4839
The Security Council welcomes the agreement on security arrangements reached in Naivasha (Kenya) between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). The Council reiterates its welcome for the signing of the Machakos Protocol which represents a viable basis for a resolution of the conflict in Sudan. The Security Council looks forward to the successful conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement, based on the Machakos Protocol. The Council further expresses its appreciation of the key role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), under the leadership of the Kenyan President, the Kenyan Special Envoy, the envoys of the other IGAD member States and the International Observers in the Sudan Peace Talks.
The Security Council also welcomes the continuation of the ceasefire and the establishment of the Verification and Monitoring Team, Joint Monitoring Commission and the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team and encourages member States in a position to do so to contribute financial and logistical resources.
The Security Council assures the parties of its readiness to support them in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement and requests the Secretary-General, in this connection, to initiate preparatory work, as soon as possible, in consultation with the parties, the IGAD facilitators and the International Observers, on how the United Nations could best fully support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement.
S/PRST/2003/17 Briefing by Counter-Terrorism Committee
Date: 16 October 2003 Meeting: 4845
The Security Council welcomes the briefing by the Chairman of the CTC on the work of the Committee.
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council recalls the statement of its President of 4 April 2003 (S/PRST/2003/3), which recorded its intention to review the structure and activities of the CTC no later than 4 October 2003. The Council confirms the continuation of the current arrangements for the Bureau of the Committee for a further six months. It invites the Counter-Terrorism Committee to pursue its agenda as set out in the work programme for the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s ninth 90-day period (S/2003/995), focusing on practical measures designed to increase the means available to States to combat terrorism, helping States identify the problems faced by States in implementing resolution 1373, attempting to find solutions to them, working to increase the number of States which are parties to the international conventions and protocols related to counter-terrorism, and deepening its dialogue with international, regional, and subregional organizations active in the areas covered by the resolution. The Security Council invites these organizations to continue to find ways of improving their collective action against terrorism and, where appropriate, to work with donor States to establish suitable programmes.
The Security Council notes that 48 Member States are late in submitting their reports, as called for in resolution 1373 (2001). It calls on them urgently to do so, in order to maintain the universality of response which resolution 1373 (2001) requires. By 31 October 2003 the chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee will send to the Security Council the list of the States which at that date are late in submitting their reports.
The Security Council invites the Counter-Terrorism Committee to continue reporting on its activities at regular intervals and expresses its intention to review the structure and activities of the CTC no later than 4 April 2004.
S/PRST/2003/18 Funding renovation of prison facilities by Rwanda Tribunal
Date: 27 October 2003 Meeting: 4849
The Security Council notes the invitation of the General Assembly contained in operative paragraph 7 of its resolution 57/289 of 20 December 2002 that it address uncertainties regarding the power of the International Tribunal for Rwanda under its Statute to finance the upgrading of prison accommodation in which persons convicted by the Tribunal are to serve their sentences.
The Security Council confirms that it is within the lawful powers of the International Tribunal for Rwanda under its Statute to fund the renovation and refurbishment of prison facilities in States that have concluded agreements with the United Nations for the carrying out of prison sentences of the Tribunal. Such funds shall be used to bring up to international minimum standards the prison accommodation to be occupied or used pursuant to those agreements.
The Security Council will remain seized of this matter.
S/PRST/2003/19 Agreement on viable government, durable solution to conflict in Somalia
Date: 11 November 2003 Meeting: 4856
The Security Council, recalling its previous decisions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statement of its President of 12 March 2003 (S/PRST/2003/2) and welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 13 October 2003 (S/2003/987), reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia, and its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the country, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council reiterates its firm support for the Somali National Reconciliation Process launched under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and led by Kenya. The Council commends the progress made and acknowledges the challenges ahead.
The Security Council welcomes the relevant decisions made by the 10th Summit of IGAD and the
1st Ministerial Meeting of the IGAD Facilitation Committee on the Somali Peace Process in October 2003.
The Security Council urges all Somali leaders to participate constructively in the Leaders Meeting planned by the IGAD Facilitation Committee in Kenya in November 2003 to bridge their differences and to reach agreements on a viable government and a durable and inclusive solution to the conflict in Somalia.
The Security Council commends the Government of Kenya for its crucial role in facilitating the Somali National Reconciliation Process, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for joining in the facilitation work, and encourages the Facilitation Committee to work concertedly towards a successful conclusion of the Process.
The Security Council also commends the support given by the African Union to the Somali National Reconciliation Process, including its participation in the Process and its commitment to deploy a military observer mission to Somalia once a comprehensive agreement is reached.
The Security Council calls on the international community to continue its efforts to support IGAD in its facilitation of the Somali National Reconciliation Process, and calls on the donor countries to contribute to the Process, the Trust Fund for Peace-building in Somalia and the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Somalia.
The Security Council expresses serious concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Somalia, and calls on the Somali leaders to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance and to assure the safety of all international and national aid workers.
The Security Council welcomes the forthcoming mission of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) to Somalia and States in the region from 11 to 21 November 2003 as a step towards giving full effect to the arms embargo. The Council calls on relevant States and organizations to cooperate with the above mission.
The Security Council reiterates that a comprehensive peace-building programme with special emphasis on disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration will be important to post-conflict Somali.
The Security Council expresses its readiness to assist the Somali parties and support IGAD in implementation of the agreements reached in the Somali National Reconciliation Process.
S/PRST/2003/20 Slowdown of peace process in Cote d’Ivoire
Date: 13 November 2003 Meeting: 4857
The Security Council urges all Ivorian political forces to implement fully, without delay or precondition all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement as well as those of the agreement reached in Accra on 8 March 2003 (“Accra II”) with a view to open, free and transparent elections being held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2005.
The Security Council notes with satisfaction the progress made since the statement by its President on 25 July, in particular the appointment of Ministers of Interior and Defence, the adoption of the amnesty bill by the National Assembly, the reopening of the border with Mali and Burkina Faso, and the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers on 16 October to restore public order and reform the statute of Ivorian radio and television (RTI).
The Security Council expresses its serious concern, however, that the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement has slowed down. It emphasizes in particular the importance of the entire Government of National Reconciliation meeting as soon as possible in order to implement fully the content of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. It reaffirms in this context the urgency of carrying out the cantonment operations of the forces involved, to allow the beginning of disarmament and demobilization, accompanied by measures for reintegration into the regular army or civilian life.
The Security Council further emphasizes the urgent need to begin reforming land law and electoral rules, restore public services and the authority of the State throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire, and end the use of mercenaries and the illicit purchase of weapons in violation of national laws.
The Security Council condemns firmly the grave human rights violations. It further condemns the murder of a French journalist on 21 October in Abidjan. The Security Council calls for a full investigation by the Ivorian authorities of this crime and punishment of the perpetrators in accordance with the law. It also calls on them to ensure that organs of the press and groups which sponsor them refrain from encouraging any remark that might incite hatred or violence.
The Security Council expresses its concern for the grave humanitarian situation in the field. In this context, the Council supports the activities of all United Nations agencies aimed at assisting the Ivorian people.
The Security Council further condemns the hostile acts against United Nations personnel in Bouaké and Man on 24 and 25 October last, and recalls that all the parties are obliged, by resolution 1479 (2003), to cooperate with the special political mission established by the Security Council, the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI), and to ensure freedom of movement of its personnel.
The Security Council reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), France and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General with a view to stabilizing the country and seeking a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Council welcomes in particular the recent initiatives of the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria and the holding of a regional summit in Accra on 11 November 2003 to address security problems in the region.
The Security Council commends the action of the forces of ECOWAS and France, and that of MINUCI and pays tribute to the commitment and dedication shown by their personnel. It also welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Office for West Africa and of all United Nations Missions in the region to coordinate their action in order to address regional issues in an appropriate manner. It expresses its intention to examine the recommendations by the Secretary-General on ways to facilitate peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.
S/PRST/2003/21 Condemnation of exploitation of natural resources in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 19 November 2003 Meeting: 4863
The Security Council,
Takes note of the final report (S/2003/1027) of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the Panel), which concludes its work, and emphasizes the connection, in the context of the continuing conflict, between the illegal exploitation of natural resources and trafficking in raw materials and arms, which the Panel has highlighted;
Condemns the continuing illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the eastern part of the country, recalls that it has always categorically condemned these activities, which are one of the main elements perpetuating the conflict, and reaffirms the importance of stopping them by exerting, if need be, the necessary pressure on the armed groups, traffickers and all other actors involved;
Urges all States concerned, especially those in the region, to take the appropriate steps to end these illegal activities, by proceeding with their own investigations, on the basis, in particular, of information and documentation accumulated by the Panel during its work and forwarded to governments, including through judicial means where possible, and, if necessary, to report to the Council;
Reaffirms its determination to closely monitor compliance with the arms embargo imposed in resolution 1493 of 28 July 2003 and expresses its intention to address the problem posed by the illicit flow of weapons into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including by considering the possible establishment of a monitoring mechanism;
Emphasizes that the prompt re-establishment, by the Government of National Unity and Transition, of State authority throughout the territory, and the establishment of competent administrations to protect and control exploitation activities will constitute decisive elements for ending the plundering of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
Encourages the Government of National Unity and Transition to implement the resolutions adopted in Sun City in April 2002 within the framework of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue;
Encourages States, trade-sector organizations and specialized bodies to monitor the trade in raw materials from the region in order to put an end to the plundering of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly within the framework of the Kimberley process;
Encourages States, the international financial community and the international organizations concerned to provide the aid needed to the Government of National Unity and Transition and to cooperate closely with it in order to support the establishment of national institutions capable of ensuring that the natural resources are exploited transparently to effectively benefit the Congolese people;
Expresses the wish that convening at an appropriate time an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa will encourage the promotion of regional cooperation to the benefit of all States concerned;
Expresses its intention to continue following closely this situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
S/PRST/2003/22 Mine action in mandates of peacekeeping operations
Date: 19 November 2003 Meeting: 4864
The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the harmful and widespread impact of landmines and unexploded ordnance on civilian populations, especially children, and on humanitarian workers and United Nations staff, and, in this regard, stresses the vital importance of eliminating the threat of landmines.
The Security Council recognizes the long-term consequences of landmines and unexploded ordnance for durable peace, security and development.
The Security Council welcomes the effective coordination of mine action activities within the United Nations system and the important mandate of the United Nations Mine Action Service of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, in particular the role of UNMAS in ensuring the coordination of mine action throughout the United Nations system and the provision of support to multidimensional peace operations, as well as the role of UNDP in addressing the problem from a development perspective, and providing technical, management and resource mobilization assistance to Governments of mine-affected States, and the role of UNICEF as the lead agency for mine risk education. The Council also recognizes the significant contribution to mine action made by States, international and regional organizations and local and international non-governmental organizations.
The Security Council urges all Member States to respect relevant international law that addresses landmines and unexploded ordnance, and the rights of persons affected by them, stressing the importance of international technical assistance in helping mine-affected States to harmonize their domestic laws with international obligations.
The Security Council urges all parties to armed conflicts to abide by their mine-related commitments, and to cooperate to the fullest extent possible, with mine risk education and mine-clearing activities, and to ensure that abandoned stockpiles are adequately guarded, or destroyed.
The Security Council encourages Governments whose countries are affected by the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance to include a mine action impact assessment in all development planning and to incorporate a strategic plan for mine action in the national development plan and poverty reduction strategies.
The Security Council recognizes that mine action can play an important role in peace-building and confidence-building in post-conflict situations and encourages mine-affected States to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations, relevant non-governmental organizations, and civil society, where appropriate.
The Security Council calls upon the Secretary-General to provide information on the scope and humanitarian impact of the mine and unexploded ordnance problem in all relevant country-specific reports to the Security Council, and expresses its readiness to consider mine action concerns in all of its country-specific deliberations, as appropriate.
The Security Council notes the importance of ensuring that the provision of technical advice and support for mine action is reflected in the mandates and personnel planning for peacekeeping operations and expresses its intention to address mine action concerns in the mandates and personnel planning for peacekeeping operations whenever appropriate.
The Security Council recognizes the contribution that peacekeeping personnel can make in the areas of mine risk education and demining and calls upon troop-contributing countries, where appropriate, to train selected personnel to demine in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards.
The Security Council recognizes the important role mine action can play in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts by employing former soldiers in mine action programmes and encourages the Secretary-General to consider including mine action in DDR initiatives and to reflect such proposals in his reports to the Security Council, as appropriate.
The Security Council urges Member States, as appropriate, to provide adequate and sustained financial assistance to support mine action and alleviate the suffering of populations affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, and whenever possible, increase their support through further contributions to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action and calls particular attention to the need to address the socio-economic, physical and psychosocial reintegration of landmine survivors, the need to facilitate the orderly return of refugees and internally displaced persons affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, the need to restore land to productive use, and the need to prioritize mine action efforts to enable the risk-free movement of people and goods.
The Security Council considers that a comprehensive and coordinated approach by Member States, the United Nations, regional and local organizations is required to address the threat and the impact of mines and unexploded ordnance.
To this end, the Council supports the general review made by the General Assembly on this matter since 1993 and invites the Secretary-General to address this subject, as needed, in his reports on the general activities of peacekeeping operations.
S/PRST/2003/23 Support for international conference on Great Lakes region
Date: 20 November 2003 Meeting: 4865
The Security Council recalls its Presidential Statement of 24 April 1997 (S/PRST/1997/22) and its other relevant statements and resolutions calling for the holding at an appropriate time of an international conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa, with the participation of all Governments of the region of the Great Lakes and Central Africa and all others concerned, to be organized under the aegis of the United Nations and African Union, with a view to achieving a sustainable peace, security and stability for all countries in the region, in particular through the full normalization of their relations and the establishment of confidence building measures and mechanisms.
The Security Council considers that the holding of the proposed conference will help build on the progress made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi peace processes to achieve lasting peace and promote the national reconciliation processes in all countries concerned in the region.
The Security Council welcomes the progress made towards the convening of the proposed conference, expresses satisfaction at the fact that the countries of the region have launched the preparatory process of the conference with the first meeting of their national coordinators, held in June 2003 in Nairobi, and considers it now crucial to follow up this initial step with intensified efforts. It takes note with appreciation of the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Mr. Ibrahima Fall, and welcomes the offer made by the government of Tanzania to host a summit during the year 2004.
The Security Council encourages the governments concerned, with the support of their civil societies, their neighbours and development partners, to continue their efforts to bring about a successful conference, based on a regional, all-inclusive and action-oriented approach. It stresses the importance of the participation in this conference of all States concerned, in particular those neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi, and encourages the States in the region to reach early agreement on participation in the conference.
The Security Council emphasizes the relevance to the proposed conference of the Solemn Declaration of the Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA) adopted by the Organization of African Unity Lomé Summit in July 2000, of the Maputo Decision adopted by the Executive Council of the African Union in July 2003 and of the Declaration of Principles on Good-Neighbourly relations and Cooperation adopted by the Governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda in New York on 25 September 2003, as well as of the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
The Security Council appeals to the countries of the region and to the international community to provide sustained political and diplomatic support as well as adequate technical and financial assistance so that the conference is well prepared, timely, and that effective follow-up actions are taken. It commends the active partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in all aspects relating to the preparation of the proposed conference, and welcomes the appointment of Mr. Keli Walubita as Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the Great Lakes region.
The Security Council calls on the countries of the region and the members of the international community to support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region and the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the Great Lakes region, and expresses its gratitude to the Secretary-General for keeping it informed of developments in the region and requests him to continue to do so on a regular basis.
S/PRST/2003/24 Termination of ‘oil-for-food’ programme
Date: 20 November 2003 Meeting: 4868
The Security Council has heard the Secretary-General’s statement and has considered the briefing by the Executive Director of the Iraq Programme on the termination on 21 November 2003 of the United Nations humanitarian programme for Iraq (the Programme) and the transfer of the responsibility for the administration of any remaining activity under the Programme to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in accordance with Security Council resolution 1483 (2003).
The Security Council underlines the exceptionally important role of the Programme in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq under the regime of sanctions imposed by the Security Council on the previous Government of Iraq. Under this unique programme the value of humanitarian goods delivered to Iraq during the period from December 1996 through March 2003 amounted to about 30 billion United States dollars. Those deliveries made it possible to provide to the Iraqi people essential foods and medicines, as well as to supply various equipment and materials for the key sectors of the Iraqi economy. Purchases under the Programme will in the next few months play a key role in the economic reconstruction of Iraq by providing vital goods in the amount of more than 6 billion United States dollars.
The Security Council expresses its deep gratitude to the Secretary-General, the Office of the Iraq Programme, to United Nations personnel who worked on the ground in Iraq, and to all other United Nations agencies and structures involved, and applauds their commitment and professionalism. It also thanks the Chairmen and Members of the 661 Committee, for their dedicated efforts to implement the Programme since its inception, and in implementing resolution 1483 (2003).
The Security Council emphasizes the need for continued international efforts aimed at the reconstruction of Iraq and, in this context, takes note with satisfaction of the statements made by the representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom on the measures which the Coalition Provisional Authority intends to take in order to continue the payment mechanisms and the deliveries under the Programme.
The Security Council recognizes the important role of the United Nations in coordinating the termination of the Programme, including the transfer at the earliest possible time of all surplus funds in the escrow accounts to the Development Fund for Iraq.
The Security Council recalls the vital role foreseen for the United Nations in resolutions 1483 (2003), 1500 (2003) and 1511 (2003), as circumstances permit, inter alia, in the areas of humanitarian assistance, facilitation of economic rehabilitation and reconstruction.
S/PRST/2003/25 Observance of ceasefire in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 4 December 2003 Meeting: 4875
The Security Council is gravely concerned by attempts on the part of armed elements, observed on November 29 and 30 by ECOWAS and French forces, to cross the cease-fire line, and by the serious consequences that could arise as a result,
The Security Council reiterates its full support for the ECOWAS and French forces and lauds their action to prevent those attempts, in accordance with resolutions 1464 and 1498,
The Security Council strongly underscores to all the Ivorian parties their fundamental responsibility to respect the cease-fire in accordance with the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement,
The Security Council calls on all the parties to refrain from any act that might compromise the respect of the cease-fire and the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, as well as any incitement to such acts,
The Security Council reiterates the urgent need for all the parties to take all possible measures to accelerate the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. In this context, it once again underscores the importance of having the Forces nouvelles return and participate fully in the government of national reconciliation, and that the full government meets immediately and takes steps in order to implement all the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. It also reaffirms the urgent need to conduct operations to canton the forces on the ground, in order to begin disarmament and demobilization, accompanied by measures to facilitate their reintegration into the regular army or into civilian life,
The Security Council reiterates in this regard its intention to consider the Secretary General’s recommendations on the means of facilitating peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire,
The Council welcomes the commitments undertaken by President Laurent Gbagbo in his speech on November 27, in which he reaffirmed his intention to implement without delay the provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, and expects the fulfilment of those commitments,
The Security Council calls on all parties in Côte d’Ivoire and countries of the region to guarantee the safety and full access of humanitarian agencies personnel working in the field during the consolidation of the peace process.
S/PRST/2003/26 Support for ‘Standards before Status’ Kosovo policy
Date: 12 December 2003 Meeting: 4880
The Security Council welcomes the launching of a review mechanism, under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as presented on 5 November in Pristina and Belgrade, on the initiative of the Contact Group (France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, with representatives from the European Union), giving new momentum to the implementation of the ‘standards before status’ policy that was designed for Kosovo (Serbia and Montenegro), and endorsed by this Council in application of its resolution 1244 (1999).
The Security Council recalls the eight standards, namely: functioning democratic institutions; rule of law; freedom of movement; returns and reintegration; economy; property rights; dialogue with Belgrade; and the Kosovo Protection Corps. The Council in this respect urges the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to participate fully and constructively in the working groups within the framework of the direct dialogue with Belgrade on practical issues of mutual interest, to demonstrate their commitment to the process.
The Security Council supports the ‘Standards for Kosovo’ presented on 10 December 2003. The Council awaits an implementation plan, to be finalized by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his continuing consultation with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, and other relevant parties as appropriate, to be submitted to the Council. The plan should serve as a basis for the assessment of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government’s progress in meeting the standards.
The Security Council takes note that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, within his authority as set out in resolution 1244 (1999), inter alia, in the context of the review mechanism, will continue to consult closely with interested parties, in particular the Contact Group. The Council reaffirms its intention to continue to consider the regular reports of the Secretary-General, including an assessment from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government’s progress towards meeting the standards. The Council takes note that the Contact Group intends to make a substantive contribution to the regular reviews and to submit its assessments to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
The Security Council supports the prospect of a comprehensive review of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government’s progress in meeting the standards. The Council notes that, depending on progress made as assessed during the periodical review, a first opportunity for such a comprehensive review should occur around mid-2005. Reaffirming the ‘standards before status’ policy, the Council stresses that further advancement towards a process to determine future status of Kosovo in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999) will depend on the positive outcome of this comprehensive review. The Council reiterates the primacy of the regulations promulgated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and subsidiary instruments as the law applicable in Kosovo.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Holkeri and calls on the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo and all concerned to cooperate fully with him.
S/PRST/2003/27 Protection of civilians in armed conflict
Date: 15 December 2003 Meeting: 4882
The Security Council recalls its resolutions 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999 and 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000 on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as well as the statements by its President of 12 February 1999 (S/PRST/1999/6), of 15 March 2002 (S/PRST/2002/6) and of 20 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/41), and reaffirms the need to keep the protection of civilians in armed conflict as an important item on the Council’s agenda.
The Security Council also reaffirms its concern at the suffering inflicted upon, and hardships borne by, civilians during armed conflict, and recognizes the consequent impact that this has on durable peace, reconciliation and development. The Security Council strongly condemns all attacks and acts of violence directed against civilians or other protected persons under international law, in particular international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict, including such attacks and acts of violence against women, children, refugees, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups; reaffirms the need for parties to armed conflict to take all possible measures to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations and associated personnel as well as personnel of international humanitarian organizations in accordance with applicable international law; and recognizes that secure humanitarian access and the swift re-establishment of the rule of law, justice and reconciliation are essential components for an effective transition from conflict to peace. The Security Council reiterates its call to all parties to armed conflict to comply fully with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and with the rules and principles of international law, in particular international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, and to implement fully the relevant decisions of the Security Council. The Security Council recalls the obligations of States to respect and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including the four Geneva conventions, and emphasizes the responsibility of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of humanitarian law. The Security Council also notes with interest the proposal presented by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the 9 December open meeting of the Security Council for a ‘10-point action plan’ on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and looks forward to further discussions and consultations on this issue.
Recalling that on 15 March 2002 the Security Council adopted the Aide Memoire annexed in the Statement by its President (S/PRST/2002/6) as a means to facilitate its consideration of issues pertaining to protection of civilians, and recalling further that in the statement by its President of 20 December 2002 (S/PRST/2002/41) the Security Council expressed its willingness to update annually the Aide Memoire in order to reflect emerging trends in the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the Security Council adopts the updated Aide Memoire contained in the annex to this Presidential Statement. The Security Council reiterates the importance of the Aide Memoire as a practical tool that provides a basis for improved analysis and diagnosis of key protection issues during deliberations on peacekeeping mandates, and stresses the need to implement the approaches set out therein on a more regular and consistent basis, taking into account the particular circumstances of each conflict situation, and undertakes to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/PRST/2003/28 Condemnation of killings of Kuwaiti, third-country nationals by previous Iraqi regime
Date: 18 December 2003 Meeting: 4887
The Security Council today heard a briefing from Ambassador Yuli Vorontsov, the Secretary-General’s High-level Coordinator, on the fourteenth report of the Secretary-General in accordance with paragraph 14 of Security Council resolution 1284 (1999).
The Security Council expressed its full support towards Ambassador Vorontsov and for his tireless efforts on the issues of Kuwaiti and third country nationals and the return of all Kuwaiti property. The Security Council agreed that his mandate should continue in accordance with paragraph 14 of resolution 1284 (1999).
The Security Council shared the views expressed by the Secretary-General in his report. The Security Council has strongly condemned the killing of Kuwaiti and third country nationals by the previous Iraqi regime in violation of international law, especially the removal from Kuwait of civilian men and women, their execution in cold blood in remote sites in Iraq and a decade long cover-up of the truth. The Security Council expressed its strong hope that those responsible for these horrendous crimes should be brought to justice.
The Security Council expressed its deep condolences to all of the families of the Kuwaiti and third country nationals. The Security Council expressed its continuing concern for the plight of the families of those persons whose whereabouts are still unknown.
The Security Council stressed the importance of the work of the Coalition Provisional Authority, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Subcommittee and called on all parties concerned to continue to work towards a satisfactory solution to all of the outstanding humanitarian aspects covered by Ambassador Vorontsov’s mandate.
The Security Council expressed its deep regret that Kuwaiti property, including its national archives, has not yet been returned to Kuwait and encouraged the Coalition Provisional Authority and other parties concerned to continue their commitment to the search for, and return of, all Kuwaiti properties and archives, in accordance with paragraph 6 of resolution 1483 (2003). The Security Council agreed to continue to keep Ambassador Vorontsov’s mandate under review and looked forward to receiving his next report.
S/PRST/2003/29 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 22 December 2003 Meeting: 4889
In connection with the resolution just adopted on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, I have been authorized to make the following complementary statement on behalf of the Security Council:
“As is known, the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (S/2003/1148) states in paragraph 11: “The situation in the Middle East is very tense and is likely to remain so unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached.” That statement of the Secretary-General reflects the view of the Security Council.”
S/PRST/2003/30 Support for peace process in Burundi
Date: 22 December 2003 Meeting: 4891
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the peace process of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi (the Arusha Agreement), calls on all the Burundian parties to implement their commitments and assures them of its determination to support their efforts in this direction;
The Security Council welcomes the progress recently made by the Burundian parties, in particular by the signing, in Pretoria, of the 8 October and 2 November 2003 Protocols and by the conclusion, on 16 November 2003 in Dar es Salaam, of the Global Ceasefire Agreement between the Transitional Government and the Forces pour la défense de la démocratie (CNDD-FDD) of Mr. Nkurunziza;
The Security Council welcomes with satisfaction the formation of the new Transitional Government and the participation of the CNDD-FDD in the transitional institutions; it again urges the Forces nationales de libération (Palipehutu-FNL) of Mr. Rwasa, the last rebel group that has not yet joined the peace process of the Arusha Agreement, to do so without further delay;
The Security Council pays tribute to the efforts of the States of the Regional Initiative and of the Facilitation, in particular South Africa, in favour of peace in Burundi; it expresses its support for the mission of the African Union in Burundi and for its South African, Ethiopian and Mozambican contingents, and calls on donors to give it financial, material and logistical support as soon as possible;
The Security Council welcomes the recent mission of the Economic and Social Council’s Ad Hoc Advisory Group, and calls on donors and the international financial community to mobilize during the next Forum of Burundi’s Partners for Development, scheduled for 13 and 14 January 2004 in Brussels, and to honour fully the pledges made so far;
The Security Council expresses its concern at the dire humanitarian situation of the population of Burundi and recalls that all parties involved are responsible for the security of the civilian population, which includes facilitating total, unrestricted and immediate access to the population for the humanitarian organizations;
The Security Council condemns all acts of violence as well as violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and reaffirms its determination to support Burundian efforts to prevent such acts, based on the rule of law, in order to put an end to impunity;
The Security Council takes note of the address made by the Burundian President, Mr. Ndayizéyé, to the Council on 22 September 2003. It takes note also of the request made by the South African Vice-President, Mr. Zuma, on behalf of the States of the Regional Initiative, when he spoke before the Council on 4 December 2003, and which is referred to in paragraph 71 of the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi dated 4 December 2003 (S/2003/1146);
The Security Council welcomes the Secretary-General’s decision to examine the situation with a view to submitting recommendations to the Council, and requests him in this regard to undertake, as soon as he deems it convenient, the appropriate preparatory work and assessment on how the United Nations might provide the most efficient support for the full implementation of the Arusha peace agreement;
The Security Council takes note of the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi; it welcomes the work carried out, in often difficult conditions, by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of the United Nations Office in Burundi, and approves the recommendations of paragraphs 63 to 65 regarding the renewal of the Office’s mandate.
* * *
PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS SUBJECT TO SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION IN 2003
BONUCA United Nations Peace-Building Support Office in the Central African Republic
MINUCI United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire
MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
MONUC United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
UNAMA United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone
UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
UNIKOM United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission
UNMEE United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
UNMIBH United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina
UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
UNMIL United Nations Mission in Liberia
UNMISET United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor
UNOGBIS United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau
UNOMIG United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
INDEXSubject Page
A
Accra Agreement II (2003) 117, 120
Afghanistan
Drug control 110–112
International Security Assistance Force 87–88
UN Assistance Mission, 27–28
Al-Qaida 1, 4
B
Baghdad, Iraq
Bombing See also Terrorism 116
‘Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi’ 64
Bogotá, Colombia
Bombing See also Terrorism 18
Bosnia and Herzegovina
European Union Police Mission 59
General Framework Agreement for Peace 57–59
Stabilization Force 57–58
Burundi 108–109, 128–129
C
Central Africa
Security Council Mission 115–116
Charter of the United Nations (1945) 109
Child soldiers See Children in armed conflicts
Children in armed conflicts 10–12, 24
Civilian persons See also Human rights in armed conflicts 125–127
Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq 89
Conflict diamonds 9–10, 38, 101
Illicit traffic 9–10
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme 9–10, 38, 101
Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel (1994) 75
Côte d'Ivoire 120–121
ECOWAS Mission 72, 115, 121
Forces armées nationales de Côte d'Ivoire 41–42
Peace Agreement See Linas-Marcoussis Agreement (2003)
UN Mission 40–43, 93–94, 121
Counter-Terrorism Committee 4–5, 107–108, 118–119
Criminal investigation 54
Cyprus
Mission of Good Offices of the Secretary-General 34–35
UN Peacekeeping Force 53–54, 95–96
D
Declaration on Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons... in West Africa (2003) 21–22
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bunia 51–52, 73–74
Interim governments 22–24
Ituri 109–110
Kampala Disengagement Plan (2000) 24
Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement (1999) 24
Natural resources 5–8, 72–73, 121–122
Panel of Experts 6–7, 72–73
Pretoria Peace Agreement (2002) 24
UN Organization Mission 22–25, 51–52, 55, 60–63, 109–110
Development Fund for Iraq 48, 50–51, 91
Dispute settlement 109
E
East Timor See Timor-Leste
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 17–18, 21–22, 37–42, 70, 83–85
Military Mission in Liberia, 84, 117
Mission in Côte d'Ivoire 72, 115, 121
ECOWAS Moratorium See Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons (1998)
Eritrea-Ethiopia
Boundary Commission 19–20, 113–114
UN Mission 18–20, 80–81, 114
European Union
Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina 59
F
Forces armées nationales de Côte d'Ivoire (FANCI) 41–42
Former Yugoslavia
International Tribunal 44–45, 76–78
Judges 44–45
Prosecutor 78
Statute 44–45
G
General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995) 57–59
Georgia
'Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi' 64
UN Observer Mission 14–16, 64–66
Great Lakes region (Africa)
Conference on Security, Stability and Development (Proposed) 123–124
Greek Cypriot Community 34
Guinea-Bissau 112–113
H
Human rights in armed conflicts See also Civilian persons 74–76, 126–128
I
Inter-Congolese Dialogue (2002 : Sun City, South Africa) 23, 122
Inter-Congolese Dialogue (2003 : Pretoria) 8, 23
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) 97–98, 106–107, 118–120
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda 35–36, 45, 76–79, 91–93, 119
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan 87–88
International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia 44–45, 76–78
Iraq
'Oil-for-Food' Programme 28–31, 35, 49, 124–125
Coalition Provisional Authority 89
Development Fund 48, 50–51, 91
Financial assets 96
Humanitarian assistance 28–31, 35, 49, 124–125
Sanctions 28–31, 35, 46–51, 96
Security Council Committee Established by Resolution 1483 (2003) 96
Security Council Committee Established by Resolution 661 (1990) 30, 50, 96
UN Assistance Mission 73, 90
Iraq-Kuwait 127–128
UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission 55–56
Israel-Palestine
Road Map to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 94
Istanbul, Turkey
Bombing See also Terrorism 95
Ituri Pacification Commission 110
J
Joint Monitoring Committee (Liberia) 84–86
K
Kampala Disengagement Plan (2000) 24
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme 9–10, 38, 101
Kosovo 105–106, 126
'Standards before status' 126
'Standards for Kosovo' 126
UN Interim Administration Mission 105–106
L
Landmines 122–123
Lebanon
UN Interim Force in Lebanon 12–14, 68–69
UN Truce Supervision Organization 13, 69
Liberia
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2003) See Accra Agreement II (2003)
ECOWAS Military Mission 84, 107
Forces armées nationales de Côte d'Ivoire (FANCI) 41–42
Joint Monitoring Committee 84–86
Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) 37–40, 71, 86, 99–100
Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) 71, 86, 99–100
Multinational Force 69–71
Panel of Experts 8–9, 39, 102
Sanctions 8–9, 99–103
Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1343 (2001) 38–40, 100
Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1521 (2003) 102–103
UN Mission 83–87, 99–100, 103
Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) 37–40, 71, 86, 99–100
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Sanctions 79–80
Linas-Marcoussis Agreement (2003) 17–18, 41, 115, 120, 125
Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement (1999) 24
M
Mello, Sergio Vieira de See Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq
Middle East
Road Map to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 94
UN Disengagement Observer Force 55, 98–99, 113, 128
Mission of Good Offices of the Secretary-General in Cyprus 34–35
Monitoring Group Established pursuant to Resolution 1363 (2001) 2–4
Monitoring Group to Investigate Violations of the Arms Embargo against Somalia (2003) 97–98
Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons (1998) 21, 39, 101
Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) 71, 86, 99–100
Multinational Force in Liberia 69–71
O
‘Oil-for-Food’ Programme 28-31, 35, 49, 124-125
P
Panel of Experts
Democratic Republic of the Congo 6–8, 72–73
Liberia 8–9, 39, 102
Somalia33–34
Polisario 67
Pretoria Peace Agreement (2002) 24
Prosecution 54
R
Relief Personnel 74–76
Road Map to a Permanent Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 94
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court 54
Rough diamonds See Conflict diamonds
Rule of law 117–118
Rwanda
International Criminal Tribunal 35–36, 45, 76–79, 91–93, 119
Judges 35–36, 45
Prosecutor 76–79
Statute 78, 91–93
S
Sanctions
Iraq 28–31, 35, 46–51, 96
Liberia 8–9, 99–103
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 79–80
Somalia32–34, 96–98
Security Council 108, 117–118
Security Council Committee
Iraq 30, 50, 96
Liberia 38–40, 99–103
Somalia33–34
Terrorism 1–5, 107–108, 118–119
Sierra Leone
UN Mission 25–27, 59, 81–82
Somalia106–107, 119–120
Arms embargo See also Sanctions 32–34, 96–98
Monitoring Group to Investigate Violations of the Arms Embargo (2003) 97–98
Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1425 (2002) 33–34
Panel of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1474 (2003) 33–34
Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 751 (1992) 33–34
Team of Experts Established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1407 (2002) 33–34
Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus 34–35
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq 115
Stabilization Force (SFOR) 57–58
Staff security 74–76
‘Standards before status’ 126
‘Standards for Kosovo’ 126
Sudan 118
T
Taliban 1, 4
Terrorism 1–5
Baghdad, Iraq 116
Bogotá, Colombia 18
Counter-Terrorism Committee 4–5, 107–108, 118–119
Istanbul, Turkey 95
Security Council Committee Established pursuant to Resolution 1267 (1999) 1–3
Timor-Leste
UN Mission of Support in East Timor 31–32, 43
Turkish Cypriot Community 34, 53–54
U
UN Assistance Mission for Iraq 73
UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) 27–28
UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) 55, 98-99, 113, 128
UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) 105–106
UN Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia 51–52, 62, 73–74
UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) 12–14, 68–69
UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) 55–56
UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) 16, 25, 53, 67, 93
UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (MINUCI) 40–43, 93–94, 121
UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) 18–20, 80–81, 114
UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) 83–87, 99–100, 103
UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) 25–27, 59, 81–82
UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) 31–32, 43
UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) 14–16, 64–66
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 111–112
UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) 22-25, 51-52, 55, 60-63, 109-110
UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) 53–54, 95–96
UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) 13, 69
W
West Africa
Declarations on Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons... (2003) 21–22
Illicit arms trafficking 21–22
Mercenaries 21–22
Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons (1998) 21, 39
Security Council Mission 115–116
Small Arms 21–22
Western Sahara
Polisario 67
UN Mission for Referendum 16, 25, 53, 67, 93
* *** *
[1] Presidential Statements S/PRST/2002/6 and S/PRST/2002/41.