RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 2005
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| Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York |
RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS
OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
2005
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL IN 2005
S/RES/1581 Extensions of office terms of judges on Tribunal for former Yugoslavia
Date: 18 January 2005 Meeting: 5112
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Taking note of the letter to the President of the Council from the Secretary-General dated 6 January 2005 (S/2005/9),
Recalling its resolutions 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003 and 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004,
Bearing in mind the statement made to the Security Council at its 5086th meeting on 23 November 2004 by the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), in which he expressed the commitment by the International Tribunal to the Completion Strategy,
Expressing its expectation that the extension of the terms of office of the ad litem judges concerned will enhance the effectiveness of trial proceedings and contribute towards ensuring the implementation of the Completion Strategy,
1. Decides, in response to the request by the Secretary-General, that:
(a) Judge Rasoazanany and Judge Swart, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Hadžihasanović case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;
(b) Judge Brydensholt and Judge Eser, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Orić case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;
(c) Judge Thelin and Judge Van Den Wyngaert, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Limaj case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;
(d) Judge Canivell, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, finish the Krajišnik case, which he has begun before expiry of his term of office;
(e) Judge Szénási, if appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for the trial of the Halilović case, proceed, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, to finish that case, which he would have begun before expiry of his term of office;
(f) Judge Hanoteau, if appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for the trial of the Krajišnik case, proceed, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, to finish that case, which he would have begun before expiry of his term of office;
2. Takes note in this regard of the intention of the International Tribunal to finish the Hadžihasanović case before the end of September 2005, the Halilović before the end of October 2005, the Orić and Limaj cases before the end of November 2005 and the Krajišnik case before the end of April 2006.
S/ RES/1582 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia
Date: 28 January 2005 Meeting: 5116
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1554 of 29 July 2004 (S/RES/1554),
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 17 January 2005,
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 regular high level meetings of the Group of Friends in Geneva and the Georgian-Russian summit meetings,
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. 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;
2. 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;
3. Reiterates 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;
4. 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;
5. Regrets also 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. Notes its position on Abkhaz elections as expressed in resolution 1255 of 30 July 1999 (S/RES/1255);
7. Calls on both sides to participate in constructive negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict and to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust and underlines that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;
8. Welcomes the commitment by the Georgian side to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and calls on both parties further to publicly dissociate themselves from all militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options;
9. Reminds all concerned to refrain from any action that might impede the peace process;
10. Welcomes the convening of regular meetings of senior representatives of the Group of Friends and the United Nations in Geneva and encourages both sides to participate actively in the next meeting;
11. Urges the parties to participate in a more active, regular and structured manner in the task forces established in the first Geneva meeting (to address issues in the priority areas of economic cooperation, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and political and security matters) and complemented by the working groups established in Sochi in March 2003, and reiterates that results-oriented activities in these three priority areas remain key to building common ground between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides and ultimately for concluding meaningful negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement based on the paper entitled “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and its transmittal letter;
12. Encourages the sides in that respect to continue their discussion on security guarantees with the participation of the Group of Friends;
13. Calls again on the parties to take concrete steps to revitalize 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) and to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, with a view to holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures, and welcomes the intention expressed by Germany to host such a conference pending progress in the conflict resolution process;
14. Notes that contacts at the level of civil society can reinforce mutual confidence and calls on both sides to facilitate such contacts;
15. 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;
16. Calls for the rapid finalization and signature of the letter of intent on returns proposed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and welcomes the meetings with the participation of the SRSG and UNHCR of the Sochi working group on refugees and internally displaced persons;
17. 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;
18. Recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population;
19. Welcomes the continuing activities of UNDP in the Gali, Ochamchira and Tkvarcheli districts and the opening of offices by UNDP in Sukhumi and Gali;
20. Urges the parties once again to implement the recommendations of the Joint Assessment Mission to the Gali sector (November 2000), regrets that there has been no progress to that effect despite the positive consideration by the parties given to those recommendations in the first Geneva meeting and calls again 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;
21. Reiterates its concern that despite the start of the deployment of a civilian police component as part of UNOMIG, as endorsed in resolution 1494 (2003) and agreed by the parties, the deployment of the remaining officers in the Gali sector is still outstanding and calls on the Abkhaz side to allow for a swift deployment of the police component in that region;
22. 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;
23. Welcomes the measures taken by the Georgian side to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups and encourages the maintenance of these efforts;
24. 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);
25. Welcomes the continuing relative calm in the Kodori valley, condemns the killings and abductions of civilians in the Gali district;
26. Urges the parties to abide by the provisions of the protocols on security issues in the Gali district signed on 19 January 2004 and 8 October 2003, to continue their regular meetings and to cooperate more closely with each other to improve security in the Gali sector, and takes note of the resumption of Abkhaz participation in the Quadripartite meetings and the Joint Fact Finding Group;
27. Reiterates its call on the Georgian side to provide comprehensive security guarantees to allow for independent and regular monitoring of the situation in the upper Kodori valley by joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols;
28. 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;
29. Strongly condemns in that respect the repeated abductions of personnel of those missions in the past, deeply deplores that none of the perpetrators have ever been identified or brought to justice, reiterates that it is the responsibility of the parties to end this impunity and calls upon them to take action;
30. Also calls upon the parties, once again, to take all necessary steps, to identify those responsible for the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, to bring them to justice, and to inform the SRSG of the steps taken in particular in the criminal investigation;
31. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 July 2005; 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;
32. 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;
33. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1583 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon
Date: 28 January 2005 Meeting: 5117
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, including resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978 and 1553 (2004) of 29 July 2004 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,
Gravely concerned at the persistence of tension and violence along the Blue Line,
Emphasizing once again 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 to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a new period of six months presented in the letter from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations of 11 January 2005 to the Secretary-General (S/2005/13), while reaffirming that the Council has recognized the Blue Line as valid for the purpose of confirming Israel’s withdrawal pursuant to resolution 425 and that the Blue Line must be respected in its entirety,
Expressing its concern over the tensions and potential for escalation as noted in the Secretary-General’s report of 20 January (S/2005/36),
1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 20 January (S/2005/36);
2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 July 2005;
3. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon;
4. Calls upon the Government of Lebanon to fully extend and exercise its sole and effective authority throughout the south, including through the deployment of sufficient numbers of Lebanese armed and security forces, to ensure a calm environment throughout the area, including along the Blue Line, and to exert control over the use of force on its territory and from it;
5. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, and requests UNIFIL to report any obstruction it may face in the discharge of its mandate;
6. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the entire 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, including the recent incidents across the Blue Line that have resulted in the killing and wounding of United Nations military observers, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the sea, land and continuing air violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations, to refrain from any act or provocation that could further escalate the tension and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of the 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, while stressing the primary responsibility of the parties in this regard;
9. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational mine clearance, 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 clearance of the remaining mine/UXO threat in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in-kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, and stresses the necessity for provision to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL any additional existing maps and minefield records;
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. Expresses its intention to review the mandate and structures of UNIFIL at the end of the present mandate and requests the Secretary-General, following appropriate consultations, including with the Lebanese Government, to include in his report recommendations in this regard, taking into account the prevailing situation on the ground, the activities actually performed by the Force in its area of operation and its contribution towards the remaining task of restoring international peace and security;
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 resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.
S/RES/1584 Strengthening of arms embargo on Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 1 February 2005 Meeting: 5118
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 and 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, as well as the relevant statements of its President in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48), of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42) and of 5 August 2004 (S/PRST/2004/29),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of States on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),
Deploring once again the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003,
Recalling strongly the obligations of all Ivorian parties, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire as well as the Forces nouvelles, to comply fully with the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003, to refrain from any violence, in particular against civilians including foreign citizens, and to cooperate fully with the activities of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),
Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by President Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on behalf of the African Union,
Welcoming also the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on Côte d’Ivoire taken on 10 January 2005 in Libreville, Gabon, and noting its communiqué issued on that occasion,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Reaffirms its decision in paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 of 15 November 2004 that all States, particularly those bordering Côte d’Ivoire, take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Côte d’Ivoire of arms or any related materiel as well as the provision of any assistance, advice or training related to military activities;
2. Authorizes UNOCI and the French forces which support it, within their capacity and without prejudice to their mandate set out in resolution 1528 (2004) and paragraph 3 below:
(a) To monitor the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), in cooperation with the group of experts referred to in paragraph 7 below, and, as appropriate, with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and Governments concerned, including by inspecting, as they deem it necessary and as appropriate without notice, the cargo of aircraft and of any transport vehicle using the ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings of Côte d’Ivoire;
(b) To collect, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Côte d’Ivoire in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to dispose of such arms and related materiel as appropriate;
3. Requests the French forces which support UNOCI, in addition to their mandate set out in resolution 1528 (2004), to provide, as appropriate, security assistance to UNOCI in carrying out the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above;
4. Acknowledges that the appropriate civilian expertise within UNOCI is needed to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above, to the extent that no additional resources are required;
5. Demands that all Ivorian parties, including the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the Forces nouvelles, provide unhindered access, particularly to equipment, sites and installations referred to in paragraph 2 above, to UNOCI and French forces which support it to enable them to carry out the tasks set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above;
6. Requests the Secretary-General and the French Government immediately to report to the Security Council, through the Security Council Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004) (the Committee), any hindrance or difficulty in implementing the tasks described in paragraph 2 (b) above, so that the Security Council can consider all appropriate measures against any individual or group that hinders the implementation of these tasks;
7. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to create, as referred to in paragraph 17 of resolution 1572 (2004), within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, a group of experts consisting of no more than three members (the Group of Experts), having the necessary skills to perform the following mandate:
(a) To examine and analyse information gathered by UNOCI and the French forces in the context of the monitoring mandate set out in paragraph 2 above;
(b) To gather and analyse all relevant information in Côte d’Ivoire, countries of the region and, as necessary, in other countries, in cooperation with the governments of those countries, on flows of arms and related materiel, and provision of assistance, advice or training related to military activities as well as networks operating in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);
(c) To consider and recommend, where appropriate, ways of improving the capabilities of States, in particular those in the region, to ensure the effective implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);
(d) To report to the Security Council in writing within 90 days from its establishment, through the Committee, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), with recommendations in this regard;
(e) To keep the Committee regularly updated on its activities;
(f) To exchange with UNOCI and the French forces, as appropriate, information that might be of use in fulfilling its monitoring mandate set out in paragraph 2 above;
(g) To provide the Committee in its reports with a list, with supporting evidence, of those found to have violated the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and those found to have supported them in such activities, for possible future measures by the Council;
(h) To cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Liberia by resolutions 1521 of 22 December 2003 and 1579 of 21 December 2004;
8. Calls upon the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the Forces nouvelles, specifically their armed forces, to cooperate with UNOCI in establishing, within 45 days from the date of adoption of this resolution, a comprehensive list of armaments in the possession of these armed forces and in possession of paramilitary troops and militias associated with them, as well as their location, in particular aircraft and their armament of any kind, missiles, explosive devices, artillery of any calibre, including anti-aircraft artillery, and armoured and non-armoured vehicles, in order to help UNOCI to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above and to assist in undertaking the regrouping of all the Ivorian forces involved and in implementing the national programme for the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of combatants in accordance with resolution 1528 (2004);
9. Requests the Secretary-General to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by UNOCI and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire;
10. Requests also the French Government to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by the French forces and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire;
11. Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, other organizations and interested parties, to cooperate fully with the Committee, the Group of Experts, UNOCI and the French forces, in particular by supplying any information at their disposal on possible violations of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);
12. Expresses its grave concern at the use of mercenaries by both Ivorian parties, and urges both sides immediately to desist from this practice;
13. Recalls its request set out in paragraph 15 of resolution 1572 (2004) to all States, in particular those in the region, to report to the Committee on steps they have taken to implement the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);
14. Expresses its intention to consider the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report dated 9 December 2004 (S/2004/962), including its addendum (S/2004/962/Add.1);
15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1585 Extension of UN Advance Mission in Sudan
Date: 10 March 2005 Meeting: 5137
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004 and 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004,
Reaffirming its readiness to support the peace process,
Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS), established by its resolution 1547 (2004), until 17 March 2005,
Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1586 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
Date: 14 March 2005 Meeting: 5139
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 1560 (2004) of 14 September 2004,
Stressing its unwavering commitment to the peace process, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), and 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/2000/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s determination that UNMEE has been able to maintain the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ),
Expressing concern regarding the recent high concentration of Ethiopian troops in the areas adjacent to the TSZ,
Recalling that lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region cannot be achieved without the full demarcation of the border between the parties,
Seriously concerned with the Commission’s decision to take immediate steps to close down its field offices, due to the lack of progress made in the demarcation of the border, as reflected in the 16th report on the work of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission of 24 February 2005,
Expressing concern about Ethiopia’s ongoing rejection of significant parts of the Boundary Commission’s decision, and its current lack of cooperation with the Commission, including the refusal to participate in the meeting of 22 February 2005,
Expressing disappointment about the continuing refusal of Eritrea to engage with the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea, whose good offices represent a concrete opportunity for both parties to move the peace process forward,
Recalling the recent increase in United Nations peacekeeping activities and the need to allocate peacekeeping resources in the most effective manner, and recalling in this regard the additional burden caused by the delays in the demarcation process,
Welcoming Eritrea’s unconditional acceptance of the Boundary Commission’s decision,
Welcoming Ethiopia’s Five point proposal of 25 November 2004,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/142) and welcoming the observations made therein,
1. Decides to extend the present mandate of UNMEE until 15 September 2005;
2. Calls on both parties to refrain from any increase of troops in the areas adjacent to the Temporary Security Zone, to give serious consideration to returning to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment and more generally, to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other;
3. Calls on both parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the security of all UNMEE staff, and to remove immediately and unconditionally all restrictions on and impediments to the work and to the full and free movement of UNMEE and its staff;
4. Takes note of positive developments in some areas of relations between UNMEE and both parties, and in this regard urges Eritrea to take immediate steps, in consultation with UNMEE, towards implementing the direct flights between Addis Ababa and Asmara; also calls upon Eritrea to reopen the Asmara to Barentu road;
5. Stresses that Ethiopia and Eritrea have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and calls upon both parties to show leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through political dialogue for the adoption of further confidence-building measures and to consolidate progress achieved so far, by making full use of the existing framework of the Boundary Commission;
6. Reiterates its call on the parties to cooperate fully and promptly with the Boundary Commission and to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed expeditiously, including through the complete appointment by Ethiopia of its field liaison officers;
7. Calls on Ethiopia without preconditions to start the implementation of demarcation, by taking the necessary steps to enable the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly;
8. Expresses its concern at the 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;
9. Reiterates its full support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea, Lloyd Axworthy, in his efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Algiers Agreements, the decision of the Boundary Commission and normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries through his good offices, and emphasizes that this appointment does not constitute an alternative mechanism;
10. Calls on Eritrea to accept the good offices of the Secretary-General and cooperate with his Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea;
11. Calls on the witnesses to the Algiers Agreements to play a more concerted and active role to facilitate their full implementation;
12. Decides to continue monitoring closely the steps taken by the parties in the implementation of their commitments under the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and under the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation closely, to review the mission’s mandate in the light of progress made in the peace process and changes made to UNMEE;
14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1587 Re-establishment of group monitoring arms embargo violations in Somalia
Date: 15 March 2005 Meeting: 5142
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions and the statements of its President 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 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003 and resolution 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004,
Welcoming further progress in the process of national reconciliation in Somalia and expecting further steps by the Transitional Federal Government towards establishing effective national governance in Somalia,
Reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia,
Commending the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in support of the Transitional Federal Government and welcoming the African Union’s continued support for reconciliation in Somalia,
Taking note of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 14 February 2005 (S/2005/153) submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 (e) of resolution 1558 (2004) and the observations and recommendations contained therein,
Condemning the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia, in violation of the arms embargo, and expressing its determination that violators should be held accountable,
Reiterating the importance of the implementation of the arms embargo by Member States and the enhancement of the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into the violations, bearing in mind that strict enforcement of the arms embargo will improve the overall security situation in Somalia,
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 to comply fully with the measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);
2. Expresses its intention to give the report of the Monitoring Group dated 14 February 2005 (S/2005/153) due consideration in order to improve implementation of and compliance with measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);
3. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), to re-establish within thirty days from the date of the adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, the Monitoring Group referred to in paragraph 3 of resolution 1558 (2004), with the following mandate:
(a) to continue investigating the implementation of the arms embargo by Member States and violations, inter alia, through field-based investigations in Somalia, where possible, and, as appropriate, in other States, in particular, those in the region;
(b) to assess actions taken by Somali authorities, as well as Member States, in particular, those in the region, fully to implement the arms embargo;
(c) to make specific recommendations based on detailed information 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;
(d) to continue refining and updating information on the draft list of those individuals and entities who violate the measures implemented by Member States in accordance with resolution 733 (1992), inside and outside Somalia, and their active supporters, for possible future measures by the Council, and to present such information to the Committee as and when the Committee deems appropriate;
(e) to continue making recommendations based on its investigations, on the previous reports of the Panel of Experts (S/2003/223 and S/2003/1035) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002 and 1474 (2003) of 8 April 2003, and on the previous reports of the Monitoring Group (S/2004/604 and S/2005/153) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003 and 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004;
(f) to work closely with the Committee on specific recommendations for additional measures to improve overall compliance with the arms embargo;
(g) to assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States in the region can be strengthened to facilitate the implementation of the arms embargo;
(h) to provide to the Council, through the Committee, a mid-term briefing within 90 days from its establishment;
(i) to submit to the Council through the Committee, no later than 30 days prior to the termination of its mandate, a final report covering all the tasks set out above, which the Committee will subsequently consider and convey to the Security Council prior to the expiration of its mandate;
4. Further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Monitoring Group;
5. Reaffirms paragraphs 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 of resolution 1519 (2003);
6. Requests the Committee, in accordance with its mandate and in consultation with the Monitoring Group and other relevant United Nations entities, to consider and recommend to the Council ways to improve implementation of and compliance with the arms embargo, including ways to develop capacity of States in the region to implement the arms embargo, in response to continuing violations;
7. Further requests the Committee to consider, when appropriate, a visit to Somalia and/or the region by its Chairman and those he may designate, as approved by the Committee, to demonstrate the Security Council’s determination to give full effect to the arms embargo;
8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1588 Extension of UN Advance Mission in Sudan
Date: 17 March 2005 Meeting: 5143
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, and resolution 1585 (2005) of 10 March 2005,
Reaffirming its readiness to support the peace process,
Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS), established by its resolution 1547 (2004), until 24 March 2005,
Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1589 Extension of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Date: 24 March 2005 Meeting: 5148
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolution 1536 (2004) of 26 March 2004 extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) through 26 March 2005,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan,
Welcoming once again the successful holding of the presidential election on 9 October 2004,
Recognizing the urgent need to tackle the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including the fight against narcotics, the lack of security in certain areas, terrorist threats, comprehensive nationwide disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the Afghan Militia Forces and disbandment of illegal armed groups, timely preparation for the parliamentary, provincial and district elections, development of Afghan Government institutions, acceleration of justice sector reform, promotion and protection of human rights, and economic and social development,
Reaffirming in this context its continued support for the implementation of the provisions of the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001, and of the Berlin Declaration of 1 April 2004 including its annexes, and pledging its continued support thereafter for the Government and people of Afghanistan as they rebuild their country, strengthen the foundations of a constitutional democracy and assume their rightful place in the community of nations,
Recalling and emphasizing the importance of the Kabul Declaration of 22 December 2002 on Good-Neighbourly Relations (S/2002/1416), and encouraging all States concerned to continue to follow up on the Kabul Declaration and the Declaration on Trade, Transit and Inward Investment signed in Dubai in September 2003,
Expressing its appreciation and strong support for the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Afghanistan, and stressing the central and impartial role that the United Nations continues to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan,
1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 18 March 2005 (S/2005/183);
2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNAMA for an additional period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution;
3. Stresses the importance of urgently establishing a framework for the holding at the earliest possible date of free and fair elections, welcomes in this regard the announcement of the Joint Electoral Management Body that elections for the lower house of the parliament (Wolesi Jirga) and provincial councils will be held on 18 September 2005, calls upon UNAMA to continue to provide necessary support in order to facilitate timely elections with the broadest possible participation, and urges the donor community to promptly make available the necessary financial support based on that framework, in close coordination with the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA, and to consider contributing to electoral observer missions;
4. Stresses the importance of security for the credible parliamentary, provincial and district elections, and to this end calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to support the expansion of the International Security Assistance Force and the establishment of provincial reconstruction teams in other parts of Afghanistan, and to coordinate closely with UNAMA and the Government of Afghanistan;
5. Welcomes the international efforts to assist in setting up the new Afghan Parliament and ensure its efficient functioning, which will be critical to the political future of Afghanistan and the steps towards a free and democratic Afghanistan;
6. Welcomes the substantial progress in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process in accordance with the Bonn Agreement, encourages the Government of Afghanistan to continue its active efforts to accelerate the DDR process towards its completion by June 2006, to disband the illegal armed groups and to dispose of the ammunition stockpile, and requests the international community to further extend assistance for these efforts;
7. Welcomes the effort to date of the Government of Afghanistan to implement its national drug control strategy adopted in May 2003, including through the launch of the 2005 Counter Narcotics Implementation Plan in February 2005, which reflects a new determination of the Government to tackle the cultivation, production and trafficking of drugs, urges the Government to take decisive action to stop the processing and trade of drugs and to pursue the specific measures set out in that plan in the fields of building institutions, information campaigns, alternative livelihoods, interdiction and law enforcement, criminal justice, eradication, demand reduction and treatment of addicts, and regional cooperation, and calls on the international community to provide every possible assistance to the Government in pursuing full implementation of all aspects of the plan;
8. Supports the fight against the 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, and welcomes in this context the signing on 1 April 2004 of the Berlin Declaration on Counter-Narcotics within the framework of the Kabul Declaration on Good-neighbourly Relations of 22 December 2002;
9. Requests UNAMA to continue to support the ongoing effort for the establishment of a fair and transparent justice system, including the reconstruction and reform of the prison sector, in order to strengthen the rule of law throughout the country;
10. Calls for full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law throughout Afghanistan and, in this regard, requests UNAMA, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue to assist in the full implementation of the human rights provisions of the new Afghan constitution, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights, commends the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission for its courageous efforts to monitor respect for human rights in Afghanistan as well as to foster and protect these rights, welcomes in this regard the Commission’s report of 29 January 2005 and the proposed national strategy for transitional justice, and requests international support for that endeavour;
11. Welcomes the development of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police and the ongoing efforts to increase their capabilities as important steps towards the goal of Afghan security forces providing security and ensuring the rule of law throughout the country;
12. Calls upon the Government of Afghanistan, with the assistance of the international community, including the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition and the International Security Assistance Force, in accordance with their respective designated responsibilities as they evolve, to continue to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan posed by Al-Qaida operatives, the Taliban and other extremist groups, factional violence among militia forces and criminal activities, in particular violence involving the drug trade;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council in a timely manner on developments in Afghanistan, and make recommendations on the future role of UNAMA, after the parliamentary elections;
14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1590 Establishment of UN Mission in Sudan
Date: 24 March 2005 Meeting: 5151
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1564 (2004) of 18 September 2004, and 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, 1585 of 10 March 2005 and 1588 (2005) of 17 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,
Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Nairobi, Kenya on 9 January 2005,
Recalling the commitments made by the parties in the 8 April N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Humanitarian and Security Protocols between the Government of Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and recalling the commitments made in the Joint Communiqué of 3 July 2004 between the Government of Sudan and the Secretary-General,
Expressing its determination to help the people of Sudan to promote national reconciliation, lasting peace and stability, and to build a prosperous and united Sudan in which human rights are respected, the protection of all citizens assured,
Taking note of the statements of Vice-President Ali Osman Taha of the Government of Sudan and Chairman Garang of the SPLM/A at the meeting of the Council on 8 February 2005, and the strong will and determination they expressed to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur as expressed at the meeting,
Recognizing that the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement must build on the Agreement to bring peace and stability to the entire country, and calling on all Sudanese parties in particular those party to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to take immediate steps to achieve a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur and to take all necessary action to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and to put an end to impunity, including in the Darfur region,
Expressing its utmost concern over the dire consequences of the prolonged conflict for the civilian population in the Darfur region as well as throughout Sudan, in particular the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons,
Considering that the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be a critical factor for the consolidation of the peace process,
Expressing also its deep concern for the security of humanitarian workers and their access to populations in need, including refugees, internally displaced persons and other war-affected populations,
Condemning the continued violations of the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement of 8 April 2004 and the Abuja Protocols of 9 November 2004 by all sides in Darfur and the deterioration of the security situation and the negative impact this has had on humanitarian assistance efforts,
Strongly condemning all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Darfur region, in particular the continuation of violence against civilians and sexual violence against women and girls since the adoption of resolution 1574 (2004), urging all parties to take necessary steps to prevent further violations, and expressing its determination to ensure that those responsible for all such violations are identified and brought to justice without delay,
Recalling the demands in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), that all parties to the conflict in Darfur refrain from any violence against civilians and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Darfur,
Commending the efforts of the African Union, in particular its Chairman, acknowledging the progress made by the African Union in the deployment of an international protection force, police, and military observers, and calling on all member States to contribute generously and urgently to the African Union Mission in Darfur,
Commending also the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), in particular the Government of Kenya as Chair of the Subcommittee on Sudan,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security, 1379 (2001) and 1460 (2003) on children in armed conflicts, as well as resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000) on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel,
Welcoming the efforts by the United Nations to sensitize United Nations personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its established operations,
Expressing grave concern at the allegations of sexual exploitation and misconduct by United Nations personnel in United Nations established operations, and welcoming the Secretary-General’s 9 February 2005 letter to the Council in this regard, affirming there will be a zero-tolerance policy of sexual exploitation and abuse of any kind in all United Nations peacekeeping missions,
Recognizing that international support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is critically important to its success, emphasizing that progress towards resolution of the conflict in Darfur would create conditions conducive for delivery of such assistance, and alarmed that the violence in Darfur nonetheless continues,
Taking note of the Secretary-General’s reports of 31 January 2005 (S/2005/57 and Add.1), 4 February 2005 (S/2005/68), and 4 March 2005 (S/2005/140) as well as the report of 25 January 2005 of the International Commission of Inquiry (S/2005/60),
Taking note of the request of the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for the establishment of a peace support mission,
Expressing appreciation for the important contributions of the Standby High Readiness Brigade (SHIRBRIG) towards the planning, preparation, and initial deployment of a peacekeeping operation, as well as the preparatory work by the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan,
Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
1. Decides to establish the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for an initial period of 6 months and further decides that UNMIS will consist of up to 10,000 military personnel and an appropriate civilian component including up to 715 civilian police personnel;
2. Requests that UNMIS closely and continuously liaise and coordinate at all levels with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) with a view towards expeditiously reinforcing the effort to foster peace in Darfur, especially with regard to the Abuja peace process and the African Union Mission in Sudan;
3. Requests the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative for Sudan, to coordinate all the activities of the United Nations system in Sudan, to mobilize resources and support from the international community for both immediate assistance and the long-term economic development of Sudan, and to facilitate coordination with other international actors, in particular the African Union and IGAD, of activities in support of the transitional process established by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and to provide good offices and political support for the efforts to resolve all ongoing conflicts in Sudan;
4. Decides that the mandate of UNMIS shall be the following:
(a) To support implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement by performing the following tasks:
(i) To monitor and verify the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and to investigate violations;
(ii) To liaise with bilateral donors on the formation of Joint Integrated Units;
(iii) To observe and monitor movement of armed groups and redeployment of forces in the areas of UNMIS deployment in accordance with the Ceasefire Agreement;
(iv) To assist in the establishment of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme as called for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, with particular attention to the special needs of women and child combatants, and its implementation through voluntary disarmament and weapons collection and destruction;
(v) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in promoting understanding of the peace process and the role of UNMIS by means of an effective public information campaign, targeted at all sectors of society, in coordination with the African Union;
(vi) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in addressing the need for a national inclusive approach, including the role of women, towards reconciliation and peacebuilding;
(vii) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in coordination with bilateral and multilateral assistance programmes, in restructuring the police service in Sudan, consistent with democratic policing, to develop a police training and evaluation programme, and to otherwise assist in the training of civilian police;
(viii) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in promoting the rule of law, including an independent judiciary, and the protection of human rights of all people of Sudan through a comprehensive and coordinated strategy with the aim of combating impunity and contributing to long-term peace and stability and to assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to develop and consolidate the national legal framework;
(ix) To ensure an adequate human rights presence, capacity, and expertise within UNMIS to carry out human rights promotion, civilian protection, and monitoring activities;
(x) To provide guidance and technical assistance to the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in cooperation with other international actors, to support the preparations for and conduct of elections and referenda provided for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;
(b) To facilitate and coordinate, within its capabilities and in its areas of deployment, the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and humanitarian assistance, inter alia, by helping to establish the necessary security conditions;
(c) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in cooperation with other international partners in the mine action sector, by providing humanitarian demining assistance, technical advice, and coordination;
(d) To contribute towards international efforts to protect and promote human rights in Sudan, as well as to coordinate international efforts towards the protection of civilians with particular attention to vulnerable groups including internally displaced persons, returning refugees, and women and children, within UNMIS’s capabilities and in close cooperation with other United Nations agencies, related organizations, and non-governmental organizations;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within 30 days on options for how UNMIS can reinforce the effort to foster peace in Darfur through appropriate assistance to AMIS, including logistical support and technical assistance, and to identify ways in liaison with the AU to utilize UNMIS’s resources, particularly logistical and operations support elements, as well as reserve capacity towards this end;
6. Calls upon all parties to cooperate fully in the deployment and operations of UNMIS, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel as well as associated personnel throughout the territory of Sudan;
7. Emphasizes that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur, and calls upon the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups, particularly the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese Liberation Army/Movement to resume the Abuja talks rapidly without preconditions and negotiate in good faith to speedily reach agreement, and urges the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to play an active and constructive role in support of the Abuja talks and take immediate steps to support a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur;
8. Calls upon all Member States to ensure the free, unhindered and expeditious movement to Sudan of all personnel, as well as equipment, provisions, supplies and other goods, including vehicles and spare parts, which are for the exclusive and official use of UNMIS;
9. 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;
10. Requests that the Secretary-General transfer all functions performed by the special political mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) to UNMIS, together with staff and logistics of the office as appropriate, on the date when UNMIS is established, and to ensure a seamless transition between the United Nations and existing monitoring missions, namely the Verification Monitoring Team, the Joint Monitoring Mission, and the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of the progress in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, respect for the ceasefire, and the implementation of the mandate of UNMIS, including a review of the troop level, with a view to its adjusted reduction, taking account of the progress made on the ground and the tasks remaining to be accomplished and to report to the Council in this regard every three months;
12. Requests that the Secretary-General continue to report on a monthly basis on the situation in Darfur;
13. Urges the Joint Assessment Mission of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the parties, in association with other bilateral and multilateral donors, to continue their efforts to prepare for the rapid delivery of an assistance package for the reconstruction and economic development of Sudan, including official development assistance and trade access, to be implemented once implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement begins, and welcomes the initiative of the Government of Norway to convene an international donors’ conference for the reconstruction and economic development of Sudan, and urges the international community accordingly to donate generously, including to address the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees;
14. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in UNMIS with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, including the development of strategies and appropriate mechanisms to prevent, identify and respond to all forms of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and the enhancement of training for personnel to prevent misconduct and ensure full compliance with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in accordance with the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
15. Reaffirms the importance of appropriate expertise on issues relating to gender in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalls the need to address violence against women and girls as a tool of warfare, and encourages UNMIS as well as the Sudanese parties to actively address these issues;
16. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
(i) Decides that UNMIS is authorized to take the necessary action, in the areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations, and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers, joint assessment mechanism and assessment and evaluation commission personnel, and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence; and
(ii) Requests that the Secretary-General and the Government of Sudan, following appropriate consultation with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, conclude a status-of-forces agreement within 30 days of adoption of the resolution, taking into consideration General Assembly resolution 58/82 on the scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and notes that pending the conclusion of such an agreement, the model status-of-forces agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594), shall apply provisionally;
17. Underscores the immediate need to rapidly increase the number of human rights monitors in Darfur, and urges the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake to accelerate the deployment of human rights monitors to Darfur and augment their numbers and also to move forward with the formation of civilian monitoring protection teams, and expects that the Secretary-General will report on progress on the formation of these teams in his reports to the Security Council as outlined in paragraph 11;
18. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1591 Imposition of travel ban and assets freeze on those impeding peace in Darfur
Date: 29 March 2005 Meeting: 5153
Vote: 12-0-3 In favour: Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Denmark,
France, Greece, Japan, Philippines,
Romania, United Kingdom, United
Republic of Tanzania, United States,
Against: None.
Abstaining: Algeria, China, Russian Federation
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1564 (2004) of 18 September 2004, 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, 1585 (2005) of 10 March 2005, 1588 (2005) of 17 March 2005, and 1590 of 24 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,
Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling the commitments made by the parties in the 8 April N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Humanitarian and Security Protocols between the Government of Sudan, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and recalling the commitments made in the Joint Communique of 3 July 2004 between the Government of Sudan and the Secretary-General,
Welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Nairobi, Kenya on 9 January 2005,
Recognizing that the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement must build on the Agreement to bring peace and stability to the entire country, and calling on all Sudanese parties, in particular those party to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to take immediate steps to achieve a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur and to take all necessary action to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and to put an end to impunity, including in the Darfur region,
Expressing its utmost concern over the dire consequences of the prolonged conflict for the civilian population in the Darfur region as well as throughout Sudan, in particular the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons,
Considering that the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be a critical factor for the consolidation of the peace process,
Expressing also its deep concern for the security of humanitarian workers and their access to populations in need, including refugees, internally displaced persons and other war-affected populations,
Condemning the continued violations of the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement of 8 April 2004 and the Abuja Protocols of 9 November 2004 by all sides in Darfur and the deterioration of the security situation and negative impact this has had on humanitarian assistance efforts,
Strongly condemning all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Darfur region, in particular the continuation of violence against civilians and sexual violence against women and girls since the adoption of resolution 1574 (2004), urging all parties to take necessary steps to prevent further violations, and expressing its determination to ensure that those responsible for all such violations are identified and brought to justice without delay,
Recognizing that international support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is critically important to its success, emphasizing that progress towards resolution of the conflict in Darfur would create conditions conducive for delivery of such assistance, and alarmed that the violence in Darfur nonetheless continues,
Recalling the demands, in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), that all parties to the conflict in Darfur refrain from any violence against civilians and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Darfur,
Welcoming the 16 February 2005 N’djamena Summit on Darfur and the continued commitment of the African Union to play a key role in facilitating a resolution to the conflict in Darfur in all respects, and the announcement by the Government of Sudan on 16 February 2005 that it would take immediate steps, including withdrawal of its forces from Labado, Qarifa, and Marla in Darfur, and the withdrawal of its Antonov aircraft from Darfur,
Commending the efforts of the African Union, in particular its Chairman, acknowledging the progress made by the African Union in the deployment of an international protection force, police, and military observers, and calling on all member states to contribute generously and urgently to the African Union Mission in Darfur,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security, 1379 (2001) and 1460 (2003) on children in armed conflicts, as well as resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000) on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel,
Taking note of the Secretary-General’s reports of 31 January 2005 (S/2005/57 and Add.1), 3 December 2004 (S/2004/947), 4 February 2005 (S/2005/68), and 4 March 2005 (S/2005/140), as well as the report of 25 January 2005 of the International Commission of Inquiry (S/2005/60),
Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Deplores strongly that the Government of Sudan and rebel forces and all other armed groups in Darfur have failed to comply fully with their commitments and the demands of the Council referred to in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), condemns the continued violations of the 8 April 2004 N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Protocols, including air strikes by the Government of Sudan in December 2004 and January 2005 and rebel attacks on Darfur villages in January 2005, and the failure of the Government of Sudan to disarm Janjaweed militiamen and apprehend and bring to justice Janajaweed leaders and their associates who have carried out human rights and international humanitarian law violations and other atrocities, and demands that all parties take immediate steps to fulfil all their commitments to respect the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the Abuja Protocols, including notification of force positions, to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to cooperate fully with the African Union Mission;
2. Emphasizes that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur, and calls upon the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups, particularly the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army to resume the Abuja talks rapidly without preconditions and negotiate in good faith to speedily reach agreement, and urges the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to play an active and constructive role in support of the Abuja talks and take immediate steps to support a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur;
3. Decides, in light of the failure of all parties to the conflict in Darfur to fulfil their commitments,
(a) 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 (herein “the Committee”), to undertake to following tasks:
i. to monitor implementation of the measures referred to in subparagraphs (d) and (e) of this paragraph and paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and paragraph 7 below;
ii. to designate those individuals subject to the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e) of this paragraph and to consider requests for exemptions in accordance with subparagraphs (f) and (g);
iii. to establish such guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e);
iv. to report at least every 90 days to the Security Council on its work;
v. to consider requests from and, as appropriate, provide prior approval to the Government of Sudan for the movement of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region in accordance with paragraph 7 below;
vi. to assess reports from the Panel of Experts established under subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, and Member States, in particular those in the region, on specific steps they are taking to implement the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e) and paragraph 7 below;
vii. to encourage a dialogue between the Committee and interested Member States, in particular those in the region, including by inviting representatives of such States to meet with the Committee to discuss implementation of the measures;
(b) to request the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to appoint for a period of six months, within 30 days of adoption of this resolution, a Panel of Experts comprised of four members and based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to travel regularly to El-Fasher, Sudan and other locations in Sudan, and to operate under the direction of the Committee to undertake the following tasks:
i. to assist the Committee in monitoring implementation of the measures in subparagraphs (d) and (e), paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and paragraph 7 of this resolution, and to make recommendations to the Committee on actions the Council may want to consider;
ii. to provide a mid-term briefing on its work to the Committee, and an interim report no later than 90 days after adoption of this resolution, and a final report no later than 30 days prior to termination of its mandate to the Council through the Committee with its findings and recommendations; and
iii. to coordinate its activities as appropriate with ongoing operations of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS);
(c) that those individuals, as designated by the Committee established by subparagraph (a) above, based on the information provided by Member States, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights or the Panel of Experts established under subparagraph (b) of this paragraph above, and other relevant sources, who impede the peace process, constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and the region, commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities, violate the measures implemented by Member States in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004) and paragraph 7 of this resolution as implemented by a state, or are responsible for offensive military overflights described in paragraph 6 of this resolution, shall be subject to the measures identified in subparagraphs (d) and (e) below;
(d) that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of all persons as designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (c) above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall obligate a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;
(e) that all States shall freeze all funds, financial assets and economic resources that are on their territories on the date of adoption of this resolution or at any time thereafter, that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the persons designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (c) above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such persons or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;
(f) that the measures imposed by subparagraph (d) above shall not apply where the Committee established by subparagraph (a) above determines on a case by case basis that such travel is justified on the ground 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 and stability in Sudan and the region;
(g) that the measures imposed by subparagraph (e) of this resolution do not apply to funds, other financial assets and economic resources that:
i. have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for basic expenses, including payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges or for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges, in accordance with national laws, for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds, other financial assets and economic resources, after notification by the relevant States to the Committee of the intention to authorize, where appropriate, access to such funds, other financial assets and economic resources and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within two working days of such notification;
ii. have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that such determination has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee, or
iii. have been determined by relevant States to be the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitral lien or judgment, in which case the funds, or other financial assets and economic resources may be used to satisfy that lien or judgment provided that the lien or judgment was entered prior to the date of the present resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity designated by the Committee, and has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee;
4. Decides that the measures referred to in subparagraphs 3 (d) and (e) shall enter into force 30 days from the date of adoption of this resolution, unless the Security Council determines before then that the parties to the conflict in Darfur have complied with all the commitments and demands referred to in paragraph 1 above and paragraph 6 below;
5. Expresses its readiness to consider the modification or termination of the measures under paragraph 3, on the recommendation of the Committee or at the end of a period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution, or earlier if the Security Council determines before then that the parties to the conflict in Darfur have complied with all the commitments and demands referred to in paragraph 1 above and paragraph 6 below;
6. Demands that the Government of Sudan, in accordance with its commitments under the 8 April 2004 N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Security Protocol, immediately cease conducting offensive military flights in and over the Darfur region, and invites the African Union Ceasefire Commission to share pertinent information as appropriate in this regard with the Secretary-General, the Committee, or the Panel of Experts established under paragraph 3 (b);
7. Reaffirms the measures imposed by paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and decides that these measures shall immediately upon adoption of this resolution, also apply to all the parties to the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and any other belligerents in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur; decides that these measures shall not apply to the supplies and related technical training and assistance listed in paragraph 9 of resolution 1556 (2004); decides that these measures shall not apply with respect to assistance and supplies provided in support of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; further decides that these measures shall not apply to movements of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region that are approved in advance by the Committee established under paragraph 3 (a) upon a request by the Government of Sudan; and invites the African Union Ceasefire Commission to share pertinent information as appropriate in this regard with the Secretary-General, the Committee, or the Panel of Experts established under paragraph 3 (b);
8. Reiterates that, in the event the parties fail to fulfil their commitments and demands as outlined in paragraphs 1 and 6, and the situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, the Council will consider further measures as provided for in Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations;
9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1592 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 30 March 2005 Meeting: 5155
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolution 1565 of 1 October 2004, and the statement of 2 March 2005 (S/PRST/2005/10),
Reaffirming its commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process 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 calling on all the Congolese parties to honour their commitments in this regard, in particular so that free, fair and peaceful elections can take place,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by armed groups and militias in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, and by the grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law that accompany them, calling on the Government of National Unity and Transition to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay, and recognizing that the continuing presence of ex-Forces armées rwandaises and Interahamwe elements remains a threat for the local civilian population and an impediment to good-neighbourly relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda,
Welcoming in this regard the African Union’s support for efforts to further peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and calling on the African Union to work closely with MONUC in defining its role in the region,
Recalling its condemnation of the attack by one of these militias against members of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), on 25 February 2005, and welcoming the first steps taken to date to bring them to justice, in particular the arrests of militia leaders suspected of bearing responsibility for human rights abuses,
Reiterating its call on the Congolese parties, when selecting individuals for key posts in the Government of National Unity and Transition, including the Armed Forces and National Police, to take into account the record and commitment of those individuals with regard to respect for international humanitarian law and human rights,
Recalling that all the parties bear responsibility for ensuring security with respect to civilian populations, in particular women, children and other vulnerable persons, and expressing concern at the continuing levels of sexual violence,
Reaffirming its full support for MONUC and for its personnel, who operate in particularly hazardous conditions, and welcoming the robust action it is undertaking in pursuit of its mandate,
Recalling the link between the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources in certain regions and the fuelling of armed conflicts, condemning categorically the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other sources of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urging all States, especially those in the region including the Democratic Republic of the Congo itself, to take appropriate steps in order to end these illegal activities,
Bearing in mind the third special report of the Secretary-General on MONUC, dated 16 August 2004 (S/2004/650), and its recommendations, and aware of the importance of keeping under review the situation in the Katanga and Kasaï provinces,
Taking note of the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General on MONUC, dated 21 March 2005 (S/2005/167), and looking forward to the special report on the electoral process announced by the Secretary-General in paragraph 34 of his seventeenth report,
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. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC, as contained in resolution 1565, until 1 October 2005, with the intention to renew it for further periods;
2. Reaffirms its demand that all parties cooperate fully with the operations of MONUC and that they ensure the safety of, as well as unhindered and immediate access for, United Nations and associated personnel in carrying out their mandate, throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular that all parties provide full access to MONUC military observers, including to all ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings, and requests the Secretary-General to report without delay any failure to comply with these demands;
3. Urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to do its utmost to ensure the security of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, by effectively extending State authority, throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular in North and South Kivu and in Ituri;
4. Calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to carry out reform of the security sector, through the expeditious integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular by ensuring adequate payment and logistical support for their personnel, and stresses the need in this regard to implement without delay the national disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion programme for Congolese combatants;
5. Further calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to develop with MONUC a joint concept of operations for the disarmament of foreign combatants by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the assistance of MONUC, within its mandate and capabilities;
6. Calls on the donor community, as a matter of urgency, to continue to engage firmly in the provision of assistance needed for the integration, training and equipping of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to promote all possible means to facilitate and expedite cooperation to this end;
7. Emphasizing that MONUC is authorized to use all necessary means, within its capabilities and in the areas where its armed units are deployed, to deter any attempt at the use of force to threaten the political process and to ensure the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, from any armed group, foreign or Congolese, in particular the ex-FAR and Interahamwé, encourages MONUC in this regard to continue to make full use of its mandate under resolution 1565 in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stresses that, in accordance with its mandate, MONUC may use cordon and search tactics to prevent attacks on civilians and disrupt the military capability of illegal armed groups that continue to use violence in those areas;
8. Calls on all the parties to the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to make concrete progress towards the holding of elections, as provided for by the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement, in particular in furthering the early adoption of the constitution and of the electoral law, as well as the registration of voters;
9. Demands that the Governments of Uganda, Rwanda, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo put a stop to the use of their respective territories in support of violations of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 of 28 July 2003 or of activities of armed groups operating in the region;
10. Further urges all States neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to impede any kind of support to the illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources, particularly by preventing the flow of such resources through their respective territories;
11. Reaffirms its concern regarding acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations personnel against the local population, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure compliance with the zero tolerance policy he has defined and with the measures put in place to prevent and investigate all forms of misconduct, discipline those found responsible and provide support to the victims, and to pursue active training and awareness-raising of all MONUC personnel, and further requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of the measures implemented and their effectiveness;
12. Urges troop-contributing countries carefully to review the Secretary-General’s letter of 24 March 2005 (A/59/710) and to take appropriate action to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by their personnel in MONUC, including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness-training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such misconduct involving their personnel;
13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1593 Referral of situation in Darfur to International Criminal Court Prosecutor
Date: 31 March 2005 Meeting: 5158
Vote: 11-0-4 In favour: Argentina, Benin, Denmark, France,
Greece, Japan, Philippines, Romania,
Russian Federation, United
Kingdom, United Republic of
Tanzania
Against: None
Abstaining: Algeria, Brazil, China, United States
The Security Council,
Taking note of the report of the International Commission of Inquiry on violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in Darfur (S/2005/60),
Recalling article 16 of the Rome Statute under which no investigation or prosecution may be commenced or proceeded with by the International Criminal Court for a period of 12 months after a Security Council request to that effect,
Also recalling articles 75 and 79 of the Rome Statute and encouraging States to contribute to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims,
Taking note of the existence of agreements referred to in Article 98-2 of the Rome Statute,
Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to refer the situation in Darfur since 1 July 2002 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court;
2. Decides that the Government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur, shall cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor pursuant to this resolution and, while recognizing that States not party to the Rome Statute have no obligation under the Statute, urges all States and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully;
3. Invites the Court and the African Union to discuss practical arrangements that will facilitate the work of the Prosecutor and of the Court, including the possibility of conducting proceedings in the region, which would contribute to regional efforts in the fight against impunity;
4. Also encourages the Court, as appropriate and in accordance with the Rome Statute, to support international cooperation with domestic efforts to promote the rule of law, protect human rights and combat impunity in Darfur;
5. Also emphasizes the need to promote healing and reconciliation and encourages in this respect the creation of institutions, involving all sectors of Sudanese society, such as truth and/or reconciliation commissions, in order to complement judicial processes and thereby reinforce the efforts to restore long-lasting peace, with African Union and international support as necessary;
6. Decides that nationals, current or former officials or personnel from a contributing State outside Sudan 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 operations in Sudan established or authorized by the Council or the African Union, unless such exclusive jurisdiction has been expressly waived by that contributing State;
7. Recognizes that none of the expenses incurred in connection with the referral including expenses related to investigations or prosecutions in connection with that referral, shall be borne by the United Nations and that such costs shall be borne by the parties to the Rome Statute and those States that wish to contribute voluntarily;
8. Invites the Prosecutor to address the Council within three months of the date of adoption of this resolution and every six months thereafter on actions taken pursuant to this resolution;
9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1594 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 4 April 2005 Meeting: 5159
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 and 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005, as well as the relevant statements of its President, in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48) and of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of States on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),
Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the African Union,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General dated 18 March 2005 (S/2005/186),
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose 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 mandate of the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire and of the French forces which support it shall be extended for a period of one month until 4 May 2005;
2. Calls upon all Ivorian parties immediately and actively to pursue a lasting and just solution to the current crisis, particularly through the African Union mediation led by President Thabo Mbeki;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1595 Establishment of commission to investigate assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister
Date: 7 April 2005 Meeting: 5160
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reiterating its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon,
Endorsing the Secretary-General’s opinion, as expressed in his letter of 24 March 2005 to the President of the Security Council, that Lebanon is passing through a difficult and sensitive period, that all concerned should imperatively behave with the utmost restraint and that the future of Lebanon should be decided strictly through peaceful means,
Reaffirming its unequivocal condemnation of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others, and caused injury to dozens of people, and condemning the subsequent attacks in Lebanon,
Having examined the report of the fact-finding mission to Lebanon inquiring into the circumstances, causes and consequences of this terrorist act (S/2005/203), transmitted to the Security Council by the Secretary-General following the declaration of the President of the Security Council of 15 February 2005 (S/PRST/2005/4),
Noting with concern the fact-finding mission’s conclusion that the Lebanese investigation process suffers from serious flaws and has neither the capacity nor the commitment to reach a satisfactory and credible conclusion,
Noting also in this context its opinion that an international independent investigation with executive authority and self-sufficient resources in all relevant fields of expertise would be necessary to elucidate all aspects of this heinous crime,
Mindful of the unanimous demand of the Lebanese people that those responsible be identified and held accountable, and willing to assist Lebanon in the search for the truth,
Welcoming the Lebanese Government’s approval of the decision to be taken by the Security Council concerning the establishment of an international independent investigation Commission, and welcoming also its readiness to cooperate fully with such a Commission within the framework of Lebanese sovereignty and of its legal system, as expressed in the letter of 29 March 2005 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Lebanon to the United Nations to the Secretary-General (S/2005/208),
1. Decides, consistent with the above-mentioned letter from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Lebanon, to establish an international independent investigation Commission (“the Commission”) based in Lebanon to assist the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of all aspects of this terrorist act, including to help identify its perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices;
2. Reiterates its call on the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing, and calls upon the Lebanese government to ensure that the findings and conclusions of the Commission’s investigation are taken into account fully;
3. Decides that, to ensure the Commission’s effectiveness in the discharge of its duties, the Commission shall:
– Enjoy the full cooperation of the Lebanese authorities, including full access to all documentary, testimonial and physical information and evidence in their possession that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;
– Have the authority to collect any additional information and evidence, both documentary and physical, pertaining to this terrorist act, as well as to interview all officials and other persons in Lebanon, that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;
– Enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Lebanese territory, including access to all sites and facilities that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;
– Be provided with the facilities necessary to perform its functions, and be granted, as well as its premises, staff and equipment, the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to consult urgently with the Lebanese Government with a view to facilitate the establishment and operation of the Commission pursuant to its mandate and terms of reference as mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, and requests also that he report to the Council accordingly and notify it of the date the Commission begins its full operations;
5. Requests further the Secretary-General, notwithstanding paragraph 4 above, to undertake without delay the steps, measures and arrangements necessary for the speedy establishment and full functioning of the Commission, including recruiting impartial and experienced staff with relevant skills and expertise;
6. Directs the Commission to determine procedures for carrying out its investigation, taking into account the Lebanese law and judicial procedures;
7. Calls on all States and all parties to cooperate fully with the Commission, and in particular to provide it with any relevant information they may possess pertaining to the above-mentioned terrorist act;
8. Requests the Commission to complete its work within three months of the date on which it commenced its full operations, as notified by the Secretary-General, and authorizes the Secretary-General to extend the Commission’s operation for a further period not exceeding three months, if he deems it necessary to enable the Commission to complete its investigation, and requests that he inform the Security Council accordingly;
9. Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the conclusions of its investigation and requests the Secretary-General to update orally the Security Council on the progress of the Commission every two months during the operations of the Commission or more frequently as needed.
S/RES/1596 Arms embargo on Democratic Republic of Congo widened
Date: 18 April 2005 Meeting: 5163
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1493 of 28 July 2003, 1533 of 12 March 2004, 1552 of 27 July 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004 and 1592 of 30 March 2005, and recalling also the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular on 7 December 2004,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the presence of armed groups and militias in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, which perpetuate a climate of insecurity in the whole region,
Welcoming the fact that some of these groups and militias have started to submit an inventory of arms and related materiel in their possession, as well as their location, with a view to their participation in the programmes of disarmament, and encouraging those who have not yet done so rapidly to do so,
Expressing its readiness to review the provisions of its resolutions 918 of 17 May 1994, 997 of 9 June 1995 and 1011 of 16 August 1995 in a broader perspective, taking into account the implications of continued instability in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for peace and security in the Great Lakes Region of Africa,
Condemning the continuing illicit flow of weapons within and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and declaring its determination to continue closely monitoring implementation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 of 28 July 2003,
Recalling the importance for the Government of National Unity and Transition to implement without delay the integration for which it bears responsibility of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by continuing to work within the framework of the Joint Commission on Security Sector Reform, and encouraging the donor community to provide coordinated financial and technical assistance for this task,
Commending the efforts made by the Secretary-General, the African Union and other actors concerned to restore peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcoming in this regard the Declaration adopted in Dar es Salaam on 20 November 2004 at the conclusion of the first summit of the International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region of Africa,
Taking note of the reports of the Group of Experts established by paragraph 10 of resolution 1533, dated 15 July 2004 (S/2004/551) and 25 January 2005 (S/2005/30), transmitted by the Committee established in accordance with paragraph 8 of that resolution (hereafter the Committee), and of their recommendations,
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. Reaffirms the measures established by paragraph 20 of resolution 1493, dated 28 July 2003, and extended until 31 July 2005 by resolution 1552, dated 27 July 2004, decides that these measures shall from now on apply to any recipient in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and reiterates that assistance includes financing and financial assistance related to military activities;
2. Decides that the measures above shall not apply to:
(a) Supplies of arms and related materiel or technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by units of the army and police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provided that the said units:
– have completed the process of their integration, or
– operate under the command, respectively, of the état-major intégré of the Armed Forces or of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or
– are in the process of their integration, in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo outside the provinces of North and South Kivu and the Ituri district,
(b) Supplies of arms and related materiel as well as technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),
(c) 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 Committee in accordance with paragraph 8 (e) of resolution 1533;
3. Requests MONUC, within its existing capabilities and without prejudice to the performance of its current mandate, and the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 21 below to continue to focus their monitoring activities in North and South Kivu and in Ituri;
4. Decides that all future authorized shipments of arms and related materiel consistent with such exemptions noted in paragraph 2 (a) above shall only be made to receiving sites as designated by the Government of National Unity and Transition, in coordination with MONUC, and notified in advance to the Committee;
5. Demands that all parties other than those referred to in paragraph 2 (a) above with military capabilities in Ituri, in North Kivu or in South Kivu, help the Government of National Unity and Transition implement its commitments regarding disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of foreign and Congolese combatants, and regarding security sector reform;
6. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all governments in the region, and in particular those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus, shall take the necessary measures:
– To ensure that aircraft operate in the region in accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in Chicago on 7 December 1944, in particular by verifying the validity of documents carried in aircraft and the licences of pilots,
– To prohibit immediately in their respective territories operation of any aircraft inconsistent with the conditions in that Convention or the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, in particular with respect to the use of falsified or out-of-date documents, and to notify the Committee, and to maintain such prohibition until the Committee is informed by States or by the Group of Experts that these aircraft meet the said conditions and standards set forth in Chapter V of the Chicago Convention and determines that they will not be used for a purpose inconsistent with the resolutions of the Security Council,
– To ensure that all civilian and military airports or airfields on their respective territories will not be used for a purpose inconsistent with the measures imposed by paragraph 1 above;
7. Further decides that each government in the region, in particular those of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus, as well as that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shall maintain a registry for review by the Committee and the Group of Experts of all information concerning flights originating in their respective territories en route to destinations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as flights originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo en route to destinations in their respective territories;
8. Calls upon the Government of National Unity and Transition to strengthen the monitoring of the activity of all airports and airfields, in particular those located in Ituri and in the Kivus, to ensure in particular that only customs airports are used for international air service, and requests MONUC, in airports and airfields where it has a permanent presence, to cooperate within its existing capability with the competent Congolese authorities, with a view to enhancing the capability of those authorities to monitor and control the use of airports;
9. Recommends in this context to States in the region, and in particular to those parties to the Declaration adopted in Dar es Salaam on 20 November 2004, to promote regional cooperation in the field of air traffic control;
10. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the one hand, and those of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus on the other hand, shall take the necessary measures:
– To strengthen, as far as each of them is concerned, customs controls on the borders between Ituri or the Kivus and the neighbouring States,
– To ensure that all means of transport on their respective territories will not be used in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, and notify MONUC of such actions,
and requests MONUC and the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB), in accordance with their respective mandates, to provide assistance to this end, where they have a permanent presence, to the competent customs authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Burundi;
11. Reiterates its call upon the international community, in particular the specialized international organizations concerned, notably the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Customs Organization, to provide financial and technical assistance to the Government of National Unity and Transition with a view to helping it exercise effective control over its borders and its airspace, and invites in this regard the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide assistance with a view to evaluating and improving the performance and enhancing the capacity of the Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
12. Urges all States to conduct inquiries into the activities of their nationals who operate or are associated with the operation of aircraft or other means of transport such as those referred to in paragraphs 6 and 10 above used for the transfer of arms or related materiel in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 above, and if necessary to institute the appropriate legal proceedings against them;
13. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all persons designated by the Committee as acting in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;
14. Decides that the measures imposed by the previous paragraph shall not apply where the Committee determines in advance and on a case-by-case basis that such travel is justified on the grounds of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would further the objectives of the Council’s resolutions, that is peace and national reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and stability in the region;
15. Decides that all States shall, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, immediately freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories from the date of adoption of this resolution, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 13 above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, as designated by the Committee, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories, to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;
16. Decides that the provisions of the previous paragraph do not apply to funds, other financial assets and economic resources that:
(a) have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for basic expenses, including payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges, or for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges, in accordance with national laws, for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds, other financial assets and economic resources, after notification by the relevant States to the Committee of the intention to authorize, where appropriate, access to such funds, other financial assets and economic resources and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within four working days of such notification,
(b) have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that such determination has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee, or
(c) have been determined by relevant States to be the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitration lien or judgement, in which case the funds, other financial assets and economic resources may be used to satisfy that lien or judgement provided that the lien or judgement was entered prior to the date of the present resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 15 above, and has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee;
17. Decides that, no later than 31 July 2005, it shall review the measures set forth in paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, in the light of progress accomplished in the peace and transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular with regard to the integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police;
18. Decides that the Committee shall undertake, in addition to the tasks listed in paragraph 8 of resolution 1533, those hereafter:
(a) to designate persons and entities with respect to the measures set forth in paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, including aircraft and airlines, and regularly to update its list,
(b) to seek from all States concerned, and particularly those in the region, information regarding the actions taken by them to enforce the measures imposed by paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and any further information it may consider useful, including by providing all States with an opportunity to send representatives to meet the Committee to discuss in more detail any relevant issues,
(c) to call upon all States concerned, and particularly those in the region, to provide the Committee with information regarding the actions taken by them to investigate and prosecute as appropriate individuals designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (a) above,
(d) to consider and decide on requests for the exemptions set out in paragraphs 14 and 16 above,
(e) to promulgate guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above;
19. Demands that all parties and all States cooperate fully with the work of the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 21 below and of MONUC, and that they ensure:
– the safety of their members,
– unhindered and immediate access for the members of the Group of Experts, in particular by supplying them with any information on possible violations of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and by facilitating access of the Group of Experts to persons, documents and sites it deems relevant to the execution of its mandate;
20. Requests all States concerned, in particular those in the region, to report to the Committee, within forty-five days from the date of adoption of this resolution, on the actions they have taken to implement the measures imposed by paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and authorizes the Committee thereafter to request from all Member States any information it may consider necessary to fulfil its mandate;
21. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to re-establish, within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution, and for a period expiring on 31 July 2005, the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 10 of resolution 1533 with the addition of a fifth expert for financial issues, and requests further that the Secretary-General provide the Group of Experts with the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate;
22. Requests the Group of Experts above to report to the Council in writing before 1 July 2005, through the Committee, including on the implementation of the measures set forth in paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above;
23. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1597 Amendment of Statute of International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia
Date: 20 April 2005 Meeting: 5165
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, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002, 1481 (2003) of 19 May 2003, 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003 and 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004,
Having considered the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated 24 February 2005 (S/2005/127) transmitting the list of candidates for election as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,
Noting that the Secretary-General had suggested that the deadline for nominations be extended until 31 March 2005 and the President’s reply of 14 March 2005 (S/2005/159) indicating that the Security Council had agreed to the extension of the deadline,
Having considered also the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated 11 April 2005 (S/2005/236) that suggested that the deadline for the nomination of candidates for election as ad litem judges be further extended,
Noting that the number of candidates continues to fall short of the minimum number required by the Statute of the Tribunal to be elected,
Considering that the 27 ad litem judges elected by the General Assembly at its 102nd plenary meeting on 12 June 2001 whose term of office expires on 11 June 2005, should be eligible for re-election and wishing to amend the Statute for that purpose,
Noting that, should the cumulative period of service of an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia amount to three years or more, this will not result in any change in their entitlements or benefits and, in particular, will not give rise to any additional entitlements or benefits other than those that already exist and which will, in such an eventuality, be extended pro-rata by virtue of the extension of service,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to amend article 13 ter of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and to replace that article with the provision set out in the annex to this resolution;
2. Decides further to the Secretary-General’s letter of 11 April 2005 (S/2005/236) to extend the deadline for nominations of ad litem judges under the amended provision of the Statute for a further 30 days from the date of the adoption of this resolution;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Annex
Article 13 ter
Election and appointment of ad litem judges
1. The ad litem judges of the International Tribunal shall be elected by the General Assembly from a list submitted by the Security Council in the following manner:
(a) The Secretary-General shall invite nominations for ad litem judges of the International Tribunal from States Members of the United Nations and non-member States maintaining permanent observer missions at United Nations Headquarters;
(b) Within sixty days of the date of the invitation of the Secretary-General, each State may nominate up to four candidates meeting the qualifications set out in article 13 of the Statute, taking into account the importance of a fair representation of female and male candidates;
(c) The Secretary-General shall forward the nominations received to the Security Council. From the nominations received the Security Council shall establish a list of not less than fifty-four candidates, taking due account of the adequate representation of the principal legal systems of the world and bearing in mind the importance of equitable distribution;
(d) The President of the Security Council shall transmit the list of candidates to the President of the General Assembly. From that list the General Assembly shall elect the twenty-seven ad litem judges of the International Tribunal. The candidates who receive an absolute majority of the votes of the States Members of the United Nations and of the non-member States maintaining permanent observer missions at United Nations Headquarters shall be declared elected;
(e) The ad litem judges shall be declared elected for a term of four years. They shall be eligible for re-election.
2. During any term, ad litem judges will be appointed by the Secretary-General, upon request of the President of the International Tribunal, to serve in the Trial Chambers for one or more trials, for a cumulative period of up to, but not including three years. When requesting the appointment of any particular ad litem judge, the President of the International Tribunal shall bear in mind the criteria set out in article 13 of the Statute regarding the composition of the Chambers and sections of the Trial Chambers, the considerations set out in paragraph 1 (b) and (c) above and the number of votes the ad litem judge received in the General Assembly.
S/RES/1598 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 28 April 2005 Meeting: 5170
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, including resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003, resolution 1541 (2004) of 29 April 2004, and resolution 1570 (2004) of 28 October 2004,
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,
Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,
Urging the POLISARIO Front to release without further delay all remaining prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law, and calling 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,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 April (S/2005/254), and taking note of his interim report of 27 January (S/2005/49),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2005;
2. Affirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire;
3. Calls on Member States to consider voluntary contributions to fund Confidence Building Measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family unification visits;
4. Looks forward to receiving the results of the comprehensive review of the structure of the administrative and other civilian components of the mission, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report of 19 April (S/2005/254);
5. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation in the Western Sahara before the end of the mandate period;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1599 Establishment of UN Office in Timor-Leste
Date: 28 April 2005 Meeting: 5171
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions on the situation in Timor-Leste, in particular its resolutions 1543 (2004) of 14 May 2004 and 1573 (2004) of 16 November 2004,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 18 February 2005 (S/2005/99),
Commending the people and the Government of Timor-Leste for the peace and stability they have achieved in the country, as well as for their continuing efforts towards consolidating democracy and strengthening State institutions,
Further commending the United Nations Mission of Support in Timor-Leste (UNMISET), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and welcoming the continuing progress made towards the completion of key tasks inscribed in its mandate, particularly during its consolidation phase, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1543 (2004) and 1573 (2004),
Paying tribute to Timor-Leste’s bilateral and multilateral partners for their invaluable assistance, particularly with regard to institutional capacity-building and social and economic development,
Expressing its appreciation to those Member States which have provided support to UNMISET,
Having considered the letter dated 20 January 2005, from the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to the Secretary-General (S/2005/103),
Noting the Secretary-General’s analysis of the need for a United Nations presence to remain in Timor-Leste after 20 May 2005, although at a reduced level,
Noting also that the emerging institutions in Timor-Leste are still in the process of consolidation and that further assistance is required to ensure sustained development and strengthening of key sectors, mainly rule of law, including justice, human rights, and support for the Timor-Leste police, and other public administration,
Acknowledging the excellent communication and good will that have characterized relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, including the decision to establish a Truth and Friendship Commission, and their land border agreement signed in Dili 8 April 2005, which covers approximately 96 per cent of the land border, and encouraging continued efforts by both Governments towards resolving this and all pending bilateral issues,
Acknowledging the Secretary-General’s decision outlined in his letter to the Security Council dated 11 January 2005 (S/2005/96) to send a Commission of Experts to Timor-Leste and Indonesia to review the serious crimes accountability processes, and recommend further measures as appropriate,
Remaining fully committed to the promotion of long-lasting stability in Timor-Leste,
1. Decides to establish a one-year follow-on special political mission in Timor-Leste, the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), which will remain in Timor-Leste until 20 May 2006;
2. Decides further that UNOTIL will have the following mandate:
(i) to support the development of critical State institutions through provision of up to 45 civilian advisers;
(ii) to support further development of the police through provision of up to 40 police advisers, and support for development of the Border Patrol Unit (BPU), through provision of up to 35 additional advisers, 15 of whom may be military advisers;
(iii) to provide training in observance of democratic governance and human rights through provision of up to 10 human rights officers; and
(iv) to monitor and review progress in (i) through (iii ) above;
3. Requests that, when implementing its mandate, UNOTIL emphasize proper transfer of skills and knowledge in order to build the capacity of the public institutions of Timor-Leste to deliver their services in accordance with international principles of rule of law, justice, human rights, democratic governance, transparency, accountability and professionalism;
4. Requests further that UNOTIL be led by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who will direct the operations of the mission and coordinate all United Nations activities in Timor-Leste through his office, with due attention to safety of personnel, and facilitated by appropriate levels of logistics support, including transportation assets, such as air transport when necessary;
5. Requests that the Secretary-General deploy some of the advisers, authorized in paragraph 2 (ii) above, to assist the National Police of Timor-Leste in developing procedures for and in training the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) and to assist the Timor-Leste Government in coordinating contacts with the Indonesian military, with the objective of transferring skills to the BPU to assume full responsibility for such coordination as soon as possible;
6. Underlines that United Nations assistance to Timor-Leste should be coordinated with the efforts of bilateral and multilateral donors, regional mechanisms, non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations and other actors from within the international community, and encourages the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to establish and chair a consultative group, made up of these stakeholders in Timor-Leste, that will meet regularly for that purpose;
7. Urges the donor community, as well as the United Nations agencies and multilateral financial institutions, to continue providing resources and assistance for the implementation of projects towards sustainable and long-term development in Timor-Leste, and urges the donor community to actively participate in the donor’s conference scheduled to be held in April 2005;
8. Encourages, in particular, the Government of Timor-Leste, UNOTIL, the United Nations Secretariat, United Nations development and humanitarian agencies, and multilateral financial institutions to start immediately planning for a smooth and rapid transition, in Timor-Leste, from a special political mission to a sustainable development assistance framework;
9. Reaffirms the need for credible accountability for the serious human rights violations committed in East Timor in 1999, and, in this regard, underlines the need for the United Nations Secretariat, in agreement with Timor-Leste authorities, to preserve a complete copy of all the records compiled by the Serious Crimes Unit, calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the work of the Secretary-General’s Commission of Experts, and looks forward to the Commission’s upcoming report exploring possible ways to address this issue, including ways of assisting the Truth and Friendship Commission, which Indonesia and Timor-Leste have agreed to establish;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council closely and regularly informed of developments on the ground and of the implementation of the mandate of UNOTIL, and the planning for a transition to a sustainable development assistance framework, and to submit a report within four months of the date of adoption of the present resolution and every four months thereafter, with recommendations for any modifications such progress might allow to size, composition, mandate and duration of the UNOTIL presence;
11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1600 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 4 May 2005 Meeting: 5173
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005 and 1594 (2005) of 4 April 2005, as well as the relevant statements of its President, in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48) and of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),
Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the African Union,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Welcomes the signature by the Ivorian parties on 6 April 2005 in Pretoria of the agreement on the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire (the Pretoria Agreement) (S/2005/270), under the auspices of President Thabo Mbeki, commends President Thabo Mbeki for the essential role he has played, on behalf of the African Union, to restore peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirms its full support for his mediation efforts;
2. Calls on all parties to implement fully the Pretoria Agreement and reminds them that they have decided in the Pretoria Agreement to refer to the mediator, President Thabo Mbeki, any differences which may arise in the interpretation of any part of the agreement;
3. Welcomes further the decision taken by President Thabo Mbeki with regard to the eligibility for the Presidency of the Republic, as described in the letter he sent on 11 April 2005 to Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (S/2005/270), and takes note with satisfaction of the announcement made by President Laurent Gbagbo on 26 April 2005 that all candidates nominated by the political parties signatory to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be eligible for the Presidency;
4. Urges all the Ivorian parties to take all necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and transparent;
5. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire and of the French forces which support it shall be extended for a period of one month until 4 June 2005;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1601 Extension of UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti
Date: 31 May 2005 Meeting: 5192
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming resolutions 1576 (2004) of 29 November 2004 and 1542 (2004) of 30 April 2004, and recalling resolution 1529 (2004) of 29 February 2004, relevant statements by its President, as well as the Security Council’s report on its Mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 April (S/2005/302),
Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, as described in section 1 of operative paragraph 7 of resolution 1542 (2004),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, as contained in resolution 1542 (2004), until 24 June 2005, with the intention to renew for further periods;
2. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s report S/2005/313;
3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1602 Extension of UN Operation in Burundi
Date: 31 May 2005 Meeting: 5193
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its relevant resolutions on Burundi and in particular resolutions 1545 of 21 May 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1577 of 1 December 2004 and 1596 of 18 April 2005, as well as the statements of its President, in particular those of 15 August 2004 (S/PRST/2004/30), of 14 March 2005 (S/PRST/2005/13) and of 23 May 2005 (S/PRST/2005/19),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Burundi, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness and non-interference, and of regional cooperation,
Reaffirming also its full support for the process of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, signed at Arusha on 28 August 2000 (hereafter “the Arusha Agreement”), calling on all the Burundian parties to fully honour their commitments, and assuring them of its determination to support Burundi’s efforts to bring the transition to an end successfully through the holding of free and fair elections,
Welcoming the positive achievements that have been made so far by the Burundian parties, including since the deployment of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) on 1 June 2004,
Welcoming in particular the approval by the Burundian people of the post-transitional Constitution in the referendum of 28 February 2005,
Taking note with satisfaction of the declaration signed on 15 May 2005 in Dar es Salaam by the President of Burundi, Mr. Domitien Ndayizeye, and by the leader of the rebel group of Palipehutu-FNL, Mr. Agathon Rwasa, and taking note in particular of the commitment by both parties to cease hostilities immediately, agree within a month on a permanent ceasefire, and negotiate without disturbing the electoral process,
Urging the international community to take advantage of these positive political developments to increase its assistance for social and economic development in Burundi,
Welcoming the imminent holding of elections as provided for by the Arusha Agreement, taking note with satisfaction of the electoral timetable confirmed at the last meeting of Member States of the Regional Initiative for Peace in Burundi on 22 April 2005 in Entebbe, calling on the Transitional authorities strictly to adhere to this timetable for the holding of each poll, and urging all Burundian parties and candidates to ensure respect for the electoral code of conduct, refrain from any actions that may disrupt the process and accept the result of the elections,
Encouraging the Transitional Government to continue, with the cooperation of ONUB, to enhance women’s participation in the political process,
Taking note of the progress achieved in the reform of the security sector, as well as in the disarmament and demobilization of former combatants, and stressing the need in this regard to implement without delay a national reintegration strategy in order to further consolidate peace and stability,
Paying tribute to the efforts of the Member States of the Regional Initiative for Burundi, especially Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Facilitation of South Africa, to support the peace process in Burundi, and encouraging them to continue to assist the efforts of the Burundian parties,
Encouraging also the international donor community to respond to requests from the Government of Burundi to strengthen its national judicial institutions and rule of law capacity,
Condemning all acts of violence, any threat of the use of force, as well as violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and stressing the need for the Burundian authorities to ensure the safety of civilian populations, in particular with regard to women, children and other vulnerable persons,
Reiterating its strong condemnation of the Gatumba massacre of 13 August 2004, and its commitment that perpetrators of such crimes, as well as all persons responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, be brought to justice,
Considering that bringing an end to the climate of impunity in Burundi, as well as in the Great Lakes of Africa as a whole, is essential for building lasting peace in the region,
Taking note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General dated 19 May 2005 (S/2005/328),
Noting that factors of instability remain in Burundi, and determining that the situation in this country 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. Decides to extend the mandate of ONUB until 1 December 2005;
2. Calls upon all Burundian parties to exert greater efforts to ensure success of the Transition, national reconciliation and stability of the country in the longer term, in particular by refraining from any actions which may affect the cohesion of the Arusha Agreement process;
3. Looks forward to the Secretary-General’s recommendations by 15 November 2005 on the role of the United Nations in supporting Burundi, including on the possible adjustment of ONUB’s mandate and force strength, in accordance with progress made on the ground;
4. Looks forward also to the submission by the Secretary-General of his detailed proposal, as described in paragraphs 53 and 54 of his report, for the establishment of an international support mechanism during the post-transitional period in Burundi;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep it informed in his reports on the situation in Burundi of actions taken in the fight against impunity;
6. Welcomes efforts undertaken by ONUB to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1603 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 3 June 2005 Meeting: 5194
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),
Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire,
Welcoming, in particular, the mediation efforts undertaken by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on behalf of the African Union, and reaffirming its full support for him,
Welcoming the signature by the Ivorian parties on 6 April 2005 in Pretoria of the agreement on the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire (the Pretoria Agreement), under the auspices of President Thabo Mbeki, and expressing its satisfaction with the first steps which have been undertaken by the Ivorian parties in order to implement this agreement, in particular with the agreement on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process reached on 14 May 2005 and the restoration of the status of the Ivorian Radio and Television to that it enjoyed before 24 December 2004,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000 on women, peace and security, 1379 (2001) of 20 November 2001 and 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003 on children and armed conflict, as well as its resolutions 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999 and 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000 on protection of civilians in armed conflict,
Expressing grave concern at the allegations of misconduct of some peacekeeping troops deployed in African countries, including the sexual exploitation, affirming that these troops should limit their behaviour in line with their code of conduct and reaffirming that there will be a zero-tolerance policy of any illegal misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse in all peacekeeping troops,
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General of 18 March 2005 (S/2005/186),
Having also taken note of the letter of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South-Africa of 24 May 2005 (S/2005/340),
Expressing its concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, in particular in the West of the country,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Endorses the Pretoria Agreement and demands that all the signatories to the agreement and all the Ivorian parties concerned implement it fully and without delay;
2. Stresses in this regard that non-respect, by the signatories to the Pretoria Agreement, or by any other Ivorian party concerned, of any of the commitments made in Pretoria in the presence of President Thabo Mbeki would endanger the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire and would constitute an obstacle to the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and the Accra III Agreement, and therefore reaffirms its readiness to implement paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) if the parties fail to meet their commitments under the Linas-Marcoussis and Pretoria Agreements;
3. Commends President Thabo Mbeki for the essential role he has played, on behalf of the African Union, to restore peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirms its full support for his mediation efforts, reminds the signatories to the Pretoria Agreement that in the event of differences in the interpretation of all or part of the agreement, they should seek a ruling from President Thabo Mbeki and encourages the Secretary-General, President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union to continue to collaborate closely in the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement;
4. Takes note with satisfaction of the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement reaffirming the determination of the signatories of the Agreement regarding the need to organize presidential elections in October 2005 and legislative elections following immediately thereafter, as well as their agreement to invite the United Nations to participate in the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Constitutional Council and in the organization of the general election, and of the decision by the Council of Ministers on 28 April 2005 to hold the first round of the presidential elections on 30 October 2005;
5. Welcomes the decision taken by President Thabo Mbeki with regard to the eligibility for the Presidency of the Republic, as described in the letter he sent to Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, on 11 April 2005 (S/2005/270), and takes note with satisfaction of the announcement made by President Laurent Gbagbo on 26 April 2005 that all candidates nominated by the political parties signatory to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be eligible for the presidential elections;
6. Demands that all the Ivorian parties take all necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and transparent;
7. Requests the Secretary-General, on the basis of the Pretoria Agreement, to designate, as an exceptional arrangement, after consultations with the African Union and President Thabo Mbeki, a High Representative for the elections in Côte d’Ivoire (the High Representative), autonomous from the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), to assist in particular in the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and of the Constitutional Council, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with the following mandate:
(a) To verify, on behalf of the international community, that all stages of the electoral process, including the establishment of a register of voters and the issuance of voters’ cards, provide all the necessary guarantees for the holding of open, free, fair and transparent presidential and legislative elections within the time limits laid down in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire;
(b) To provide, in close cooperation with UNOCI and the mediation, all necessary advice and guidance to the Constitutional Council, the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies or institutes to help them prevent and resolve any difficulty which may jeopardize the holding of open, free, fair and transparent elections within the time limits laid down in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, with the authority in this regard to make necessary determinations;
(c) To report immediately to the Security Council through the Secretary-General, and to inform the mediator of the African Union, President Mbeki, any difficulty which may jeopardize the holding of open, free, fair and transparent elections, and to submit to them, as appropriate, such recommendations as he may see fit to make;
(d) To keep the Security Council, through the Secretary-General, and President Thabo Mbeki regularly informed of all aspects of his mandate;
(e) To request and receive information and technical advice from UNOCI as well as other sources;
8. Decides that the mandate of the High Representative as referred to in paragraph 7 above will end after the forthcoming general elections in Côte d’Ivoire;
9. Calls upon the community of donors to provide all the necessary financial resources to the High Representative to support the full implementation of his mission;
10. Takes note of the agreement on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process and on the restructuring of the armed forces signed on 14 May 2005 in Yamoussoukro by the Chiefs of Staff of the National Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the armed forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN), demands that the parties implement fully this agreement so that the DDR process can start without delay, reaffirms in this regard paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004), reaffirms also paragraph 8 of resolution 1584 (2005) regarding the establishment of a comprehensive list of armaments in their possession and demands the immediate disarmament and dismantling of militias throughout the national territory;
11. Decides that the mandate of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it shall be extended until 24 June 2005, with a view to renew it, in this specific instance, for a period of seven months;
12. Authorizes the Secretary-General to begin the necessary planning and preparations, including troop and police generation as well as required support and other arrangements, to facilitate a timely deployment in the event that the Security Council decides to increase UNOCI’s authorized strength of troops and police and to adjust its mandate;
13. Underlines the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding and of appropriate expertise in this regard, and encourages UNOCI to actively address this issue;
14. Urges donors and international financial institutions to provide the necessary support to the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, in particular the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme and the electoral process, through the expeditious allocation of financial resources;
15. Calls upon all parties to cooperate fully in the deployment and operations of UNOCI, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, as well as associated personnel throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire;
16. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNOCI to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
17. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed of the developments of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, the implementation of the mandate of UNOCI and of the Linas-Marcoussis and Pretoria Agreements, and to report to it in this regard every three months;
18. Requests also France to continue to report to it periodically on all aspects of its mandate in Côte d’Ivoire;
19. Invites the African Union to keep it regularly informed of the implementation of the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement and to make recommendations to it as it deems necessary;
20. Expresses its full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;
21. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1604 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
Date: 15 June 2005 Meeting: 5202
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 27 May 2005 (S/2005/353) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,
Reiterating its call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness, and welcoming in this regard the resumption of the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons since August 2004,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s review of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Cyprus (UNFICYP), pursuant to resolution 1568 (2004) of 22 October 2004,
Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 June 2005,
Taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security situation on the island continues to be stable and that the situation along the Green Line remains calm, and, nonetheless, that there were problems in a few sensitive areas, and welcoming in this context the further decrease in the overall number of incidents involving the two sides,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the operations of UNFICYP under close review, continuing to take into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and to revert to the Council with recommendations for further adjustments as appropriate to UNFICYP’s mandate, force levels and concept of operation once he judges that sufficient time has passed since the implementation of UNFICYP’s new concept of operations to make this assessment,
Taking note with satisfaction of the lifting of restrictions of movement of UNFICYP by the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish forces, and taking note in this connection that UNFICYP enjoys good cooperation from both sides,
Welcoming the fact that over seven million crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south have taken place, and encouraging the opening of additional crossing points,
Expressing concern at the increase in crime across the ceasefire line and urging both sides to increase cooperation in order to address this issue,
Welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events, including, inter alia, on the part of the United Nations, and urging the two sides to promote further bicommunal contacts and to remove any obstacles to such contacts,
Echoing the Secretary-General’s gratitude to the Government of Cyprus and the Government of Greece for their voluntary contributions to the funding of UNFICYP, and his request for further voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations,
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, 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 2005;
3. Calls on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to restore in Strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on implementation of this resolution by 1 December 2005;
5. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNFICYP to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1605 Mandate renewal of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 17 June 2005 Meeting: 5205
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 10 June 2005 (S/2005/379), 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. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
3. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 31 December 2005;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).
S/RES/1606 Negotiations on Burundi Truth Commission and Special Chamber
Date: 20 June 2005 Meeting: 5207
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its support for the process of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, signed at Arusha on 28 August 2000,
Convinced of the need, for the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in Burundi, to establish the truth, investigate the crimes, and identify and bring to justice those bearing the greatest responsibility for crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Burundi since independence, to deter future crimes of this nature, and to bring an end to the climate of impunity, in Burundi and in the region of the Great Lakes of Africa as a whole,
Emphasizing that appropriate international assistance to Burundi is needed to help the Burundian people end impunity, promote reconciliation, and establish a society and government under the rule of law,
Having taken note of the letter addressed on 24 July 2002 by the then President of the Republic of Burundi, Pierre Buyoya, to the Secretary-General to request the establishment of an international judicial commission of inquiry, as provided for in the Arusha Agreement,
Having also taken note of the report transmitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council on 11 March 2005 (S/2005/158), following on the assessment mission he had dispatched to Burundi, from 16 to 24 May 2004, to consider the advisability and feasibility of establishing such a commission,
Having heard the opinion of the Transitional Government of Burundi, presented by its Justice Minister, Didace Kiganahe, on 15 June 2005, on the recommendations contained in this report, which aim at the creation of a mixed Truth Commission and a Special Chamber within the court system of Burundi,
Acknowledging the crucial importance of reconciliation for peace and national unity in Burundi and sharing the view that a future Truth Commission should contribute to it,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to initiate negotiations with the Government and consultations with all Burundian parties concerned on how to implement his recommendations, and to report to the Council by 30 September 2005 on details of implementation, including costs, structures and time frame;
2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1607 Extension of Liberia diamond embargo
Date: 21 June 2005 Meeting: 5208
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 17 March 2005 (S/2005/176) and 13 June 2005 (S/2005/360), and the report of the Secretary-General dated 7 June 2005 (S/2005/376), submitted pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004),
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 arms and the recruitment and use of mercenaries as one of the sources of fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in West Africa, particularly in Liberia,
Recalling that the measures imposed under resolution 1521 (2003) were designed to prevent such illegal exploitation from fuelling a resumption of the conflict in Liberia, as well as to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the extension of the authority of the National Transitional Government throughout Liberia,
Expressing its concern that, while the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has contributed to the improvement of security throughout Liberia, the National Transitional Government has not yet established its authority throughout Liberia,
Emphasizing the need for the international community to help the National Transitional Government increase its capacity to establish its authority throughout Liberia, particularly to establish its control over the diamond- and timber-producing areas and Liberia’s borders,
Expressing deep concern at information that former President Charles Taylor and others still closely associated with him continue to engage in activities that undermine peace and stability in Liberia and the region,
Having reviewed the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) and paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) and the progress towards meeting the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003),
Welcoming the assessment of the Panel of Experts that there is no evidence of illegal timber being exported from Liberia, but noting with concern that few of the reforms in the National Transitional Government of Liberia road map necessary to meet the conditions set forth in paragraph 11 of resolution 1521 (2003) for lifting the measures on timber imposed by paragraph 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) have been implemented,
Acknowledging the recent completion of the Forest Concession Review and welcoming the report of the Forest Concession Review Committee,
Welcoming the progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia with training for diamond mining officials, but noting with serious concern the increase in unlicensed mining and illegal exports of diamonds and the National Transitional Government of Liberia’s agreement to, and lack of transparency in, granting exclusive mining rights to a single company,
Noting with concern the limited progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia towards establishing transparent financial management systems that will help ensure that government revenues are not used to fuel conflict or otherwise used in violation of the Council’s resolutions but are used for legitimate purposes for the benefit of the Liberian people, including development,
Taking note of the ongoing discussions regarding a Liberia Economic Governance Action Plan, designed to ensure prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to expedite the lifting of measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), and expressing its intention to consider, as appropriate, the Action Plan,
Emphasizing that, despite completion of demobilization and disarmament, significant challenges remain in completing reintegration and repatriation of ex-combatants and restructuring of the security sector, as well as establishing and maintaining stability in Liberia and the subregion,
Determining that the situation in Liberia 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. Decides, on the basis of its assessments above of progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), to renew the measures on diamonds imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1521 (2003) for a further period of six months from the date of adoption of this resolution;
2. Urges the National Transitional Government of Liberia to intensify its efforts, with the support of UNMIL, to establish its authority over the diamond-producing areas, and to work towards establishing an official Certificate of Origin regime for trade in rough diamonds that is transparent and internationally verifiable, with a view to joining the Kimberley Process;
3. Reiterates the Council’s readiness to terminate all measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003) once the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003) have been met;
4. Calls on the National Transitional Government of Liberia urgently to intensify its efforts to reform the Forestry Development Authority, to implement the Liberia Forest Initiative and to implement the Forest Concession Review Committee’s recommendations for reform, which will ensure transparency, accountability and sustainable forest management and contribute towards the lifting of the measures on timber set forth in paragraph 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);
5. Invites the National Transitional Government of Liberia to consider, with the assistance of international partners and for a specific time period, the possibility of commissioning independent external advice on the management of Liberia’s diamond and timber resources, in order to increase investor confidence and attract additional donor support;
6. Notes that the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) remain in force to prevent former President Charles Taylor, his immediate family members, senior officials of the former Taylor regime, or other close allies or associates from using misappropriated funds and property to interfere in the restoration of peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion, and reconfirms its intention to review these measures at least once a year;
7. Reiterates its intention to consider whether and how to make available to the Government of Liberia the funds, other financial assets and economic resources frozen pursuant to paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), once that Government has established transparent accounting and auditing mechanisms to ensure the responsible use of government revenue to benefit directly the people of Liberia;
8. Emphasizes its concern that the National Transitional Government of Liberia has taken no action to implement its obligations under paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and calls on the Government to take such action immediately, particularly through adopting the necessary domestic legislation, with technical support provided by Member States;
9. Notes also that the measures on arms, travel and timber imposed by paragraphs 2, 4 and 10 respectively of resolution 1521 (2003) and renewed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1579 (2004) remain in force until 21 December 2005;
10. Urges UNMIL to intensify its efforts, as mandated in resolution 1509 (2003), to assist the National Transitional Government of Liberia in re-establishing its authority throughout Liberia, including diamond-producing and timber-producing areas, and restoring proper administration of natural resources;
11. Reiterates the importance of UNMIL’s continuing assistance to the National Transitional Government of Liberia, the Committee established by paragraph 21 of resolution 1521 (2003) (“the Committee”) and the Panel of Experts, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, and without prejudice to its mandate, in the following areas:
(a) monitoring the implementation of the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) in accordance with paragraph 23 of that resolution;
(b) supporting efforts by the Transitional Government to prevent violations of those measures, and reporting any such violations;
(c) collecting, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Liberia in violation of the measures taken by States to implement paragraph 2 of resolution 1521 (2003), and disposing of such arms and related materiel as appropriate;
(d) assisting the National Transitional Government of Liberia in monitoring the recruitment and movement of ex-combatants, and reporting any relevant information to the Panel and the Committee, in order to reduce the opportunity for ex-combatants to undermine the peace process or provoke renewed instability in Liberia and the subregion;
(e) developing a strategy, in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners, to consolidate a national legal framework as mandated in resolution 1509 (2003), including the implementation by the National Transitional Government of Liberia of the measures in paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004);
12. Calls upon UNMIL and the United Nations Missions in Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to intensify their cooperation, within their capabilities and areas of deployment and without prejudice to their mandates, to monitor arms trafficking and recruitment of mercenaries within the subregion;
13. Reiterates its call on the international donor community to continue to provide assistance to the peace process, including for reintegration of ex-combatants and reconstruction, to contribute generously to consolidated humanitarian appeals, to disburse as soon as possible the pledges made at the Liberia Reconstruction Conference in New York on 5-6 February 2004 and to respond to the financial, administrative and technical needs of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, in particular to assist the Government to meet the conditions referred to in paragraph 3 above, so that the measures can be lifted as soon as possible;
14. Decides to re-establish the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004) for a further period until 21 December 2005 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 imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), including any information relevant to the designation by the Committee of the individuals described in paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1521 (2003) and paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and including the various sources of financing, such as from natural resources, for the illicit trade of arms;
(b) to assess the impact and effectiveness of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004);
(c) to assess the progress made towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003);
(d) to assess the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);
(e) to report to the Council through the Committee by 7 December 2005 on all the issues listed in this paragraph, and to provide informal updates to the Committee as appropriate before that date, especially on progress towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by paragraphs 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);
(f) to cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Côte d’Ivoire by resolution 1584 of 1 February 2005;
15. Requests the Secretary-General, acting in consultation with the Committee, to appoint as soon as possible no more than five experts, with the appropriate range of expertise, in particular on arms, timber, diamonds, finance, humanitarian and socio-economic and any other relevant issues, drawing as much as possible on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004), and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support the work of the Panel;
16. Calls upon all States and the National Transitional Government of Liberia to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts;
17. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1608 Extension of UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti
Date: 22 June 2005 Meeting: 5210
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming resolutions 1542 (2004) and 1576 (2004), and recalling resolution 1529 (2004), relevant statements by its President, as well as the Security Council’s report on its Mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 April 2005 (S/2005/302),
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti,
Stressing that free and fair elections, open to all political parties that have renounced violence and with the broadest possible participation of the Haitian people, must take place in 2005 in accordance with the established timetable, and that the democratically elected authorities must take office on 7 February 2006,
Affirming its determination to ensure a secure and stable environment in which the electoral process can take place,
Condemning all violations of human rights, including lack of due process and prolonged pretrial detentions, and urging the Transitional Government of Haiti to take all necessary measures to put an end to impunity and to ensure progress in the respect for the rule of law, including by pursuing reforms in the Haitian National Police (HNP) and in the justice and correctional systems,
Reaffirming the importance of appropriate expertise on issues relating to gender in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalling the need to address violence against women and children, and encouraging the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as well as the Transitional Government of Haiti to actively address these issues,
Underlining that pervasive poverty is an important root cause of unrest in Haiti, and stressing that there can be no genuine stability without strengthening its economy, including through a long-term strategy for sustainable development and the strengthening of Haitian institutions,
Welcoming the approval of a National Programme on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) by the Transitional Government of Haiti, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and MINUSTAH, and emphasizing that its implementation is imperative for broader stabilization efforts to succeed,
Recalling that security, political reconciliation, and economic reconstruction efforts remain key to the stability of Haiti,
Noting that the Haitian people must take responsibility for achieving stability, social and economic development and law and order,
Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, as described in Section 1 of operative paragraph 7 of resolution 1542 (2004),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, as contained in resolution 1542 (2004), until 15 February 2006, with the intention to renew for further periods;
2. Welcomes the Report of the Secretary-General of 19 May 2005 on MINUSTAH (S/2005/313), and supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General as outlined in paragraphs 44-52, as follows:
(a) a temporary increase, during the electoral period and subsequent political transition, of 750 personnel to MINUSTAH’s currently authorized military strength in order to create a rapid reaction force in Haiti to provide increased security, in particular in and around Port-au-Prince;
(b) an increase of 50 military personnel in order to create a sector headquarters in Port-au-Prince, with the understanding that MINUSTAH will optimize at all levels the coordination between military and police components to ensure efficient and better-integrated operations, including by posting UN staff civilian police officers in this headquarters;
(c) a temporary increase, during the electoral period and subsequent political transition, of 275 personnel to the current strength of MINUSTAH’s civilian police component to provide increased security;
(d) an assessment of the Haitian judiciary and correctional systems including to explore possibilities for greater international community support, and a more active role by MINUSTAH, to be submitted to the Security Council as soon as possible;
3. Decides that for a temporary period MINUSTAH will consist of a military component of up to 7,500 troops of all ranks and of up to 1,897 Civilian Police. Requests the Secretary-General to devise, in a timely manner, a progressive drawdown strategy of the MINUSTAH force levels for the post-election period, in accordance with the situation on the ground;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to share with the Council the overall plan for the successful holding of elections in Haiti, including voter registration, security, logistics, civic education, observation, and detailed budget information; urges Haitian authorities to increase and accelerate efforts to prepare for and ensure the smooth conduct of the elections; and calls upon international donors to provide the necessary resources to support the electoral process;
5. Requests also the Secretary-General to share with the Council the reform plan for the HNP, formulated by MINUSTAH and the Haitian authorities, that includes the anticipated size, standards, implementation timetable, and resources;
6. Requests that MINUSTAH concentrate the use of its resources, including civilian police, towards increasing security and protection during the electoral period; including a review, as appropriate, of the rules of engagement of the individual civilian police officers;
7. Requests that MINUSTAH and the Haitian authorities take all necessary steps to achieve optimal coordination between MINUSTAH’s civilian police and the HNP;
8. Reaffirms MINUSTAH’s authority to vet and certify new and existing HNP personnel for service, and urges the Transitional Government of Haiti to ensure that HNP personnel do not serve unless certified and to ensure that technical advice and recommendations provided by MINUSTAH are fully implemented by Haitian authorities at all levels without delay;
9. Calls upon MINUSTAH to make the Joint Mission Analysis Cell operational as soon as possible in order to pool and better use the information available to the MINUSTAH military, police and civilian components; and also calls for the use of MINUSTAH’s aviation assets in an efficient and effective manner in support of security operations;
10. Urges the Transitional Government to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into cases of human rights violations, particularly those allegedly involving HNP officers; requests that in order to support this effort MINUSTAH make the Joint Special Investigation Unit operational as soon as possible;
11. Welcomes the launching on 7 April 2005 of the “national dialogue” by the Transitional Government of Haiti, and stresses that such a dialogue should serve the long-term aim of national reconciliation and, in the shorter term, the holding of credible and inclusive elections; urges the Transitional Government of Haiti to redouble its efforts for this essential process and invites all Haitians to participate in this dialogue without delay;
12. Urges the Transitional Government of Haiti and MINUSTAH to begin immediately effective implementation of the DDR programme and calls on all Member States to provide timely financial, human and technical resources in support of this programme;
13. Renews its appeal for the accelerated disbursement of the funds pledged by international financial institutions and donors at the July 2004 International Donors Conference on Haiti; supports the Cayenne follow-up donor conference held on 16 and 17 June 2005, in Montreal; and calls upon all donors to continue to assist Haiti;
14. Requests MINUSTAH to strengthen its capacity to implement quick-impact projects; and calls for increased coordination between the various development actors in Haiti in order to ensure greater efficiency in development efforts;
15. Invites the Bretton Woods institutions to consider the issue of debt sustainability and the implications of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative for Haiti;
16. Urges MINUSTAH to urgently develop and implement a proactive communications and public relations strategy, in order to improve the Haitian population’s understanding of the mandate of MINUSTAH and its role in Haiti;
17. Welcomes efforts undertaken by MINUSTAH to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
18. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the effectiveness of the implementation of MINUSTAH’s mandate at least once every three months; requests further that the Secretariat keeps the Council members informed, on a regular basis, on the status of electoral preparations, including party and voter registration figures and other relevant data;
19. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1609 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 24 June 2005 Meeting: 5213
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,
Recalling also its resolutions 1561 (2004) of 17 September 2004 on the situation in Liberia and 1562 (2004)
of 17 September 2004 on the situation in Sierra Leone,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement) and the Agreement signed in Pretoria on 6 April 2005 (the Pretoria Agreement),
Having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General of 17 June 2005 (S/2005/398 and S/2005/398/Add.1) and of his report of 2 March 2005 on inter-mission cooperation and possible cross-border operations between the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (S/2005/135),
Expressing its serious concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, in particular after the dramatic events that occurred in the West of the country,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose 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 mandate of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it shall be extended, in this specific instance, for a period of 7 months, until 24 January 2006;
2. Decides that UNOCI shall have the following mandate from the date of adoption of this resolution:
Monitoring of the cessation of hostilities and movements of armed groups
(a) To observe and monitor the implementation of the joint declaration of the end of the war of 6 April 2005 and of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003, to prevent, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, any hostile action, in particular within the Zone of Confidence, and to investigate violations of the ceasefire,
(b) To liaise with the National Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the military elements of the Forces Nouvelles in order to promote, in coordination with the French forces, the re-establishment of trust among all the Ivorian forces involved,
(c) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in monitoring the borders, with particular attention to the situation of Liberian refugees and to any cross-border movement of combatants,
Disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement
(d) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in undertaking the regrouping of all the Ivorian forces involved and to assist in ensuring the security of their disarmament, cantonment and demobilization sites,
(e) To support the Government of National Reconciliation in the implementation of the national programme for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants, paying special attention to the specific needs of women and children,
(f) To coordinate closely with the United Nations missions in Sierra Leone and in Liberia in the implementation of a voluntary repatriation and resettlement programme for foreign ex-combatants, paying special attention to the specific needs of women and children, in support of the efforts of the Government of National Reconciliation and in cooperation with the Governments concerned, relevant international financial institutions, international development organizations and donor nations,
(g) To ensure that the programmes mentioned in paragraphs (e) and (f) take into account the need for a coordinated regional approach,
(h) To secure, neutralize or destroy any weapons, ammunition or any other military materiel surrendered by the former combatants,
Disarmament and dismantling of militias
(i) To assist the Prime Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation in formulating and monitoring the implementation of the Joint Operation Plan for the disarmament and dismantling of militias envisaged in article 4 of the Pretoria Agreement,
(j) To secure, neutralize or destroy all weapons, ammunition and other military materiel surrendered by militias,
Protection of United Nations personnel, institutions and civilians
(k) To protect United Nations personnel, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of National Reconciliation, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment,
(l) To support, in coordination with the Ivorian and South African authorities, the provision of security for members of the Government of National Reconciliation,
Monitoring of the arms embargo
(m) To monitor the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), in cooperation with the Group of Experts established under resolution 1584 (2005) and, as appropriate, with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and Governments concerned, including by inspecting, as they deem it necessary and without notice, the cargo of aircraft and of any transport vehicle using the ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings of Côte d’Ivoire,
(n) To collect, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Côte d’Ivoire in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to dispose of such arms and related materiel as appropriate,
Support for humanitarian assistance
(o) To facilitate the free flow of people, goods and humanitarian assistance, inter alia, by helping to establish the necessary security conditions and taking into account the special needs of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and elderly people,
Support for the redeployment of State administration
(p) To facilitate, with the assistance of the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners, the re-establishment by the Government of National Reconciliation of the authority of the State throughout Côte d’Ivoire which is essential for the social and economic recovery of the country,
Support for the organization of open, free, fair and transparent elections
(q) To provide all necessary technical assistance to the Government of National Reconciliation, the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies or institutes, with the support of the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners, for the organization of open, free, fair and transparent presidential and legislative elections within the time frames envisaged in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire,
(r) To provide technical information, advice and assistance as appropriate to the High Representative referred to in paragraph 7 of resolution 1603 (2005) of 3 June 2005,
(s) To contribute, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, to the security of the areas where voting is to take place,
Assistance in the field of human rights
(t) To contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, with special attention to violence committed against children and women, to monitor and help investigate human rights violations with a view to ending impunity, and to keep the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of developments in this regard,
Public information
(u) To promote understanding of the peace process and the role of UNOCI among local communities and the parties, through the Mission’s public information capacity, including its radio broadcasting capability,
(v) To monitor the Ivorian mass media, in particular with regard to any incidents of incitement by the media to hatred, intolerance and violence, and to keep the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of the situation in this regard,
Law and order
(w) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in conjunction with the African Union, ECOWAS and other international organizations in restoring a civilian policing presence throughout Côte d’Ivoire, to advise the Government of National Reconciliation on the restructuring of the internal security services, and to assist the Ivorian parties with the implementation of temporary and interim security measures in the northern part of the country, as provided for in paragraph 6 of the Pretoria Agreement,
(x) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in conjunction with the African Union, ECOWAS and other international organizations in re-establishing the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law throughout Côte d’Ivoire;
3. Authorizes, for the period specified in paragraph 1 above, an increase in the military component of UNOCI of up to 850 additional personnel as well as an increase in the civilian police component of up to a ceiling of 725 civilian police personnel, including three formed police units, and the necessary additional civilian personnel;
4. Authorizes the Secretary-General to take all the necessary steps in order to implement as appropriate relevant measures envisaged in paragraphs 19 to 23 and in paragraph 76 (b) through (e) of his report on inter-mission cooperation and possible cross-border operations between the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire dated 2 March 2005 (S/2005/135), subject to the agreements of the troop-contributing countries and, where relevant, of the governments concerned and without prejudice to the performance of the mandates of these United Nations missions;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to seek the agreement of the countries contributing military and civilian police personnel to UNMIL, UNAMSIL and UNOCI to redeploy such personnel as may be needed on a temporary basis to reinforce another of the above three missions, as appropriate, taking account of the need to ensure effective performance of the current mandates of those missions;
6. Authorizes, subject to the necessary prior steps referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, including the agreements of the troop-contributing countries and, where relevant, the governments concerned, the temporary redeployment of military and civilian police personnel among UNMIL, UNAMSIL and UNOCI to deal with challenges which cannot be handled within the authorized personnel ceiling of a given mission, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The Secretary-General shall inform the Security Council in advance of his intention to make such a redeployment, including its scope and duration, with the understanding that the implementation of the above-mentioned reinforcement will require a corresponding decision of the Security Council,
(b) Any forces redeployed shall continue to be counted against the authorized ceiling on military and civilian personnel of the mission from which they are being transferred and shall not count against the ceiling of the mission to which they are being transferred,
(c) Any such transfer shall not result in any increase in the total combined ceilings on military and civilian personnel deployed in UNOCI, UNAMSIL and UNMIL determined by the Security Council in the respective mandates of the three missions,
(d) Any such transfer shall not have the effect of extending the deployment period of personnel deployed under the mandate of their original mission, unless the Security Council decides otherwise;
7. Decides to review the troop level of UNOCI by 31 December 2005, including the civilian police component, in the light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire after the forthcoming general elections and on the basis of the tasks remaining to be carried out, with a view to further reduction as appropriate;
8. Authorizes UNOCI to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment;
9. Requests UNOCI to carry out its mandate in close liaison with the United Nations missions in Sierra Leone and in Liberia, including especially in the prevention of movements of arms and combatants across shared borders and the implementation of disarmament and demobilization programmes;
10. Underlines the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding and of appropriate expertise in this regard, and encourages UNOCI to actively address this issue;
11. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNOCI to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
12. Authorizes from the date of adoption of this resolution the French forces to use all necessary means in order to support UNOCI in accordance with the agreement reached between UNOCI and the French authorities, and in particular to:
– Contribute to the general security of the area of activity of the international forces,
– Intervene at the request of UNOCI in support of its elements whose security may be threatened,
– In consultation with UNOCI, intervene against belligerent actions, if the security conditions so require, outside UNOCI’s areas of deployment,
– Help to protect civilians, in the deployment areas of their units,
– Contribute to monitoring the arms embargo established by resolution 1572 (2004) in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of resolution 1584 (2005);
13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1610 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone
Date: 30 June 2005 Meeting: 5219
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,
Emphasizing the importance of the continued support of the United Nations and the international community for the long-term security and development of Sierra Leone,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 April 2005 (S/2005/273), and noting with approval his observations in paragraph 65 on the drawdown schedule of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and in paragraphs 63 to 64 on the need for a strong United Nations system presence in Sierra Leone after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL,
Commending the work of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and encouraging the Government of Sierra Leone to disseminate widely the Commission’s report and the Government’s response to it,
Expressing its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, noting its vital contribution to the establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone, and in this regard underlining the importance of ensuring that all those indicted by the Court appear before it, in order to strengthen the stability of Sierra Leone and the subregion and to bring an end to impunity, and encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court,
Determining that the situation in Sierra Leone 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. Decides that the mandate of UNAMSIL shall be extended for a final period of six months until 31 December 2005;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to finalize the necessary planning for an appropriate integrated United Nations system presence in Sierra Leone, as recommended in paragraphs 63 to 64 of the Secretary-General’s report, with the capacity and expertise to coordinate the activities of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, to cooperate with the donor community, and to continue to support the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone at peace consolidation and long-term development, after UNAMSIL has withdrawn;
3. Encourages UNAMSIL and the United Nations country team in Sierra Leone to continue their close collaboration to ensure a seamless transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, including through the implementation of their joint Transition Plan;
4. Recalls that the Sierra Leone security forces shall effectively assume full responsibility for security in the country after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL;
5. Underlines also the importance of providing effective security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone after UNAMSIL has withdrawn, and requests the Secretary-General to make recommendations on this to the Security Council as soon as possible;
6. Urges the Government of Sierra Leone to continue its efforts to develop an effective, affordable and sustainable police force, armed forces, penal system and independent judiciary, and further to promote good governance and strengthen mechanisms to tackle corruption, and encourages donors and UNAMSIL, in accordance with its mandate, to assist the Government in this regard, as well as in restoring public services throughout the country;
7. Encourages the United Nations missions in the region to continue their efforts towards enhancing inter-mission cooperation, especially in the prevention of movements of arms and combatants across borders and in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes;
8. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNAMSIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
9. 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 regularly to the Council, after due consultations with troop-contributing countries and the Government of Sierra Leone;
10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1611 Condemnation of London terrorist attacks
Date: 7 July 2005 Meeting: 5223
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001 and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004,
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 without reservation the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July 2005, and regards any act of terrorism as a threat to peace and security;
2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families, and to the people and Government of the United Kingdom;
3. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these barbaric acts;
4. Expresses its utmost determination to combat terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/RES/1612 Implementation of monitoring and reporting mechanism on use of child soldiers
Date: 26 July 2005 Meeting: 5235
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1261 (1999) of 25 August 1999, 1314 (2000) of 11 August 2000, 1379 (2001) of 20 November 2001, 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003, and 1539 (2004) of 22 April 2004, which contribute to a comprehensive framework for addressing the protection of children affected by armed conflict,
While noting the advances made for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, particularly in the areas of advocacy and the development of norms and standards, remaining deeply concerned over the lack of overall progress on the ground, where parties to conflict continue to violate with impunity the relevant provisions of applicable international law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict,
Stressing the primary role of national Governments in providing effective protection and relief to all children affected by armed conflicts,
Recalling 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,
Convinced that the protection of children in armed conflict should be regarded as an important aspect of any comprehensive strategy to resolve conflict,
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,
Stressing its determination to ensure respect for its resolutions and other international norms and standards for the protection of children affected by armed conflict,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 9 February 2005 (S/2005/72) and stressing that the present resolution does not seek to make any legal determination as to whether situations which are referred to in the Secretary-General’s report are or are not armed conflicts within the context of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols thereto, nor does it prejudge the legal status of the non-State parties involved in these situations,
Gravely concerned by the documented links between the use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and stressing the need for all States to take measures to prevent and to put an end to such trafficking,
1. Strongly condemns the recruitment and use of child soldiers by parties to armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to them and all other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict;
2. Takes note of the action plan presented by the Secretary-General relating to the establishment of a monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict as called for in paragraph 2 of its resolution 1539 (2004) and, in this regard:
(a) Underlines that the mechanism is to collect and provide timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and on other violations and abuses committed against children affected by armed conflict, and the mechanism will report to the working group to be created in accordance with paragraph 8 of this resolution;
(b) Underlines further that this mechanism must operate with the participation of and in cooperation with national Governments and relevant United Nations and civil society actors, including at the country level;
(c) Stresses that all actions undertaken by United Nations entities within the framework of the monitoring and reporting mechanism must be designed to support and supplement, as appropriate, the protection and rehabilitation roles of national Governments;
(d) Also stresses that any dialogue established under the framework of the monitoring and reporting mechanism by United Nations entities with non-State armed groups in order to ensure protection for and access to children must be conducted in the context of peace processes where they exist and the cooperation framework between the United Nations and the concerned Government;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to implement without delay, the above-mentioned monitoring and reporting mechanism, beginning with its application, within existing resources, in close consultation with countries concerned, to parties in situations of armed conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2005/72) that are on the agenda of the Security Council, and then, in close consultation with countries concerned, to apply it to parties in other situations of armed conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2005/72), bearing in mind the discussion of the Security Council and the views expressed by Member States, in particular during the annual debate on Children and Armed Conflict, and also taking into account the findings and recommendations of an independent review on the implementation of the mechanism to be reported to the Security Council by 31 July 2006. The independent review will include:
(a) An assessment of the overall effectiveness of the mechanism, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, objectivity and reliability of the information compiled through the mechanism;
(b) Information on how effectively the mechanism is linked to the work of the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations;
(c) Information on the relevance and clarity of the division of responsibilities;
(d) Information on the budgetary and other resource implications for United Nations actors and voluntary funded organizations contributing to the mechanism;
(e) Recommendations for the full implementation of the mechanism;
4. Stresses that the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism by the Secretary-General will be undertaken only in the context of and for the specific purpose of ensuring the protection of children affected by armed conflict and shall not thereby prejudge or imply a decision by the Security Council as to whether or not to include a situation on its agenda;
5. Welcomes the initiatives taken by UNICEF and other United Nations entities to gather information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and on other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict and invites the Secretary-General to take due account of these initiatives during the initial phase of implementation of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 3;
6. Notes that information compiled by this mechanism, for reporting by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly and the Security Council, may be considered by other international, regional and national bodies, within their mandates and the scope of their work, in order to ensure the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict;
7. Expresses serious concern regarding the lack of progress in development and implementation of the action plans called for in paragraph 5 (a) of its resolution 1539 (2004) and, pursuant to this, calls on the parties concerned to develop and implement action plans without further delay, in close collaboration with United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, consistent with their respective mandates and within their capabilities; and requests the Secretary-General to provide criteria to assist in the development of such action plans;
8. Decides to establish a working group of the Security Council consisting of all members of the Council to review the reports of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 3 of this resolution, to review progress in the development and implementation of the action plans mentioned in paragraph 7 of this resolution and to consider other relevant information presented to it; decides further that the working group shall:
(a) Make recommendations to the Council on possible measures to promote the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including through recommendations on appropriate mandates for peacekeeping missions and recommendations with respect to the parties to the conflict;
(b) Address requests, as appropriate, to other bodies within the United Nations system for action to support implementation of this resolution in accordance with their respective mandates;
9. Recalls paragraph 5 (c) of its resolution 1539 (2004), and reaffirms its intention to consider imposing, through country-specific resolutions, targeted and graduated measures, such as, inter alia, a ban on the export and supply of small arms and light weapons and of other military equipment and on military assistance, against parties to situations of armed conflict which are on the Security Council’s agenda and are in violation of applicable international law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict;
10. Stresses the responsibility of United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, consistent with their respective mandates, to ensure effective follow-up to Security Council resolutions, ensure a coordinated response to CAAC concerns and to monitor and report to the Secretary-General;
11. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by United Nations peacekeeping operations to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of their personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of misconduct involving their personnel;
12. Decides to continue the inclusion of specific provisions for the protection of children in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations, including the deployment, on a case-by-case basis, of child-protection advisers (CPAs), and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the need for and the number and roles of CPAs are systematically assessed during the preparation of each United Nations peacekeeping operation; welcomes the comprehensive assessment undertaken on the role and activities of CPAs with a view to drawing lessons learned and best practices;
13. Welcomes recent initiatives by regional and subregional organizations and arrangements for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, and encourages continued mainstreaming of child protection into their advocacy, policies and programmes; development of peer review and monitoring and reporting mechanisms; establishment, within their secretariats, of child-protection mechanisms; inclusion of child-protection staff and training in their peace and field operations; sub- and interregional initiatives to end activities harmful to children in times of conflict, in particular cross-border recruitment and abduction of children, illicit movement of small arms, and illicit trade in natural resources through the development and implementation of guidelines on children and armed conflict;
14. Calls upon all parties concerned to ensure that the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict are specifically integrated into all peace processes, peace agreements and post-conflict recovery and reconstruction planning and programmes;
15. Calls upon all parties concerned to abide by the international obligations applicable to them relating to the protection of children affected by armed conflict as well as the concrete commitments they have made to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to UNICEF and other United Nations agencies and to cooperate fully with the United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, where appropriate, in the context of the cooperation framework between the United Nations and the concerned Government, in the follow-up and implementation of these commitments;
16. Urges Member States, United Nations entities, regional and subregional organizations and other parties concerned, to take appropriate measures to control illicit subregional and cross-border activities harmful to children, including illicit exploitation of natural resources, illicit trade in small arms, abduction of children and their use and recruitment as soldiers as well as other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict in violation of applicable international law;
17. Urges all parties concerned, including Member States, United Nations entities and financial institutions, to support the development and strengthening of the capacities of national institutions and local civil society networks for advocacy, protection and rehabilitation of children affected by armed conflict to ensure the sustainability of local child-protection initiatives;
18. Requests that the Secretary-General direct all relevant United Nations entities to take specific measures, within existing resources, to ensure systematic mainstreaming of CAAC issues within their respective institutions, including by ensuring allocation of adequate financial and human resources towards protection of war-affected children within all relevant offices and departments and on the ground as well as to strengthen, within their respective mandates, their cooperation and coordination when addressing the protection of children in armed conflict;
19. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to ensure that, in all his reports on country-specific situations, the protection of children is included as a specific aspect of the report, and expresses its intention to give its full attention to the information provided therein when dealing with those situations on its agenda;
20. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by November 2006 on the implementation of this resolution and resolutions 1379 (2001), 1460 (2003), and 1539 (2004) which would include, inter alia:
(a) Information on compliance by parties in ending the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of applicable international law and other violations being committed against children affected by armed conflict;
(b) Information on progress made in the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism mentioned in paragraph 3;
(c) Information on progress made in the development and implementation of the action plans referred to in paragraph 7 of the present resolution;
(d) Information on the assessment of the role and activities of CPAs;
21. Decides to remain actively seized of this matter.
S/RES/1613 List of ad litem judge candidates for former Yugoslavia Tribunal forwarded to General Assembly
Date: 26 July 2005 Meeting: 5236
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, 1166 (1998) of 13 May 1998, 1329 (2000) of 30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002, 1481 (2003) of 19 May 2003, 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003, 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004 and 1597 (2005) of 20 April 2005,
Having considered the nominations for ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia received by the Secretary-General,
Forwards the following nominations to the General Assembly in accordance with Article 13 ter (1) (d) of the Statute of the International Tribunal:
Mr. Tanvir Bashir Ansari ( Pakistan)
Mr. Melville Baird ( Trinidad and Tobago)
Mr. Frans Bauduin (The Netherlands)
Mr. Giancarlo Roberto Belleli ( Italy)
Mr. Ishaq Usman Bello ( Nigeria)
Mr. Ali Nawaz Chowhan ( Pakistan)
Mr. Pedro David ( Argentina)
Mr. Ahmad Farawati ( Syrian Arab Republic)
Ms. Elizabeth Gwaunza ( Zimbabwe)
Mr. Burton Hall (The Bahamas)
Mr. Frederik Harhoff ( Denmark)
Mr. Frank Höpfel ( Austria)
Ms. Tsvetana Kamenova ( Bulgaria)
Mr. Muhammad Muzammal Khan ( Pakistan)
Mr. Uldis Kinis ( Latvia)
Mr. Raimo Lahti ( Finland)
Ms. Flavia Lattanzi ( Italy)
Mr. Antoine Mindua ( Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Mr. Jawdat Naboty ( Syrian Arab Republic)
Ms. Janet Nosworthy ( Jamaica)
Ms. Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme ( Nigeria)
Ms. Prisca Matimba Nyambe ( Zambia)
Ms. Michèle Picard ( France)
Mr. Brynmor Pollard ( Guyana)
Mr. Árpád Prandler ( Hungary)
Ms. Kimberly Prost ( Canada)
Mr. Sheikh Abdul Rashid ( Pakistan)
Ms. Vonimbolana Rasoazanany ( Madagascar)
Mr. Ole Bjørn Støle ( Norway)
Mr. Krister Thelin ( Sweden)
Mr. Klaus Tolksdorf ( Germany)
Mr. Stefan Trechsel ( Switzerland)
Mr. Abubakar Bashir Wali ( Nigeria)
Mr. Tan Sri Dato Lamin Haji Mohd Yunus ( Malaysia)
S/RES/1614 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon
Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5241
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, including resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978 and 1583 (2005) of 28 January 2005 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 8 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 2 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,
Reaffirming that the Council has recognized the Blue Line as valid for the purpose of confirming Israel’s withdrawal pursuant to resolution 425 (1978) and that the Blue Line must be respected in its entirety,
Gravely concerned at the persistence of tension and violence along the Blue Line, in particular the hostilities that took place in May and the grave incident on 29 June, which demonstrated once more that the situation remains volatile and fragile, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report of 21 July 2005 (S/2005/460),
Emphasizing once again 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 to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a new period of six months presented in the letter from its Chargé d’affaires to the United Nations of 11 July 2005 to the Secretary-General (S/2005/444),
Taking note of the Secretary-General’s opinion that the situation does not support a change in UNIFIL’s mandate or another reconfiguration of the Force at this stage, and his recommendation that its mandate be extended with no changes to the strength and composition of the Force,
1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 21 July 2005 (S/2005/460);
2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 January 2006;
3. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon;
4. Condemns all acts of violence, including the recent incidents across the Blue Line that have resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the sea, land and continuing air violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations, to refrain from any act or provocation that could further escalate the tension and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of the UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, including by avoiding any course of action which endangers United Nations personnel;
5. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the entire withdrawal line identified by the United Nations, as set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 June 2000 (S/2000/590), and to exercise utmost restraint;
6. Calls upon the Government of Lebanon to fully extend and exercise its sole and effective authority throughout the south, including through the deployment of sufficient numbers of Lebanese armed and security forces, to ensure a calm environment throughout the area, including along the Blue Line, and to exert control and monopoly over the use of force on its entire territory and to prevent attacks from Lebanon across the Blue Line;
7. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to discuss with the Lebanese Government the next steps in preparing for an expansion of its authority in the south;
8. Supports the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile land and air patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation, while stressing the primary responsibility of the parties in this regard;
9. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational mine clearance, 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 clearance of the remaining mine/UXO threat in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, and stresses the necessity for provision to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL any additional existing maps and minefield records;
10. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, requests UNIFIL to report any obstruction it may face in the discharge of its mandate, and reiterates its call on the parties to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL;
11. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNIFIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
12. 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);
13. Expresses its intention to keep the mandate and structures of UNIFIL under regular review, taking into account the prevailing situation on the ground, the activities actually performed by the Force in its area of operation, its contribution towards the remaining task of restoring international peace and security, the views of the Lebanese Government and the implications for the Force of an increased presence of the Lebanese army in the south;
14. Looks forward to the early fulfilment of the mandate of UNIFIL;
15. 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 2 October 1973.
S/RES/1615 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia
Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5242
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1582 of 28 January 2005 (S/RES/1582),
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 14 July 2005,
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 regular high-level meetings of the Group of Friends in Geneva and the Georgian-Russian summit meetings,
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. 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;
2. 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;
3. Reiterates 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;
4. 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;
5. Regrets also 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. Calls on both sides to participate in constructive negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict and to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust and underlines that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;
7. Welcomes the commitment by the Georgian side to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and calls on both parties further to publicly dissociate themselves from all militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options;
8. Reminds all concerned to refrain from any action that might impede the peace process;
9. Welcomes the convening of regular meetings of senior representatives of the Group of Friends and the United Nations in Geneva as well as the participation of both sides in the last meeting on 7 and 8 April 2005 and the commitments expressed by the parties during this meeting and strongly urges both sides to continue to participate constructively in future meetings;
10. Urges the parties to participate in a more active, regular and structured manner in the task forces established in the first Geneva meeting (to address issues in the priority areas of economic cooperation, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and political and security matters) and complemented by the working groups established in Sochi in March 2003, and reiterates that results oriented activities in these three priority areas remain key to building common ground between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides and ultimately for concluding meaningful negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement based on the paper entitled “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and its transmittal letter;
11. Regrets the cancellation of the meeting on security guarantees planned for July 2005 and expects that such a meeting with the full participation of both sides will be held as soon as possible;
12. Welcomes the signing on 12 May 2005 of a Protocol with measures to strengthen the implementation of the Moscow agreement on ceasefire and separation of forces of 1994;
13. Calls again on the parties to take concrete steps to revitalize 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) and to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, with a view to holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures, and welcomes the intention expressed by Germany to host such a meeting on economic cooperation and confidence-building measures pending progress in the conflict resolution process;
14. Welcomes the positive developments towards the reopening of the railways between Sochi and Tbilisi and towards the return of refugees and internally displaced persons;
15. Notes that contacts at the level of civil society can reinforce mutual confidence and calls on both sides to facilitate such contacts;
16. 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;
17. Calls for the rapid finalization and signature of the letter of intent on returns proposed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and welcomes the meetings with the participation of the SRSG and UNHCR of the Sochi working group on refugees and internally displaced persons;
18. Reaffirms the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict, reaffirms also the inalienable rights of all refugees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict, and stresses that they have the right 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;
19. Recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population;
20. Welcomes the continuing activities of UNDP in the Gali, Ochamchira and Tkvarcheli districts and the opening of offices by UNDP in Sukhumi and Gali;
21. Urges the parties once again to implement the recommendations of the Joint Assessment Mission to the Gali sector (November 2000), regrets that there has been no progress to that effect despite the positive consideration by the parties given to those recommendations in the first Geneva meeting and calls again 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;
22. Reiterates its concern that despite the start of the deployment of a civilian police component as part of UNOMIG, as endorsed in resolution 1494 (2003) and agreed by the parties, the deployment of the remaining officers in the Gali sector is still outstanding and calls on the Abkhaz side to allow for a swift deployment of the police component in that region;
23. Calls in particular on the Abkhaz side to improve law enforcement protection of the local population and to address the lack of instruction in their mother tongue for the ethnic Georgian population;
24. Welcomes the measures taken by the Georgian side to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups and encourages the maintenance of these efforts;
25. 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);
26. Welcomes the continuing relative calm in the Kodori valley and condemns the continuing criminal activities, including killings and abductions of civilians, in the Gali and Zugdidi districts;
27. Urges the parties to abide by the provisions of the protocols on security issues in the Gali district signed on 19 January 2004 and 8 October 2003, to continue their regular meetings and to cooperate more closely with each other to improve security in the Gali sector, and takes note of the resumption of Abkhaz participation in the Quadripartite meetings and the Joint Fact Finding Group;
28. Reiterates its call on the Georgian side to provide comprehensive security guarantees to allow for independent and regular monitoring of the situation in the upper Kodori valley by joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols;
29. 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 and calls upon both sides to fulfil their obligations in this regard;
30. Strongly condemns in that respect the repeated abductions of personnel of those missions in the past, deeply deplores that none of the perpetrators have ever been identified or brought to justice, reiterates that it is the responsibility of the parties to end this impunity and calls upon them to take action;
31. Also calls upon the parties, once again, to take all necessary steps, to identify those responsible for the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, to bring them to justice, and to inform the SRSG of the steps taken in particular in the criminal investigation;
32. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNOMIG to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
33. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 January 2006; 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;
34. 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;
35. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1616 Maintenance of sanctions in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5243
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1493 of 28 July 2003, 1533 of 12 March 2004, 1552 of 27 July 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1592 of 30 March 2005 and 1596 of 18 April 2005,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the presence of armed groups and militias in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, which perpetuate a climate of insecurity in the whole region,
Condemning the continuing illicit flow of weapons within and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and declaring its determination to closely monitor compliance with the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 and expanded by resolution 1596, and to enforce the measures provided for in paragraphs 13 and 15 of resolution 1596 against persons and entities acting in violation of this embargo,
Recognizing the linkage between the illegal exploitation of natural resources, illicit trade in such resources and the proliferation and trafficking of arms as one of the factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa,
Taking note of the report of the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 10 of resolution 1533 and paragraph 21 of resolution 1596 (hereafter the Group of Experts), dated 5 July 2005 (S/2005/436), transmitted by the Committee established in accordance with paragraph 8 of resolution 1533 (hereafter the Committee),
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. Reaffirms the demands of paragraphs 15, 18 and 19 of resolution 1493 and of paragraphs 5 and 19 of resolution 1596;
2. Decides, in light of the failure by the parties to comply with the demands of the Council, to renew until 31 July 2006 the provisions of paragraphs 20 to 22 of resolution 1493, as amended and expanded by paragraph 1 of resolution 1596, and reaffirms paragraphs 2, 6, 10 and 13 to 16 of resolution 1596;
3. Expresses its intention to modify or to remove those provisions if it determines that the demands noted above have been satisfied;
4. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to re-establish the Group of Experts within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution and for a period expiring on 31 January 2006, drawing, as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the group of experts established pursuant to resolution 1596;
5. Requests the Group of Experts to continue fulfilling its mandate as defined in resolutions 1533 and 1596, to update the Committee on its work by 10 November 2005, and to report to the Council in writing, through the Committee, before 10 January 2006, including on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 20 of resolution 1493 and expanded by resolution 1596, with recommendations in this regard, in particular regarding the lists provided for by paragraph 10 (g) of resolution 1533, and including information on the sources of financing, such as from natural resources, which are funding the illicit trade in arms;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1617 Extension of sanctions against al-Qaida and Taliban
Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5244
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, 1452 (2002) of 20 December 2002, 1455 (2003) of 17 January 2003, 1526 (2004) of 30 January 2004 and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and the relevant statements of its President,
Reaffirming 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 motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed; and reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, the Taliban -- and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities -- for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts aimed at causing the death of innocent civilians and other victims, destruction of property and greatly undermining stability,
Expressing its concern over the use of various media, including the Internet, by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban, and their associates, including for terrorist propaganda and inciting terrorist violence, and urging the working group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004) to consider these issues,
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, stressing in this regard the important role the United Nations plays in leading and coordinating this effort,
Emphasizing the obligation placed upon all Member States to implement, in full, resolution 1373 (2001), including with regard to the Taliban or Al-Qaida, and any individuals, groups, undertakings or entities associated with Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban, who have participated in financing, planning, facilitating, recruiting for, preparing, perpetrating, or otherwise supporting terrorist activities or acts, as well as to facilitate the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions,
Stressing the importance of clarifying which individuals, groups, undertakings and entities are subject to listing in light of information regarding the changing nature of, and threat from, Al-Qaida, particularly as reported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (“Monitoring Team”),
Underscoring the importance of Member State designations pursuant to relevant resolutions and robust implementation of existing measures as a significant preventive measure in combating terrorist activity,
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),
Welcoming the efforts of the International Civil Aviation Organization to prevent travel documents from being made available to terrorists and their associates,
Encouraging Member States to work in the framework of Interpol, in particular through the use of the Interpol database of stolen and lost travel documents, to reinforce the implementation of the measures against Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban, and their associates,
Expressing its concern over the possible use by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, or the Taliban, and their associates of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), commercially available explosives and chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear weapons and material, and encouraging Member States to consider possible action to reduce these threats,
Urging all States, international bodies, and regional organizations to allocate sufficient resources, including through international partnership, to meet the ongoing and direct threat posed by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden and the Taliban, and individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,
Stressing the importance of meeting the ongoing threat that Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden and the Taliban, and individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them represent to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that all States shall take the measures as previously 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) with respect to Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them, as referred to in the list created pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1333 (2000) (the “Consolidated List”):
(a) Freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of these individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, including funds derived from property owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by them or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, and ensure that neither these nor any other funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly, for such persons’ benefit, by their nationals or by any persons within their territory;
(b) Prevent the entry into or the transit through their territories of these individuals, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige any State to deny entry or require the departure from its territories of its own nationals and this paragraph shall not apply where entry or transit is necessary for the fulfilment of a judicial process or the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) (“the Committee”) determines on a case-by-case basis only that entry or transit is justified;
(c) Prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer, to these individuals, groups, undertakings and entities from their territories or by their nationals outside 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 and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities;
2. Further decides that acts or activities indicating that an individual, group, undertaking, or entity is “associated with” Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban include:
– participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of;
– supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to;
– recruiting for; or
– otherwise supporting acts or activities of;
Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban, or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof;
3. Further decides that any undertaking or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by, or otherwise supporting, such an individual, group, undertaking or entity associated with Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban shall be eligible for designation;
4. Decides that, when proposing names for the Consolidated List, States shall act in accordance with paragraph 17 of resolution 1526 (2004) and henceforth also shall provide to the Committee a statement of case describing the basis of the proposal; and further encourages States to identify any undertakings and entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the proposed subject;
5. Requests relevant States to inform, to the extent possible, and in writing where possible, individuals and entities included in the Consolidated List of the measures imposed on them, the Committee’s guidelines, and, in particular, the listing and delisting procedures and the provisions of resolution 1452 (2002);
6. Decides that the statement of case submitted by the designating State referred to in paragraph 4 above may be used by the Committee in responding to queries from Member States whose nationals, residents or entities have been included on the Consolidated List; decides also that the Committee may decide on a case-by-case basis to release the information to other parties, with the prior consent of the designating State, for example, for operational reasons or to aid the implementation of the measures; decides also that States may continue to provide additional information which shall be kept on a confidential basis within the Committee unless the submitting State agrees to the dissemination of such information;
7. Strongly urges all Member States to implement the comprehensive, international standards embodied in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Forty Recommendations on Money Laundering and the FATF Nine Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to increase cooperation between the United Nations and Interpol in order to provide the Committee with better tools to fulfil its mandate more effectively and to give Member States better tools to implement the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above;
9. Urges all Member States, in their implementation of the measures called for in paragraph 1 above, to ensure that stolen and lost passports and other travel documents are invalidated as soon as possible and share information on those documents with other Member States through the Interpol database;
10. Calls on all Member States to use the checklist contained in annex II of this resolution to report by 1 March 2006 to the Committee on specific actions that they have taken to implement the measures outlined in paragraph 1 above with regard to individuals and entities henceforth added to the Consolidated List, and thereafter at intervals to be determined by the Committee;
11. Directs the Committee to encourage the submission of names and additional identifying information from Member States for inclusion on the Consolidated List;
12. Calls upon the Committee, working in cooperation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (the “Counter-Terrorism Committee” or “CTC”) to inform the Council of specific additional steps that States could take to implement the measures outlined in paragraph 1 above;
13. Reiterates the need for ongoing close cooperation and exchange of information among the Committee, the CTC, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as their respective groups of experts, including enhanced information sharing, coordinated visits to countries, technical assistance, and other issues of relevance to all three committees;
14. Further reiterates the importance of having the Committee follow up via oral and/or written communications with Member States regarding effective implementation of the sanctions measures and provide Member States with an opportunity, at the Committee’s request, to send representatives to meet the Committee for more in-depth discussion of relevant issues;
15. Requests the Committee to consider, where and when appropriate, visits to selected countries by the Chairman 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 comply fully with this resolution and resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), 1390 (2002), 1455 (2003) and 1526 (2004);
16. Requests the Committee to report orally, through its Chairman, at least every 120 days to the Council on the overall work of the Committee and the Monitoring Team, and, as appropriate, in conjunction with the reports by the Chairmen of the CTC and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), including briefings for all interested Member States;
17. Reminds the Committee of its responsibilities as outlined in paragraph 14 of resolution 1455 (2003) and paragraph 13 of resolution 1526 (2004), and calls upon the Committee to provide the Council no later than 31 July 2006 with an update of the written assessment referred to in paragraph 13 of resolution 1526 (2004) of actions taken by Member States to implement the measures described in paragraph 1 above;
18. Requests that the Committee continue its work on the Committee’s guidelines, including on listing and delisting procedures, and implementation of resolution 1452 (2002) and requests the Chairman, in his periodic reports to the Council pursuant to paragraph 16 above, to provide progress reports on the Committee’s work on these issues;
19. Decides, in order to assist the Committee in the fulfilment of its mandate, to extend the mandate of the New York-based Monitoring Team for a period of 17 months, under the direction of the Committee with the responsibilities outlined in annex I;
20. Requests the Secretary-General, upon adoption of this resolution and acting in close consultation with the Committee, to appoint, consistent with United Nations rules and procedures, no more than eight members, including a coordinator, to the Monitoring Team, taking into account the areas of expertise referred to in paragraph 7 of resolution 1526 (2004);
21. Decides to review the measures described in paragraph 1 above with a view to their possible further strengthening in 17 months, or sooner if necessary;
22. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Annex I to resolution 1617 (2005)
In accordance with paragraph 19 of this resolution, the Monitoring Team shall operate under the direction of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and shall have the following responsibilities:
(a) To collate, assess, monitor and report on and make recommendations regarding implementation of the measures, to pursue case studies, as appropriate; and to explore in depth any other relevant issues as directed by the Committee;
(b) To submit a comprehensive programme of work to the Committee for its approval and review, as necessary, in which the Monitoring Team should detail the activities envisaged in order to fulfil its responsibilities, including proposed travel, based on close coordination with the CTC’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to avoid duplication and reinforce synergies;
(c) To submit, in writing, three comprehensive, independent reports to the Committee, the first by 31 January 2006, the second by 31 July 2006, and the third by 10 December 2006, on implementation by States of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution, including specific recommendations for improved implementation of the measures and possible new measures, as well as reporting on listing, de-listing, and exemptions pursuant to resolution 1452 (2003);
(d) To analyse reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1455 (2003), the checklists submitted pursuant to paragraph 10 of this resolution, and other information submitted by Member States to the Committee as instructed by the Committee;
(e) To work closely and share information with the CTC’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the 1540 Committee’s group of experts to identify areas of convergence and to help facilitate concrete coordination among the three Committees;
(f) To develop a plan to assist the Committee with addressing non-compliance with the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution;
(g) To present to the Committee recommendations, which could be used by Member States to assist them with the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution and in preparing proposed additions to the Consolidated List;
(h) To consult with Member States in advance of travel to selected Member States, based on its programme of work as approved by the Committee;
(i) To encourage Member States to submit names and additional identifying information for inclusion on the Consolidated List, as instructed by the Committee;
(j) To study and report to the Committee on the changing nature of the threat of Al-Qaida and the Taliban and the best measures to confront it;
(k) To consult with Member States, including regular dialogue with representatives in New York and in capitals, taking into account comments from Member States, especially regarding any issues that might be contained in the Monitoring Team’s reports referred to in paragraph (c) of this annex;
(l) To report to the Committee, on a regular basis or when the Committee so requests, through oral and/or written briefings on the work of the Monitoring Team, including its visits to Member States and its activities;
(m) To assist the Committee in preparing oral and written assessments to the Council, in particular the analytical summaries referred to in paragraphs 17 and 18 of this resolution;
(n) Any other responsibility identified by the Committee.
Annex II to resolution 1617 (2005)
1267 Committee Checklist
Please provide to the United Nations 1267 (Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions) Committee by XXX date information on the following individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities added in the last six months to the Committee’s Consolidated List of those subject to the sanctions described in Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999) and successor resolutions.
This information is provided by the Government of __________________________on XXX date.
YES NO
1. Mr. Doe (Number ____ on Consolidated List)
A. Name added to visa lookout list?
B. Any visas denied?
C. Financial institutions notified?
D. Any assets frozen?
E. Arms embargo ban implemented?
F. Any attempts to purchase arms?
Additional information, if available:
YES NO
2. The Doe Corp. (Number ____ on Consolidated List)
A. Financial institutions notified?
B. Any assets frozen?
C. Arms embargo ban implemented?
D. Any attempts to purchase arms?
Additional information, if available:
S/RES/1618 Condemnation of terrorist attacks in Iraq
Date: 4 August 2005 Meeting: 5246
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq, in particular resolution 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004,
Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Iraqi people in their political transition, as outlined in resolution 1546 (2004), further reaffirming Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and calling upon the international community to stand by the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability and democracy,
Reaffirming also the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and 1267 (1999) of 25 October 1999 and subsequent resolutions,
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,
Commending the courage of the Iraqi people who are working bravely in support of the political and economic transition currently taking place in spite of the grave threat of terrorism,
Welcoming the active steps undertaken by the Government of Iraq towards achieving national dialogue and unity and encouraging continuation of these efforts,
1. Condemns without reservation and in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Iraq, and regards any act of terrorism as a threat to peace and security;
2. Takes note particularly of the shameless and horrific attacks in recent weeks which have resulted in over one hundred deaths, including thirty-two children, employees of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, and a member and an expert adviser of the Commission charged with drafting a permanent constitution for a new, democratic Iraq, Mijbil Sheikh Isa and Dhamin Hussin Ubaidi;
3. Further notes with great concern that attacks on foreign diplomats in Iraq have increased in number, and have resulted in the murder or kidnapping of such diplomats;
4. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families, and to the people and Government of Iraq;
5. Affirms that acts of terrorism must not be allowed to disrupt Iraq’s political and economic transition currently taking place, including the constitutional drafting process and its referendum, outlined in resolution 1546 (2004);
6. Reaffirms the obligations of Member States under resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1333 (2000) of 9 December 2000, 1390 (2002) of 16 January 2002, 1455 (2003) of 17 January 2003, 1526 (2004) of 30 January 2004, and 1617 (2005) of 29 July 2005 and other relevant international obligations with respect, inter alia, to terrorist activities in and from Iraq or against its citizens, and specifically strongly urges Member States to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, arms for terrorists, and financing that would support terrorists, and re-emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cooperation of the countries in the region, particularly neighbours of Iraq, in this regard;
7. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these barbaric acts;
8. Expresses its utmost determination to combat terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations;
9. Calls on the international community to support fully the Government of Iraq in exercising its responsibilities to provide protection to the diplomatic community, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel working in Iraq;
10. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1619 Extension of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq
Date: 11 August 2005 Meeting: 5247
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq, in particular 1500 (2003) of 14 August 2003, 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004, and 1557 (2004) of 12 August 2004,
Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq,
Recalling the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 14 August 2003, and extended on 12 August 2004, and reaffirming that the United Nations should play a leading role in assisting the efforts of the Iraqi people and Government in developing institutions for representative government, and in promoting national dialogue and unity,
Stressing that this Iraqi national dialogue, which UNAMI should assist, is crucial for Iraq’s political stability and unity,
Taking note of the letter dated 3 August 2005 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2005/509),
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for another period of twelve months from the date of this resolution;
2. Expresses its intention to review the mandate of UNAMI in twelve months or sooner, if requested by the Government of Iraq;
3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1620 Establishment of UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone
Date: 31 August 2005 Meeting: 5254
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,
Commending the valuable contribution the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has made to the recovery of Sierra Leone from conflict and to the country’s peace, security and development,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 April 2005 (S/2005/273), and its addendum of 28 July 2005 (S/2005/273/Add.2), and welcoming his recommendation that a United Nations integrated office be established in Sierra Leone, after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL at the end of 2005, in order to continue to assist the Government of Sierra Leone to consolidate peace by enhancing political and economic governance, building the national capacity for conflict prevention, and preparing for elections in 2007,
Noting the letter of 21 June 2005 from the President of Sierra Leone to the Secretary-General (S/2005/419), that likewise emphasizes the need for an integrated United Nations office to support the above objectives,
Emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition between UNAMSIL and the new United Nations integrated office, and of the effective and efficient operation of the office,
Emphasizing the importance of the continued support of the United Nations and the international community for the long-term security and development of Sierra Leone, particularly in building the capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone,
Reiterating its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contribution to the establishment of rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion, underlining its expectation that the Court will finish its work in accordance with its Completion Strategy, and in this regard encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court and to provide it with the necessary financial resources,
Welcoming the publication of the report of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and encouraging the Government of Sierra Leone to take further steps to implement its recommendations,
1. Requests the Secretary-General to establish the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), as recommended in the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2), for an initial period of 12 months beginning on 1 January 2006, with the following key tasks:
(a) to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in:
(i) building the capacity of State institutions to address further the root causes of the conflict, provide basic services and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals through poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth, including through the creation of an enabling framework for private investment and systematic efforts to address HIV/AIDS;
(ii) developing a national action plan for human rights and establishing the national human rights commission;
(iii) building the capacity of the National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2007;
(iv) enhancing good governance, transparency and accountability of public institutions, including through anti-corruption measures and improved fiscal management;
(v) strengthening the rule of law, including by developing the independence and capacity of the justice system and the capacity of the police and corrections system;
(vi) strengthening the Sierra Leonean security sector, in cooperation with the International Military Advisory and Training Team and other partners;
(vii) promoting a culture of peace, dialogue, and participation in critical national issues through a strategic approach to public information and communication, including through building an independent and capable public radio capacity;
(viii) developing initiatives for the protection and well-being of youth, women and children;
(b) to liaise with the Sierra Leonean security sector and other partners, to report on the security situation and make recommendations concerning external and internal security threats;
(c) to coordinate with United Nations missions and offices and regional organizations in West Africa in dealing with cross-border challenges such as the illicit movement of small arms, human trafficking and smuggling and illegal trade in natural resources;
(d) to coordinate with the Special Court for Sierra Leone;
2. Emphasizes the primary responsibility of the Government of Sierra Leone for the consolidation of peace and security in the country, and urges continued support from international donors for the Government’s efforts in this regard;
3. Underlines the importance of establishing a fully integrated office with effective coordination of strategy and programmes between the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Sierra Leone, between the United Nations and other international donors, and between the integrated office, the Economic Community of West African States and other United Nations missions in the region;
4. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendation in the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2) that the integrated office should be headed by an Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and his intention that he/she should also serve as the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Resident Coordinator;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue planning for security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone on the basis outlined in paragraphs 15 to 24 of the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2), and looks forward to further details on the proposed arrangements;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of progress with establishing the United Nations integrated office in Sierra Leone, and thereafter with the implementation of this resolution;
7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1621 Increased strength for UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 6 September 2005 Meeting: 5255
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 of 1 October 2004 and 1592 of 30 March 2005 and the statement of 29 June 2005 (S/PRST/2005/27),
Reaffirming its commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002,
Underlining the importance of elections as the foundation for the longer term restoration of peace and stability, national reconciliation and establishment of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Calling on the Transitional institutions and on all Congolese parties to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place, and that the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission is scrupulously respected,
Paying tribute to the donor community for the assistance they provide to the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and encouraging them to maintain it,
Welcoming the interest and commitment shown by the Congolese authorities to promote good governance and transparent economic management, and encouraging them to continue their efforts in this regard,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by armed groups and militias in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law that accompany them, and at the threat they pose to the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Taking note of the special report of the Secretary-General on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dated 26 May 2005 (S/2005/320), and of its recommendations,
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 recommendations and the concept of operations described in paragraphs 50 to 57 of the special report of the Secretary-General, and authorizes an increase in the strength of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) of 841 personnel, including up to five formed police units of 125 officers each and the additional police personnel;
2. Underlines the temporary character of the deployments referred to in the previous paragraph, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps with a view to downsizing or repatriating these additional personnel from 1 July 2006 at the latest, and to report to the Council before 1 June 2006 on the assessment mentioned in paragraph 47 of his special report;
3. Approves the Secretary-General’s recommendation in paragraphs 58 and 59 of his special report, and authorizes MONUC, in accordance with this recommendation and with its mandate as defined in paragraphs 5 (f) and 7 (c) of resolution 1565, and acting in close coordination with the United Nations Development Programme, to provide additional support to the Independent Electoral Commission for the transport of electoral materials;
4. Encourages MONUC, within its capacity and in accordance with its mandate, to provide advice and assistance as well as the necessary support to the setting up by the Transitional Government, international financial institutions and donors, of an arrangement to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management;
5. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1622 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
Date: 13 September 2005 Meeting: 5259
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 1586 (2005) of 14 March 2005,
Stressing its unwavering commitment to the peace process, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), and 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 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2002/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,
Stressing that lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region cannot be achieved without the full demarcation of the border between the parties,
Deeply concerned with the continued lack of progress in the implementation of the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, and with Ethiopia’s ongoing rejection of significant parts of the Boundary Commission’s decision,
Noting with deep concern the continuing high concentration of troops in the areas adjacent to the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ),
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/553) and welcoming the observations made therein,
Noting possible options to resolve the stalemate in the peace process include, when appropriate, a visit to Ethiopia and Eritrea, as suggested by the Secretary-General in paragraph 38 of his report, as well as a meeting of the witnesses to the signature of the Algiers Agreements,
Welcoming action taken by UNMEE to address the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly the efforts towards prevention through training; and also the action taken to address HIV and AIDS,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE until 15 March 2006;
. 2. Approves the reconfiguration of UNMEE’s military component, including an increase in the number of military observers by ten, within the existing overall mandated strength of UNMEE; and the assistance to the parties in the mine action sector, as recommended by the Secretary-General in his report in paragraphs 11 and 42;
3. Calls on both parties to refrain from any action which may lead to an escalation of the tension, and in this respect urges both parties to give serious consideration to returning to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment and more generally, to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other;
4. Reaffirms that Ethiopia and Eritrea have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, by making full use of the existing framework of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission;
5. Calls upon Ethiopia to accept fully the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and to enable, without preconditions, the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly;
6. Calls also on the parties to implement completely and without further delay the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed expeditiously;
7. Takes note of the continuing improvement in the climate of cooperation between UNMEE and the parties and calls on both parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the security of all UNMEE staff, and to remove immediately and unconditionally all restrictions on and impediments to the work and to the full and free movement of UNMEE and its staff; also in this regard strongly urges Eritrea to remove the restrictions on UNMEE military police in Asmara;
8. Urges Eritrea to take immediate steps, in consultation with UNMEE towards implementing the direct United Nations flights between Addis Ababa and Asmara and to reopen the Asmara to Barentu road to UNMEE traffic;
9. Calls upon both parties to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through political dialogue between them for the adoption of further confidence-building measures and to consolidate progress achieved so far;
10. Expresses its concern at the ongoing food insecurity in Ethiopia and Eritrea and its potential to create greater instability and calls on Member States to continue to provide generous support for both humanitarian and development activities to improve food security in Ethiopia and Eritrea;
11. Calls on Eritrea to lift all restrictions imposed on the operations of aid organizations, to enable them to carry out their humanitarian activities;
12. Decides to continue monitoring closely the steps taken by the parties in the implementation of their commitments under the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and under the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in UNMEE with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, including the development of strategies and appropriate mechanisms to prevent, identify and respond to all forms of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and the enhancement of training for personnel to prevent misconduct and ensure full compliance with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in accordance with the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
14. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation closely, to review the mission’s mandate in the light of progress made in the peace process and changes made to UNMEE;
15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1623 Extension of International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
Date: 13 September 2005 Meeting: 5260
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, 1444 (2002) of 27 November 2002, 1510 (2003) of 13 October 2003 and 1563 (2004) of 17 September 2004,
Reaffirming 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 cooperation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force,
Recalling the importance of the Bonn Agreement and the Berlin Declaration, in particular annex 1 of the Bonn Agreement 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 respect for democratic values, of full completion of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, of the disbandment of illegal armed groups, of justice sector reform, of security sector reform including reconstitution of the Afghan National Army and Police, and of combating narcotics trade and production, and recognizing certain progress that has been made in these and other areas with the help of the international community,
Recognizing the challenges facing Afghanistan with regard to the security situation in parts of the country,
Welcoming in this context the commitment by NATO lead nations to establish further Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs),
Further welcoming the role played by the International Security Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom Coalition in assisting in securing the conduct of national elections,
Expressing its appreciation to Italy for taking over the lead from Turkey in commanding the International Security Assistance Force, and to those nations who contributed to Eurocorps, and recognizing with gratitude the contributions of many nations to the International Security Assistance Force,
Taking note of the letter dated 1 September 2005 from Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (S/2005/574, annex),
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 Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
Acting for these reasons under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to extend the authorization of the International Security Assistance Force, as defined in resolution 1386 (2001) and 1510 (2003), for a period of twelve months beyond 13 October 2005;
2. Authorizes the Member States participating in the International Security Assistance Force to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;
3. Recognizes the need to strengthen the International Security Assistance Force, and in this regard calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to the International Security Assistance Force, and to make contributions to the Trust Fund established pursuant to resolution 1386 (2001);
4. Calls upon the International Security Assistance Force to continue to work in close consultation with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as well as with the Operation Enduring Freedom Coalition in the implementation of the force mandate;
5. Requests the leadership of the International Security Assistance Force to provide quarterly reports on implementation of its mandate to the Security Council through the Secretary-General;
6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1624 Call for strengthened steps against terrorism
Date: 14 September 2005 Meeting: 5261
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1535 (2004) of 26 March 2004, 1540 (2004) of 28 April 2004, 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and 1617 (2005) of 29 July 2005, the declaration annexed to its resolution 1456 (2003) of 20 January 2003, as well as its other resolutions concerning threats to international peace and security caused by acts of terrorism,
Reaffirming also the imperative to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and also stressing that States must ensure that any measures 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 law, refugee law, and humanitarian law,
Condemning in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism irrespective of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever committed, as one of the most serious threats to peace and security, and reaffirming the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations,
Condemning also in the strongest terms the incitement of terrorist acts and repudiating attempts at the justification or glorification (apologie) of terrorist acts that may incite further terrorist acts,
Deeply concerned that incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance poses a serious and growing danger to the enjoyment of human rights, threatens the social and economic development of all States, undermines global stability and prosperity, and must be addressed urgently and proactively by the United Nations and all States, and emphasizing the need to take all necessary and appropriate measures in accordance with international law at the national and international level to protect the right to life,
Recalling the right to freedom of expression reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1948 (“the Universal Declaration”), and recalling also the right to freedom of expression in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1966 (“ICCPR”) and that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary on the grounds set out in paragraph 3 of Article 19 of the ICCPR,
Recalling in addition the right to seek and enjoy asylum reflected in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration and the non-refoulement obligation of States under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees adopted on 28 July 1951, together with its Protocol adopted on 31 January 1967 (“the Refugees Convention and its Protocol”), and also recalling that the protections afforded by the Refugees Convention and its Protocol shall not extend to any person with respect to whom there are serious reasons for considering that he has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations,
Reaffirming that acts, methods, and practices of terrorism are contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations and that knowingly financing, planning and inciting terrorist acts are also contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations,
Deeply concerned by the increasing number of victims, especially among civilians of diverse nationalities and beliefs, caused by terrorism motivated by intolerance or extremism in various regions of the world, reaffirming its profound solidarity with the victims of terrorism and their families, and stressing the importance of assisting victims of terrorism and providing them and their families with support to cope with their loss and grief,
Recognizing the essential role of the United Nations in the global effort to combat terrorism and welcoming the Secretary-General’s identification of elements of a counter-terrorism strategy to be considered and developed by the General Assembly without delay with a view to adopting and implementing a strategy to promote comprehensive, coordinated and consistent responses at the national, regional and international level to counter terrorism,
Stressing its call upon all States to become party, as a matter of urgency, to the international counter-terrorism Conventions and Protocols whether or not they are party to regional Conventions on the matter, and to give priority consideration to signing the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism adopted by the General Assembly on 13 April 2005,
Re-emphasizing that continuing international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, and addressing unresolved regional conflicts and the full range of global issues, including development issues, will contribute to strengthening the international fight against terrorism,
Stressing the importance of the role of the media, civil and religious society, the business community and educational institutions in those efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding, and in promoting tolerance and coexistence, and in fostering an environment which is not conducive to incitement of terrorism,
Recognizing the importance that, in an increasingly globalized world, States act cooperatively to prevent terrorists from exploiting sophisticated technology, communications and resources to incite support for criminal acts,
Recalling that all States must cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism, in accordance with their obligations under international law, in order to find, deny safe haven and bring to justice, on the basis of the principle of extradite or prosecute, any person who supports, facilitates, participates or attempts to participate in the financing, planning, preparation or commission of terrorist acts or provides safe havens,
1. Calls upon all States to adopt such measures as may be necessary and appropriate and in accordance with their obligations under international law to:
(a) Prohibit by law incitement to commit a terrorist act or acts;
(b) Prevent such conduct;
(c) Deny safe haven to any persons with respect to whom there is credible and relevant information giving serious reasons for considering that they have been guilty of such conduct;
2. Calls upon all States to cooperate, inter alia, to strengthen the security of their international borders, including by combating fraudulent travel documents and, to the extent attainable, by enhancing terrorist screening and passenger security procedures with a view to preventing those guilty of the conduct in paragraph 1 (a) from entering their territory;
3. Calls upon all States to continue international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, and to take all measures as may be necessary and appropriate and in accordance with their obligations under international law to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance and to prevent the subversion of educational, cultural, and religious institutions by terrorists and their supporters;
4. Stresses that States must ensure that any measures taken to implement paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this resolution comply with all of their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law;
5. Calls upon all States to report to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, as part of their ongoing dialogue, on the steps they have taken to implement this resolution;
6. Directs the Counter-Terrorism Committee to:
(a) Include in its dialogue with Member States their efforts to implement this resolution;
(b) Work with Member States to help build capacity, including through spreading best legal practice and promoting exchange of information in this regard;
(c) Report back to the Council in twelve months on the implementation of this resolution.
7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1625 Call for enhanced steps to prevent armed conflict, particularly in Africa
Date: 14 September 2005 Meeting: 5261
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Decides to adopt the attached declaration on strengthening the effectiveness of the Security Council’s role in conflict prevention, particularly in Africa.
Annex
The Security Council,
Meeting on 14 September 2005 at the level of Heads of State and Government to discuss how to strengthen the effectiveness of the Security Council’s role in the prevention of armed conflict, particularly in Africa,
Reaffirming its commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Bearing in mind its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,
Deeply concerned by the high human cost and material losses caused by armed conflicts and recognizing that peace, security and development are mutually reinforcing, including in the prevention of armed conflict,
Reaffirming the importance of adhering to the principles of refraining, in international relations, from the threat or the use of force in any manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations, and of peaceful settlement of international disputes,
Reaffirming the need to adopt a broad strategy of conflict prevention, which addresses the root causes of armed conflict and political and social crises in a comprehensive manner, including by promoting sustainable development, poverty eradication, national reconciliation, good governance, democracy, gender equality, the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights,
Recognizing the need to strengthen the important role of the United Nations in the prevention of violent conflicts, and to develop effective partnerships between the Council and regional organizations, in particular the African Union and its subregional organizations, in order to enable early responses to disputes and emerging crises;
Recalling the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact adopted in Abuja on 31 January 2005, as well as the African Union position on unconstitutional changes of governments, as stated in the 1999 Algiers Declaration and the 2000 Lomé Declaration;
Recognizing the important supporting roles played by civil society, men and women, in conflict prevention, and the need to take into account all possible contributions from civil society;
1. Expresses its determination to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in preventing armed conflicts and to monitor closely situations of potential armed conflict;
2. Affirms its determination to strengthen United Nations conflict prevention capacities by:
(a) assessing regularly the developments in regions at risk of armed conflict and encouraging the Secretary-General to provide information to the Council on such developments pursuant to Article 99 of the Charter;
(b) promoting the follow-up of preventive-diplomacy initiatives of the Secretary-General;
(c) supporting regional mediation initiatives in close consultation with regional and subregional organizations concerned;
(d) supporting regional and subregional capacities for early warning to help them in working out appropriate mechanisms to enable prompt action in reaction to early warning indicators;
(e) requesting as necessary and appropriate information and assistance from the Economic and Social Council in accordance with Article 65 of the United Nations Charter;
(f) taking measures to contribute to combating illicit trade of arms in all its aspects and the use of mercenaries;
(g) helping to enhance durable institutions conducive to peace, stability and sustainable development;
(h) supporting efforts of African States to build independent and reliable national judicial institutions;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to:
(a) provide to the Council regular reports and analysis of developments in regions of potential armed conflicts, particularly in Africa, and as appropriate a presentation of ongoing preventive-diplomacy initiatives;
(b) assist countries at risk of armed conflict in performing strategic conflict risk assessments, in implementing the measures agreed by the concerned countries, in enhancing national dispute management capacities, and in addressing the root causes of armed conflict;
(c) promote coordination with regional conflict management machinery in Africa which would provide the Security Council with additional reliable and timely information to facilitate rapid decision-making;
4. Stresses the importance of establishing effective comprehensive strategies of conflict prevention, focused on averting negative developments in the security, economic, social and humanitarian sectors and in the field of governance and human rights in countries which are facing crises, with special attention to:
(a) developing quick win activities to prevent conflicts arising from competition for economic resources and to monitoring tension arising from economic and social issues;
(b) encouraging United Nations regional offices to facilitate the implementation of strategies aimed at curbing illicit cross-border activities;
(c) strengthening the capacities of civil society groups, including women’s groups, working to promote a culture of peace, and to mobilize donors to support these efforts;
(d) developing policy measures to foster good governance and the protection of human rights in order to strengthen weakened or collapsed governance mechanisms and to end the culture of impunity;
(e) promoting the fairness and transparency of electoral processes;
5. Stresses the critical importance of a regional approach to conflict prevention, particularly to programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as the effective and sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants;
6. Reaffirms its determination to take action against illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and high-value commodities in areas where it contributes to the outbreak, escalation or continuation of armed conflict;
7. Calls for the strengthening of cooperation and communication between the United Nations and regional or subregional organizations or arrangements, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, particularly with respect to mediation initiatives;
8. Encourages all African States to adhere to the African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact adopted in Abuja on 31 January 2005, and to sign where appropriate subregional pacts on peace, security, democracy, good governance and development, and calls on the United Nations system and the international community to support the implementation of the Pacts;
9. Encourages also African countries to continue to work closely with the United Nations Secretariat and United Nations regional offices in the implementation of measures aimed at securing peace, security, stability, democracy and sustainable development consistent with the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development;
10. Urges the international community including the United Nations system and International Financial Institutions to support African countries in their efforts to achieve the above objectives and in this respect welcomes the decisions taken by the G-8 Summit held in Gleneagles, 6-8 July 2005, for combating poverty in Africa;
11. Urges all African States and the international community to fully cooperate in developing the capacities of African regional and subregional organizations to deploy both civilian and military assets quickly when needed, including the development of the African Union’s African Standby Force; welcomes bilateral and multilateral programmes developed to this end, and expresses its support for the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a ten-year capacity-building programme for the African Union;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1626 Extension of UN Mission in Liberia
Date: 19 September 2005 Meeting: 5263
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President concerning the situations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in particular its resolutions 1509 (2003) of 19 September 2003, 1610 (2005) of 30 June 2005 and 1620 (2005) of 31 August 2005,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s report of 1 September 2005 (S/2005/560),
Welcoming progress made in the preparations for the October presidential and legislative elections,
Welcoming the further extension of State authority, including progress in the establishment of a new Liberian police service and the appointment of new judges and magistrates,
Expressing appreciation for the indispensable and continuing contributions to the Liberian peace process by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), and for financial and other assistance provided by the international community,
Welcoming the signing by the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NGTL) and the International Contact Group of Liberia of the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) which is designed to ensure prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to expedite the lifting of measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003),
Reiterating its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contributions to the establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion and encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court as it implements its completion strategy,
Noting that the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) is scheduled to end its operations on 31 December 2005,
Recalling the briefing to the Security Council by the President of the Special Court for Sierra Leone on 24 May 2005 in which he stressed the need for a continuing international security presence to provide protection for the Special Court after the departure of UNAMSIL, and welcoming the Secretary-General’s recommendations in this regard,
Determining that the situation in Liberia 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. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) shall be extended until 31 March 2006;
2. Calls on all Liberian parties to demonstrate their full commitment to a democratic process of government by ensuring that the upcoming presidential and legislative elections are peaceful, transparent, free and fair;
3. Calls on the international community to respond to continuing needs for resources for the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants and for security sector reform;
4. Looks forward to the implementation of GEMAP by the NTGL and succeeding governments of Liberia in collaboration with their international partners, and requests the Secretary-General to include information on the progress of this implementation in his regular reports on UNMIL;
5. Authorizes UNMIL, subject to the consent of the troop-contributing countries concerned and the Government of Sierra Leone, to deploy from November 2005 up to 250 United Nations military personnel to Sierra Leone to provide security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, as recommended in paragraphs 90 to 94 of the Secretary-General’s report of 1 September 2005 (S/2005/560);
6. Authorizes a temporary increase in UNMIL’s personnel ceiling, to a total of 15,250 United Nations military personnel, for the period from 15 November 2005 to 31 March 2006 in order to ensure that the support provided to the Court does not reduce UNMIL’s capabilities in Liberia during its political transition period;
7. Further authorizes UNMIL, subject to the consent of troop-contributing countries concerned and of the Government of Sierra Leone, to deploy an adequate number of military personnel to Sierra Leone, if and when needed, to evacuate UNMIL military personnel deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to paragraph 5 of this resolution and officials of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the event of a serious security crisis affecting those personnel and the Court;
8. Requests the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), once established, to assist in providing logistic support for UNMIL military personnel deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to this resolution;
9. Requests the Secretary-General and the Government of Sierra Leone to conclude an agreement regarding the status of military personnel of UNMIL deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to this resolution, taking into account General Assembly resolution 59/47 on the scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety and Security of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and decides that, pending the conclusion of such an agreement, the model status-of-forces agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594) shall apply provisionally;
10. Supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation to return to the ceiling of United Nations military personnel authorized in resolution 1509 (2003) by 31 March 2006;
11. Encourages the United Nations missions in the region, within their capabilities and areas of deployment and without prejudice to their mandates, to continue their efforts towards enhancing intermission cooperation, especially with regard to the prevention of cross-border movement of arms, combatants and the illicit exploitation of natural resources and in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes;
12. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNMIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, and requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action, including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that allegations of sexual exploitation or abuse against their personnel are properly investigated and, if substantiated, punished;
13. Requests the Secretary-General to provide recommendations on a drawdown plan for UNMIL, including specific benchmarks and a tentative schedule, in his March 2006 report;
14. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed on UNMIL’s progress with the implementation of its mandate;
15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1627 Extension of UN Mission in Sudan
Date: 23 September 2005 Meeting: 5269
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions, in particular resolution 1590 of 24 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning the Sudan,
Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Sudan,
Reiterating its expression of sympathy and condolences on the death of First Vice President Dr. John Garang de Mabior on 30 July 2005; commending the Government of the Sudan and First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit for continued efforts for consolidation of peace in the Sudan,
Welcoming implementation by the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 9 January 2005, and in particular welcoming the formation of the Government of National Unity as a significant and historic step towards lasting peace in the Sudan,
Urging the parties to meet their outstanding commitments to the CPA, including, as a priority, the establishment of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission,
Determining that the situation in the Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acknowledging the commitments by troop-contributing countries in support of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) and encouraging deployment in order for UNMIS to support timely implementation of the CPA,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMIS until 24 March 2006, with the intention to renew it for further periods;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every three months on the implementation of the mandate of UNMIS, including its work to reinforce the efforts of the African Union Mission in the Sudan to foster peace in Darfur;
3. Urges troop-contributing countries carefully to review the Secretary-General’s letter of 24 March 2005 (A/59/710) and to take appropriate action to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by their personnel in UNMIS, including pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such misconduct involving their personnel;
4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1628 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 30 September 2005 Meeting: 5272
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 (2004) of 1 October 2004, 1592 (2005) of 30 March 2005, 1596 (2005) of 18 April 2005 and 1621 (2005) of 6 September 2005,
Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its readiness to support the peace and national reconciliation process in that country, in particular through the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),
Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC, as contained in resolutions 1565 (2004), 1592 (2005), 1596 (2005) and 1621 (2005), adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, until 31 October 2005;
2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1629 Decision for Judge to participate in case before International Tribunal for former Yugoslavia
Date: 30 September 2005 Meeting: 5273
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Taking note of the letter to the President of the Security Council from the Secretary-General dated 14 September 2005 (S/2005/593),
Decides that notwithstanding Article 12 of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and notwithstanding that Judge Christine Van Den Wyngaert’s elected term as a permanent judge of the Tribunal will in accordance with Article 13 bis of the Tribunal’s Statute only begin on 17 November 2005, she be assigned as a permanent judge to the Mrksic et al. case which is due to commence on 3 October 2005.
S/RES/1630 Condemnation of increase in flow of weapons and ammunitions to Somalia
Date: 14 October 2005 Meeting: 5280
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its previous resolutions and the statements of its President 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 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003, resolution 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004 and resolution 1587 (2005) of 15 March 2005,
Reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia,
Reiterating the urgent need for all Somali leaders to take tangible steps to begin political dialogue,
Reaffirming its strong support for the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his efforts in fostering inclusive dialogue, particularly through his road map for dialogue among the leaders of the Transitional Federal Institutions,
Stressing the need for the Transitional Federal Institutions to continue working towards establishing effective national governance in Somalia,
Commending the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in support of the Transitional Federal Institutions and welcoming the African Union’s continued support for national reconciliation in Somalia,
Taking note of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 22 August 2005 (S/2005/625, annex) submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 (i) of resolution 1587 (2005) and the observations and recommendations contained therein,
Condemning the significant increase in the flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia, which constitutes a violation of the arms embargo and a serious threat to the Somali peace process,
Reiterating its insistence that all Member States, in particular those in the region, should refrain from any action in contravention of the arms embargo and should take all necessary steps to hold violators accountable,
Reiterating and underscoring the importance of enhancing the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into the violations, bearing in mind that strict enforcement of the arms embargo will improve the overall security situation in Somalia,
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 Member States to comply fully with the measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);
2. Expresses its intention, in light of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 22 August 2005 (S/2005/625, annex), to consider specific actions to improve implementation of and compliance with measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);
3. Decides to request the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), to re-establish within thirty days from the date of the adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, the Monitoring Group referred to in paragraph 3 of resolution 1558 (2004), with the following mandate:
(a) to continue the tasks outlined in paragraphs 3 (a) to (c) of resolution 1587 (2005);
(b) to continue to investigate, in coordination with relevant international agencies, all activities, including in the financial, maritime and other sectors, which generate revenues used to commit arms embargo violations;
(c) to continue to investigate any means of transport, routes, seaports, airports and other facilities used in connection with arms embargo violations;
(d) to continue refining and updating information on the draft list of those individuals and entities who violate the measures implemented by Member States in accordance with resolution 733 (1992), inside and outside Somalia, and their active supporters, for possible future measures by the Council, and to present such information to the Committee as and when the Committee deems appropriate;
(e) to continue making recommendations based on its investigations, on the previous reports of the Panel of Experts (S/2003/223 and S/2003/1035) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002 and 1474 (2003) of 8 April 2003, and on the previous reports of the Monitoring Group (S/2004/604 and S/2005/153) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003, 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004 and 1587 (2005) of 15 March 2005;
(f) to work closely with the Committee on specific recommendations for additional measures to improve overall compliance with the arms embargo;
(g) to assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States in the region can be strengthened to facilitate the implementation of the arms embargo;
(h) to provide to the Council, through the Committee, a midterm briefing within 90 days from its establishment;
(i) to submit, for the Security Council’s consideration, through the Committee, a final report covering all the tasks set out above, no later than 15 days prior to the termination of the Monitoring Group’s mandate;
4. Further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Monitoring Group;
5. Reaffirms paragraphs 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 of resolution 1519 (2003);
6. Requests the Committee, in accordance with its mandate and in consultation with the Monitoring Group and other relevant United Nations entities, to consider and recommend to the Council ways to improve implementation of and compliance with the arms embargo, in response to continuing violations;
7. Further requests the Committee to consider, when appropriate, a visit to Somalia and/or the region by its Chairman and those he may designate, as approved by the Committee, to demonstrate the Security Council’s determination to give full effect to the arms embargo;
8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1631 Need to further strengthen cooperation between UN and regional organizations
Date: 17 October 2005 Meeting: 5282
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming its previous relevant resolutions and presidential statements,
Welcoming the adoption of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (A/RES/60/1),
Recalling its invitation of January 1993 to regional organizations to improve coordination with the United Nations, the Declaration of the General Assembly of December 1994 on the enhancement of cooperation between the United Nations and regional arrangements or agencies (A/RES/49/57), its meeting on “The Security Council and Regional Organizations: Facing the New Challenges to international Peace and Security”, held on 11 April 2003 under the Mexican presidency, and its debate on “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in stabilization processes”, held on 20 July 2004 under the Romanian presidency,
Welcoming the Conclusions of the Chairman of the Sixth High-Level Meeting between the United Nations and Regional and other Intergovernmental Organizations (25-26 July 2005),
Reiterating its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,
Emphasizing that the growing contribution made by regional organizations in cooperation with the United Nations can usefully complement the work of the organization in maintaining international peace and security, and stressing in this regard that such contribution must be made in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter,
Recognizing the necessity to support capacity-building and cooperation at regional and subregional level in maintaining international peace and security, and noting in particular the importance of strengthening the capacity of African regional and subregional organizations,
Acknowledging the resolve of Heads of State and Government of the 2005 World Summit to expand, as appropriate, the involvement of regional organizations in the work of the Security Council, and to ensure that regional organizations that have a capacity for the prevention of armed conflict or peacekeeping consider the option of placing such capacity in the framework of the United Nations Standby Arrangements System,
Welcoming the decision in the World Summit Outcome to establish a Peacebuilding Commission, and looking forward to it as an important opportunity for cooperation and close contact with regional and subregional organizations in post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery,
1. Expresses its determination to take appropriate steps to the further development of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, and invites regional and subregional organizations that have a capacity for conflict prevention or peacekeeping to place such capacities in the framework of the United Nations Standby Arrangements System;
2. Urges all States and relevant international organizations to contribute to strengthening the capacity of regional and subregional organizations, in particular of African regional and subregional organizations, in conflict prevention and crisis management, and in post-conflict stabilization, including through the provision of human, technical and financial assistance, and welcomes in this regard the establishment by the European Union of the Peace Facility for Africa;
3. Stresses the importance for the United Nations of developing regional and subregional organizations’ ability to deploy peacekeeping forces rapidly in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations or other Security Council-mandated operations, and welcomes relevant initiatives taken in this regard;
4. Stresses the potential role of regional and subregional organizations in addressing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and the need to take into account in the peacekeeping operations’ mandates, where appropriate, the regional instruments enabling states to identify and trace illegal small arms and light weapons;
5. Reiterates the need to encourage regional cooperation, including through the involvement of regional and subregional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to include, where appropriate, specific provisions to this aim in future mandates of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations authorized by the Security Council;
6. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by its subsidiary bodies with responsibilities in counter-terrorism to foster cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, notes with appreciation the efforts made by an increasing number of regional and subregional organizations in the fight against terrorism and urges all relevant regional and subregional organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their counter-terrorism efforts within their respective mandates, including with a view to develop their capacity to help Member States in their efforts to tackle the threats to international peace and security posed by acts of terrorism;
7. Expresses its intention to hold regular meetings as appropriate with heads of regional and subregional organizations in order to strengthen the interaction and cooperation with these organizations in maintaining international peace and security, ensuring if possible that such meetings coincide with the annual high-level meetings held by the United Nations with regional and other intergovernmental organizations for better efficiency of participation and substantive complementarity of agendas;
8. Recommends better communication between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations through, notably, liaison officers and holding of consultations at all appropriate levels;
9. Reiterates the obligation for regional organizations, under article 54 of the Charter, to keep the Security Council fully informed of their activities for the maintenance of international peace and security;
10. Invites the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Security Council on the opportunities and challenges facing the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, and encourages the Secretary-General to explore with regional organizations the possibility of agreements establishing a framework for regional organizations’ cooperation with and contributions to United Nations-led peacekeeping operations, taking into due consideration the cooperation guidelines already identified between the UN and certain regional organizations;
11. Requests the Secretary-General, where appropriate, to include in his regular reporting to the Security Council on peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations under its mandate, assessments of progress on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1632 Extension of mandate of Côte d’Ivoire expert group
Date: 18 October 2005 Meeting: 5283
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, in particular resolutions 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005 and 1609 (2005) of 24 June 2005, and the relevant statements of its President,
Welcoming the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) towards re‑establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire,
Recalling the interim report of the Group of Experts created by the Secretary-General, further to paragraph 7 of resolution 1584 (2005) and anticipating the receipt of its final report,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire 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. Decides to extend the mandate of the Group of Experts to 15 December 2005, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures;
2. Requests the Group of Experts to submit a brief written update to the Council, through the Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004), before 1 December 2005, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004) and reaffirmed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1584 (2005), with recommendations in this regard;
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1633 Demand for immediate compliance with Côte d’Ivoire of peace agreements
Date: 21 October 2005 Meeting: 5288
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement) and the Agreement signed in Pretoria on 6 April 2005 (the Pretoria Agreement),
Reaffirming that the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements remain the appropriate framework for the peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire,
Having taken note of the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union adopted at its 40th meeting at the level of the Heads of State and Government held on 6 October 2005 in Addis Ababa (“the decision of the Peace and Security Council”) (S/2005/639),
Having taken note also of the creation of an International Working Group at ministerial level (“the International Working Group”) and of a day-to-day mediation undertaken by representatives of the international working group (“the Mediation Group”),
Having heard on 13 October 2005 a briefing by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union on behalf of the African Union, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for elections,
Expressing its serious concern at the persistence of the crisis and the deterioration of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,
Reiterating its firm condemnation of all violations of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire,
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Commends the continued efforts of the African Union, in particular President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Chair of the African Union, and President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa, Mediator of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the leaders of the region to promote peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterates its full support for them;
2. Commends also the constant efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Pierre Schori, and of the High Representative for the elections, Mr. Antonio Monteiro, and reiterates its full support for them, including for the arbitration and certification role of the High Representative for elections;
3. Reaffirms its endorsement of the observation of ECOWAS and of the Peace and Security Council on the end of the mandate of President Laurent Gbagbo on 30 October 2005 and the impossibility of organizing presidential elections on the scheduled date, and of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, including its decision on the fact that President Gbagbo shall remain Head of State from 31 October 2005 for a period not exceeding 12 months, and demands that all the parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements as well as all the Ivorian parties concerned implement it fully and without delay;
4. Supports the establishment of the International Working Group at a ministerial level and the Mediation Group, which should both be co-chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, urges the international working group to meet as soon as possible, and affirms that the secretariat of the international working group shall be coordinated by the United Nations, in accordance with paragraph 10, article (vi) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council;
5. Urges the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of ECOWAS and the African Union Mediator to consult immediately with all the Ivorian parties in order to ensure that a new Prime Minister acceptable to all the Ivorian parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement shall be appointed by 31 October 2005, in accordance with paragraph 10, article (ii) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, and to maintain close contact with the Secretary-General throughout the process;
6. Expresses its full support for paragraph 10, article (iii) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council which stresses that the Ministers shall be accountable to the Prime Minister who shall have full authority over his or her cabinet;
7. Reiterates the importance of having all ministers to participate fully in the Government of National Reconciliation as underscored in the statement by its president dated 25 May 2004 (S/PRST/2004/17), considers therefore that, when a minister is not participating fully in the Government of National Reconciliation, his or her portfolio should be assumed by the Prime Minister and requests the International Working Group to monitor closely the situation in this regard;
8. Stresses that the Prime Minister must have all the necessary powers according to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and all the governmental financial, material and human resources, particularly with regard to security, defence and electoral matters, to ensure the effective functioning of the Government, to guarantee security and the redeployment of the administration and public services throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire, to lead the programme of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and the operations of disarmament and dismantling of militias, and to ensure the fairness of the identification process and of voter registration, leading to the organization of free, open, fair and transparent elections, with the support of the United Nations;
9. Calls upon all Ivorian parties to ensure that the Prime Minister has all powers and resources described in paragraph 8 above and faces no hindrance or difficulty in implementing his tasks;
10. Requests the International Working Group, on the basis of paragraph 10, articles (iii) and (v) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, to verify that the Prime Minister has all the necessary powers and resources described in paragraph 8 above and immediately to report to the Security Council any hindrance or difficulty which the Prime Minister may face in implementing his tasks and to identify those responsible;
11. Invites the International Working Group, noting that the mandate of the National Assembly will end by 16 December 2005, to consult with all the Ivorian parties, in liaison as appropriate with the Forum for National Dialogue as referred to in paragraph 11 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, with a view to ensure that the Ivorian institutions function normally until the holding of the elections in Côte d’Ivoire, and to keep the Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union informed in that regard;
12. Considers, as noted by the Peace and Security Council in paragraph 9 of its decision, that additional measures are required to expedite the implementation of some provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements, in particular the DDR process, the dismantling and disarmament of militias and the creation of conditions for holding free, fair, open and transparent elections, including the identification process and the registration of voters;
13. Requests therefore the International Working Group to draw up as soon as possible a road map in consultation with all Ivorian parties, with a view to hold free, fair, open and transparent elections as soon as possible and no later than 31 October 2006, concerning in particular:
(a) The appointment of a new Prime Minister as provided for in paragraph 5 above;
(b) The implementation of all outstanding issues as referred to in paragraph 12 above, recalling in this regard that the concomitant implementation of the identification process and of the cantonment of the forces, as provided for in the national programme for disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion and rehabilitation signed in Yamoussoukro on 14 May 2005, would expedite the creation of conditions for holding free, fair, open and transparent elections;
14. Demands that the Forces nouvelles proceed without delay with the DDR programme in order to facilitate the restoration of the authority of the State throughout the national territory, the reunification of the country and the organization of the elections as soon as possible;
15. Affirms that the identification process must also start without delay;
16. Demands that all Ivorian parties stop all incitement to hatred and violence in radio and television broadcasting as well as in any other media;
17. Demands also the immediate disarmament and dismantling of militias throughout the national territory;
18. Recalls paragraphs 5 and 7 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, and demands that all Ivorian parties refrain from any use of force and violence, including against civilians, and foreigners, and from all kinds of disruptive street protests;
19. Urges countries neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to prevent any cross-border movement of combatants or arms into Côte d’Ivoire;
20. Reiterates its serious concern at all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Côte d’Ivoire, and urges the Ivorian authorities to investigate these violations without delay in order to put an end to impunity;
21. Condemns the serious attacks against the personnel of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and the unacceptable obstacles to the freedom of movement of UNOCI and French forces, demands that all Ivorian parties cooperate fully in their operations, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of their personnel, as well as associated personnel, throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire, and affirms that any obstacle to their freedom of movement or to the full implementation of their mandates would not be tolerated;
22. Takes note of paragraph 13 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, recalls the statement of its President dated 14 October 2005 (S/PRST/2005/49) and its decisions under resolution 1609 (2005) of 24 June 2005, including paragraphs 4, 5 and 6, and expresses its intention to review the troop level of UNOCI by the end of UNOCI’s mandate on 24 January 2006, in the light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire;
23. Recalls paragraph 12 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council and its support for the individual measures provided for in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, and reaffirms its readiness to impose those measures against any person who blocks the implementation of the peace process, as defined in particular by the road map mentioned in paragraph 13 above, who is determined as responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Côte d’Ivoire, who incites publicly hatred and violence, or against any person or entity who is determined to be in violation of the arms embargo;
24. Urges the International Working Group, which shall receive regular reports from the Mediation Group, and the sanctions committee established by resolution 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 to evaluate, monitor and follow up closely the progress made with regard to the issues mentioned in paragraphs 14 to 18 above;
25. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1634 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
Date: 28 October 2005 Meeting: 5295
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, including resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003, resolution 1541 (2004) of 29 April 2004, and resolution 1598 (2005) of 28 April 2005,
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,
Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,
Taking note of the POLISARIO Front’s 18 August 2005 release of the remaining 404 Moroccan prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law, and calling upon the parties 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,
Welcoming the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Peter van Walsum, and noting that he recently completed consultations in the region,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 17 October 2005 (S/2005/648),
1. Reaffirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire;
2. Calls on Member States to consider voluntary contributions to fund Confidence Building Measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family unification visits;
3. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2006;
4. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation in the Western Sahara before the end of the mandate period and requests the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to provide a briefing, within three months of the adoption of the resolution, on the progress of his efforts;
5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1635 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 28 October 2005 Meeting: 5296
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions and the statements by its President on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1592 of 30 March 2005, 1596 of 18 April 2005 and 1621 of 6 September 2005 and 1628 of 30 September 2005, and the statement of 4 October 2005 (S/PRST/2005/46),
Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002,
Underlining the importance of elections as the foundation for the longer term restoration of peace and stability, national reconciliation and establishment of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Paying tribute to the donor community for the assistance they provide to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular to the electoral process, and encouraging them to maintain it,
Welcoming the interest and commitment shown by the Congolese authorities to promote good governance and transparent economic management, and urging all the components of the Government of National Unity and Transition to strengthen their efforts in continuing to build consensus in this regard,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by militias and foreign armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and at the threat they pose to the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Deploring the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law carried out by these militias and groups and stressing the urgent need for those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice,
Recognizing the link between the illegal exploitation of natural resources, the illicit trade in such resources and the proliferation and trafficking of arms as one of the factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa, and in particular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Taking note of the nineteenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), dated 26 September 2005 (S/2005/603), and of its recommendations,
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. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC until 30 September 2006;
2. Having taken note of the recommendations described in paragraphs 27 to 29 of the report of the Secretary-General, authorizes an increase of 300 personnel in the military strength of MONUC to allow for the deployment of an infantry battalion in Katanga, with enabling assets including its own air mobility and appropriate medical support, to provide additional security within its area of operations during the electoral period;
3. Underlines the temporary character of the increase referred to in the previous paragraph, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps with a view to downsizing or repatriating this additional strength from 1 July 2006 at the latest, and to report to the Council before 1 June 2006 on the assessment to be made for that purpose;
4. Calls on the Transitional institutions and on all Congolese parties to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place, and that the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission is scrupulously respected, and underlines in this regard that it is the responsibility of the Congolese authorities to adopt the necessary legislation without further delay;
5. Calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to carry out reform of the security sector, through the expeditious integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular by ensuring adequate payment and logistical support for their personnel;
6. Calls on the donor community, as a matter of urgency, to continue to engage firmly in the provision of assistance needed for the integration, training and equipping of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to promote all possible means to facilitate and expedite cooperation to this end;
7. Requests MONUC, within its capacity and mandate, and in consultation with international financial institutions and donors, to continue to provide advice and assistance as well as the necessary support, to the effective follow-up to the meeting on 21 September 2005 between the Espace présidentiel and the International Committee in Support of the Transition, to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management;
8. Welcomes the action taken by MONUC in investigating and dealing with instances of sexual exploitation and abuse and its efforts to put in place preventive measures, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in MONUC with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action, including predeployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1636 Report of UN Investigation Commission into murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister
Date: 31 October 2005 Meeting: 5297
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular resolutions 1595 (2005) of 7 April 2005, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004,
Reiterating its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon,
Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security,
Having examined carefully the report of the international independent investigation Commission (S/2005/662) (“the Commission”) concerning its investigation into the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others, and caused injury to dozens of people,
Commending the Commission for the outstanding professional work it has accomplished under difficult circumstances in assisting the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of all aspects of this terrorist act, and taking note of the Commission’s conclusion that the investigation is not yet complete,
Commending States which have provided assistance to the Commission in the discharge of its duties,
Commending also the Lebanese authorities for the full cooperation they have provided to the Commission in the discharge of its duties, in accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 1595 (2005),
Recalling that pursuant to its relevant resolutions, all States are required to afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal investigations or criminal proceedings relating to terrorist acts, and recalling in particular that it had requested in its resolution 1595 (2005) all States and all parties to cooperate fully with the Commission,
Taking note of the Commission’s findings that although the inquiry has already made considerable progress and achieved significant results, it is of the utmost importance to continue the trail both within and outside Lebanon in order to elucidate fully all aspects of this terrorist act, and in particular to identify and hold accountable all those who bear responsibility in its planning, sponsoring, organization and perpetration,
Mindful of the demand of the Lebanese people that all those responsible for the terrorist bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others be identified and held accountable,
Acknowledging in this connection the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon to the Secretary-General of 13 October 2005 (S/2005/651) requesting that the mandate of the Commission be extended to enable the Commission to continue to assist the competent Lebanese authorities in any further investigation of the various dimensions of the terrorist crime,
Acknowledging also the concurrent recommendation of the Commission that continued international assistance is needed to help the Lebanese authorities get right to the bottom of this terrorist act, and that a sustained effort on the part of the international community to establish an assistance and cooperation platform together with the Lebanese authorities in the field of security and justice is essential,
Willing to continue to assist Lebanon in the search for the truth and in holding those responsible for this terrorist act accountable for their crime,
Calling upon all States to extend to the Lebanese authorities and to the Commission the assistance they may need and request in connection with the inquiry, and in particular to provide them with all relevant information they may possess pertaining to this terrorist attack,
Reaffirming its profound commitment to the national unity and stability of Lebanon, emphasizing that the future of Lebanon should be decided through peaceful means by the Lebanese themselves, free of intimidation and foreign interference, and warning in this regard that attempts to undermine the stability of Lebanon will not be tolerated,
Taking note of the Commission’s conclusions that, given the infiltration of Lebanese institutions and society by the Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services working in tandem, it would be difficult to envisage a scenario whereby such a complex assassination plot could have been carried out without their knowledge, and that there is probable cause to believe that the decision to assassinate former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri could not have been taken without the approval of top-ranked Syrian security officials,
Mindful of the Commission’s conclusion that while the Syrian authorities, after initial hesitation, have cooperated to a limited degree with the Commission, several Syrian officials have tried to mislead the investigation by giving false or inaccurate statements,
Convinced that it is unacceptable in principle that anyone anywhere should escape accountability for an act of terrorism for any reason, including because of his own obstruction of the investigation or failure to cooperate in good faith,
Determining that this terrorist act and its implications constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region, and the need for peaceful solutions,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
== I ==
1. Welcomes the report of the Commission;
2. Takes note with extreme concern of the Commission’s conclusion that, there is converging evidence pointing at the involvement of both Lebanese and Syrian officials in this terrorist act, and that it is difficult to envisage a scenario whereby such complex assassination could have been carried out without their knowledge;
3. Decides as a step to assist in the investigation of this crime and without prejudice to the ultimate judicial determination of the guilt or innocence of any individual;
(a) that all individuals designated by the Commission or the Government of Lebanon as suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, organizing or perpetrating of this terrorist act, upon notification of such designation to and agreement of the Committee established in subparagraph (b) below, shall be subject to the following measures:
– All States shall take the measures necessary to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of such individuals, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall obligate a state to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals, or, if such individuals are found within their territory, shall ensure in accordance with applicable law that they are available for interview by the Commission if it so requests;
– All States shall: freeze all funds, financial assets and economic resources that are on their territories that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such individuals, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such individuals or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction; ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories to or for the benefit of such individuals or entities; and cooperate fully in accordance with applicable law with any international investigations related to the assets or financial transactions of such individuals, entities or persons acting on their behalf, including through sharing of financial information;
(b) 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 tasks described in the annex to this resolution;
(c) that the Committee and any measures still in force under subparagraph (a) will terminate when the Committee reports to the Security Council that all investigative and judicial proceedings relating to this terrorist attack have been completed, unless otherwise decided by the Security Council;
4. Determines that the involvement of any State in this terrorist act would constitute a serious violation by that State of its obligations to work to prevent and refrain from supporting terrorism, in accordance in particular with resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004) and that it would amount also to a serious violation of its obligation to respect the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon;
5. Takes note with extreme concern also of the Commission’s conclusion that, while the Syrian authorities have cooperated in form but not in substance with the Commission, several Syrian officials tried to mislead the Commission by giving false or inaccurate information, and determines that Syria’s continued lack of cooperation to the inquiry would constitute a serious violation of its obligations under relevant resolutions, including 1373 (2001), 1566 (2004) and 1595 (2005);
6. Takes note of the recent statement by Syria regarding its intention now to cooperate with the Commission and expects the Syrian Government to implement in full the commitments it is now making;
== II ==
7. Acknowledges that continued assistance from the Commission to Lebanon, as requested by its Government in its letter to the Secretary-General of 13 October 2005 and recommended by the Commission in its report, remains necessary to elucidate fully all aspects of this heinous crime, thus enabling that all those involved in the planning, sponsoring, organizing and perpetrating of this terrorist act, as well as their accomplices, be identified and brought to justice;
8. Welcomes in this regard the decision of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the Commission until 15 December 2005, as authorized by the Security Council in its resolution 1595 (2005), and decides that it will extend the mandate further if recommended by the Commission and requested by the Lebanese Government;
9. Commends the Lebanese authorities for the courageous decisions they have already taken in relation to the inquiry, including upon recommendation of the Commission, in particular the arrest and indictment of former Lebanese security officials suspected of involvement in this terrorist act, and encourages the Lebanese authorities to persist in their efforts with the same determination in order to get right to the bottom of this crime;
== III ==
10. Endorses the Commission’s conclusion that it is incumbent upon the Syrian authorities to clarify a considerable part of the questions which remain unresolved;
11. Decides in this context that:
(a) Syria must detain those Syrian officials or individuals whom the Commission considers as suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, organizing or perpetrating of this terrorist act, and make them fully available to the Commission;
(b) the Commission shall have vis-à-vis Syria the same rights and authorities as mentioned in paragraph 3 of resolution 1595 (2005), and Syria must cooperate with the Commission fully and unconditionally on that basis;
(c) the Commission shall have the authority to determine the location and modalities for interview of Syrian officials and individuals it deems relevant to the inquiry;
12. Insists that Syria not interfere in Lebanese domestic affairs, either directly or indirectly, refrain from any attempt aimed at destabilizing Lebanon, and respect scrupulously the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of this country;
== IV ==
13. Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the progress of the inquiry by 15 December 2005, including on the cooperation received by the Commission from the Syrian authorities, or anytime before that date if the Commission deems that such cooperation does not meet the requirements of this resolution, so that the Council, if necessary, could consider further action;
14. Expresses its readiness to consider any additional request for assistance from the Lebanese Government to ensure that all those responsible for this crime are held accountable;
15. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Annex
The following are the functions of the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 3 of this resolution:
1. To register as subject to the measures in paragraph 3 (a) in this resolution an individual designated by the Commission or the Government of Lebanon, provided that within two working days of receipt of such designation no member of the Committee objects, in which case the Committee shall meet within fifteen days to determine the applicability of the measures in paragraph 3 (a).
2. To approve exceptions to the measures established in paragraph 3 (a) on a case-by-case basis:
(i) with respect to the travel restrictions, where the Committee determines that such travel is justified on the ground of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would otherwise further the objectives of this resolution;
(ii) with respect to the freezing of funds and other economic resources, where the Committee determines that such exceptions are necessary for basic expenses, including payments for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges, or exclusively for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds or other financial assets or economic resources;
3. To register the removal of an individual from the scope of the measures in paragraph 3 (a) upon notification from the Commission or the Government of Lebanon that the individual is no longer suspected of involvement in this terrorist act, provided that within two working days of receipt of such designation no member of the Committee objects, in which case the Committee shall meet within fifteen days to determine the removal of an individual from the scope of the measures in paragraph 3 (a).
4. To inform all Member States as to which individuals are subject to the measures in paragraph 3 (a).
S/RES/1637 Extension of mandate of Iraq Multinational Force
Date: 8 November 2005 Meeting: 5300
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Welcoming the beginning of a new phase in Iraq’s transition and looking forward to the completion of the political transition process as well as to the day Iraqi forces assume full responsibility for the maintenance of security and stability in their country, thus allowing the completion of the multinational force mandate,
Recalling all of its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq,
Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq,
Reaffirming also the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources,
Welcoming the commitment of the Transitional Government of Iraq to work towards a federal, democratic, pluralistic, and unified Iraq, in which there is full respect for political and human rights,
Calling upon the international community, particularly countries in the region and Iraq’s neighbours, to support the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability, security, democracy, and prosperity, and noting the contribution that the successful implementation of this resolution will bring to regional stability,
Welcoming the assumption of full governmental authority by the Interim Government of Iraq on 28 June 2004, the direct democratic elections of the Transitional National Assembly on 30 January 2005, the drafting of a new constitution for Iraq and the recent approval of the draft constitution by the people of Iraq on 15 October 2005,
Noting that the Government of Iraq established as a result of the election scheduled to take place by 15 December 2005 will play a critical role in continuing to promote national dialogue and reconciliation and in shaping the democratic future of Iraq and reaffirming the willingness of the international community to work closely with the Government of Iraq with respect to efforts to assist the Iraqi people,
Calling upon those who use violence in an attempt to subvert the political process to lay down their arms and participate in the political process, including in the election scheduled for 15 December, and encouraging the Government of Iraq to engage with all those who renounce violence and to promote a political atmosphere conducive to national reconciliation and political competition through peaceful democratic means,
Reaffirming that acts of terrorism must not be allowed to disrupt Iraq’s political and economic transition, and further reaffirming the obligations of Member States under resolution 1618 (2005) of 4 August 2005 and other relevant resolutions and international obligations with respect, inter alia, to terrorist activities in and from Iraq or against its citizens,
Recognizing the request conveyed in the letter of 27 October 2005 from the Prime Minister of Iraq to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution, to retain the presence of the multinational force in Iraq, and further recognizing the importance of consent of the sovereign Government of Iraq for the presence of the multinational force and of close coordination between the multinational force and that government,
Welcoming the willingness of the multinational force to continue efforts to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq, including participating in the provision of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, as described in the letter of 29 October 2005 from the United States Secretary of State to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution,
Recognizing the tasks and arrangements set out in the letters annexed to resolution 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004 and the cooperative implementation by the Government of Iraq and the multinational force of those arrangements,
Affirming the importance for all forces promoting the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq to act in accordance with international law, including obligations under international humanitarian law, and to cooperate with relevant international organizations, and welcoming their commitments in this regard,
Recalling the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 14 August 2003, underlining the particular importance of UNAMI assistance for the upcoming election by 15 December 2005 of a government pursuant to a newly adopted Constitution, and affirming that the United Nations should continue to play a leading role in assisting the Iraqi people and government with further political and economic development, including advising and supporting the Government of Iraq, as well as the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, contributing to coordination and delivery of reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance, and promoting the protection of human rights, national reconciliation, as well as judicial and legal reform in order to strengthen the rule of law in Iraq,
Recognizing that international support for security and stability is essential to the well-being of the people of Iraq as well as the ability of all concerned, including the United Nations, to carry out their work on behalf of the people of Iraq, and expressing appreciation for Member State contributions in this regard under resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003, resolution 1511 (2003) of 16 October 2003 and resolution 1546 (2004),
Recognizing that the Government of Iraq will continue to have the primary role in coordinating international assistance to Iraq and reaffirming the importance of international assistance and development of the Iraqi economy and the importance of coordinated donor assistance,
Recognizing the significant role of the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board in helping the Government of Iraq to ensure that Iraq’s resources are being used transparently and equitably for the benefit of the people of Iraq,
Determining that the situation in Iraq continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Notes that the presence of the multinational force in Iraq is at the request of the Government of Iraq and, having regard to the letters annexed to this resolution, reaffirms the authorization for the multinational force as set forth in resolution 1546 (2004) and decides to extend the mandate of the multinational force as set forth in that resolution until 31 December 2006;
2. Decides further that the mandate for the multinational force shall be reviewed at the request of the Government of Iraq or no later than 15 June 2006, and declares that it will terminate this mandate earlier if requested by the Government of Iraq;
3. Decides to extend until 31 December 2006 the arrangements established in paragraph 20 of resolution 1483 (2003) for the depositing into the Development Fund for Iraq of proceeds from export sales of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas and the arrangements referred to in paragraph 12 of resolution 1483 (2003) and paragraph 24 of resolution 1546 (2004) for the monitoring of the Development Fund for Iraq by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board;
4. Decides further that the provisions in the above paragraph for the deposit of proceeds into the Development Fund for Iraq and for the role of the International Advisory and Monitoring Board shall be reviewed at the request of the Government of Iraq or no later than 15 June 2006;
5. Requests that the Secretary-General continue to report to the Council on UNAMI’s operations in Iraq on a quarterly basis;
6. Requests that the United States, on behalf of the multinational force, continue to report to the Council on the efforts and progress of this force on a quarterly basis;
7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Annex I
Letter dated 27 October 2005 from the Prime Minister of Iraq
addressed to the President of the Security Council
[Original: Arabic]
Sir,
On 15 October 2005 Iraq voted in a general referendum held at the national level for the purpose of approving a new Constitution for Iraq. The country thus took another important step towards building a strong democratic future and establishing a Government elected in accordance with a permanent Constitution. At the same time, Iraq is approaching the completion of its political transformation through the process of electing its future legislative authority and forming a new Government, which is to take place in December 2005. There still remains an extensive agenda for reconstruction and political development, the realization of which will require security and stability.
We are proceeding towards political stability and economic prosperity and taking fundamental steps towards restoring security and stability. Yet Iraq is still confronted by forces of terrorism that incorporate foreign elements which carry out horrific attacks and terrorist acts in an attempt to thwart political and economic development in Iraq. The Iraqi security forces, which are growing in size, capacity and experience day by day, need more time to fill out their ranks, fully equip themselves and complete their training with a view to assuming responsibility for all security matters and providing adequate security for the Iraqi people. Until such time as the Iraqi security forces assume full responsibility for Iraq’s security, we need the continued support of the international community, including the participation of the Multinational Force, in order to establish lasting peace and security in Iraq. We understand that the Multinational Force is willing to continue its efforts. We therefore request the Security Council to extend, for a period of 12 months starting 31 December 2005, the mandate of the Multinational Force, as provided in Council resolution 1546 (2004), including the tasks and arrangements specified in the letters annexed thereto, with the proviso that the Council shall review that mandate upon being so requested by the Government of Iraq or at the end of a period of eight months from the date of the resolution and declare, in the extension, that it will terminate the mandate before the expiry of that period should the Government of Iraq so request.
The Government of Iraq believes that the provisions of resolution 1546 (2004) relating to the deposit of proceeds into the Development Fund for Iraq and the role of the International Advisory and Monitoring Board will help to ensure that Iraq’s natural resources are used for the benefit of the Iraqi people. We understand that the funds deposited in the Development Fund for Iraq belong to Iraq and will continue to enjoy the immunities and privileges of the Fund, given the importance of those terms for the Iraqi people during this critical period. We request the Security Council to extend the validity of those terms for an additional 12 months and to review them upon being so requested by the Government of Iraq or at the end of a period of eight months from the date of the resolution.
The Iraqi people are determined to establish for themselves a stable, peaceful democracy, which will provide the basis for the establishment of a vibrant economy. This vision of Iraq’s future can become a reality with the help of the international community.
It is my understanding that the sponsors intend to have the present letter annexed to the resolution on Iraq currently being drafted. In the meantime, I should be grateful if you would have copies of this letter circulated to the members of the Security Council as soon as possible.
(Signed) Ibrahim Aleshaiker Al-Jaafari Prime Minister
27 October 2005
Annex II
Letter dated 29 October 2005 from the Secretary of State of the United States of America
to the President of the Security Council
Having reviewed the request of the Government of Iraq to extend the mandate of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq (S/2005/687) and following consultations with the Government of Iraq, I am writing to confirm, consistent with this request, that the MNF under unified command stands ready to continue to fulfil its mandate as set out in Security Council resolution 1546 (2004).
Since the end of the occupation on 28 June 2004, the Government of Iraq and the MNF have developed an effective and cooperative security partnership to address the evolving nature of Iraq’s security environment, including the continuing need to prevent and deter acts of terrorism. This partnership plays a critical role in the daily efforts to improve security throughout Iraq. In the context of this partnership, the MNF is prepared to continue to undertake a broad range of tasks to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability and to ensure force protection, acting under the authorities set forth in resolution 1546 (2004), including the tasks and arrangements set out in the letters annexed thereto, and in close cooperation with the Government of Iraq. The forces that make up the MNF will remain committed to acting consistently with their obligations under international law, including the law of armed conflict.
Substantial progress has already been made in helping to build and train the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), allowing them to take on increasing security responsibilities. The Government of Iraq and the MNF are developing a security plan to set forth the conditions necessary for transfer of security responsibility from the MNF to the ISF. Conditions permitting, we look forward to notable progress in the next year. Together, we will build towards the day when the Iraqi forces assume full responsibility for the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq.
The co-sponsors intend to annex the present letter to the resolution on Iraq under consideration. In the meantime, I request that you provide copies of the present letter to members of the Council as quickly as possible.
(Signed) Condoleezza Rice
S/RES/1638 Inclusion of apprehension of former Liberian President in mandate of UN Mission in Liberia
Date: 11 November 2005 Meeting: 5304
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning Liberia, Sierra Leone, and West Africa,
Affirming its commitment to the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Liberia,
Expressing its appreciation to Nigeria and its President, Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to restoring stability in Liberia and the West African subregion, and acknowledging that Nigeria acted with broad international support when it decided to provide for the temporary stay of former President Charles Taylor in Nigeria,
Stressing that former President Taylor remains under indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone and determining that his return to Liberia would constitute an impediment to stability and a threat to the peace of Liberia and to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) shall include the following additional element: to apprehend and detain former President Charles Taylor in the event of a return to Liberia and to transfer him or facilitate his transfer to Sierra Leone for prosecution before the Special Court for Sierra Leone and to keep the Liberian Government, the Sierra Leonean Government and the Council fully informed;
2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1639 Establishment of European Union Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: 21 November 2005 Meeting: 5307
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, 1423 (2002) of 12 July 2002, 1491 (2003) of 11 July 2003, 1551 (2004) of 9 July 2004 and 1575 (2004) of 22 November 2004,
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),
Recalling all the agreements concerning the status of forces referred to in Appendix B to Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, and reminding the parties of their obligation to continue to comply therewith,
Further recalling the provisions of its resolution 1551 (2004) concerning the provisional application of the status of forces agreements contained in Appendix B to Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement,
Emphasizing its appreciation to the High Representative, the Commander and personnel of the multinational stabilization force (EUFOR), the Senior Military Representative and personnel of the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union (EU) 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,
Recognizing that full implementation of the Peace Agreement is not yet complete, while paying tribute to the achievements of the authorities at State and entity level in Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the international community in the ten years since the signing of the Peace Agreement,
Emphasizing the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration on the basis of the Peace Agreement, while recognizing the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition to a functional, reform-oriented, modern and democratic European country,
Noting the reports of the High Representative, including his latest report of 14 October 2005 (S/2005/698, annex),
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 on 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,
Taking note of the conclusions of EU Foreign Ministers at their meeting of 13 June, which refer to the requirement for EUFOR to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond 2005, and confirm the EU’s intention to take the steps necessary to that end,
Recalling the letters between the European Union and NATO sent to the Security Council on 19 November 2004 on how those organizations will cooperate together in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which both organizations recognize that the EUFOR will have the main peace stabilization role under the military aspects of the Peace Agreement (S/2004/916; S/2004/915),
Further recalling the confirmation by the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its constituent entities, of the arrangements for EUFOR and the NATO Headquarters presence (S/2004/917),
Welcoming the European Union’s increased engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the continued engagement of NATO,
Further welcoming tangible signs of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards the European Union, and, in particular, the decision by the EU to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina on a Stabilization and Association Agreement, and calling on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement in full their undertakings, including on police reform, as part of that process,
Determining that the situation in the region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Reaffirms once again its support for the Peace Agreement, as well as for the Dayton Paris Agreement on implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 (S/1995/1021, annex) and calls upon the parties to comply strictly with their obligations under those Agreements;
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 or apprehension 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 under Annex 10 of the Peace Agreement the High Representative is the final authority in theatre regarding the interpretation of 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. Reaffirms its intention to keep implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina under close review, taking into account the reports submitted pursuant to paragraphs 18 and 21 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;
7. Recalls the support of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the EU force and the continued NATO presence and their confirmation that both are the legal successors to SFOR for the fulfilment of their missions for the purposes of the Peace Agreement, its Annexes and Appendices and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and can take such actions as are required, including the use of force, to ensure compliance with Annexes 1-A and 2 of the Peace Agreement and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions;
8. Pays tribute to those Member States which participated in the multinational stabilization force (EUFOR), and in the continued NATO presence, established in accordance with its resolution 1575 (2004), and welcomes their willingness to assist the Parties to the Peace Agreement by continuing to deploy a multinational stabilization force (EUFOR) and by maintaining a continued NATO presence;
9. Welcomes the EU’s intention to maintain an EU military operation to Bosnia and Herzegovina from November 2005;
10. Authorizes the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the EU to establish for a further period of 12 months, starting from the date of the adoption of this resolution, a multinational stabilization force (EUFOR) as a legal successor to SFOR under unified command and control, which will fulfil its missions in relation to the implementation of Annex 1-A and Annex 2 of the Peace Agreement in cooperation with the NATO Headquarters presence in accordance with the arrangements agreed between NATO and the EU as communicated to the Security Council in their letters of 19 November 2004, which recognize that the EUFOR will have the main peace stabilization role under the military aspects of the Peace Agreement;
11. Welcomes the decision of NATO to continue to maintain a presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the form of a NATO Headquarters in order to continue to assist in implementing the Peace Agreement in conjunction with EUFOR and authorizes the Member States acting through or in cooperation with NATO to continue to maintain a NATO Headquarters as a legal successor to SFOR under unified command and control, which will fulfil its missions in relation to the implementation of Annex 1-A and Annex 2 of the Peace Agreement in cooperation with EUFOR in accordance with the arrangements agreed between NATO and the EU as communicated to the Security Council in their letters of 19 November 2004, which recognize that EUFOR will have the main peace stabilization role under the military aspects of the Peace Agreement;
12. Reaffirms that the Peace Agreement and the provisions of its previous relevant resolutions shall apply to and in respect of both EUFOR and the NATO presence as they have applied to and in respect of SFOR and that therefore references in the Peace Agreement, in particular in Annex 1-A and its appendices, and relevant resolutions to IFOR and/or SFOR, NATO and the NAC shall be read as applying, as appropriate, to the NATO presence, EUFOR, the European Union and the Political and Security Committee and Council of the European Union respectively;
13. Expresses its intention to consider the terms of further authorization as necessary in the light of developments in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
14. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraphs 10 and 11 above to take all necessary measures to effect the implementation of and to ensure compliance with Annexes 1-A and 2 of the Peace Agreement, stresses that the parties shall continue to be held equally responsible for the compliance with that Annex and shall be equally subject to such enforcement action by EUFOR and the NATO presence as may be necessary to ensure implementation of those Annexes and the protection of EUFOR and the NATO presence;
15. Authorizes Member States to take all necessary measures, at the request of either EUFOR or the NATO Headquarters, in defence of the EUFOR or NATO presence respectively, and to assist both organizations in carrying out their missions, and recognizes the right of both EUFOR and the NATO presence to take all necessary measures to defend themselves from attack or threat of attack;
16. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraphs 10 and 11 above, in accordance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the rules and procedures governing command and control of airspace over Bosnia and Herzegovina with respect to all civilian and military air traffic;
17. Demands that the parties respect the security and freedom of movement of EUFOR, the NATO presence, and other international personnel;
18. Requests the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the EU and the Member States acting through or in cooperation with NATO to report to the Council on the activity of EUFOR and NATO Headquarters presence respectively, through the appropriate channels and at least at three-monthly intervals;
19. 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 paragraphs 10 and 11 above;
20. Reiterates its appreciation for the deployment by the EU of its Police Mission (EUPM) to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1 January 2003;
21. 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;
22. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1640 Demand for Eritrea to end imposition of restrictions on UN Mission
Date: 23 November 2005 Meeting: 5308
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolution 1622 (2005) of 13 September 2005 and the statement of its President of 4 October 2005,
Expressing once again its grave concern at the decision of the Government of Eritrea of 4 October 2005 to restrict all types of United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea helicopter flights within Eritrean airspace or coming to Eritrea, effective as of 5 October 2005, and the additional restrictions on UNMEE’s freedom of movement imposed since then, which have serious implications for UNMEE’s ability to carry out its mandate and for the safety of its staff, and the forces of the troop contributors,
Alarmed by the implications and potential impact of the aforementioned decision made and restrictions imposed by the Government of Eritrea with regard to the maintenance of peace and security between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and the principles governing United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,
Reaffirming the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) as provided in the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/601) and recalling the objectives behind its establishment,
Stressing that lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region cannot be achieved without the full demarcation of the border between the parties,
Expressing its grave concern at the Ethiopian Government’s failure, to date, to accept without preconditions the implementation of the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (S/2002/423),
Expressing its appreciation to Ambassador Kenzo Oshima for his visit to Ethiopia and Eritrea from 6 to 9 November 2005, in his capacity as Chairman of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, taking note of his report (S/2005/723) and welcoming the observations made therein,
Noting with deep concern the high concentration of troops on both sides of the TSZ and stressing that the continuation of the situation would constitute a threat to international peace and security,
1. Deeply deplores Eritrea’s continued imposition of restrictions on the freedom of movement of UNMEE and demands that the Government of Eritrea reverse, without further delay or preconditions, its decision to ban UNMEE helicopter flights, as well as additional restrictions imposed on the operations of UNMEE, and provide UNMEE with the access, assistance, support and protection required for the performance of its duties;
2. Calls on both parties to show maximum restraint and to refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and demands that both parties return to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment, beginning with immediate effect and completing this redeployment within 30 days, in order to prevent aggravation of the situation;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to monitor the parties’ compliance with the demands in paragraphs 1 and 2 above and to report to the Council 40 days after the adoption of this resolution;
4. Expresses its determination to consider further appropriate measures, including under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, if one or both of the parties fail to comply with the demands in paragraphs 1 and 2 above;
5. Demands that Ethiopia accept fully and without further delay the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and take immediately concrete steps to enable, without preconditions, the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly and expresses its determination to monitor closely the actions of both parties in relation to the demarcation of the border and to keep this matter under consideration;
6. Expresses its deep appreciation for the contribution and dedication of the troop-contributing countries to the work of UNMEE and, in light of the risk of further deterioration of the situation, appeals to them to persevere in maintaining their presence and contribution to the activities of UNMEE, despite the immense difficulties which they are facing;
7. Calls upon both parties to work, without preconditions, to break the current stalemate through diplomatic efforts;
8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1641 Extension of UN Operation in Burundi
Date: 30 November 2005 Meeting: 5311
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its relevant resolutions on Burundi and in particular resolution 1545 of 21 May 2004,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Burundi, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the relations between States in the region,
Noting that factors of instability remain in Burundi, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) until 15 January 2006;
2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1642 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
Date: 14 December 2005 Meeting: 5324
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 29 November 2005 (S/2005/743) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,
Reiterating its call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness, and welcoming in this regard the resumption of the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons since August 2004, as well as the Secretary-General’s intention to appoint a Third Member as of January 2006 and to reinforce his office,
Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 December 2005,
Taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security situation on the island continues to be stable and that the situation along the Green Line remains calm, welcoming in this context the further decrease in the overall number of incidents involving the two sides, while noting nonetheless that there were incidents of significant concern,
Urging both sides to avoid any action which could lead to an increase in tension and taking note with concern, in this context, of the conduct, for the first time since 2001, of the “Nikiforos” military exercise, and, afterwards, the “Toros” military exercise,
Regretting that progress towards a political solution has been negligible at best and urging both sides to work towards the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s continuous engagement in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,
Welcoming all demining activity in the buffer zone, including the agreement to begin the clearing of Turkish Forces minefields in Nicosia and surrounding areas within the buffer zone,
Expressing concern that, since the release of the Secretary-General’s report, differences have arisen over construction activity related to the proposed additional crossing point at Ledra Street and urging both sides to cooperate with UNFICYP to resolve this issue,
Welcoming the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the operations of UNFICYP under close review continuing to take into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and to revert to the Council with recommendations as appropriate for further adjustments to UNFICYP’s mandate, force levels and concept of operation as soon as warranted,
Welcoming the fact that over nine million crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south have taken place, and encouraging the opening of additional crossing points,
Welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events, including, inter alia, on the part of the United Nations, and urging the two sides to promote further bicommunal contacts and to remove any obstacles to such contacts,
Echoing the Secretary-General’s gratitude to the Government of Cyprus and the Government of Greece for their voluntary contributions to the funding of UNFICYP, and his request for further voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations,
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, in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;
2. Expresses its full support for UNFICYP and decides to extend its mandate for a further period ending 15 June 2006;
3. Calls on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to restore in Strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on implementation of this resolution by 1 June 2006;
5. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNFICYP to implement the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1643 Renewal of arms embargo and other restrictions on Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 15 December 2005 Meeting: 5327
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement) and the Agreement signed in Pretoria on 6 April 2005 (the Pretoria Agreement), as well as the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire adopted at its 40th meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government held on 6 October 2005 in Addis Ababa (S/2005/639),
Commending the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union, in particular President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Chair of the African Union, and President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa, Mediator of the African Union, President Mamadou Tandja of Niger, Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the leaders of the region, to promote peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterating its full support for them,
Recalling the final communiqué of the International Working Group of 8 November 2005, which stated in particular that the fundamental basis of the peace and national reconciliation process is enshrined in resolution 1633 (2005), and recalling also its final communiqué of 6 December 2005,
Recalling strongly the obligations of all Ivorian parties, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire as well as the Forces nouvelles, to refrain from any violence, in particular against civilians including foreign citizens, and to cooperate fully with the activities of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),
Expressing its serious concern at the persistence of the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and of obstacles to the peace and national reconciliation process from all sides,
Reiterating its firm condemnation of all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the use of child soldiers, in Côte d’Ivoire,
Taking note of the final communiqué of the Kimberley Process Plenary Meeting held in Moscow from 15 to 17 November 2005 and of the resolution adopted by Kimberley Process participants at that meeting setting out concrete measures to prevent the introduction of diamonds from Côte d’Ivoire into the legitimate diamond trade, and recognizing the linkage between the illegal exploitation of natural resources such as diamonds, illicit trade in such resources, and the proliferation and trafficking of arms and the recruitment and use of mercenaries as one of the sources of fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in West Africa,
Taking note also of the report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Côte d’Ivoire dated 7 November 2005 (S/2005/699),
Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides to renew until 15 December 2006 the provisions of paragraphs 7 to 12 of resolution 1572 (2004);
2. Reaffirms paragraphs 4 and 6 of resolution 1572 (2004), paragraph 5 of resolution 1584 (2005), and paragraphs 3, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 of resolution 1633 (2005), reaffirms also paragraph 8 of resolution 1584 (2005), and, in this regard, demands that the Forces nouvelles establish without delay a comprehensive list of armaments in their possession, in accordance with their obligations;
3. Reaffirms its readiness to impose the individual measures provided for in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004), including against any person designated by the Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 who blocks the implementation of the peace process as enshrined in resolution 1633 (2005) and in the final communiqué of the International Working Group, who is determined responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed in Côte d’Ivoire since 19 September 2002, who incites publicly hatred and violence, and who is determined to be in violation of the arms embargo;
4. Decides that any serious obstacle to the freedom of movement of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it, or any attack or obstruction to the action of UNOCI, of the French forces, of the High Representative for the elections and of the International Working Group constitutes a threat to the peace and national reconciliation process for purposes of paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004);
5. Requests the Secretary-General and the French Government to report to it immediately, through the Security Council Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004) (the Committee), of any serious obstacle to the freedom of movement of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it, including the names of those responsible, and requests also the High Representative for the elections and the International Working Group to report to it immediately, through the Committee, any attack or obstruction to their action;
6. Decides that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the import of all rough diamonds from Côte d’Ivoire to their territory, welcomes the measures agreed by participants in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to this effect, and calls upon the States in the region which are not participants in the Kimberley Process to intensify their efforts to join the Kimberley Process in order to increase the effectiveness of monitoring the import of diamonds from Côte d’Ivoire;
7. Requests all States concerned, in particular those in the region, to report to the Committee, within 90 days from the date of adoption of this resolution, on the actions they have taken to implement the measures imposed by paragraphs 7, 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) and by paragraphs 4 and 6 above, and authorizes the Committee to request whatever further information it may consider necessary;
8. Decides that at the end of the period mentioned in paragraph 1 above, the Security Council shall review the measures imposed by paragraphs 7, 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) and by paragraphs 4 and 6 above, in the light of progress accomplished in the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire, and expresses its readiness to consider the modification or termination of these measures before the aforesaid period only if the provisions of resolution 1633 (2005) have been fully implemented;
9. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to re-establish, within 30 days from the date of adoption of this resolution and for a period of 6 months, a group of experts consisting of no more than five members (the Group of Experts), with the appropriate range of expertise, in particular on arms, diamonds, finance, customs, civil aviation and any other relevant expertise, to perform the following mandate:
(a) To exchange information with UNOCI and the French forces in the context of their monitoring mandate set out in paragraphs 2 and 12 of resolution 1609 (2005),
(b) To gather and analyse all relevant information in Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere, in cooperation with the governments of those countries, on flows of arms and related materiel, on provision of assistance, advice or training related to military activities, on networks operating in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and on the sources of financing, including from the exploitation of natural resources in Côte d’Ivoire, for purchases of arms and related materiel and activities,
(c) To consider and recommend, where appropriate, ways of improving the capabilities of States, in particular those in the region, to ensure the effective implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004) and by paragraph 6 above,
(d) To seek further information regarding the action taken by States with a view to implementing effectively the measures imposed by paragraph 6 above,
(e) To report to the Security Council in writing within 90 days from its establishment, through the Committee, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004) and paragraph 6 above, with recommendations in this regard,
(f) To keep the Committee regularly updated on its activities,
(g) To provide the Committee in its reports with evidence of any violations of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004) and paragraph 6 above,
(h) To cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Liberia by resolutions 1521 of 22 December 2003 and 1579 of 21 December 2004,
(i) To monitor the implementation of the individual measures set out in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004);
10. Requests the Secretary-General to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by UNOCI and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire and about the production and illicit export of diamonds;
11. Requests also the French Government to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by the French forces and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire and about the production and illicit export of diamonds;
12. Requests also the Kimberley Process to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the production and illicit export of diamonds;
13 Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and other organizations and interested parties, including the Kimberley Process, to cooperate fully with the Committee, the Group of Experts, UNOCI and the French forces, in particular by supplying any information at their disposal on possible violations of the measures imposed by paragraphs 7, 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) and by paragraphs 4 and 6 above;
14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1644 Extension of mandate of International Independent Investigation Commission
Date: 15 December 2005 Meeting: 5329
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Reaffirming all its previous relevant resolutions, including resolutions 1595 (2005) of 7 April 2005, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and reaffirming in particular resolution 1636 (2005) of 31 October 2005,
Reaffirming its strongest condemnation of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing, as well as of all other terrorist attacks in Lebanon since October 2004, and reaffirming also that all those involved in these attacks must be held accountable for their crimes,
Having examined carefully the report of the International Independent Investigation Commission (S/2005/775) (“the Commission”) concerning its investigation into the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others, and caused injury to dozens of people,
Commending the Commission for the outstanding professional work it has accomplished under difficult circumstances in assisting the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of this terrorist act, and commending in particular Detlev Mehlis for his leadership in the discharge of his duties as the Head of the Commission and for his dedication to the cause of justice,
Reiterating its call upon all States to extend to the Lebanese authorities and to the Commission the assistance they may need and request in connection with the inquiry, and in particular to provide them with all relevant information they may possess pertaining to this terrorist attack,
Acknowledging the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon to the Secretary-General of 5 December 2005 (S/2005/762) requesting that the mandate of the Commission be extended for a further period of six months, with a possibility of an additional extension as necessary, to enable the Commission to continue to assist the competent Lebanese authorities in the ongoing investigations of the crime, and to explore possible follow-up measures in order to bring the perpetrators of the said crime to justice, and acknowledging also the concurrent recommendation of the Commission in that regard,
Acknowledging also the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon to the Secretary-General of 13 December 2005 (S/2005/783) requesting the establishment of a tribunal of an international character to try all those who are found responsible for this terrorist crime and requesting also that the mandate of the Commission be expanded or that another international investigation Commission be created, to investigate the terrorist attacks that took place in Lebanon since 1 October 2004,
Noting that Syrian authorities made available Syrian officials for questioning, but deeply concerned at the Commission’s assessment of Syrian performance to date, and noting that the Commission is still awaiting the provision of other requested materials from Syrian authorities,
Reaffirming its determination that this terrorist act and its implications constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Welcomes the report of the Commission;
2. Decides, as recommended by the Commission and requested by the Lebanese Government, to extend the mandate of the Commission, as set forth in resolutions 1595 (2005) and 1636 (2005), initially until 15 June 2006;
3. Takes note with satisfaction of the progress of the inquiry achieved since the Commission’s last report to the Council, and notes with extreme concern that, while the inquiry is not yet complete, it confirms its previous conclusions and that the Syrian Government has yet to provide the Commission with the full and unconditional cooperation demanded in resolution 1636 (2005);
4. Underscores Syria’s obligation and commitment to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the Commission, and specifically demands that Syria responds unambiguously and immediately in those areas adduced by the Commissioner and also that it implements without delay any future request of the Commission;
5. Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the progress of the inquiry every three months from the adoption of this resolution, including on the cooperation received from the Syrian authorities, or anytime before that date if the Commission deems that such cooperation does not meet the requirements of this resolution and of resolutions 1595 and 1636;
6. Acknowledges the Lebanese Government’s request that those eventually charged with involvement in this terrorist attack be tried by a tribunal of an international character, requests the Secretary-General to help the Lebanese Government identify the nature and scope of the international assistance needed in this regard, and requests also the Secretary-General to report to the Council in a timely manner;
7. Authorizes the Commission, following the request of the Lebanese Government, to extend its technical assistance as appropriate to the Lebanese authorities with regard to their investigations on the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Lebanon since 1 October 2004, and requests the Secretary-General in consultations with the Commission and the Lebanese Government to present recommendations to expand the mandate of the Commission to include investigations of those other attacks;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide the Commission with the support and resources necessary for the discharge of its duties;
9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1645 Establishment of Peacebuilding Commission
Date: 20 December 2005 Meeting: 5335
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming the 2005 World Summit Outcome,[1]
Recalling in particular paragraphs 97 to 105 of that resolution,
Recognizing that development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing,
Emphasizing the need for a coordinated, coherent and integrated approach to post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation with a view to achieving sustainable peace,
Recognizing the need for a dedicated institutional mechanism to address the special needs of countries emerging from conflict towards recovery, reintegration and reconstruction and to assist them in laying the foundation for sustainable development,
Recognizing also the vital role of the United Nations in preventing conflicts, assisting parties to conflicts to end hostilities and emerge towards recovery, reconstruction and development and in mobilizing sustained international attention and assistance,
Reaffirming the respective responsibilities and functions of the organs of the United Nations as defined in the Charter and the need to enhance coordination among them,
Affirming the primary responsibility of national and transitional Governments and authorities of countries emerging from conflict or at risk of relapsing into conflict, where they are established, in identifying their priorities and strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding, with a view to ensuring national ownership,
Emphasizing, in that regard, the importance of supporting national efforts to establish, redevelop or reform institutions for effective administration of countries emerging from conflict, including capacity-building efforts,
Recognizing the important role of regional and subregional organizations in carrying out post-conflict peacebuilding activities in their regions, and stressing the need for sustained international support for their efforts and capacity-building to that end,
Recognizing also that countries that have experienced recent post-conflict recovery would make valuable contributions to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission,
Recognizing further the role of Member States supporting the peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts of the United Nations through financial, troop and civilian police contributions,
Recognizing the important contribution of civil society and non-governmental organizations, including women’s organizations, to peacebuilding efforts,
Reaffirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stressing the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding,
1. Decides, acting concurrently with the General Assembly, in accordance with Articles 7, 22 and 29 of the Charter of the United Nations, with a view to operationalizing the decision by the World Summit, to establish the Peacebuilding Commission as an intergovernmental advisory body;
2. Also decides that the following shall be the main purposes of the Commission:
(a) To bring together all relevant actors to marshal resources and to advise on and propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery;
(b) To focus attention on the reconstruction and institution-building efforts necessary for recovery from conflict and to support the development of integrated strategies in order to lay the foundation for sustainable development;
(c) To provide recommendations and information to improve the coordination of all relevant actors within and outside the United Nations, to develop best practices, to help to ensure predictable financing for early recovery activities and to extend the period of attention given by the international community to post-conflict recovery;
3. Decides that the Commission shall meet in various configurations;
4. Also decides that the Commission shall have a standing Organizational Committee, responsible for developing its own rules of procedure and working methods, comprising:
(a) Seven members of the Security Council, including permanent members, selected according to rules and procedures decided by the Council;
(b) Seven members of the Economic and Social Council, elected from regional groups according to rules and procedures decided by the Council and giving due consideration to those countries that have experienced post-conflict recovery;
(c) Five top providers of assessed contributions to United Nations budgets and of voluntary contributions to United Nations funds, programmes and agencies, including the standing peacebuilding fund, that are not among those selected in (a) or (b) above, selected by and among the ten top providers, giving due consideration to the size of their contributions, according to a list provided by the Secretary-General, based on the average annual contributions in the previous three calendar years for which statistical data are available;
(d) Five top providers of military personnel and civilian police to United Nations missions that are not among those selected in (a), (b) or (c) above selected by and among the ten top providers, giving due consideration to the size of their contributions, according to a list provided by the Secretary-General, based on the average monthly contributions in the previous three calendar years for which statistical data are available;
(e) Giving due consideration to representation from all regional groups in the overall composition of the Committee and to representation from countries that have experienced post-conflict recovery, seven additional members shall be elected according to rules and procedures decided by the General Assembly;
5. Emphasizes that a Member State can only be selected from one category set out in paragraph 4 above at any one time;
6. Decides that members of the Organizational Committee shall serve for renewable terms of two years, as applicable;
7. Also decides that country-specific meetings of the Commission, upon invitation of the Organizational Committee referred to in paragraph 4 above, shall include as members, in addition to members of the Committee, representatives from:
(a) The country under consideration;
(b) Countries in the region engaged in the post-conflict process and other countries that are involved in relief efforts and/or political dialogue, as well as relevant regional and subregional organizations;
(c) The major financial, troop and civilian police contributors involved in the recovery effort;
(d) The senior United Nations representative in the field and other relevant United Nations representatives;
(e) Such regional and international financial institutions as may be relevant;
8. Further decides that a representative of the Secretary-General shall be invited to participate in all meetings of the Commission;
9. Decides that representatives from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other institutional donors shall be invited to participate in all meetings of the Commission in a manner suitable to their governing arrangements;
10. Emphasizes that the Commission shall work in cooperation with national or transitional authorities, where possible, in the country under consideration with a view to ensuring national ownership of the peacebuilding process;
11. Also emphasizes that the Commission shall, where appropriate, work in close consultation with regional and subregional organizations to ensure their involvement in the peacebuilding process in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter;
12. Decides that the Organizational Committee shall, taking due consideration to maintaining a balance in addressing situations in countries in different regions in accordance with the main purposes of the Commission as stipulated above, establish the agenda of the Commission based on the following:
(a) Requests for advice from the Security Council;
(b) Requests for advice from the Economic and Social Council or the General Assembly with the consent of a concerned Member State in exceptional circumstances on the verge of lapsing or relapsing into conflict and with which the Security Council is not seized in accordance with Article 12 of the Charter;
(c) Requests for advice from Member States in exceptional circumstances on the verge of lapsing or relapsing into conflict and which are not on the agenda of the Security Council;
(d) Requests for advice from the Secretary-General;
13. Also decides that the Commission shall make the outcome of its discussions and recommendations publicly available as United Nations documents to all relevant bodies and actors, including the international financial institutions;
14. Invites all relevant United Nations bodies and other bodies and actors, including the international financial institutions, to take action on the advice of the Commission, as appropriate and in accordance with their respective mandates;
15. Notes that the Commission shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly and that the Assembly shall hold an annual debate to review the report;
16. Underlines that in post-conflict situations on the agenda of the Security Council with which it is actively seized, in particular when there is a United Nations-mandated peacekeeping mission on the ground or under way and given the primary responsibility of the Council for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the Charter, the main purpose of the Commission will be to provide advice to the Council at its request;
17. Also underlines that the advice of the Commission to provide sustained attention as countries move from transitional recovery towards development will be of particular relevance to the Economic and Social Council, bearing in mind its role as a principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on issues of economic and social development;
18. Decides that the Commission shall act in all matters on the basis of consensus of its members;
19. Notes the importance of participation of regional and local actors, and stresses the importance of adopting flexible working methods, including use of videoconferencing, meetings outside of New York and other modalities, in order to provide for the active participation of those most relevant to the deliberations of the Commission;
20. Calls upon the Commission to integrate a gender perspective into all its work;
21. Encourages the Commission to consult with civil society, non-governmental organizations, including women’s organizations, and the private sector engaged in peacebuilding activities, as appropriate;
22. Recommends that the Commission terminate its consideration of a country-specific situation when foundations for sustainable peace and development are established or upon the request by national authorities of the country under consideration;
23. Reaffirms its request to the Secretary-General to establish, within the Secretariat, from within existing resources, a small peacebuilding support office staffed by qualified experts to assist and support the Commission, and recognizes in that regard that such support could include gathering and analysing information relating to the availability of financial resources, relevant United Nations in-country planning activities, progress towards meeting short and medium-term recovery goals and best practices with respect to cross-cutting peacebuilding issues;
24. Also reaffirms its request to the Secretary-General to establish a multi-year standing peacebuilding fund for post-conflict peacebuilding, funded by voluntary contributions and taking due account of existing instruments, with the objective of ensuring the immediate release of resources needed to launch peacebuilding activities and the availability of appropriate financing for recovery;
25. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly on the arrangements for establishing the peacebuilding fund during its sixtieth session;
26. Calls on relevant bodies and Member States referred to in paragraph 4 above to communicate the names of members of the Organizational Committee to the Secretary-General to enable him to convene the first constituting meeting of the Committee as soon as possible following the adoption of the present resolution;
27. Decides that the arrangements set out above will be reviewed five years after the adoption of the present resolution to ensure that they are appropriate to fulfil the agreed functions of the Commission and that such a review and any changes as a result thereof will be decided following the same procedure as set out in paragraph 1 above;
28. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1646 Membership in Organizational Committee of Peacebuilding Commission
Date: 20 December 2005 Meeting: 5335
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling resolution 1645 (2005),
1. Decides pursuant to paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1645 (2005) that the permanent members listed in article 23 (1) of the Charter shall be members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission and that, in addition, the Council shall select annually two of its elected members to participate in the Organizational Committee;
2. Decides that the annual report referred to in paragraph 15 of resolution 1645 (2005) shall also be submitted to the Security Council for an annual debate.
S/RES/1647 Call for support to Liberia by international community
Date: 20 December 2005 Meeting: 5336
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on the situation in Liberia and West Africa,
Welcoming the peaceful and orderly conduct of the recent elections in Liberia, an important step in Liberia’s progress towards lasting peace and stability,
Welcoming the commitment of President-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to rebuilding Liberia for the benefit of all Liberians, with the support of the international community,
Stressing the continuing importance of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in improving security throughout Liberia and helping the new Government establish its authority throughout the country, particularly in the diamond- and timber-producing areas, and border areas,
Taking note of the report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia dated 25 November 2005 (S/2005/745),
Having reviewed the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) and paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) and the progress towards meeting the conditions set out in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003), and concluding that insufficient progress has been made towards that end,
Underlining its determination to support the new Government of Liberia in its efforts to meet those conditions, and encouraging donors to do likewise,
Determining that the situation in Liberia 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. Decides, on the basis of its assessment of progress made to date towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003):
(a) To renew the measures on arms and travel imposed by paragraphs 2 and 4 of resolution 1521 (2003) for a further period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution;
(b) To renew the measures on diamonds and timber imposed by paragraphs 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) for a further period of six months from the date of adoption of this resolution;
(c) To review any of the above measures at the request of the new Government of Liberia, once the Government reports to the Council that the conditions set out in resolution 1521 (2003) for terminating the measures have been met, and provides the Council with information to justify its assessment;
2. Reiterates the Council’s readiness to terminate these measures once the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003) have been met;
3. Welcomes the determination of the President-elect of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to meet the conditions for terminating the measures thus renewed, and encourages the new Government of Liberia:
(a) To reform the Forestry Development Authority, to implement the Liberia Forest Initiative and to implement the Forest Concession Review Committee’s recommendations for reform and cancellation of existing logging concessions, which will ensure transparency, accountability and sustainable forest management and contribute towards the lifting of the measures on timber in accordance with paragraphs 11 and 12 of resolution 1521 (2003);
(b) To consider, with the assistance of international partners and for a specific time period, the possibility of commissioning independent external advice on the management of Liberia’s diamond resources, in order to increase revenue and investor confidence and to attract additional donor support;
4. Encourages the new Government of Liberia to implement the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program, designed to ensure prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and expedite the lifting of the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003);
5. Welcomes the assistance provided by UNMIL to the Government of Liberia in re-establishing its authority throughout the country, and encourages UNMIL to continue its joint patrols with the Forestry Development Authority;
6. Notes that the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) remain in force and reconfirms its intention to review these measures at least once a year;
7. Emphasizes its concern that the National Transitional Government of Liberia took no action to implement its obligations under paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and calls on the incoming Government to take such action immediately, particularly through adopting the necessary domestic legislation, with technical support provided by Member States;
8. Calls on the international donor community to support the incoming Government of Liberia by providing generous assistance to the peace process, including for reintegration of ex-combatants, reconstruction and humanitarian appeals, and by responding to the financial, administrative and technical needs of the Government of Liberia, in particular to assist the Government to meet the conditions referred to in paragraph 2 above, so that the measures can be lifted as soon as possible;
9. Decides to re-establish the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1607 (2005) for a further period until 21 June 2006 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 imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), including any information relevant to the designation by the Committee of the individuals described in paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1521 (2003) and the individuals and entities described in paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and including the various sources of financing, such as from natural resources, for the illicit trade of arms;
(b) To assess the impact and effectiveness of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004);
(c) To assess the progress made towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003);
(d) To assess the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);
(e) To report to the Council through the Committee by 7 June 2006 on all the issues listed in this paragraph, and to provide informal updates to the Committee as appropriate before that date, especially on progress towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by paragraphs 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);
(f) To cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Côte d’Ivoire by resolution 1643 (2005) of 15 December 2005, and with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme;
10. Requests the Secretary-General, acting in consultation with the Committee, to appoint as soon as possible no more than five experts, with the appropriate expertise, in particular on arms, timber, diamonds, finance, humanitarian and socio-economic issues, drawing as much as possible on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1607 (2005), and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support the work of the Panel;
11. Calls upon all States and the Government of Liberia to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
S/RES/1648 Extension of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5339
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 7 December 2005 (S/2005/767), 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. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to implement the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;
3. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 30 June 2006;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).
S/RES/1649 Demand for foreign fighters in Democratic Republic of Congo to disarm
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5340
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially resolutions 1533 of 12 March 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1592 of 30 March 2005, 1596 of 18 April 2005, 1616 of 15 August 2005, 1621 of 6 September 2005 and 1628 of 30 September 2005, and the statements of 2 March (S/PRST/2005/10) and 4 October 2005 (S/PRST/2005/46),
Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as all States in the region, and its support for the process 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 underlining the importance of elections as the foundation for the longer-term restoration of peace and stability, national reconciliation and establishment of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by militias and foreign armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and at the threat they pose to civilians and to the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to stability in the region,
Deploring the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by these groups and militias and stressing the urgent need for those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice,
Welcoming the robust action taken by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) against these groups and militias, and commending the dedication of the personnel of MONUC, who are operating in particularly hazardous conditions,
Calling upon all armed groups in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, such as the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), the Palipehutu-Forces nationales de libération (FNL), the Lord’s Resistance Army, to act without delay to lay down their arms, enter demobilization programmes and support efforts to consolidate peace under way in the region,
Having noted the decision, taken on 16 September 2005 by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, acting within the framework of the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission, to retain the deadline of 30 September 2005 for the voluntary disarmament of the FDLR, on the understanding that sanctions would be imposed should they fail to respect this deadline,
Taking note of the letter dated 21 October 2005 from the ministers representing Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda on the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission addressed to the President of the Council,
Calling upon the States of the region to deepen their cooperation with a view to putting an end to the activities of illegal armed groups, and underlining that any recourse to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of a State is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations,
Urging in this regard participants in the International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region of Africa to convene the second summit as soon as possible,
Aware that the link between the illegal exploitation of natural resources, the illicit trade in those resources and the proliferation and trafficking of arms is one of the factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Paying tribute to the donor community for the assistance it is providing to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and encouraging it to maintain that assistance,
Taking note of the report of the Security Council mission which visited the region of Central Africa from 4 to 11 November 2005 (S/2005/716), and endorsing its recommendations,
Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Deplores the fact that foreign armed groups present in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have not yet laid down their arms, and demands that all such groups engage voluntarily and without any delay or preconditions in their disarmament and in their repatriation and resettlement;
2. Decides that, for a period expiring on 31 July 2006, the provisions of paragraphs 13 to 16 of resolution 1596 shall extend to the following individuals, as designated by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (“the Committee”):
(a) political and military leaders of foreign armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who impede the disarmament and the voluntary repatriation or resettlement of combatants belonging to those groups,
(b) political and military leaders of Congolese militias receiving support from outside the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular those operating in Ituri, who impede the participation of their combatants in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes;
3. Decides that the measures imposed under paragraph 2 above as well as those under paragraph 13 of resolution 1596 shall not apply where the Committee authorizes in advance, and on a case by case basis, the transit of individuals returning to the territory of the State of their nationality, or participating in efforts to bring to justice perpetrators of grave violations of human rights or international humanitarian law;
4. Decides that the tasks of the Committee set out in paragraph 18 of resolution 1596 shall extend to the provisions set out in paragraph 2 above;
5. Requests the Secretary-General and the Group of Experts established under resolution 1533, within its capabilities and without prejudice to the execution of the other tasks in its mandate, to assist the Committee in the designation of the leaders referred to in paragraph 2 above;
6. Decides that the provisions of paragraphs 2 to 5 above shall enter into force on 15 January 2006, unless the Secretary-General informs the Council that the process of disarmament of those foreign armed groups and Congolese militias operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being completed;
7. Decides that, no later than 31 July 2006, it shall review the measures set forth in paragraph 2 above, in light of progress accomplished in the peace and transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular with regard to the disarmament of foreign armed groups;
8. Urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to do its utmost to ensure the security of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, by effectively extending State authority throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu and in the Ituri district;
9. Recalls that, by its resolution 1565, the Council has mandated MONUC to support operations led by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to disarm foreign combatants, and to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of disarmed foreign combatants and their dependants;
10. Requests in this regard the Secretary-General, in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders and in particular the Government of National Unity and Transition, to submit to the Council for its consideration, by 15 March 2006, a comprehensive and integrated strategy for the disarmament, repatriation and resettlement of foreign combatants, incorporating military, political, economic and justice-related aspects, including MONUC’s contribution within its current mandate, in accordance with the applicable norms of international law and with respect for the rights and freedom of the human person;
11. Emphasizes that, as per resolution 1565, MONUC is authorized to use all necessary means, within its capabilities and in the areas where its armed units are deployed, to deter any foreign or Congolese armed group from attempting to use force to threaten the political process, and to ensure the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence;
12. Urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to carry out reform of the security sector, through the expeditious integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular by ensuring adequate and timely payment and logistical support for their personnel, with a view to allowing them, inter alia, to expedite the disarmament of armed groups operating on Congolese territory, taking note as appropriate of the Eusec recommendations mentioned in the report of the Security Council mission to Central Africa;
13. Reiterates its call on the donor community, as a matter of urgency, to continue to engage firmly in the provision of assistance needed for the integration, training and equipping of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to promote all possible means to facilitate and expedite cooperation to this end;
14. Requests the Secretary-General to submit his observations and, if he deems it necessary, recommendations concerning the letter dated 21 October 2005 from the ministers representing Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda on the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission addressed to the President of the Council;
15. Demands that the Governments of Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi take measures to prevent the use of their respective territories in support of violations of the arms embargo imposed by resolutions 1493 and 1596, and renewed by resolution 1616, or in support of activities of armed groups present in the region;
16. Demands further that all States neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the Government of National Unity and Transition, impede any kind of support to the illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources, particularly by preventing the flow of such resources through their respective territories;
17. Requests States concerned and particularly those in the region to take additional measures with regard to the political and military leaders of the foreign armed groups present in their respective territories, including, where necessary, by taking action to bring them to justice or by taking appropriate measures of international cooperation and judicial assistance;
18. Reiterates its call upon the Congolese authorities to bring to justice without delay perpetrators of grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law, and reiterates that MONUC’s mandate, as set out in resolution 1565, includes cooperation with efforts to bring such perpetrators to justice;
19. Demands that all parties cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, particularly with regard to the arrest and transfer of indictees who remain at large;
20. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1650 Extension of UN Operation in Burundi
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5341
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions and the statements by its President on Burundi, and in particular resolution 1545 of 21 May 2004,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Burundi, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the relations among States in the region,
Congratulating the people of Burundi for the successful conclusion of the transitional period and the peaceful transfer of authority to representative and democratically elected government and institutions,
Expressing its gratitude to the States of the Regional Initiative for peace in Burundi, the African Union and the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) for their significant contribution to the success of the political transition,
Encouraging the new authorities and all Burundian political actors to continue on the course of stability and national reconciliation and to promote social concord in their country, while recognizing that numerous challenges remain to be addressed,
Stressing the need to put in place the reforms provided for in the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi,
Encouraging in particular the Burundian authorities to continue to work with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, including on the establishment of the mixed Truth Commission and the Special Chamber within the court system of Burundi referred to in resolution 1606 of 20 June 2005,
Reiterating its support for ONUB, which continues to have an important role to play in support of the Government’s efforts towards the consolidation of peace,
Recognizing the important role of the Partners Forum established during the New York summit on Burundi on 13 September 2005, in the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in Burundi and in supporting reform being undertaken by the Government,
Encouraging the Government to work with its international partners, in particular with a view to mobilizing assistance for the reconstruction of the country,
Taking note of the position of the Government on the evolution of ONUB’s mandate, as presented to the Council on 30 November 2005 by Mrs. Antoinette Batumubwira, Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation, and recorded in the letter to the President of the Security Council dated 23 November 2005 (S/2005/736),
Taking note of the report of the Security Council mission which visited the region of Central Africa from 4 to 11 November 2005 (S/2005/716), and endorsing its recommendations,
Expressing its serious concern at the continuation of hostilities by the Forces nationals de Libération-Palipehutu (FNL), and at the threat they pose to civilians,
Noting that although there has been an improvement in the security situation since the completion of the transitional period, factors of instability remain in Burundi and in the Great Lakes region of Africa, which continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Takes note of the Secretary-General’s fifth report on ONUB, dated 21 November 2005 (S/2005/728), and in particular of the recommendations in its paragraphs 57 to 60;
2. Decides to extend the mandate of the ONUB until 1 July 2006;
3. Welcomes the readiness expressed by the Secretary-General to continue to consult closely with the Government of Burundi, with a view to determining, on the basis of the recommendations referred to in the letter dated 23 November 2005, the modalities for implementing a gradual disengagement of the United Nations peacekeeping presence and of an adjustment to its mandate, taking into account all the circumstances, as well as the merits of a United Nations contribution and support to the consolidation of peace in Burundi;
4. Looks forward to receiving the Secretary-General’s report on the joint assessment mentioned in paragraph 60 of his fifth report on ONUB, by 15 March 2006;
5. Authorizes, subject to the following conditions, the temporary redeployment of military and civilian police personnel among ONUB and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), taking into account the need to ensure effective performance of the current mandates of those missions, and requests in this regard the Secretary-General to begin consultations with the countries contributing military and civilian police personnel to those missions:
(a) the Secretary-General shall receive prior agreement of the countries contributing military and civilian police personnel and of the governments concerned,
(b) he shall inform the Security Council in advance of his intention to make such a redeployment, and in particular of its proposed scope and duration,
(c) any such redeployment shall require a corresponding prior decision of the Security Council;
6. Underlines that any personnel redeployed in accordance with paragraph 5 above shall continue to be counted against the authorized ceiling on military and civilian personnel of the mission from which they are being transferred, and that any such transfer shall not have the effect of extending the deployment of personnel after the expiration of the mandate of their original mission, unless the Security Council decides otherwise;
7. Urges the Government to complete the implementation of the programme of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, including the effective reintegration of former combatants;
8. Welcomes the willingness shown by the Government to achieve a peaceful solution with the Palipehutu-FNL, and reiterates its call upon this movement to join the peace and national reconciliation process without further delays or conditions, and its intention to consider appropriate measures that might be taken against those individuals who threaten this process;
9. Expresses its deep concern at the violations of human rights reported by the Secretary-General, and urges the Government and other parties concerned to take the necessary steps to prevent further violations and to ensure that those responsible for such violations are brought to justice without delay;
10. Urges the international partners for the development of Burundi, including the concerned bodies of the United Nations, to continue to provide their support for the reconstruction of the country, particularly through an active participation in the donors conference to be organized in early 2006;
11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
S/RES/1651 Extension of mandate of expert monitoring panel on violations in Darfur, Sudan
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5342
Vote: Unanimous
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Sudan, in particular resolutions 1591 (2005) of 29 March 2005 and 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,
Stressing its firm commitment to the cause of peace throughout Sudan, including through the African Union (AU)-led inter-Sudanese peace talks in Abuja (“Abuja Talks”), full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and an end to the violence and atrocities in Darfur,
Urging all parties at the Abuja Talks to reach without further delay an agreement that will establish a basis for peace, reconciliation, stability and justice in Sudan,
Recalling the 7 October 2005 midterm briefing of the Panel of Experts appointed by the Secretary-General, further to paragraph 3 (b) of resolution 1591 (2005), and anticipating the receipt of its final report,
Emphasizing the need to respect the provisions of the Charter concerning privileges and immunities, and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, as applicable to United Nations operations and persons engaged in such operations,
Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and cooperation in the relations among States in the region,
Determining that the situation in Sudan 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. Decides to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) until 29 March 2006, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures;
2. Requests the Panel of Experts to report and make recommendations to the Council, through the Committee established by paragraph 3 (a) of resolution 1591 (2005), prior to the termination of its mandate, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraphs 3, 6 and 7 of resolution 1591 (2005) and paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004);
3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
* * *
STATEMENTS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL IN 2005
S/PRST/2005/1 Support pledge for UN presence in Haiti
Date: 12 January 2005 Meeting: 5110
The Security Council reaffirms the comprehensive mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as set forth in resolutions 1542 (2004) and 1576 (2004), and expresses its support for United Nations presence in Haiti as long as necessary.
The Security Council underlines that national reconciliation, security and economic development remain key to stability in Haiti, and, in that regard, stresses that all Member States and international organizations, especially those in the region, should support the Transitional Government of Haiti in those efforts.
The Security Council underlines the important role of MINUSTAH in ensuring a secure environment and commends the recent joint operations by MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police (HNP), in particular against all illegal armed groups. It notes however that further urgent action is needed to continue to improve the security situation. The Council again calls on all parties in Haiti to respect human rights and to renounce the use of violence to advance their goals.
The Security Council encourages the Transitional Government to create without delay the National Commission on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), to address all armed groups, particularly former members of the military, in a comprehensive manner. It notes that any compensation should be part of a comprehensive and durable solution.
The Security Council renews its appeal for the prompt disbursement of the funds pledged by international financial institutions and donor countries at the International Donors Conference on Haiti held in July 2004. It recognizes the need for MINUSTAH, other organs of the UN system, international financial institutions, and Member States to assist the Transitional Government in the preparation and implementation of development projects in Haiti, as well as quick-impact projects. The Council reiterates the need to assist the Transitional Government in establishing a long-term development strategy for Haiti, in accordance with the priorities set forth in the Interim Cooperation Framework.
The Security Council welcomes recent steps taken by the Transitional Government of Haiti to release some individuals being held without formal charge or trial, and calls on the Transitional Government to review all such cases in order to ensure full respect for due process and the rule of law. In this regard, the Council calls on MINUSTAH to continue its support for the provision of human rights training to Haitian judicial, police and correctional authorities to ensure adherence to international norms and standards.
The Security Council encourages the Transitional Government to continue to take steps towards a comprehensive and inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation process and calls upon all political actors in Haiti to renounce violence and join this dialogue without delay. The Council fully supports MINUSTAH’s continuing facilitation of this process.
The Security Council calls upon the Transitional Government, with the assistance of MINUSTAH and the Organization of American States (OAS), to take urgently the necessary measures to ensure the holding of free and fair elections in 2005 and the subsequent transfer of power to elected authorities, and welcomes the recent decisions of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in its preparations. It encourages all political parties that have rejected violence to participate in the electoral process.
The Security Council expresses its intention to organize a mission to Haiti before 1 June 2005, possibly in conjunction with a mission of the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti.
The Security Council expresses its gratitude to the countries that have contributed personnel to the Mission. It urges troop and police contributing countries to complete the authorized strength of MINUSTAH as soon as possible, stressing that prompt completion of this step is an essential requirement for the continuing success of the operation.
The Security Council expresses its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Juan Gabriel Valdés, and commends the work done by MINUSTAH and all of its personnel.
S/PRST/2005/2 Congratulation on participation of Palestinian people in presidential election
Date: 13 January 2005 Meeting: 5111
The Security Council welcomes the Palestinian Presidential election held on 9 January 2005. It commends the credible and fair character of the vote and congratulates the Palestinian people who demonstrated their commitment to democracy by participating in the election under challenging conditions. The Council pays tribute to the Central Elections Commission which played a key role in ensuring the successful conclusion of the election, and expresses its appreciation for the contribution of international observers and for the support of the United Nations.
The Security Council congratulates the newly elected President of the Palestinian Authority on his election.
The Security Council looks forward to the convening of the Palestinian legislative elections in the near future, and affirms the Council’s continuing support for the Palestinian people in their democratic process.
The Security Council supports the Palestinian Authority and its efforts to pursue the process of strengthening institutions.
The Security Council underlines the importance of enhanced and expeditious international assistance to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority.
The Security Council stresses the need for the full implementation of the Quartet Roadmap, as endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 1515 (2003), for the creation of an independent, viable, democratic and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
The Security Council calls upon Israelis and Palestinians to relaunch a genuine political process and advance towards a just and lasting peace in the region.
S/PRST/2005/3 Call on States to submit timely reports on actions to counter terrorism
Date: 18 January 2005 Meeting: 5113
The Security Council welcomes the briefing by the Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee 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 by its President on 19 October 2004 (S/PRST/2004/37), which indicated the Council’s intention to review the structure and activities of the CTC, resolution 1535 (2004) on the revitalization of the Committee and resolution 1566 (2004) emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism.
The Security Council invites the CTC to pursue its agenda as set out in the work programme for the CTC’s fourteenth 90-day period (S/2005/22). It invites the CTC in particular to ensure that Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate becomes fully operational in the shortest possible time, and to take additional measures to enhance cooperation with the Al Qaeda/Taliban Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and to initiate contacts with the working group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004).
The Security Council notes the importance of continuing the CTC’s efforts in the following key areas: to enhance the capabilities of Member States to combat terrorism; to identify and address the problems faced by States in implementing resolution 1373 (2001); to facilitate the provision of technical assistance and cooperation adjusted to the recipient countries’ needs; to encourage the largest possible number of States to become parties to the international conventions and protocols related to counter-terrorism, and to strengthen its dialogue and cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations acting in the areas outlined by resolution 1373 (2001).
The Security Council welcomes the intention of the CTC to hold its Fourth special meeting with international, regional and subregional organizations from 26 to 28 January 2005 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The Security Council invites the CTC to accelerate the preparation of assessments of Member States’ assistance needs so that these can be shared with the relevant States and, in due course, with interested donor States and organizations. The Council invites the CTC to conduct the first of its visits to Member States in March 2005 in order to enhance the Committee’s monitoring of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to facilitate the provision of technical and other assistance for such implementation.
The Security Council notes that, as of 16 December 2004, 75 States had not submitted their respective reports to the CTC in time as set out in resolution 1373 (2001). It calls on them urgently to do so, in order to maintain the universality of response which the threat of terrorism and the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) require.
The Security Council invites the CTC to continue reporting on its activities at regular intervals.
S/PRST/2005/4 Condemnation for terrorist bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister
Date: 15 February 2005 Meeting: 5122
The Security Council received a briefing from the Secretariat on the situation in Lebanon on 15 February, 2005.
The Security Council unequivocally condemns the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others, and caused serious injury to dozens of people, including former Minister Basil Fleihan.
The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the people and Government of Lebanon and to the victims and their families.
The Council calls on the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this heinous terrorist act, and noting the Lebanese Government’s commitments in this regard. The Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1566 (2004) and 1373 (2001), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.
The Security Council is gravely concerned by the murder of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon and its possible impact on ongoing efforts by the people of Lebanon to solidify Lebanon’s democracy, including during the upcoming parliamentary elections. Such a terrorist act should not jeopardize the holding of these elections in transparent, free and democratic conditions.
The Security Council is concerned by the potential for further destabilization of Lebanon, and expresses hope that the Lebanese people will be able to emerge from this terrible event united, and to use peaceful means in support of their longstanding national aspiration to full sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The Security Council reaffirms its previous calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Security Council for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.
The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to follow closely the situation in Lebanon and to report urgently on the circumstances, causes and consequences of this terrorist act.
S/PRST/2005/5 Iraqi people commended on results of elections
Date: 16 February 2005 Meeting: 5124
The Security Council congratulates the people of Iraq on the successful elections of 30 January 2005. These elections represent a historic moment for Iraq and a positive step in its political transition. In turning out to the polls, Iraqis demonstrated their respect for the rule of law and non-violence. They voted for democracy and full ownership of their affairs. The Security Council commends the Iraqi people for having taken this step to exercise their right to freely determine their own political future and encourages them to continue to do so in moving ahead with their political transition.
The Security Council congratulates the newly-elected coalitions and individuals in these elections.
The elections took place under difficult conditions, and the Security Council salutes the bravery of the Iraqi people who demonstrated their commitment to democracy, defying the terrorists. The Security Council commends the tens of thousands of Iraqis who ran as candidates, administered the elections, staffed the polls, observed the elections, and provided security. The Security Council gives special recognition to the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq for its fortitude and organizational skill in administering the elections.
The Security Council commends the Secretary-General and the United Nations for successfully assisting election preparations, including advice and support extended to the Iraqis by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq Ashraf Qazi, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), particularly the lead electoral adviser Carlos Valenzuela, the UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) and its Director Carina Perelli. The Security Council also appreciates the assistance given by other international actors, including EU electoral experts.
The Security Council also notes the commendable role played by the Iraqi Security Forces and the Multi-National Forces-Iraq in providing security to the elections.
These elections are an important step for Iraq’s political transition, as outlined in UN Security Council resolution 1546. The Security Council looks forward to the seating of the Transitional National Assembly and the formation of a new Transitional Government of Iraq in the near future. A Constitution of Iraq, to be drafted under the authority of the Transitional National Assembly, is expected to be put to a referendum by October 2005 and followed by general elections by December 2005 under the new Constitution. The Security Council affirms its continuing support for the Iraqi people in their political transition and reaffirms the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.
Underlining the importance of the maximum possible participation of all components of Iraqi society in the political process, the Security Council stresses the need for sustained political efforts aimed at making the next steps of the transition, in particular the coming constitutional process, as inclusive, participatory and transparent as possible. The Council welcomes the statements recently made by Iraqi leaders in this regard, and strongly encourages the Transitional Government of Iraq and the Transitional National Assembly of Iraq to reach out broadly to all segments of Iraqi society, with a view to promote genuine political dialogue and national reconciliation and to ensure that all Iraqis are duly represented and have a voice in the political process and the drafting of the Iraqi Constitution.
The Security Council reaffirms the leading role of the SRSG and UNAMI in UNSCR 1546 in support of Iraq’s own efforts and as requested by the Government of Iraq, to promote national dialogue and consensus building on the drafting of a national constitution. In this regard, the Security Council urges the UN to prepare itself rapidly and encourages the members of the international community to provide advisers and technical support to the UN to help it fulfil this role.
The Security Council condemns, in the strongest possible terms, acts of terrorism in Iraq, which should not be allowed to disrupt Iraq’s political and economic transition. The Security Council calls on those who use violence in an attempt to subvert the political process to lay down their arms and participate in the political process. It encourages the Iraqi authorities to engage with all those who renounce violence and to create a political atmosphere conducive to national reconciliation and political competition through peaceful means.
The Security Council stresses the continued importance of Iraq’s neighbouring countries and regional organizations in supporting the political process, cooperating with the Iraqi authorities to control transit across Iraq’s borders and extending other support for the people of Iraq in their efforts to achieve security and prosperity.
Consistent with UNSCR 1546, the Security Council reaffirms its support for a federal, democratic, pluralist and unified Iraq, in which there is full respect for human rights. It welcomes the international community’s support to Iraq and underlines the importance of enhanced and expeditious assistance from all States and relevant international organizations in support of Iraq’s further implementation of the political transition process and efforts to achieve national reconciliation, economic reconstruction, and stability, in accordance with UNSCR 1546.
S/PRST/2005/6 Resumption of talks between Israeli Prime Minister and Palestinian Authority President
Date: 16 February 2005 Meeting: 5126
The Security Council welcomes the Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on 8 February 2005, and the resumption of direct talks between the Prime Minister of Israel Mr. Ariel Sharon and the President of the Palestinian Authority Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. The Council expresses its appreciation to President Hosni Mubarak of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the invitation to both parties to the Summit, and to King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan for his participation.
The Security Council underlines the understandings reached by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, in particular that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere and that Israel will cease all its military activities against all Palestinians everywhere. The Security Council calls for the full respect by the parties of their commitments in this regard.
The Security Council recognizes these understandings, along with other recent positive developments, as primary steps towards restoring confidence between the two parties and as a significant opportunity to enhance a new spirit of cooperation and to promote an atmosphere conducive to the establishment of peace and coexistence in the region.
The Security Council commends the role being played by Egypt and Jordan in facilitating a successful resumption of dialogue between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the Road Map.
The Security Council welcomes the initiative of the United Kingdom Government in convening an international meeting in London on 1 March to support Palestinian efforts to prepare the ground for a viable Palestinian state. The Security Council also welcomes the upcoming ‘Quartet’ meeting at the ministerial level which will convene in the margins of the London meeting.
The Council looks forward to further engagement by the ‘Quartet’ with the two parties to ensure continued progress in the peace process and the full implementation of the Road Map and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), and 1515 (2003), towards the creation of an independent, viable, democratic and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
The Security Council looks forward to the establishment of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
S/PRST/2005/7 Highest degree of responsibility in small arms transactions
Date: 17 February 2005 Meeting: 5127
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of his recommendations to the Council entitled ‘Small Arms’ (S/2005/69) of 7 February 2005, and reaffirms the statements of its President of 19 January 2004 (S/PRST/2004/1), of 31 October 2002 (S/PRST/2002/30), and of 31 August 2001 (S/PRST/2001/21), and of 24 September 1999 (S/PRST/1999/28).
The Security Council recalls its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, the Security Council recognizes that the dissemination of illicit small arms and light weapons has hampered the peaceful settlement of disputes, fuelled such disputes into armed conflicts and contributed to the prolongation of such armed conflicts. The Council reaffirms the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and, subject to the Charter, the right of each State to import, produce and retain small arms and light weapons for its self-defence and security needs.
The Council encourages the arms-exporting countries to exercise the highest degree of responsibility in small arms and light weapons transactions according to their existing responsibilities under relevant international law. It also encourages international and regional cooperation in identifying the origin and transfer of small arms and light weapons in order to prevent their diversion, in particular, to Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. The Council welcomes the significant steps that have been taken by Member States and international and regional organizations in this regard. The obligation of Member States to enforce the arms embargo should be coupled with enhanced international and regional cooperation concerning arms exports. The Council encourages Members to undertake vigorous actions aimed at restricting the supply of small arms, light weapons and ammunitions to areas of instability.
The Security Council takes note that the United Nations Second Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects will be held July 2005 and encourages Member States to fully cooperate with the Chair of the Meeting to have a successful outcome.
The Security Council notes with appreciation that regional actions on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects have been strengthened in recent years, and encourages the continuation of assistance at national, regional and international levels that would fit the needs of Member States to implement the recommendations contained in the Programme of Action adopted by the July 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.
The Council welcomes the ongoing efforts by open-ended working group established by resolution 58/241 of 23 December 2003 of the General Assembly to negotiate an international instrument to enable States to identify and trace, in a timely and reliable manner, illicit small arms and light weapons and calls upon all Member States to support all efforts aimed at this purpose. It expresses the wish that the ongoing work within the group will lead to a positive conclusion at its third session as scheduled.
The Security Council welcomes the adoption of resolution 59/86 of 10 December 2004 of the General Assembly by which, among other things, it requested the Secretary-General to continue broad-based consultations on further steps to enhance international cooperation in preventing, combating and eradicating illicit brokering in small arms and light weapons with a view to establishing a Group of Governmental Experts to consider the issue.
The Security Council welcomes the inclusion of Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS) on an exceptional basis in the United Nations Register on Conventional Arms.
The Security Council further encourages Member States that have not already done so to establish the necessary legislative or other measures, including the use of authenticated end-user certificates, to ensure effective control over the export and transit of small arms and light weapons.
The Security Council renews the support given to the plan of ECOWAS to strengthen the moratorium signed in Abuja on 31 October 1998 on the import, export and manufacture of small arms and light weapons, and to replace it with a mandatory convention. It welcomes the decision by the European Council on 2 December 2004 to significantly support this initiative and calls upon all States and organizations in a position to do so to support this endeavour.
The Council calls upon all Member States to enforce all Security Council resolutions on sanctions, including those imposing arms embargoes, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and to bring their own domestic implementation into compliance with the Council’s measures on sanctions. The Council calls upon all Member States to continue to make available to the Sanctions Committees all pertinent information on any alleged violations of arms embargoes and to take appropriate measures to investigate such allegations. The Council urges Member States in a position to do so to provide assistance to interested States in strengthening their capacity to fulfil their obligations in this regard.
The Security Council underlines the issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons must be addressed together with the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process in the post-conflict phases. The Council recognizes that DDR is closely linked with the long-term peace and security in a post-conflict situation and recalls that a growing number of peacekeeping missions contain the DDR element as part of their mandate. In this regard, the Council stresses the importance of a comprehensive international and regional approach to DDR that is not limited to the political and security aspects of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, but addresses also its social and economic aspects, including special needs of child soldiers and women.
The Security Council, while bearing in mind that the issue of the illicit small arms and light weapons has a multidisciplinary nature, encourages Member States, in a position to do so, to provide assistance and support to the United Nations Coordinating Action on Small Arms (CASA) mechanism.
The Council continues to recognize the need to engage the relevant international organizations, non-governmental organizations, business and financial institutions and other actors at the international, regional and local levels to contribute to the implementation of arms embargoes and contribute to the wider objective of preventing illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to update the Council on 28 February 2006 for its earliest possible consideration of the implementation of all the recommendations contained in his report entitled ‘Small arms’ of 20 September 2002 (S/2002/1053).
S/PRST/2005/8 Reiterates strong condemnation of use of child soldiers
Date: 23 February 2005 Meeting: 5129
The Security Council has considered the matter of children and armed conflict and took note with deep concern of the continued recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to them, as reported by the Secretary-General in his fifth report (S/2005/72). It reiterates its commitment to address in all its forms the impact of armed conflict on children.
The Council reaffirms its strong condemnation of the recruitment and use of child soldiers by parties to armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to them and of all other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict. It urges all parties to armed conflict to halt immediately such intolerable practices.
The Council recalls all its previous resolutions, which provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the protection of children affected by armed conflict. It reiterates its determination to ensure respect for its resolutions and other international norms and standards for the protection of children affected by armed conflict.
The Council recalls particularly paragraph 2 of its resolution 1539 (2004) dated 22 April 2004, requesting the Secretary-General, taking into account the proposals contained in his report as well as any other relevant elements, to devise urgently an action plan for a systematic and comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism, which utilizes expertise from the United Nations system and the contributions of national Governments, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations in their advisory capacity and various civil society actors, in order to provide timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and on other violations and abuses committed against children affected by armed conflict, for consideration in taking appropriate action.
The Council takes note of the Secretary-General’s proposal for an Action Plan for the establishment of a monitoring, reporting and compliance mechanism, in accordance with this request and with paragraph 15 (b) of resolution 1539 (2004) and has started consideration of the Secretary-General’s proposal.
The Council reiterates the crucial need for a systematic and comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism, and its determination to ensure compliance and to put an end to impunity. The Council further reiterates its intention to complete expeditiously the process of the establishment of the mechanism.
In this regard, it has started work on a new resolution with the aim of its early adoption and with due consideration of views expressed by the United Nations Member States during the open debate held on 23 February 2005, in order to take forward the implementation of its previous resolutions with a view to ending the recruitment or use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and other violations and abuses committed against children affected by armed conflict situations, and promoting their reintegration and rehabilitation.
S/PRST/2005/9 Need to help curb illicit cross-border activities in West Africa
Date: 25 February 2005 Meeting: 5131
The Security Council has carefully reviewed the Progress Report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/86) dated 11 February 2005, on the implementation of the recommendations of the Council on cross-border and subregional problems in West Africa and reaffirms the statement of its President, S/PRST/2004/7 of 25 March 2004.
The Council notes with appreciation the enhanced cooperation among the various United Nations political and peace-keeping missions in the subregion and looks forward to receiving the Secretary-General’s forthcoming report on intermissions cooperation. The Council also welcomes the growing and constructive partnership between the United Nations system, Economic Organization of West African States (ECOWAS), individual Member States, key bilateral and multilateral development partners, as well as civil society organizations, including women’s organizations, aimed at addressing the many complex challenges confronting the West African subregion.
The Council reiterates its belief that action on cross-border and subregional issues should take place as part of a wider strategy of conflict prevention, crisis management and peace-building in the subregion. The Council thus also encourages the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) further to promote an integrated and joint subregional approach with ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as with other key international partners and civil society organizations.
The Council welcomes the encouraging prospects for the reactivation of the Mano River Union and the resumption of dialogue among its Member States, notably on ways to deal with mercenaries. It also welcomes initiatives taken by ECOWAS, to establish a Small Arms Unit and to adopt a new Small Arms Control Programme (ECOSAP) and its ongoing efforts to transform the Moratorium signed in Abuja on 31 October 1998, on the import, export and manufacture of small arms and light weapons, into a binding convention.
The Council welcomes the decision of the European Commission on 2 December 2004 to assist ECOWAS in implementing its plans to combat the illicit dissemination of small arms. The Council reiterates its call on all Member States and Organizations, in a position to do so, to extend further assistance to ECOWAS in this field. The Council calls on arms producing and exporting countries and West African States to explore ways in which they can ensure the implementation of the Moratorium.
The Council calls on Member States and key international partners to explore practical ways of assisting ECOWAS in enhancing its capacities in the areas of conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacekeeping, including through the provision of technical expertise, training programmes, and logistical and financial resources. In this connection, the Council reaffirms the crucial importance of the reintegration of ex-combatants, taking into account the special needs of child soldiers and women, in order to reverse the culture of violence and create an enabling environment for national reconciliation in countries emerging from conflict, and reiterates its call to the international community to provide adequate funding to this end.
The Council underlines that ongoing or emerging crises in West Africa are a threat to the subregional stability and, in this regard, notes with deep concern the tensions emerging and ongoing in some countries over the transfer of power, involving members of security and armed forces, and which may further obstruct efforts to stabilize the subregion.
The Council recalls in this regard the African Union position on unconstitutional changes of governments, as stated in the 1999 Algiers Declaration and the 2000 Lomé Declaration.
The Council welcomes the action taken by ECOWAS and the African Union to address these issues.
The Council expresses its deep concern about the involvement of individuals including those from security and armed forces in such illicit activities as smuggling of arms, drugs and natural resources, human trafficking, extortion at roadblocks and money laundering, in the context of mismanagement in the administration of justice, and weak government capacity to fight against criminal activities and impunity. The Council stresses the need to pay special attention to those critical issues that have direct bearing on efforts to enhance peace, stability and democratic governance in West African countries.
The Council emphasizes the need to pursue security sector reforms aiming at improving civil-military relations in countries emerging from conflict situations and creating a culture of peace and stability and promoting the rule of law. In this regard, the Council requests the UNOWA to further explore with interested governments and organizations ways in which security sector reforms could be formulated and implemented.
In this regard, the Council welcomes the ongoing efforts of ECOWAS, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Drug Control, to improve border control mechanisms in West Africa by facilitating the flow of information among national law enforcement authorities, as well as regional networking and cooperation in the law enforcement issues.
The Council reiterates the importance of curbing the growing risks of instability along some border areas. The Council, therefore, encourages UNOWA to facilitate, in close cooperation with the ECOWAS Executive Secretariat and its member States concerned, the implementation of strategies developed for sensitive border zones in the subregion and calls on the donors to support these efforts.
The Council stresses the need to help West African States to curb illicit cross-border activities and to strengthen the capacities of the civil society groups working to promote a cross-border culture of non‑violence and peace.
The Council further emphasizes the need to generate economic activities and foster development as a means of promoting sustainable peace in the subregion. It urges international donors to assist ECOWAS States to address that need.
The Council reaffirms the urgency of finding lasting solutions to the problem of youth unemployment in order to prevent the recruitment of such youth by illegal armed groups. In this connection, the Council requests the Secretary-General to include in his next progress report practical recommendations on how best to tackle the problem of youth unemployment.
The Council urges the donor countries, international organizations and civil society to address the dire humanitarian situation in many parts of the subregion and to provide adequate resources in the framework of the Consolidated Appeals Process 2005 for West Africa as part of a regional humanitarian response strategy to improve the human security of the people in dire need of protection or those whose coping capacities are close to exhaustion.
The Council expresses its intention to keep these issues under review and requests the Secretary-General to report on them regularly through his reports on the United Nations missions in the subregion.”
S/PRST/2005/10 Condemnation of murder of UN peacekeepers in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 2 March 2005 Meeting: 5133
The Security Council condemns with the utmost firmness the attack against a patrol of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) by the Front des Nationalistes et Intégrationnistes in Ituri (FNI), which occurred on 25 February 2005 near the town of Kafé, resulting in the murder of nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers. It offers its condolences to the victims’ families and to the authorities of Bangladesh. It commends the dedication of MONUC’s personnel, who operate in particularly hazardous conditions. It welcomes the action of MONUC against the militia groups responsible for these killings and MONUC’s continued robust action in pursuit of its mandate.
The Security Council considers this aggression, by its intentional and well-planned nature, to be an unacceptable outrage. It calls upon the Government of National Unity and Transition immediately to take all necessary measures to bring to justice the perpetrators, sponsors and authors of this attack and welcomes the first arrests undertaken by the Government. It endorses in this regard the serious concern expressed in Kinshasa on 28 February 2005 by the International Committee in Support of the Transition over the illegal and criminal activities of militia in Ituri and their military and political leaders, in particular Floribert Ndjabu, Goda Sukpa, Étienne Lona, Thomas Lubanga, Bosco Tanganda and Germain Katanga. It expresses its concern that the integration of Ituri militia officers into the Congolese Armed Forces has failed to lead to the disarmament of their troops which should proceed without delay.
The Security Council calls upon the Government of National Unity and Transition to strengthen its support for the implementation of the disarmament and community reintegration programme for Ituri militiamen. It considers those who try to impede this programme as a threat to the political process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also calls upon the Government of National Unity and Transition urgently to deploy additional integrated troops and police units to Ituri, and invites donors to provide support for this vital undertaking.
The Security Council reminds all States in the region of their responsibility to ensure compliance for the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 (2003) and is considering additional measures it might take to reinforce implementation and monitoring of the embargo. It further urges those States to ensure that their territories cannot be used by any Congolese armed group, notably the Ituri militia, whose activities perpetuate a climate of insecurity that affects the whole region.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for MONUC, and urges MONUC to continue to fulfil its mandate with determination. It notes the importance for MONUC to continue to strengthen its action in Ituri and in North and South Kivu.”
S/PRST/2005/11 Welcomes progress in Somali national reconciliation process
Date: 2 March 2005 Meeting: 5135
The Security Council reaffirms all its previous decisions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statement by its President (S/PRST/2004/43) dated 19 November 2004.
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 18 February 2005 (S/2005/89), 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 Somalia, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council welcomes the progress made in the Somali national reconciliation process, in particular the Transitional Federal Government (TFG)’s ongoing relocation efforts, expects further progress in this regard and stresses the need for the international community to provide strong political, financial and capacity-building support for these efforts.
The Security Council commends the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in support of the TFG. The Council reiterates its support for the African Union’s efforts in assisting the process of transition in Somalia. The Security Council recognizes the African Union’s readiness to play an important role in a future peace support mission in Somalia. Such a mission must be carefully considered and planned and would require the support of the Somali people.
The Security Council urges all Somali factions and militia leaders to cease hostilities and encourages them and TFG to enter into immediate negotiations for a comprehensive and verifiable ceasefire agreement leading to final disarmament, and welcomes the willingness of the United Nations to provide advice in this regard.
The Security Council expresses its gratitude to all those donors who have supported the peace process in Somalia and encourages donor countries, regional and subregional organizations to contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia, in particular through efforts coordinated by United Nations agencies.
The Security Council welcomes the establishment of the Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC), chaired jointly by the Prime Minister of the TFG and the United Nations, through which donor countries and regional and subregional organizations can provide support to the efforts of the TFG.
The Security Council stresses that improving the humanitarian situation is an essential component of support for the peace and reconciliation process. The Security Council strongly believes that ensuring humanitarian access to all Somalis in need and providing guarantees for the safety and security of aid workers is an immediate priority and obligation of the TFG.
The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Political Office in Somalia (UNPOS) and its leading role in coordinating support for the TFG to implement the agreements reached at the Somali National Reconciliation Conference and establish peace and stability in Somalia. The Security Council takes note of the need to expand the United Nations presence as proposed in the report of the Secretary-General of 18 February 2005 (S/2005/89). The Security Council concurs with the Secretary-General that a further enhanced role for the Organization in Somalia must be incremental and should be based on the outcome of discussions with the TFG.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the peace process in Somalia and the commitment of the United Nations to assist the regional and subregional efforts in this regard.
S/PRST/2005/12 Conclusions of London Meeting on support for Palestinian Authority
Date: 9 March 2005 Meeting: 5136
The Security Council welcomes the conclusions of the London Meeting on supporting the Palestinian Authority on 1 March. The Council supports the objectives of the London Meeting to help the Palestinian leadership strengthen the institutions needed for a viable and independent Palestinian State.
The Security Council hopes that the London Meeting will be part of the longer-term process of international support to the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority and a contribution to helping both sides implement the road map endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 1515 (2003) and agreed to by the parties as the path towards a lasting comprehensive negotiated settlement to the Middle East conflict, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002).
The Security Council stresses the crucial importance of security, good governance and development of the Palestinian economy. In this context, the Council welcomes President Abbas’s comprehensive plan presented at the London Meeting for strengthening the Palestinian Authority’s institutions in these three areas.
The Security Council stresses the key role of the international community in assisting the Palestinian Authority in taking forward this plan. The Council welcomes the international community’s commitments to respond to the plans of the Palestinian Authority by providing financial and political support. The Council recognizes the important role of the ‘Quartet’ in international efforts aimed at providing assistance to the Palestinian Authority in the fields of security, economic development and governance.
The Security Council supports the proposals for follow up to the London Meeting and looks forward to their early implementation.
The Security Council supports the Joint Statement of the ‘Quartet’ issued following the meeting of the ‘Quartet’ in the margins of the London Meeting, and looks forward to the ‘Quartet’s active engagement over the forthcoming period, while recognizing also the important role of other interested parties.
The Security Council reiterates its call for full respect by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority of understandings reached at the Sharm el Sheikh summit on 8 February, in particular that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere and that Israel will cease all its military activities against all Palestinians everywhere.
The Security Council reiterates its call on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to ensure continued progress in the peace process towards full implementation of the road map in direct contact with the ‘Quartet’. It stresses the need for concerted and sustained action by the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its security-related commitments and welcomes in this context President Abbas’s commitment to exert every effort towards that end. The Council stresses also the need for Israel to implement its road map commitments.
The Security Council reiterates its demand for immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.
The Security Council reiterates its commitment to the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security.
S/PRST/2005/13 Approval of Burundi’s post-transitional Constitution
Date: 14 March 2005 Meeting: 5141
The Security Council welcomes the approval by the Burundian people of the post-transitional Constitution, through the referendum of 28 February 2005 whose final results have just been declared. The very broad participation of the citizens of Burundi, who have voted in favour of the Constitution in large numbers, is the sign of their support to the peace process. It is an important event for Burundi and for the whole region of the Great Lakes of Africa.
The Security Council calls upon all Burundians to remain committed to the course of national reconciliation, for further steps remain to be taken. It invites in particular the political leadership in the country to work together towards the common goal of holding, expeditiously, local and national elections that are free and fair. It encourages the donor community to continue providing its assistance to this end.
S/PRST/2005/14 Commitment to peaceful electoral process in Guinea-Bissau
Date: 31 March 2005 Meeting: 5157
The Security Council recognizes some progress made in some areas in Guinea-Bissau, including the electoral process, and urges all political actors in the country to show unequivocal commitment to a peaceful electoral process, leading to peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections, by refraining from inspiring or promoting any sort of ethnic or religious hostilities, particularly with a view to obtaining political gains. In this regard, the Council strongly condemns any attempts to incite violence and to impede ongoing efforts towards peace, stability and social and economic development.
The Security Council expresses its growing concern at recent political developments in Guinea-Bissau, in particular the decision by the ‘Partido da Renovação Social’ — PRS — to select ex-President Koumba Yala as its presidential candidate. Any decision, such as this, which challenges the Transitional Charter has the potential to jeopardize the successful conclusion of the transitional process and forthcoming presidential elections.
The Security Council expresses also its deep concern at the fact that peace efforts have not yet generated sufficient social and economic benefits for the population that could discourage the use of force.
The Security Council stresses, at the same time, the urgent need for international support to the electoral process. It recalls previous appeals for increased international assistance to Guinea-Bissau, including to the forthcoming presidential elections, as part of an urgently needed peacebuilding strategy in that country.
The Security Council calls upon Guinea-Bissau’s international development partners, including all concerned agencies of the United Nations system, to cooperate fully with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, which has been fully engaged in the implementation of the Transition Charter and in efforts to promote transparency and good governance. It welcomes, in this regard, the holding on 11 February 2005, in Lisbon, of the ‘Meeting of Guinea- Bissau’s Partners to prepare for the Roundtable Conference’ and stresses the importance of strong participation in the Donor Roundtable Conference scheduled for October 2005.
The Security Council welcomes initial measures taken by the Chief of General Staff regarding the process of reform of the Armed Forces and the promotion of reconciliation among the military. The Council further encourages full inclusiveness and renewed commitment to reconciliation in the Armed Forces, and development of constructive civilian-military relations based on the Armed Forces as an institution subordinated to the elected civilian authorities. In accordance with its mandate in resolution 1580 (2004), it reaffirms UNOGBIS’s role in encouraging and supporting national efforts to reform the security sector.
S/PRST/2005/15 Welcomes commitment by FDLR to renounce use of force against Rwanda
Date: 12 April 2005 Meeting: 5162
The Security Council welcomes the statement issued by the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) in Rome, on 31 March 2005, in which they condemn the 1994 genocide and commit themselves to renounce the use of force and cease all offensive operations against Rwanda. It considers this encouraging statement as a significant opportunity to move towards the return of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, national reconciliation in Rwanda, and full normalization of relations between the two countries. It commends the role of independent mediator played by the Sant’Egidio community.
The Security Council calls on the FDLR to turn their positive words into action and to demonstrate their commitment to peace by immediately handing all their arms to the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and by taking part in the programme put in place for their earliest voluntary and peaceful return to Rwanda or resettlement, as well as by assisting the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha to fulfil its mandate, particularly with regard to the arrest and transfer to its custody of indictees who remain at large.
The Security Council encourages all other armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that have not yet done so to renounce likewise the use of force and to take part without delay in the programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.
The Security Council urges the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to work together, in close cooperation with MONUC, to make use of the chance given to them to contribute to peace and stability in the whole Great Lakes region of Africa.
The Security Council welcomes the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to receive former combatants, and urges the Government of Rwanda to guarantee the return and reintegration of FDLR members and their dependents to be repatriated, in accordance with applicable standards of international law and with respect for the rights and freedoms of the human being.
The Security Council recalls the need for an effective programme of reintegration to be quickly implemented with the support as appropriate of the international community.
S/PRST/2005/16 Call for strengthened cooperation among Anti-Terrorism Committees
Date: 25 April 2005 Meeting: 5168
The Security Council welcomes the briefings by the Chairmen of the Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), the Counter-Terrorism Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on the work of the three Committees.
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 motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council also reaffirms that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security as stressed in resolution 1540. The Security Council recalls its grave concern of the risk posed by non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery.
The Security Council welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly on 13 April 2005 of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism by consensus.
The Security Council stresses the different mandates of the three Committees. The Security Council reaffirms its call for enhanced cooperation among the Committees, as well as their respective groups of experts, in monitoring States’ implementation of provisions of the Security Council resolutions relevant to the three Committees and invites the Committees, including their respective groups of experts, further to strengthen their cooperation through enhanced information sharing, coordinated visits to countries and other issues of relevance to all the three Committees. The Security Council also invites the three Committees to continue cooperation with the working group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004).
The Security Council recalls the obligation of Member States to report to the three Committees in a timely manner on steps they have taken or intend to take to implement resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), and 1540 (2004) and related resolutions, and encourages the three Committees to consider, if appropriate, how to deal with late submission of reports to these Committees in a coordinated manner.
The Security Council reaffirms that the responsibility for implementing the Security Council resolutions relevant to the mandates of the three Committees, including preparation of reports to the respective Committees, rests with the States. The Security Council encourages international, regional and sub-regional organisations to enhance their efforts to further their members’ implementation of these Security Council resolutions; and further encourages such organisations as well as States, where appropriate, to provide technical assistance to enhance the capacity of States to implement these resolutions.
The Security Council welcomes the important contribution made by relevant international, regional and sub-regional organisations in the fight against terrorism and to ensure that non-State actors do not develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. The Security Council encourages the three Committees to further strengthen the cooperation with such organisations.
The Security Council further welcomes the important contribution made to the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1526 (2004) in application of its mandate annexed to that resolution; to the work of the committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) by its experts; and, to the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) established by resolution 1535 (2004), and notes with satisfaction the completion by the CTED of its first field mission to a Member State as contemplated by resolution 1535 (2004).
The Security Council invites the CTC to pursue its agenda as set out in the work programme for the CTC’s fifteenth 90-day period (S/2005/266). It encourages all parts of the UN to do their utmost to ensure that the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate becomes fully operational in the shortest possible time.
The Security Council also invites the 1540 Committee to pursue its undertakings as provided in its first trimestrial programme of work approved by the Committee on 22 April 2005. The Security Council welcomes the submission by 113 Member States of reports so far on steps they have taken or intend to take to implement resolution 1540 (2004) and calls upon States that have not yet submitted such a report to do so as soon as possible. The Security Council welcomes the recruitment of experts of the Committee and notes that they have begun to support the Committee in the considerations of the first reports submitted by Member States pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).
The Security Council invites the three Committees to continue reporting on their activities at regular intervals and, where appropriate, in a coordinated manner.
S/PRST/2005/17 Progress on Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon
Date: 4 May 2005 Meeting: 5175
The Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, in particular resolutions 1559 (2004), 425 (1978) and 426 (1978), resolution 520 (1982) and resolution 1583 (2005) of 28 January 2005 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) and of 19 October 2004 (S/PRST/2004/36).
The Security Council reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon.
The Security Council welcomes the First semi-annual Report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council of 26 April 2005 (S/2005/272) on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004).
The Security Council welcomes also that the parties concerned have made significant and noticeable progress towards implementing some of the provisions contained in resolution 1559 (2004), while expressing concern at the determination of the Secretary-General that there has been no progress on the implementation of other provisions of the resolution, in particular the disarmament of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militia and the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory, and that the requirements of the resolution have not yet been met.
The Security Council reiterates its call for the full implementation of all requirements of resolution 1559 (2004), and calls upon all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the Security Council and the Secretary-General to achieve this goal.
The Security Council acknowledges the letter of 26 April 2005 from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Secretary-General stating that Syria has completed the full withdrawal of its forces, military assets and the intelligence apparatus from Lebanon.
The Security Council calls upon the Government of Syria and the Government of Lebanon to extend their full cooperation to the United Nations verification team dispatched by the Secretary-General with their agreement to verify whether there has been full and complete withdrawal, and looks forward to his report.
The Security Council acknowledges that the full and complete Syrian withdrawal would represent a significant and important step towards Lebanon’s full political independence and full exercise of its sovereignty that is the ultimate goal of resolution 1559 (2004), thus opening a new chapter in Lebanese history.
The Security Council welcomes the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces to positions vacated by Syrian forces and the Government of Lebanon’s assumption of responsibility for these areas and calls for the deployment of additional Lebanese Armed Forces throughout the south of the country.
The Security Council urges all concerned parties to do their utmost to safeguard Lebanon’s stability and national unity and underlines the importance of national dialogue among all Lebanese political forces in this regard.
The Security Council commends the Lebanese people for the dignified manner in which they have expressed their views and for their commitment to a peaceful and democratic process, and stresses that the Lebanese people must be allowed to decide the future of their country free of violence and intimidation. It condemns in this context the recent terrorist acts in Lebanon that have resulted in several deaths and injuries, and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The Security Council welcomes the decision of the Lebanese Government to conduct elections beginning on 29 May 2005, and underlines the importance that such elections be held according to schedule. The Security Council shares the opinion of the Secretary-General that a delay in holding the parliamentary elections would contribute to exacerbating further the political divisions in Lebanon and threaten the security, stability and prosperity of the country. The Council underlines that free and credible elections held without foreign interference or influence would be another central indication of the political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.
The Security Council encourages the Secretary-General and the Lebanese Government to reach arrangements for international assistance, including United Nations assistance, to ensure that such elections are conducted in a free and credible manner, in particular through inviting international governmental and/or non-governmental electoral observers to monitor the electoral process. The Council urges Member States to extend assistance accordingly.
The Security Council commends the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for their relentless efforts and dedication to facilitate and assist the parties in the implementation of all provisions of resolution 1559 (2004), and requests that they continue their work in this regard.
The Security Council shares the view that the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004) would contribute positively to the situation in the Middle East in general.
S/PRST/2005/18 Increased international assistance for African Union effort in Sudan
Date: 12 May 2005 Meeting: 5177
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary General on assistance by the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) of 3 May 2005 (S/2005/285) and the proposals therein on support the United Nations could make available to the AMIS.
The Security Council applauds the vital leadership role the African Union is playing in Darfur and the work of AMIS on the ground. The Council supports the findings of the joint assessment mission, led by the African Union from 10-22 March 2005, which included UN and other partners. The Council also supports the subsequent decision taken by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 28 April 2005 to expand its mission in Darfur to 7731 personnel by the end of September 2005.
The Security Council welcomes the ongoing deployment of UNMIS and looks forward to close co-ordination and co-operation between UNMIS and AMIS. In this context the Council recalls its request in resolution 1590 for UNMIS to closely and continuously liaise and co-ordinate, at all levels, with the African Union Mission in Sudan with a view towards expeditiously reinforcing the effort to foster peace in Darfur, especially with regard to the Abuja peace process and the African Union Mission in Sudan.
The Security Council welcomes the role played by the African Union’s partners in support of AMIS and underlines the active role played by the EU and by other, bilateral, donors.
The Council emphasises the importance of increased co-ordinated international assistance for the African Union effort in Darfur and emphasises the readiness of the UN to continue playing a key role. In this context, the Council welcomes the second joint assessment mission from 1-4 May, which included representatives from the AU, UN and other partners. The Council looks forward to continuing contacts in order to facilitate provision of assistance as requested by the African Union. The Council welcomes, in this regard, the effort and intention of the Secretary General to consult closely with the African Union on the scope and nature of possible UN support to AMIS.
S/PRST/2005/19 Commitment by Burundi parties to cease hostilities and agree on permanent ceasefire
Date: 23 May 2005 Meeting: 5184
The Security Council took note with satisfaction of the declaration signed on 15 May 2005 in Dar es Salaam by the President of Burundi, Mr. Domitien Ndayizeye, and by the leader of the rebel group of Palipehutu-FNL, Mr. Agathon Rwasa. The Council took note in particular of the commitment by both parties to immediately cease hostilities, agree within a month on a permanent ceasefire, and negotiate without disturbing the electoral process.
The Security Council shares the understanding that this declaration is a first step that should allow FNL to be rapidly integrated, in a negotiated manner, into the transitional process currently in progress in Burundi. The Council remains convinced that FNL’s participation in this process will facilitate the holding of the forthcoming elections, in accordance with the timetable confirmed at the last meeting of Member States of the Regional Initiative for Peace in Burundi, on 22 April 2005 in Entebbe.
The Security Council commends the mediation of President Benjamin Mkapa and of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and, more generally, the efforts of States of the Regional Initiative chaired by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and of the Facilitation led by South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma, as well as those made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to bring the peace and national reconciliation process in Burundi to a successful conclusion. The Council reiterates that bringing an end to the climate of impunity in Burundi and the Great Lakes region is essential to that process.
The Security Council urges all Burundian parties to exert greater efforts to ensure success of the Transition, national reconciliation and stability of the country in the longer term.
S/PRST/2005/20 Importance of peacebuilding to prevent countries from relapsing into conflict
Date: 26 May 2005 Meeting: 5187
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and recalls its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Security Council considers post-conflict peacebuilding closely linked to its primary responsibilities.
The Security Council recognizes that intra-State conflicts and States emerging from conflict, are among the most complex challenges facing the international community, and that responding to these challenges in most instances requires a coherent and integrated mix of peacebuilding and peacekeeping activities, including political, military, civilian, humanitarian and development activities.
The Security Council acknowledges that serious attention to the longer‑term process of peacebuilding in all its multiple dimensions is critically important, and that adequate support for peacebuilding activities can help to prevent countries from relapsing into conflict.
The Security Council underlines that priorities in the post-conflict environment should include, where appropriate: protection of civilians; disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of former combatants; security sector and economic and social reform; the end of impunity; establishment and re-establishment of the institutions of Government, the rule of law and transitional justice, respect for human rights; and economic revitalisation.
The Security Council recognises the key role played by the United Nations, including the United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies, in peacebuilding alongside the International Financial Institutions, in particular the World Bank, bilateral donors and troop contributors. It also acknowledges the role the private sector can play in countries emerging from conflict. The Security Council underlines that a successful outcome of post‑conflict peacebuilding activities depends on the sustained commitment of all relevant actors to the process, through the involvement of these actors and the coordination of their activities in all phases from planning through implementation. In this regard, the Security Council also stresses the importance of pursuing coherent policies and resource allocation between these United Nations entities taking into account their respective mandates. The Security Council recalls the report of 21 August 2000 by the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (A/55/305) and the recommendations therein, and welcomes the progress made since the publication of the report, not least as regards planning of peacekeeping operations.
The Security Council underlines that for countries emerging from conflict, significant international assistance for economic and social rehabilitation and reconstruction is indispensable. In this regard the Security Council acknowledges the role ECOSOC plays, including in sustainable development, and reiterates its willingness to improve cooperation with United Nations bodies and organs directly concerned with peacebuilding.
The Security Council underlines the importance of national ownership of the transition process from the end of a conflict to the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development and the need for the international community to support nationally owned peacebuilding priorities. The Security Council recognises the positive role played by local stakeholders and encourages dialogue between the United Nations and relevant national actors. The Security Council encourages capacity building in order to respond to the country specific circumstances of each conflict situation. One goal of this capacity building - and of peacebuilding generally - should be to promote the establishment of self-supporting national authorities and thus the evolution of international assistance from peace support to longer-term development.
The Security Council recognises the crucial role of regional and subregional organisations in post-conflict peacebuilding and their involvement at the earliest possible stage. The Security Council realizes that a clear regional perspective is necessary as most conflicts have interlocking political, security, humanitarian and economic dynamics across borders. The Security Council underscores in this respect the need for enhanced cooperation and, where appropriate, coordination between United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in peacebuilding, based on a more integrated approach and with the aim of maximising use of available resources and capabilities.
The Security Council stresses the importance of a comprehensive international and regional approach to disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants that is not limited to the political and security aspects, but also addresses its social and economic aspects, including special needs of child soldiers and women.
The Security Council stresses the special needs of Africa in post‑conflict situations and encourages the international community to pay particular attention to those needs. It welcomes the ever-closer partnership between the African Union, the African subregional organisations and the United Nations in the area of peacemaking and peacekeeping and stresses the importance of extending this partnership to peacebuilding efforts.
The Security Council underscores the importance of cooperation between United Nations peacekeeping operations and the United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies. The Security Council stresses the importance of ensuring that planning and implementation of United Nations humanitarian, peacekeeping, political and developmental activities at country level are well coordinated system-wide, including through the development of shared strategic objectives. The Security Council stresses that the United Nations should function as one integrated entity at country level under effective overall leadership in post-conflict peacebuilding.
The Security Council stresses the need to ensure adequate and timely financing for peacebuilding priorities at all stages of the peace process, and stresses the need for sustained financial investment in peacebuilding over the medium to longer-term period of recovery. It recognizes the importance of rapid initiation of peacebuilding activities to meet immediate needs and encourages the building of capabilities that can be incorporated rapidly.
The Security Council welcomes the submission of the report of 21 March 2005 by the Secretary-General In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all (A/59/2005) and of the report by the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change, A more secure world: Our shared responsibility. The Security Council acknowledges institutional gaps, identified in the reports, in the United Nations institutional machinery with respect to effectively, coherently, and comprehensively helping countries with transition from conflict to lasting peace and sustainable development.
The Security Council takes note with interest of the important proposal by the Secretary-General to establish a Peacebuilding Commission and shares the objective of improving United Nations capacity to coordinate with donors and troop contributors and to perform peacebuilding activities, in particular from the start of peacekeeping operations through stabilization, reconstruction and development. The Security Council recognizes the important role that this body could play to bridge the gap between maintenance of international peace and security and the work of humanitarian and economic development assistance.
S/PRST/2005/21 Condemnation of all acts of sexual abuse, exploitation by UN peacekeepers
Date: 31 May 2005 Meeting: 5191
The Security Council recognizes the vital role that United Nations peacekeeping operations have played for decades in bringing peace and stability to countries emerging from war. The Council further recognizes that, with few exceptions, the women and men who serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations do so with the utmost professionalism, dedication and, in some cases, make the ultimate sacrifice.
The Security Council is deeply concerned with the allegations of sexual misconduct by United Nations peacekeeping personnel. The distinguished and honourable record of accomplishment in United Nations peacekeeping is being tarnished by the acts of a few individuals.
The Security Council condemns, in the strongest terms, all acts of sexual abuse and exploitation committed by United Nations peacekeeping personnel. The Council reiterates that sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable and have a detrimental effect on the fulfilment of mission mandates.
The Security Council, while confirming that the conduct and discipline of troops is primarily the responsibility of Troop Contributing Countries, recognizes the shared responsibility of the Secretary-General and all Member States to take every measure within their purview to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by all categories of personnel in United Nations peacekeeping missions, to enforce United Nations standards of conduct in this regard. The Security Council reiterates the importance of ensuring that sexual exploitation and abuse are properly investigated and appropriately punished.
The Security Council underlines that the provision of an environment in which sexual exploitation and abuse are not tolerated is primarily the responsibility of managers and commanders.
The Security Council welcomes the comprehensive report on sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations Peacekeeping Personnel (A/59/710), prepared by the Secretary-General’s Adviser on this issue, H.R.H. Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein, Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations. The Council also welcomes the report of the resumed session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping (A/59/19/Add.1).
The Security Council urges the Secretary-General and Troop Contributing Countries to ensure that the recommendations of the Special Committee, which fall within their respective responsibilities, are implemented without delay.
The Security Council will consider including relevant provisions for prevention, monitoring, investigation and reporting of misconduct cases in its resolutions establishing new mandates or renewing existing mandates. In this regard, the Security Council calls on the Secretary-General to include, in his regular reporting of peacekeeping missions, a summary of the preventive measures taken to implement a zero-tolerance policy and of the outcome of actions taken against personnel found culpable of sexual exploitation and abuse.
S/PRST/2005/22 Condemnation of 2 June terrorist bombing that killed Lebanese journalist
Date: 7 June 2005 Meeting: 5197
The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the 2 June terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed a Lebanese journalist, Samir Qassir, who was a symbol of political independence and freedom, and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and to the people of Lebanon.
The Security Council welcomes the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this assassination and determines that this assassination, like others before it, constitutes a pernicious effort to undermine security, stability, sovereignty, political independence and efforts aimed at preserving civil accord in the country.
The Security Council expresses its concern about the destabilizing impact of political assassinations and other terrorist acts in Lebanon, and warns that the sponsors of recent terrorist acts against political leaders and leading members of civil society in Lebanon should not be permitted to jeopardize the holding of parliamentary elections in transparent, free and democratic conditions.
The Security Council calls upon all parties to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to the successful completion of the electoral process and government formation in the country.
The Security Council reaffirms its resolution 1559, and reiterates its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon. The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.
S/PRST/2005/23 Welcome of elections and inauguration of Autonomous Bougainville Government
Date: 15 June 2005 Meeting: 5201
The Security Council welcomes the First General Elections for the President and Members of the House of Representatives of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville held from 20 May through 9 June 2005, and considers that they were competently and transparently conducted, as noted by the International Observer Team. The Council congratulates the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the people of Bougainville on this achievement and takes note that these elections, which reflect the expressed will of the people of Bougainville, mark a significant and historical landmark in the Bougainville peace process and make it possible to enter into a new stage for further implementation of the Peace Agreement.
The Council further welcomes the inauguration of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in its full capacity, and affirms its continuing support for the people of Bougainville.
The Council urges those who did not participate in the electoral process to respect the outcome of the elections and support without delay the Autonomous Bougainville Government in its peacebuilding efforts.
The Security Council pays tribute to the efforts of the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville leaders for fully implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The Security Council commends the support by the international community, in particular the significant contributions made by the countries in the region, partners in the donor community as well as the United Nations. The Council also expressed its appreciation for the commendable role played by the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum in dispatching electoral observers for the smooth conduct of the elections.
The Security Council notes with satisfaction that the performance of the United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB), as well as that of its preceding United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB), manifested that a small United Nations special political mission with a clearly defined mandate can make a critical contribution to a regional conflict resolution effort in an efficient and effective manner.
The Security Council encourages the ongoing support and commitment by the international community to the efforts by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the people of Bougainville in pursuit of their economic and social development, as well as, for a sustainable peace in the region.
S/PRST/2005/24 Renewal of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 17 June 2005 Meeting: 5205
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/2005/379) 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/2005/25 Protection of civilians in armed conflict
Date: 2 June 2005 Meeting: 5209
The Security Council, recalling its resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000) as well as statements made by its Presidents on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, reiterates its commitment to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on civilian populations.
The Council reaffirms its strong condemnation of the deliberate targeting of civilians or other protected persons in situations of armed conflict, and calls upon all parties to put an end to such practices. It expresses in particular its deep concern at the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. It calls upon all States to put an end to impunity also in this regard.
The Council is gravely concerned about limited progress on the ground to ensure the effective protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict. It stresses in particular the urgent need for providing better physical protection for displaced populations as well as for other vulnerable groups, in particular women and children. Efforts should be focused in areas where these populations and groups are most at risk. At the same time, it considers that contributing to the establishment of a secure environment for all vulnerable populations should be a key objective of peacekeeping operations.
The Council invites, accordingly, the Secretary-General to include in his next report recommendations on ways to better address the persisting and emerging protection challenges in the evolving peacekeeping environment. Upon receipt of this report, it expresses its intention to take further action to strengthen and enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including, if necessary, a possible resolution in this regard.
S/PRST/2005/26 Commendation for Lebanon ’s successful parliamentary elections
Date: 22 June 2005 Meeting: 5212
The Security Council welcomes the Lebanese parliamentary elections held between 29 May and 19 June 2005. It commends the fair and credible character of the vote and pays tribute to the Lebanese people who demonstrated, throughout the process, their strong commitment to democracy, freedom and independence.
The Security Council congratulates the newly elected members of the Lebanese Parliament.
The Security Council commends the Lebanese Government for the successful conduct of the elections, in accordance with the constitution and the planned schedule. It expresses its appreciation for the advice and technical support given to the Lebanese authorities by the UN Electoral Assistance Division. The Security Council also pays tribute to the crucial contribution of the international observers, notably from the European Union. In this regard, it welcomes the report of the EU observer mission and its conclusions regarding the satisfactory conduct of the four electoral stages.
The Security Council looks forward to the formation of a new government in the near future. It stresses that the establishment of this government in accordance with the constitutional rules and without any foreign interference would be another sign of the political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.
The Security Council reaffirms that the Lebanese people must be allowed to decide the future of their country free of violence and intimidation. It strongly condemns, in this context, the recent terrorist acts in Lebanon, in particular the heinous assassination of former leader of the Communist Party George Hawi, and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The Security Council reaffirms its profound commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Lebanon. It underlines accordingly the need for the newly elected Lebanese authorities to exercise their full sovereignty over the entire territory, to preserve unity through national dialogue, to strengthen nation’s institutions and to respect the principles of good governance, in the sole interest of the Lebanese people.
The Security Council calls upon the international community to stand ready to examine possible requests from the newly elected Lebanese authorities for enhanced assistance and cooperation, in support of a credible governmental program of political and economic reform.
The Security Council reiterates its call for the full implementation of all requirements of Resolution 1559 (2004) and urges all concerned parties to cooperate fully with the Security Council and the Secretary General to achieve this goal.
The Security Council also calls for the full implementation of Resolution 1595 (2005) and looks forward to the cooperation of the newly elected Lebanese authorities in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms its strong support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon.
S/PRST/2005/27 Extension of transitional period in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 29 June 2005 Meeting: 5218
The Security Council takes note of the joint decision reached by the two Houses of Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 17 June 2005 to extend for a period of six months, renewable once, the Transitional period that was to expire on 30 June 2005, in accordance with the provisions of the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002 and with article 196 of the Transitional Constitution.
The Security Council calls on all Congolese parties to respect this decision, which aims to allow the elections provided for by this Agreement to take place in satisfactory logistic and security conditions. It encourages the Congolese people to mobilize for and conduct the electoral process in a peaceful manner, and urges in particular the candidates and political parties to refrain from any action that might disrupt this process. It takes note in this regard of the recommendation contained in the special report of the Secretary-General on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo dated 26 May 2005 (S/2005/320) that all political parties should sign and commit themselves to respect the agreed Code of conduct for the electoral process. The Council urges all parties and Transitional institutions to make every effort to respect scrupulously the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission, and in particular to begin preparations for the referendum on the draft Constitution as soon as possible.
The Security Council welcomes progress made so far in the preparation of the elections, in particular the adoption and promulgation of the referendum law, and the start of voter registration in Kinshasa, which marks an historic and important step in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council calls on the Transitional authorities to accelerate those reforms remaining to be carried out, in particular drafting of the electoral law and integration of the security forces.
The Security Council underlines the importance of elections as the foundation for the longer term restoration of peace and stability, national reconciliation, and establishment of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It calls upon the Congolese authorities to exercise efficient, transparent and comprehensive control over State finances, ensuring that there is no impunity for those responsible for acts of embezzlement or corruption. In this regard, the Council encourages the Congolese authorities to continue consultations with their international partners, in full respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to put in place credible arrangements to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management.
S/PRST/2005/28 Implementation of peace process in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 6 July 2005 Meeting: 5221
The Security Council has taken note with interest of the Declaration on the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement on the peace-process in Côte d’Ivoire signed on 29 June 2005 in Pretoria under the auspices of the African Union Mediator, President Thabo Mbeki,
The Security Council welcomes the efforts undertaken by the African Union Mediation so that the forthcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire are credible and held as planned, and reiterates its full support to the African Union Mediator,
The Security Council recalls that it has endorsed the Pretoria Agreement signed on 6 April 2005,
The Security Council demands that all the signatories to this Agreement and all the Ivorian parties concerned implement fully and without delay all the commitments made with the African Union Mediation and comply scrupulously with the timetable agreed on 29 June 2005 in Pretoria,
The Security Council affirms that it stands ready, in close consultation with the African Union Mediation, to implement individual sanctions provided for in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) against those who do not comply with these commitments or constitute an obstacle to their full implementation.
S/PRST/2005/29 Condemnation of assassination of Egypt’s Ambassador to Iraq
Date: 8 July 2005 Meeting: 5224
The Security Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the assassination of the recently appointed Head of the Egyptian Mission to Iraq, H.E. Ambassador Ihab El Sherif on 7 July and expresses its condolences to the family of the victim and to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Security Council also condemns all terrorist attacks in Iraq, including the attempted assassinations of diplomats from Bahrain and Pakistan and attacks against other civilian personnel.
The Security Council emphasizes that there can be no justification for such terrorist acts and underlines the need to bring to justice the perpetrators.
The Security Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the Iraqi people in their political transition, as outlined in UNSCR 1546. The Security Council also reaffirms Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and calls upon the international community to stand by the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability and democracy.
The Security Council welcomes Egypt’s continued commitment in this regard, as stated in a letter by the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt addressed to the President of the Council (S/2005/438) and recognizes the important role of Egypt and other neighbouring countries in supporting the political process, helping control transit across Iraq’s borders, and extending other support to the Iraqi people.
S/PRST/2005/30 Maintenance of international peace and security
Date: 12 July 2005 Meeting: 5225
The Security Council reaffirms the purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and bears in mind its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security.
The Security Council remains deeply concerned by the devastating humanitarian, political and economic consequences of armed conflicts; and stresses the overriding political and moral imperatives to prevent the outbreak and escalation of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, and the benefits therein for peace and development and friendly relations among all States.
The Security Council acknowledges the importance of helping to prevent future conflicts through addressing their root causes in a legitimate and fair manner.
The Security Council reiterates the importance it attaches to the promotion and urgent restoration of justice and the rule of law in post-conflict societies and in promoting national reconciliation, democratic development, and human rights. The Council recognizes that ending impunity is important in peace agreements, and can contribute to efforts to come to terms with past abuses and to achieve national reconciliation to prevent future conflict. The Security Council recalls that it has repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of States to end impunity and bring to justice those responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The Security Council further recognizes the increasing importance of civilian aspects of conflict management in addressing complex crisis situations and in preventing the recurrence of conflict and acknowledges the importance of civilian-military cooperation in crisis management. When approving a United Nations operation, the Council should take into account the essential role of military and civilian police in assisting the stabilization of crises situations and the maintenance of security. At the same time, the Council acknowledges that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General assisted by civilian advisers could play a key coordination role in the provision of humanitarian assistance, the re-establishment of public order, the functioning of public institutions, as well as rehabilitation, reconstruction and peace building, which lead to long-term sustainable development.
The Security Council stresses the need to ensure adequate and timely financing for peacebuilding priorities at all stages of the peace process, and stresses the need for sustained financial investment in peacebuilding over the medium to longer-term period of recovery. It recognizes the importance of rapid initiation of peacebuilding activities to meet immediate needs and encourages the building of capabilities that can be incorporated rapidly.
The Security Council takes note with interest of the important proposal by the Secretary-General to establish a Peacebuilding Commission and shares the objective of improving United Nations capacity to coordinate with donors and troop contributors and to perform peacebuilding activities, in particular from the start of peacekeeping operations through stabilization, reconstruction and development. The Security Council recognizes the important role that this body could play to bridge the gap between maintenance of international peace and security and the work of humanitarian and economic development assistance.
The Security Council acknowledges that in post conflict societies successful peacebuilding rests on the premise that protection of civilians, the promotion of the rule of law and transitional justice, disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of former combatants, security sector and democratic, economic and social reform are integrated elements and that national ownership plays an important role which should be supported by the international community, including the regional organizations.
The Security Council emphasizes that security sector reform is an essential element of any stabilization process in post-conflict environments, underlines that it is inextricably linked with promotion of the rule of law, transitional justice, DDR and the protection of civilians, among others, and acknowledges the need for more adequate preparation, including mobilization of necessary planning resources, and more coherent approaches by the United Nations and the international community in addressing these issues.
The Security Council acknowledges the need to give adequate attention to security sector reform in the future, drawing on best practices that have been developed in this area. The Security Council stresses also the need seriously to consider the promotion of the rule of law and transitional justice, the DDR process and security sector reform, their inter-linkage and the availability of adequate resources, when approving the necessary mandates for United Nations operations.
S/PRST/2005/31 Condemnation of massacre of women and children in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 13 June 2005 Meeting: 5226
The Security Council condemns with the utmost firmness the massacre of some fifty people, most of them women and children, which occurred on 9 July 2005 in Ntulu-Mamba, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Security Council requests the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to establish the facts and report to the Council as quickly as possible.
The Security Council calls upon the Congolese authorities to prosecute and bring to justice expeditiously the perpetrators and those responsible for these crimes, and requests the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) to provide all necessary support. The Council encourages the Congolese authorities to continue their efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for human rights within their territory.
The Security Council stresses the need to bring to an end, particularly in the Kivus and Ituri, attacks by armed groups on local populations, which not only cause further suffering to civilians but also threaten the stability of the entire region, including the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council demands that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda abide by the commitment made in Rome, on 31 March 2005, renounce the use of force and settle without delay the issue of their combatants’ return to Rwanda.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for MONUC. It welcomes the robust actions MONUC is undertaking in pursuit of its mandate, and the assistance it provides to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in reinforcing the safety of the population.
S/PRST/2005/32 Conclusion of national security and stabilization plan in Somalia
Date: 14 July 2005 Meeting: 5227
The Security Council reaffirms all its previous decisions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statements by its President (S/PRST/2004/43) dated 19 November 2004, and (S/PRST/2005/11) of 7 March 2005.
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 16 June 2005 (S/2005/392), 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 Somalia, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council is encouraged by the relocation now under way of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) to Somalia, urges further progress in this regard and calls upon the Somali leaders to continue to work towards reconciliation, through inclusive dialogue and consensus-building within the framework of the TFIs, in accordance with the Transitional Federal Charter of the Somali Republic adopted in February 2004.
The Security Council expresses its concern at the recent disagreements and increased tensions among Somali leaders, which threaten the viability of the TFIs. The Security Council calls on all leaders in Somalia to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate effective steps to reduce tension. Violence or military action by any members of the TFIs or other parties is unacceptable as the means for dealing with the current differences within the TFIs. The Security Council reiterates that any members of the TFIs or other parties who persist on the path of confrontation and conflict, including military action, will be held accountable.
The Security Council urges the Transitional Federal Institutions to conclude without delay a national security and stabilization plan, to include a comprehensive and verifiable ceasefire agreement leading to final disarmament, and welcomes the willingness of the United Nations to provide advice in this regard.
The Security Council commends the commitment of the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in support of the TFIs’ relocation to Somalia and reiterates its support for those efforts in assisting the process of transition in Somalia. The Security Council welcomes the readiness of the AU and IGAD to reinforce their continued support for the establishment of a functioning central government of Somalia, including the possible deployment of a Peace Support Mission to Somalia, and encourages the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) to keep the Security Council informed of all developments. The Security Council expects the AU and IGAD to work out a detailed mission plan in close coordination with and with the broad consensus of the TFIs and consistent with a national security and stabilization plan.
The Security Council takes note of the PSC’s request to the Security Council for the authorization of an exemption on the arms embargo imposed against Somalia by resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, contained in the AU’s PSC Communiqués of 12 May and 3 July 2005. The Security Council stands ready to consider this matter on the basis of information on the mission plan mentioned in paragraph 6 in due course.
The Security Council further reminds all parties in Somalia, including all members of the TFIs, as well as all Member States, of their obligation to implement and enforce the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council under Resolution 733 (1992). Continued non-compliance with this measure undermines the efforts of those who seek to establish peace in Somalia. There can be no effective and lasting progress in Somalia as long as arms and ammunition flow unchecked across Somalia’s borders. A stable and secure environment in Somalia is essential to the future success of the national reconciliation process.
The Security Council welcomes the continued engagement of donors in supporting the establishment of a functioning government in Somalia through the mechanism of the Coordination and Monitoring Committee (CMC) and in fulfilment of the Declaration of Principles. The Security Council encourages donor countries, regional and subregional organizations to continue to contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Somalia, in particular through the mechanism of the Rapid Assistance Programme and efforts coordinated by the United Nations.
The Security Council stresses that improving the humanitarian situation is an essential component of support for the peace and reconciliation process. The Security Council reiterates that ensuring humanitarian access to all Somalis in need and providing guarantees for the safety and security of aid workers is an immediate priority and obligation of the TFIs. The Security Council further welcomes the ongoing efforts and work of the business community, humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society and women’s groups to facilitate the demilitarization of Somalia.
The Security Council deplores the recent hijacking of a vessel off the coast of Somalia that had been chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP) and was carrying food aid for tsunami victims, and notes the subsequent decision by the WFP to suspend all shipments of humanitarian assistance to Somalia. The Security Council expresses its concern at the impact of these developments, and calls for the quick and appropriate resolution of this incident. The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the brutal murder of Somali peace activist Abdulkadir Yahya Ali on 11 July in Mogadishu. The Security Council calls for the incident to be investigated immediately and for those responsible to be held fully accountable.
The Security Council welcomes the steps being taken to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and reaffirms its strong support for the leadership of the Secretary-General Special Representative (SRSG) in his efforts in fostering inclusive dialogue among the leaders of the TFIs. The Security Council calls upon all Somali parties and Member States to extend to him their fullest cooperation in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the peace process in Somalia and the commitment of the United Nations to assist the regional and subregional efforts in this regard.
S/PRST/2005/33 Recognition of peacekeepers as vital in fight against HIV/AIDS
Date: 18 July 2005 Meeting: 5228
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1308 (2000). The Council also recalls the United Nations General Assembly Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS of June 2001.
The Security Council welcomes the collaboration between DPKO and UNAIDS and its co-sponsors to address HIV/AIDS awareness among peacekeeping personnel, both uniformed and civilian. The Council commends UNAIDS for developing, in cooperation with interested States, national programmes to address HIV/AIDS among their uniformed personnel. The Council recognizes the significant number of direct and indirect beneficiaries of the programmes worldwide.
The Security Council recognizes that men and women in the uniformed services are vital elements in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Council welcomes the efforts by Member States, including through existing national programmes, DPKO, UNAIDS and other stakeholders, to counter the spread of the disease. The Council encourages Member States, in the preparation of their personnel for participation in peacekeeping operations, to employ best practices in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, awareness, countering stigma and discrimination, voluntary confidential counselling and testing, and care and treatment.
The Security Council recognizes that United Nations peacekeeping personnel can be important contributors to the response to HIV/AIDS, particularly for vulnerable communities in post-conflict environments. The Council welcomes the action taken by the Secretary-General and the United Nations peacekeeping missions to integrate HIV/AIDS awareness in their mandated activities and outreach projects for vulnerable communities, and urges them to pay particular attention to the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS. In this context, the Council encourages further cooperation between DPKO and UNAIDS and its co-sponsors, non-governmental organizations and civil society, bilateral and multilateral donors and national Governments.
The Security Council recognizes that significant progress has been made in implementation of resolution 1308 (2000) but that many challenges remain. The Council expresses its readiness to further promote and support the implementation of this resolution. In order to maintain and consolidate momentum, the Council welcomes regular briefings, as needed, by DPKO and UNAIDS on the progress made, as a measure to strengthen commitment and accountability at the highest levels and ensure sustained monitoring and evaluation of the impact of programmes. The Council reaffirms its intention to contribute, within its competence, to the attainment of the relevant objectives in the declaration adopted at the twenty-sixth special session of the General Assembly in carrying out the Council’s work, in particular in its follow-up to resolution 1308 (2000).
S/PRST/2005/34 Reaffirms importance of anti-terrorism committees
Date: 20 July 2005 Meeting: 5229
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 motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The Security Council reiterates its condemnation of the Al-Qaida network and other terrorist groups for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts, aimed at causing death, destruction of property and undermining stability. The Security Council also reaffirms that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security and recalls its grave concern about the risk posed by non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery.
The Security Council reiterates its call on all Member States to become parties to all 12 International Conventions against terrorism, and in this context drew attention to the Treaty Event being held in New York in September, and encourages Member States to take that opportunity also to sign the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The Security Council calls on Member States to cooperate on an expedited basis to resolve all outstanding issues with a view to adopting the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism.
The Security Council urges all States to cooperate to bring to justice, in accordance with the principle of extradite or prosecute, the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of acts of terrorism. Recent events, as condemned by the Security Council in resolution 1611 (2005) and S/PRST/2005/29, stress the urgency and necessity of redoubling efforts to combat terrorism.
The Security Council welcomes the briefings by the Chairmen of the Al Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), the Counter Terrorism Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on the work of the three Committees. The Security Council reaffirms the importance and the urgency it attaches to the implementation of the provisions of the resolutions relevant to the three Committees as well as the fulfilment of the mandates of the three Committees. The Security Council therefore strongly encourages Member States as well as the respective Committees to redouble their efforts to seek ways to further strengthen the implementation of resolution 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), in accordance with the provisions of these and other relevant resolutions.
The Security Council reaffirms its call for enhanced cooperation among the three Committees, as well as their respective group of experts, in monitoring States’ implementation of the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions, with due respect for their different mandates, including through enhanced information sharing, coordinated response to late submission of States’ reports to the three Committees, and other issues of relevance to all the three Committees. The Security Council also invites the three Committees to continue cooperation with the working group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004).
The Security Council urges Member States to redouble their efforts to implement the provisions of the resolutions relevant to the three Committees. While reaffirming that the responsibility for implementing the provisions of these resolutions rests with the States, the Security Council encourages States to seek the necessary assistance to ensure that the necessary capacity to implement the resolutions is available.
The Security Council reiterates that relevant international, regional and subregional organizations can play a crucial role in supporting the goals of these resolutions, raising awareness of their importance, and helping their members implement them. The Security Council encourages such organizations, as or when proposed by the relevant Committee, where appropriate, to provide the necessary technical assistance. Moreover, the Security Council encourages its Counter-Terrorism Committee, Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions Committee, and, when appropriate its 1540 Committee, as well as relevant organizations, to enhance cooperation with a view to identifying, promoting, and developing, as appropriate, best practices to provide clarity and guidance to States on implementation of the provisions of the relevant resolutions.
The Security Council encourages Member States in a position to do so to make technical assistance available on a priority basis.
The Security Council invites the three Committees to continue reporting on their activities at regular intervals and, where appropriate, in a coordinated manner.
S/PRST/2005/35 Successful presidential and legislative elections in Central African Republic
Date: 22 July 2005 Meeting: 5232
The Security Council heard a briefing by the Representative of the Secretary-General, General Lamine Cissé, on the situation in the Central African Republic and the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA). It reiterated its full support for the action of the Representative of the Secretary-General.
The Security Council is deeply gratified by the successful holding of the presidential and legislative elections and welcomes the establishment of the newly elected institutions whose stability is necessary to ensure lasting peace in the Central African Republic.
The Security Council acknowledges the efforts by the Central African defence and security forces to guarantee satisfactory security conditions during the electoral process, and commends the Multinational Force of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (FOMUC), France, the European Union, China and Germany for providing decisive support to them.
The Security Council appreciates the vital role played in the process by FOMUC to date, and expresses its support for continuing efforts by FOMUC to back the consolidation of the constitutional order, which has thus been re-established, and the rebuilding of the rule of law. In this regard, it welcomes the decision of the States of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community to extend the mandate of FOMUC.
The Security Council invites the Government of the Central African Republic, and all the political and social forces, to consolidate the national dialogue and to ensure national reconciliation with a view to achieving sustainable development in their country.
The Security Council calls upon international donors and the international financial institutions to continue to assist the Central African Republic generously. It emphasizes that their support will be indispensable for the country’s economic and social recovery and encourages them to formulate in close consultation with the United Nations system and the Government of the Central African Republic a concerted development strategy.
The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to explore in close consultation with the authorities of the Central African Republic and the country’s development partners the possibility of setting up a follow-up committee or enlarging the Committee of Foreign Partners to Follow Up on the Electoral Process in order to support the reconstruction efforts initiated by the Central Africans. It invites the Secretary-General to report to it on his consultations through his Representative in the Central African Republic, no later than 31 October 2005.
The Security Council expresses its concern at the insecurity reigning in the north and the west of the country owing to the presence of armed groups in these regions and invites relevant States to consult with subregional and regional organizations and with the United Nations Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA) on the action required to respond collectively to the threat posed by these armed groups to the stability of the Central African Republic and certain countries of the subregion.
The Security Council expresses also its deep concern at the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, in particular in the north of the country. It calls upon the international community to contribute generously to the humanitarian needs of the Central African Republic.
S/PRST/2005/36 Condemnation of terrorist attacks in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt
Date: 27 July 2005 Meeting: 5239
The Security Council unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on 23 July 2005, and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, and to the people and Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt as well as to all other countries whose citizens have been killed or injured in these attacks.
The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this horrendous act to justice and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively with the Egyptian authorities in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international 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 further reaffirms 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.
The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/PRST/2005/37 Condemnation of assassination of Algerian diplomats in Baghdad
Date: 27 July 2005 Meeting: 5240
The Security Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the assassination, today, 27 July 2005, of the two Algerian diplomats, accredited at the Algerian Embassy to Iraq, M. Ali Belaroussi and M. Azzedine Belkadi, and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Algeria.
The Security Council emphasizes that there can be no justification for such terrorist acts and underlines the need to bring to justice its perpetrators.
The Security Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the Iraqi people in their political transition, as outlined in resolution 1546 (2004). The Security Council also reaffirms Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and calls upon the international community to stand by the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability and democracy.
S/PRST/2005/38 Expression of condolences at death of Sudan’s First Vice-President
Date: 2 August 2005 Meeting: 5245
The Security Council expresses its profound regret over the death of First Vice President of Sudan Dr. John Garang de Mabior in a helicopter crash on 30 July 2005. The Security Council offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Dr. Garang and to the people and Government of the Republic of Sudan.
This is a time for the world community to come together to support Dr. Garang’s vision of a united and peaceful Sudan. The Security Council commends the perseverance and commitment which the parties in Sudan demonstrated in achieving the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the promise of a new future. Over the last few years, Dr. Garang’s courageous efforts were instrumental in ending the over 21-year civil war that cost the lives of millions of Sudanese. His leadership offered hope of democracy and peace for all people of Sudan.
The Security Council calls on all Sudanese to honour his memory by restoring peace and calm throughout Sudan. The Security Council trusts that, despite the sudden death of Dr. Garang, the people of Sudan remain united and continue to work for the consolidation of peace in the country by implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for which Dr. Garang worked unstintingly.
The Security Council stresses that the death of Dr. Garang should not deter the struggle of the Sudanese people for justice and dignity; and encourages the people of Sudan to refrain from violence and maintain peace in the midst of mourning.
The Security Council reiterates its determination to assist the Sudanese people in their efforts to promote national reconciliation, resolve the conflict in Darfur and restore peace and stability throughout the country, and to build a prosperous and united Sudan.
The Security Council looks to the international community to continue its support for the people of Sudan to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and to proceed with the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.
S/PRST/2005/39 Acknowledges with satisfaction successful presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau
Date: 19 August 2005 Meeting: 5248
The Security Council acknowledges with satisfaction the successful holding of the presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau and the announcement by the National Electoral Commission of the final results of the ballot. This marks an important step towards the restoration of constitutional order. The Security Council takes note of the appeal filed with the Supreme Court of Justice by one of the contenders and strongly encourages all parties to honour their commitments and accept the final ruling of the Court. The Security Council urges them to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the efforts towards peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau.
The Security Council commends the people of Guinea-Bissau for their encouraging participation in the electoral process.
The Security Council pays tribute to Guinea-Bissau’s partners and neighbours, which provided indispensable support for the holding of the elections. The Security Council also congratulates international observers on the essential role they played throughout the country, and welcomes their statement recognizing the presidential elections as free, fair and transparent.
The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the contribution made by the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the Economic Community of West African States, the European Union, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union, the Representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau and the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), bilateral partners and international financial institutions. The Security Council underlines the importance of their timely diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting national dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
Considering the challenges still facing Guinea-Bissau, the Security Council urges all relevant national and international parties to reaffirm their commitment to peace and democracy in Guinea-Bissau, and calls upon bilateral development partners of Guinea-Bissau, international financial institutions and United Nations agencies to increase their support for economic and social development and the consolidation of national institutions, as well as the promotion of good governance and human rights, in particular by providing emergency financial assistance and technical support, in the short run, and by participating actively in the Donor Round Table Conference to be held in November 2005.
The Security Council therefore welcomes the decision taken by the Economic and Social Council on 26 July 2005 to extend the mandate of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Guinea-Bissau, and commends the group for its work.
The Security Council invites the Secretary-General to present recommendations in his next report regarding the updating of UNOGBIS’s mandate and role in the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau in the post-transition period.
S/PRST/2005/40 Need for high-level commitment by international community in Afghanistan
Date: 23 August 2005 Meeting: 5249
The Security Council welcomes the progress in the preparations for the parliamentary (Wolesi Jirga) and provincial council elections scheduled for 18 September 2005, including the compilation of the final candidate list and updating of voter registration, and encourages all Afghan participants, especially the candidates and their supporters, to work constructively to ensure that the ongoing electoral campaigns are conducted peacefully, in an environment free of intimidation, and that the elections can be held successfully. The Council calls upon the international community to extend additional financial assistance in order to fill the gap of USD $29.6 million for these elections.
The Security Council expresses grave concern about the increased attacks by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups in Afghanistan over the past few months. The Council condemns the attempts to disrupt the political process by terrorist acts or other forms of violence in Afghanistan. The Council, in this regard, endorses the effort of the Afghan government, with the support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) coalition, within their respective responsibilities, to improve the safety and stability of the country.
The Security Council also stresses the importance of continued cooperation and increased dialogue between neighbouring states and the Afghan government to promote regional development and the long-term peace and stability of Afghanistan.
The Security Council notes the progress made to date, in particular in Security Sector Reform, and in this regard welcomes the completion of the disarmament of the Afghan Military Forces (AMF). The Council expresses its strong view that the international community must maintain a high level of commitment to assist Afghanistan in addressing its remaining challenges, including the security situation, disbandment of illegal armed groups, the production and trafficking of drugs, development of Afghan government institutions, acceleration of justice sector reform, promotion and protection of human rights, and sustainable economic and social development.
The Security Council welcomes the desire of the international community and the Afghan government to agree a new framework for international engagement beyond the completion of the Bonn political process. The Council expresses, in this regard, its readiness to review, based on the report of the Secretary-General to be submitted in accordance with its resolution 1589 (2005), and in the light of consultations the United Nations will have with the Government of Afghanistan and all concerned international actors, the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) after the completion of the electoral process, in order to allow the United Nations to continue to play a vital role in the post-Bonn period. The Council is also ready to consider the renewal of the mandate of ISAF prior to its expiration, upon the request of the Government of Afghanistan.
S/PRST/2005/41 Election of President of Burundi
Date: 30 August 2005 Meeting: 5252
The Security Council acknowledged the election of Pierre Nkurunziza as President of the Republic of Burundi, on 19 August 2005. This vote marks the welcome final step of the transitional process in Burundi. The conclusion of this transitional process represents an important milestone for the future of Burundi as well as the Great Lakes region as a whole.
The Security Council pays tribute to the spirit of peace and dialogue demonstrated by the Burundian people throughout the transitional period, and commends them for their encouraging participation in the electoral process. The Council calls on all parties to respect the will of the Burundian people, the elected Government and the commitments agreed during the transitional process. It encourages the new authorities to continue on the course of stability and national reconciliation and to promote social concord. It reaffirms in this regard that it is essential to bring an end to the climate of impunity.
The Security Council commends the critical contribution the Regional Initiative for peace in Burundi, the African Union and the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) made to the peace process. It calls upon all international partners of Burundi, including the States of the Regional Initiative and the main donors, to remain committed, and encourages them to agree with the Burundian authorities on the most appropriate framework to coordinate their support to reforms currently under way and to the consolidation of peace.
S/PRST/2005/42 Need for broad conflict prevention and pacific disputes settlement strategy
Date: 20 September 2005 Meeting: 5264
Recognizing the complex nature of threats to international peace and security, the Security Council underlined the need for a broad strategy for conflict prevention and pacific settlement of disputes in line with Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council stressed that the essential responsibility for conflict prevention rests with national governments, and that the United Nations and the international community can play an important role in support of national efforts for conflict prevention and can assist in building national capacity in this field and recognized the important supporting role of civil society.
The Security Council reaffirmed the need for this strategy to be based on engagement with governments, regional and subregional organizations as well as civil society organizations, as appropriate, reflecting the widest possible range of opinions.
The Security Council underlined the potential contributions of a vibrant and diverse civil society in conflict prevention, as well as in the peaceful settlement of disputes. They noted that a well-functioning civil society has the advantage of specialized knowledge, capabilities, experience, links with key constituencies, influence and resources, which can assist parties in conflict to achieve peaceful solution to disputes.
The Security Council noted that a vigorous and inclusive civil society could provide community leadership, help shape public opinion, and facilitate as well as contribute to reconciliation between conflicting communities. The Security Council also underscored the role that these actors could play in providing a bridge to dialogue and other confidence-building measures between parties in conflict.
The Security Council underscored and will strengthen its relationship with civil society, including as appropriate, through, inter alia, the use of “Arria-formula” meetings and meetings with local civil society organizations during Security Council missions.
The Security Council agreed to keep this item under review.
S/PRST/2005/43 Establishment of forum of Burundi ’s partners as international support mechanism
Date: 22 September 2005 Meeting: 5268
The Security Council took note of the Secretary-General’s special report on the situation in Burundi (S/2005/586) dated 14 September 2005, in particular the proposal to establish a partners’ forum as an international support mechanism.
The Security Council also took note of the Declaration adopted on 13 September 2005 in New York during the Summit on Burundi, co-chaired by the Secretary-General and the President of the Republic of Uganda, in his capacity as Chairman of the Regional Peace Initiative for Burundi.
The Security Council welcomes the decision taken during the Summit to establish a forum of Burundi’s partners and encourages the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to conclude discussions with all concerned partners in order to establish the forum as soon as possible.
The forum should work with the Government of Burundi in consolidating peace and national reconciliation in Burundi, supporting reforms being undertaken by the Government and in enhancing donor coordination, and work in close coordination with the Peacebuilding Commission once it is operational.
The Security Council also reiterates its call to the donor community to pursue bilateral and multilateral efforts to support the country.
S/PRST/2005/44 Call for support of goals set out in Quartet Statement
Date: 23 September 2005 Meeting: 5270
The Security Council supports the Statement issued in New York on 20 September 2005 by the Quartet, which is annexed to this statement.
The Security Council urges the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to cooperate, along with other parties concerned, with the efforts to achieve the goals set out in the Quartet Statement.
The Security Council calls for renewed action in parallel by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on their obligations in accordance with the Roadmap, to ensure continued progress towards the creation of an independent, sovereign, democratic and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
The Security Council stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.
Annex
Ouartet Statement
September 20,2005
New York
Representatives of the Quartet -- U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.K. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, High Representative for European Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner -- met today in New York to discuss the Gaza disengagement and the prospects for movement towards peace in the Middle East.
The Quartet recognizes and welcomes the successful conclusion of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank and the moment of opportunity that it brings to renew efforts on the Road Map. The Quartet reiterates its belief that this brave and historic decision should open a new chapter on the path to peace in the region. It paid tribute to the political courage of Prime Minister Sharon and commends the Israeli government, its armed forces and its police for the smooth and professional execution of the operation. It also expresses its appreciation for the responsible behaviour of the Palestinian Authority and people for helping maintain a peaceful environment during the evacuation. The Quartet applauds the close coordination between the Israeli and Palestinian security services during the process. These significant developments create new opportunities and call for renewed focus on the responsibilities of all parties. The conclusion of disengagement represents an important step towards achieving the vision of two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security.
The Quartet commends continued cooperation between both parties and the U.S. Security Coordinator, General William Ward, on security issues related to the disengagement. The Quartet calls for an end to all violence and terror. While the Palestinian Authority leadership has condemned violence and has sought to encourage Palestinian groups who have engaged in terrorism to abandon this course and engage in the democratic process, the Quartet further urges the Palestinian Authority to maintain law and order and dismantle terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. The Quartet reaffirms the continued importance of comprehensive reform of the Palestinian security services. The rule of law through authorized security institutions is fundamental to democratic practice. The Quartet expresses appreciation to those parties which have made contributions to the security reform effort, particularly Egypt, the European Union, and the United States. Finally, the Quartet welcomes the agreement between the Governments of Israel and Egypt on security arrangements along the Gaza-Egypt border.
At today's meeting, Quartet Special Envoy Wolfensohn's report on his current efforts and initiatives was discussed. The Quartet encourages his further work to facilitate continued discussion between the parties to build on the success of disengagement. The Palestinian Authority should demonstrate its ability to govern, and all members of the international community should look for ways to support these efforts. The Quartet will continue to lead international efforts to support sustainable growth of the Palestinian economy and to strengthen the overall capacity of the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities through an aggressive pursuit of state building and democratic reform efforts. Given the critical importance of free movement in the West Bank to the viability of the Palestinian economy, the Quartet urges an easing of the system of movement restrictions, consistent with Israel’s security needs. The Quartet reaffirms that coordinated action by the international donor community is crucial for the success of the Quartet Special Envoy’s Quick Impact Economic Programme, as well as for the longer term three year plan for Palestinian development. In this regard, it notes the importance of the $750 million in assistance which will be disbursed to the Palestinian Authority during the remainder of this year. The Quartet urges Arab states to implement existing commitments and to engage fully and positively in response to the Special Envoy’s initiatives. To ensure the success of this effort, the Quartet views continued progress on institutional reform of the Palestinian Authority, as well as progress in combating corruption, as essential. The Quartet also welcomes the announcement of Palestinian Legislative Council elections and upcoming municipal elections.
Looking beyond disengagement, the Quartet reviewed progress on implementation of the Road Map. The Quartet calls for renewed action in parallel by both parties on their obligations in accordance with the sequence of the Roadmap. As part of the confidence-building process the Quartet urged both sides to return to the cooperative agenda reached at Sharm el-Sheikh. Contacts between the parties should be intensified at all levels. The Quartet charges the Envoys to keep progress under review.
Both parties are reminded of their obligations under the Road Map to avoid unilateral actions which prejudice final status issues. The Quartet reaffirms that any final agreement must be reached through negotiation between the parties and that a new Palestinian state must be truly viable with contiguity in the West Bank and connectivity to Gaza. On settlements, the Quartet welcomed the fact that, in areas covered by disengagement, Israel has gone beyond its obligations under the first phase of the Road Map. The Quartet expresses its concern that settlement expansion elsewhere must stop, and Israel must remove unauthorized outposts. The Quartet continues to note with concern the route of the Israeli separation barrier, particularly as it results in the confiscation of Palestinian land, cuts off the movement of people and goods, and undermines Palestinians’ trust in the Road Map process as it appears to prejudge the final borders of a Palestinian State.
The Quartet members exchanged views on the Russian proposal to hold an international meeting of experts in Moscow. Contacts on this matter will continue, taking into consideration the need to give attention to the various aspects of the Middle East situation, including multilateral matters. The Quartet reiterates its commitment to the principles outlined in previous statements, including those of May 4, 2004, May 9, 2005, and June 23, 2005, and reaffirms its commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict based upon U.N. Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.
S/PRST/2005/45 Condemnation of terrorist bombing in Bali
Date: 4 October 2005 Meeting: 5274
The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing that took place in Bali, Indonesia on 1 October 2005, which has again fallen victim to a heinous act of terrorism.
The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, and to the people and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these intolerable acts to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate with and provide support and assistance, as appropriate, to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council further reaffirms 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.
The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/PRST/2005/46 Failure of foreign armed group to disarm combatants from Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 4 October 2005 Meeting: 5275
The Security Council takes note of the special report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/603) dated 26 September 2005, on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). It expresses its concern over the presence of foreign armed groups, which continue to pose a serious threat to stability in the eastern part of the country.
The Security Council deplores in this regard the failure of the Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda (FDLR) to proceed with the disarmament and repatriation of their combatants, and exhorts them to do so without further delay and in accordance with the declaration that they signed in Rome on 31 March 2005.
The Security Council recognizes the attached decision, taken on 16 September 2005 by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, acting within the framework of the Tripartite Plus One Commission, to set the deadline of 30 September 2005 for FDLR to disarm or otherwise to face measures intended to compel them to do so. FDLR can no longer remain as an armed group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Security Council demands that FDLR seize this opportunity to proceed voluntarily with their disarmament and return to Rwanda without any delay or preconditions.
The Security Council commends the political and military pressure placed on FDLR by the Congolese Government and MONUC.
The Security Council welcomes the steps taken by the Government of Rwanda, with the support of the international community, to peacefully repatriate FDLR members returning to Rwanda, in accordance with the applicable norms of international law and with respect for the rights and freedoms of the human person. The Council encourages the Government of Rwanda to continue to give the widest publicity to its commitments.
The Security Council demands the full cooperation of FDLR with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, particularly with regard to the arrest and transfer of indictees who remain at large.
Moreover, the Security Council notes with concern the incursion of members of the Lord’s Resistance Army into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcomes the intention of the Congolese Armed Forces to disarm this group in cooperation with MONUC and in accordance with its mandate as set out in resolution 1565.
Further, the Security Council calls upon all armed groups in the Great Lakes region of Africa to act without delay to lay down their arms and join the processes of political transition under way in the region.
The Security Council calls upon the States of the region to deepen their cooperation with a view to putting an end to the activities of illegal armed groups. It recalls its adherence to respect for the sovereignty of all States and underlines that any recourse to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of a State is contrary to the Purposes and Principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations.
Tripartite Plus Joint Commission Ministerial
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
New York, New York
16 September 2005
Summary of decisions
Members of the Tripartite Commission commended Burundi’s successful political transition, officially welcomed Burundi as a full participant and adopted the new name Tripartite Plus Joint Commission.
The Tripartite Plus members
– reiterated their commitment to prevent negative elements from using their respective territories to destabilize neighbouring countries.
– agreed to continue military and political pressure on the FDLR to ensure that it fulfils its commitment to disarm and repatriate.
– agreed to continue military and diplomatic pressure on all other militia to ensure their disarmament and repatriation or reintegration.
– agreed to retain 30 September 2005, as the deadline for voluntary disarmament and repatriation or reintegration and that failure to do so would trigger imposition of sanctions.
– agreed that the Tripartite Joint Commission has contributed to the reduction of tension in the Great Lakes region and that additional confidence-building measures are necessary to bring stability to the area, including:
• DRC authorization of a Ugandan office in Beni to encourage, in conjunction with MONUC and the DRC, the disarmament and repatriation or reintegration of ADF, NALU and PRA.
• Consideration of how to extradite Mutebusi, Nkunda and other leaders of armed groups.
• Articulation of the mechanisms the U.S. and EU should employ against all militia operating in eastern DRC by members of the Tripartite.
– agreed to have the EU, in conjunction with the GOR, draft an information package for distribution to the FDLR that outlines measures to encourage their disarmament and repatriation or reintegration.
– welcomed the African Union’s announcement of plans for an October reconnaissance mission that will lead to recommendations on how to proceed with the establishment of an AU force in eastern DRC.
– welcomed the continued effort of the international community to augment and build the capacity of the FARDC in order to bring stability to eastern DRC.
– agreed that MONUC’s response in eastern DRC had improved, but that additional capacity was necessary to enforce its mandate.
– agreed that the facilitator will draft a timeline of actions by the Tripartite members and Contact Group through 31 December 2005, that are aimed at ensuring stability in the Great Lakes region, to include:
• Develop sanctions that will be imposed on militia after 30 September 2005 should voluntary disarmament not occur.
• Install Tripartite Fusion Cell (TPC) in Kisangani and Tripartite Plus member capitals.
• Develop and distribute an incentive package to encourage FDLR and other militia to return to their country of origin.
• Undertake an AU reconnaissance mission in the DRC.
S/PRST/2005/47 Call for Eritrea to reverse decision restricting UN helicopters
Date: 4 October 2005 Meeting: 5276
The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the decision of the Government of Eritrea to restrict all types of United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) helicopter flights within Eritrean airspace or coming to Eritrea, effective as of 5 October 2005, which will have serious implications for UNMEE’s ability to carry out its mandate and for the safety of the staff.
Recalling all previous resolutions and statements of its President regarding the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Security Council emphasizes that the aforementioned decision of the Government of Eritrea gravely contravenes the Council’s call in resolution 1312 (2000) on the parties to provide UNMEE with the access, assistance, support, and protection required for the performance of its duties, as well as the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities signed in Algiers on 18 June 2000 between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the State of Eritrea (S/2000/601).
The Security Council further underlines the need for implementation of the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission without further delay, which will enable UNMEE to fulfil its mandate.
The Security Council reaffirms that both parties bear the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.
The Security Council calls upon the Government of Eritrea to immediately reverse its decision and to provide UNMEE with the access, assistance, support and protection required for the performance of its duties. It also calls on both parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate.
The Security Council also calls on both parties to show maximum restraint and to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other.
The Security Council reiterates its call upon both parties to achieve a full normalization of their relationship including through political dialogue between them for the adoption of further confidence-building measures and to consolidate progress achieved so far.
S/PRST/2005/48 Expression of concern over rising violence in Darfur, Sudan
Date: 13 October 2005 Meeting: 5277
The Security Council expresses its grave concern at recent reports of an upsurge of violence in Darfur by all sides and insists that all parties strictly abide by the demands and commitments made in the 8 April 2004 N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement, the resolutions of the Council and the Abuja Protocols. The Council strongly condemns the October 8 attack reportedly by the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army on African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) personnel in Darfur, which killed four Nigerian peacekeepers and two civilian contractors and wounded three others near Menawasha, and the October 9 attack reportedly by the Justice and Equality Movement in Tine in North Darfur, which resulted in the ambush and detention of approximately 35 AMIS personnel. The Council extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed.
The Security Council also condemns the September 25 attack in Modaina, Chad, by armed groups coming from the Sudan, which killed 75 people, the majority of them civilians. The Council joins with the African Union in expressing particular outrage at the September 19 attack by Darfur rebels against the town of Sheiara; the attack by Janjaweed militias on the camp for displaced persons at Aro Sharow on September 28 during which 29 people were killed and many more wounded; and the attack on the village of Tawilla by Sudanese government forces on September 29.
The Security Council expresses its deep concern at the humanitarian impact that these developments cause and at the restrictions imposed on humanitarian operations in Darfur. The Council insists that restrictions end immediately and strongly urges all parties to ensure unhindered humanitarian access in Darfur.
The Security Council also expresses its concern that the Secretary-General’s report of 19 September (S/2005/592) stated there had been ‘no visible effort by the Government [of Sudan] to disarm the militia or hold them to account in accordance with past agreements and Security Council resolutions. The SLM/A [Sudan Liberation Movement/Army] and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) are also failing to abide by the commitments made under past agreements and are doing far to little to control their men under arms.’ The Council recalls the obligation undertaken by the Government of Sudan to disarm and control militias. It demands the SLM/A, the JEM and the Government of Sudan to immediately cease violence, comply with the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement, end impediments to the peace process and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission. The Council again emphasizes the need to bring to justice those who perpetrate violence.
The Security Council recalls the provisions of resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan. It urges the African Union to share the results of its investigations into recent attacks with the Council for possible referral to the Sudan Sanctions Committee in order to assist in the implementation of the provisions of the Council’s relevant resolutions.
The Security Council expresses its unequivocal support for the African Union Mission, and recalls that the Sudanese Government and Darfur rebel movements have to take the necessary steps to facilitate the deployment and effectiveness of AMIS.
The Security Council remains firmly committed to the cause of peace in all of the Sudan, including through the Abuja talks and through full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. It encourages the Government of National Unity and the Darfur rebels to engage in the search for a solution to the Darfur conflict. It urges all parties to make rapid progress at the Abuja talks to conclude a peace agreement without further delay.
S/PRST/2005/49 Promise of support for free and fair elections in Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 14 October 2005 Meeting: 5281
The Security Council heard a briefing by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Mr. Oluyemi Adeniji, the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, Mr. Saïd Djinnit, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Pierre Schori, and the High Representative for the Elections, Mr. Antonio Monteiro, during its meeting on 13 October 2005,
The Security Council appreciates the efforts of the African Union, in particular President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa and President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Chairman of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the leaders of the region, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for the Elections to promote peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterates its full support for these efforts,
The Security Council endorses the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire adopted at its 40th meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government held on 6 October 2005 in Addis Ababa (S/2005/639), expresses its intention to take rapidly all necessary measures to support as appropriate its implementation, in order to organize free, fair, open, transparent and credible elections as soon as possible and no later than 30 October 2006, and looks forward to regular reports on its implementation in accordance with article (v), paragraph 10, of the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union,
The Security Council takes note, in particular, of the Peace and Security Council’s request for an increase in the strength of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), without prejudice to any future decision or commitment of the Security Council in this regard. The Security Council expresses its intention to consider whether to provide additional resources to UNOCI, based on careful study of conditions in the country and evidence of meaningful progress towards implementation of the commitments made under the Linas-Marcoussis and other relevant agreements,
The Security Council reaffirms that it endorsed the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements and demands that all the Ivorian parties signatories to these Agreements, as well as all the Ivorian parties concerned, implement fully and without delay their commitments under those Agreements, in accordance with the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union,
The Security Council welcomes the forthcoming visit of a high-level delegation led by Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Thabo Mbeki to Côte d’Ivoire, expresses its full support to it and urges all the Ivorian parties to cooperate fully and in good faith with this delegation, in particular in order to ensure the rapid implementation of the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the early appointment of a Prime Minister acceptable to all parties and to guarantee, with the support of the United Nations, the organization of free, fair, open, transparent and credible elections,
The Security Council expresses its full support for the forthcoming visit to the region of the Chairman of the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) and underlines that the purpose of this visit is to assess the progress made by all parties towards the implementation of their commitments, bearing in mind the Committee’s mandate under paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to remind all Ivorian parties of their responsibilities for the full and rapid implementation of the peace process.
S/PRST/2005/50 Urge Haiti to take steps to ensure holding of 2005 elections
Date: 18 October 2005 Meeting: 5285
The Security Council expresses its full support for the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés.
The Security Council stresses the primary importance of ensuring that Haiti benefits from transparent, inclusive, free and fair elections, in accordance with international democratic standards and open to all political candidates that have renounced violence, thereby enabling legitimate leadership at the national and local levels. The Council conveys its concern regarding the risk of delays in the electoral process, and underlines international expectations that the first round of national elections should take place in 2005, and all efforts should be undertaken so that the democratically elected authorities take office on 7 February 2006 in accordance with the Haitian Constitution. The Council notes, with appreciation, that, so far, more than three million people have been registered. The Council praises the Organization of American States (OAS) and other relevant international stakeholders for their contribution to that process. The Council welcomes the representation of a broad range of Haitian political opinion in the electoral process and underlines the importance of a collaborative approach by political leaders. National reconciliation and political dialogue should continue to be promoted as a means to ensure long-term stability and good governance.
The Security Council notes with concern that important challenges to the preparations of the elections remain yet to be overcome. While welcoming the recent steps taken by the Transitional Government and the ‘Conseil Electoral Provisoire’ (CEP), the Council urges them to perform the ten urgent tasks required to ensure that elections will take place this year, which were endorsed by the Transitional Government on 17 September 2005 and reiterated by the ‘Core Group’ on 18 October 2005. The Council calls for effective and prompt decision-making in key areas by the relevant Haitian authorities, and urges the Haitian authorities to make full use of MINUSTAH’s advice and assistance in the organization of elections. The Council calls upon them to work with MINUSTAH to develop a phased electoral plan as a matter of priority, with a view to finalizing a feasible electoral calendar. The Council also urges the Haitian authorities to publish swiftly the final list of candidates for the elections, and to agree in consultation with MINUSTAH upon a list of voting centres that ensures voter access and takes into account budgetary, security and logistical implications.
The Security Council strongly supports the mission’s endeavours to ensure a secure and stable environment in Haiti, which is crucial for the country’s progress, and to enable the electoral process to take place. The Council recognizes MINUSTAH’s contribution to the restoration and maintenance of the rule of law in the country, and underlines the need for strong and coordinated assistance to enable the reform and restructuring of Haiti’s rule of law institutions. To this end, the Council urges the Transitional Government, working with MINUSTAH, to put into effect the initiatives called for in Resolution 1608 (2005) concerning the Haitian National Police (HNP) reform and restructuring plan as well as the reform of the Judicial System, in order to end impunity and ensure the due process. The Council welcomes the improvements in the security situation, due to the resolve of MINUSTAH to act in support of the Transitional Government. The Council expresses concern regarding reports of involvement of some officers of the HNP in serious crimes and human rights violations and stresses the need to investigate fully any allegations of serious crimes and human rights violations. The Council welcomes the deployment of MINUSTAH’s additional military and police personnel, in accordance with Resolution 1608 (2005), and expresses gratitude to troop- and police-contributing countries.
The Security Council reiterates the need for the Transitional Government and MINUSTAH to begin immediately effective implementation of a DDR programme. The Council stresses the need to implement high visibility quick-impact projects that create jobs. The Council also recognizes the need of maintaining stability in the period immediately following the elections, including through continued international presence, and to ensure that key Haitian institutions can function adequately, especially those institutions addressing rule of law and development. The Council recognizes the importance of the upcoming Donor Conference to be held in Brussels on 20 and 21 October, and calls upon donors to continue to disburse the pledged funds. The Council recognizes further that this Conference constitutes an important opportunity to further elaborate on short, medium and long term strategies, within a unified framework, to ensure coordination and continuity in a coherent and well prioritized response to Haitian problems. Haiti is at a critical juncture. While ultimately the responsibility for Haiti’s future lies with its Government and people, the international community must continue to provide support.
S/PRST/2005/51 Support for political process to determine Kosovo’s future status
Date: 24 October 2005 Meeting: 5290
The Security Council welcomes the report prepared by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Standards Review envoy, Ambassador Kai Eide, on the Comprehensive Review of the implementation of Standards, as well as of the overall situation in and relating to Kosovo (Serbia and Montenegro), forwarded by the Secretary-General on 7 October 2005 (S/2005/635). The Council pays tribute to Ambassador Eide’s work in compiling his important report.
The Security Council recalls the Secretary-General’s report of 23 May 2005 (S/2005/335) in which he initiated the Comprehensive Review conducted by Ambassador Eide. In light of the findings in Ambassador Eide’s report, the Council stresses that further, more sustained progress is required, and that the implementation of Standards in Kosovo must continue with undiminished energy and a stronger sense of commitment, as underlined by the Secretary-General in his letter. It urges Kosovo’s leaders to increase their efforts to ensure the implementation of standards at all levels, allowing tangible results to be delivered to all Kosovo’s citizens. Particular and time-conscious attention should be given to protecting minorities, developing further the process of decentralization, creating the necessary conditions to allow sustainable returns, preservation of cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo, and promoting reconciliation. The Council also urges the authorities in Belgrade to do their utmost to facilitate this process, and to engage constructively. The Council reaffirms its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Søren Jessen-Petersen, and UNMIK in their continuing work to support the implementation of Standards, which must continue during the Future Status process and will be an important factor in determining the degree of progress.
The Security Council agrees with Ambassador Eide’s overall assessment that, notwithstanding the challenges still facing Kosovo and the wider region, the time has come to move to the next phase of the political process. The Council therefore supports the Secretary-General’s intention to start a political process to determine Kosovo’s Future Status, as foreseen in Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). The Council reaffirms the framework of the resolution, and welcomes the Secretary-General’s readiness to appoint a Special Envoy to lead the Future Status process. It looks forward to an early appointment. The Council offers its full support to this political process, which would determine Kosovo’s future status, and further reaffirms its commitment to the objective of a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo, which must reinforce regional stability.
The Security Council welcomes the intention of the Contact Group (France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States) to remain closely engaged in the political process that will be led by the United Nations, and to support the Secretary-General’s Future Status Envoy. The Council calls upon interested regional and international organizations to cooperate closely in the process to determine Kosovo’s future status. The Council also supports the meaningful involvement and cooperation of countries in the region.
The Security Council requests that the Secretary-General provide regular updates on progress in determining Kosovo’s Future Status, as defined by Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), and will remain actively seized of the matter.
S/PRST/2005/52 Importance of full and equal participation of women in peace processes
Date: 27 October 2005 Meeting: 5294
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the continuing and full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and recalls the Statements of its President of 31 October 2001 (S/PRST/2001/31), 31 October 2002 (S/PRST/2002/32) and 28 October 2004 (S/PRST/2004/40), as reiterating that commitment.
The Security Council recalls the 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (A/52/31), the outcomes of the Conference and of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century” and the Declaration of the forty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women (E/CN.6/2005/1).
While welcoming the progress achieved so far, the Security Council stresses the importance and urgency for accelerating the full and effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).
The Security Council reaffirms the importance of full and equal participation of women in peace processes at all levels and urges Member States, regional and subregional organizations and the United Nations system to enhance the role of women in decision-making with regard to all peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction and rebuilding of societies.
The Security Council welcomes the various initiatives and actions undertaken by Member States, the United Nations entities, civil society organizations and other relevant actors, focused on supporting and increasing the representation of women in peace negotiations and mainstreaming gender perspectives into peace agreements.
The Security Council recognizes and welcomes the roles of, and contributions made by women as mediators, educators, peacemakers, peacebuilders and advocates for peace, as well as their active contribution to reconciliation efforts and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes.
The Security Council recognizes the constant underrepresentation of women in formal peace processes and is deeply concerned about persistent obstacles and challenges resulting from situations such as violence against women, shattered economies and social structures, lack of rule of law, poverty, limited access to education and resources, various forms of discrimination and stereotypes. The Security Council believes that more must be done in order to achieve the greater participation and effective contribution of women at the negotiating table and in developing and implementing post-conflict strategies and programmes.
The Security Council encourages Member States and the Secretary-General to maintain regular contacts with local women organizations and networks, to utilize their knowledge, expertise and resources and to ensure their involvement in reconstruction processes, particularly at the decision-making level.
The Security Council also encourages Member States, donors and civil society to provide financial, political and technical support, as well as adequate training for women’s peacebuilding initiatives and networks.
The Security Council welcomes the United Nations System-wide Action Plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) across the United Nations system, contained in the report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2005/636), and requests the Secretary-General to update, monitor and review its implementation and integration on an annual basis, and report to the Security Council, starting in October 2006. In this context, the Security Council urges the Secretary-General to proceed with the appointment of a gender adviser within the Department of Political Affairs and to continue to identify women candidates for senior level positions within the United Nations system, including as Special Representatives. In this regard, the Council invites the Member States to provide the Secretary-General with candidates, as appropriate.
The Security Council reiterates its call to Member States to continue to implement resolution 1325 (2000), including through the development of national action plans or other national level strategies.
The Security Council welcomes the decision taken in the 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1) to establish the Peacebuilding Commission and looks forward to its contribution to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), inviting the Commission to pay particular attention to the knowledge and understanding women can bring, through their participation and empowerment, in peacebuilding processes.
The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to ensure that all peace accords concluded with United Nations assistance address the specific effects of armed conflict on women and girls, as well as their specific needs and priorities in the post-conflict context. Within this framework, the Security Council underlines the importance of a broad and inclusive political consultation with various components of civil society, in particular women’s organizations and groups.
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to integrate gender perspectives into the terms of reference of Security Council visits and missions and to include gender specialists in its teams wherever possible.
The Security Council condemns sexual and other forms of violence against women, including trafficking in persons, and calls upon all parties to armed conflict to ensure full and effective protection of women and emphasizes the necessity to end impunity of those responsible for gender-based violence.
The Security Council reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest terms, of all acts of sexual misconduct by all categories of personnel in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. The Council welcomes the comprehensive report on sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations Peacekeeping Personnel (A/59/710). The Council also welcomes the report of the resumed session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping (A/59/19/Add.1) and, taking into account resolution 59/300 of the General Assembly, urges the Secretary-General and troop-contributing countries to ensure that the recommendations of the Special Committee, which fall within their respective responsibilities, are implemented without delay. In this connection, the Council expresses its support to the efforts of the United Nations to fully implement codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and notes the strategies and actions included in the System-wide Action Plan to fully implement those codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures. The Security Council urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action, including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of misconduct involving their personnel.
S/PRST/2005/53 Condemnation of bombings in New Delhi, India
Date: 31 October 2005 Meeting: 5298
The Security Council strongly condemns the series of bomb attacks that occurred in New Delhi, India, on 29 October 2005, causing numerous deaths and injuries, and expresses its deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous acts of terrorism and their families, and to the people and the Government of India.
The Security Council stresses the importance of bringing the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of violence to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate actively with the Indian authorities in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council further reaffirms 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.
The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/PRST/2005/54 Condemnation of assassination attempt against Somali Prime Minister
Date: 9 November 2005 Meeting: 5302
The Security Council reaffirms all its previous statements and resolutions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular the statement by its President (S/PRST/2005/32) of 14 July 2005 and resolution 1630 of 14 October 2005.
The Security Council welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 11 October 2005 (S/2005/642), and 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 Somalia, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Security Council expresses its concern over recent reported military activities and hostile rhetoric, and emphasizes that any resort to military force as a means for dealing with the current difference within the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) is unacceptable. The Council condemns in the strongest terms the assassination attempt on 6 November 2005 against Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Gedi in Mogadishu.
The Security Council expresses its concern and disappointment over the lack of progress in ameliorating the contention between the leaders of the TFIs, and over the non-functioning of the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP), which has an essential role in promoting the peace process. The Council calls upon all Somali parties and the leaders of the TFIs to take concrete steps towards reaching a consensus agreement through inclusive dialogue without delay. The Council commends the Prime Minister’s Initiative for the early convening of a full Council of Ministers in Mogadishu, to be followed by a full session of Parliament. The Council underlines that primary responsibility for progress in restoring an effective functioning government to Somalia lies with the leaders and members of the TFIs.
The Security Council underlines its strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his efforts at facilitating the peace process in Somalia, supporting ongoing Somali-owned internal initiatives. The Council calls upon all Member States to provide their full and active support in this regard.
The Security Council commends the neighbouring countries, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union, the League of Arab States, European Union and concerned Member States for their keen interest and persistent efforts in support of the peace process in Somalia. The Council urges them to use their influence and leverage through a common approach to ensure that the TFIs resolve their differences and build trust, through an inclusive dialogue, and to move ahead on the key issues of security and national reconciliation.
The Security Council affirms its continuing support to the TFIs and reiterates the need for a national security and stabilization plan to be agreed, through which any efforts to rebuild the security sector should be directed.
The Security Council condemns the increased inflow of weapons into Somalia and the continuous violations of the United Nations arms embargo. The Council further reminds all States of their obligations to comply fully with the measures imposed by resolution 733 and urges them to take all necessary steps to hold violators accountable.
The Security Council expresses serious concern over the increasing incidents of piracy off the coast of Somalia. The Council condemns recent hijackings of vessels in the area, particularly of ships carrying humanitarian supplies to Somalia. The Council urges the TFIs, regional actors and relevant international organizations to work together to address this problem.
The Security Council expresses its growing concern over the situation of one million Somalis in a state of humanitarian emergency or suffering from severe livelihood distress and the rising civil and food insecurity in parts of Southern Somalia, where malnutrition levels have increased. The Council stresses that improving humanitarian access to all Somalis in need is an essential component of durable peace and reconciliation.
The Security Council recognizes the role of civil society, in particular women’s groups, and their contribution to progress on demobilizing militias and improving the humanitarian situation in Somalia.
The Security Council strongly urges the TFIs to ensure humanitarian access and provide guarantees for the safety and security of aid workers. The Council condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a United Nations national security officer on 3 October in Kismayo. The Council calls for those responsible to be held accountable.
The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the peace process in Somalia and the commitment of the United Nations to assist in this regard.
S/PRST/2005/55 Condemnation of terrorist bombings in Amman, Jordan
Date: 10 November 2005 Meeting: 5303
The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombings that took place in Amman, Jordan on 9 November 2005.
The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families, and to the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these intolerable acts to justice, and urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate with and provide support and assistance, as appropriate, to the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council further reaffirms 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. The Council reminds States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.
The Security Council reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
S/PRST/2005/56 Congratulations for successful elections in Afghanistan
Date: 23 November 2005 Meeting: 5309
The Security Council congratulates the people of Afghanistan on the confirmation of the final results of the parliamentary and provincial council elections. The successful holding of these elections has demonstrated the broad commitment of Afghan voters to democracy and freedom in their country, and the Council welcomes that the completion of the confirmation process has paved the way toward the timely inauguration of the new parliament and thus to the conclusion of the Bonn political process.
The Security Council commends all Afghans for having taken this step and calls on them, and, in particular, the representatives-elect and other former candidates, to remain fully committed to peace, the constitution, the rule of law and democracy in Afghanistan.
The Security Council, in this connection, reiterates its appreciation to all those who contributed to the electoral process, and extends special appreciation to the Joint Electoral Management Body and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for their dedication. The Security Council also reiterates its endorsement of the efforts of the Afghan Security Forces, with the support of the International Security Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, within their respective responsibilities, to improve the safety and stability of the country.
The Security Council hopes for the prompt appointment of all members of the House of Elders (Meshrano Jirga).
The Security Council reaffirms the importance for the international community to maintain a high level of commitment to assisting Afghanistan in addressing its remaining challenges, in particular in the fields of security, including fighting terrorist and narcotics threats, governance and development.
The Security Council supports the central and impartial role the United Nations continues to play for the consolidation of peace and stability in Afghanistan and coordination of the relevant international efforts and welcomes consultations initiated by the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations on the post-Bonn process.
Finally, the Security Council stresses that violence in any form intended to disrupt the democratic process in Afghanistan will not be tolerated. The Council unequivocally condemns all recent attacks in Afghanistan, including the attacks against the International Security Assistance Force, and expresses its deepest sympathies to the victims, both Afghan and international, and their families, as well as to the troop contributors of ISAF.
S/PRST/2005/57 Welcomes Israeli-Palestinian agreement on Rafah Crossing
Date: 30 November 2005 Meeting: 5313
The Security Council welcomes the Agreement on Movement and Access and the Agreed Principles for the Rafah Crossing reached between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on 15 November 2005. The successful opening of the Rafah crossing on 25 November 2005 represents an important step forward.
The Security Council commends the efforts of the Quartet, its Special Envoy and his team, as well as the positive contributions of the Government of Egypt, and expresses its strong appreciation to the European Union for assuming the role of third party monitor.
The Security Council calls on the parties to take immediate action to implement the terms of both agreements according to the time lines established therein.
The Security Council calls for renewed action in parallel by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on their obligations in accordance with the Roadmap, to ensure continued progress towards the creation of a viable, democratic, sovereign, and contiguous Palestine living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security. The Security Council stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.
S/PRST/2005/58 Call for designation of Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire without delay
Date: 30 November 2005 Meeting: 5314
The Security Council affirms that the rapid appointment of a Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire is crucial to relaunch the peace process leading to the holding of free, fair, open and transparent elections no later than 31 October 2006, and to implement fully the roadmap established by the International Working Group (IWG) at its first meeting on 8 November 2005 in Abidjan.
Therefore, the Security Council expresses its deep concern at the persistent disagreements among Ivorian parties on the appointment of the Prime Minister and considers that the Prime Minister must be designated without any further delay. The Council stresses once again that the Prime Minister must have all the necessary powers and resources described in paragraph 8 of resolution 1633 (2005).
The Security Council commends the initiatives undertaken by the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union Mediator, and notes that their consultations with the parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement have been held, as provided for by the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 6 October 2005 and by resolution 1633 (2005). It reiterates its full support for them and urges them to expedite their efforts. The Security Council urges them to identify as soon as possible the candidate for the office of Prime Minister they deem acceptable to all parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, given the consultations they have held.
The Security Council expresses its full support for the IWG, endorses its final communiqué of 8 November 2005, welcomes its decision to hold its second meeting on 6 December 2005 in Abidjan, and urges the IWG to keep the Council informed of the conclusions of its work.
The Security Council commends also the continuing efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for the elections, and reiterates its support for them. In particular, it encourages the Ivorian parties to cooperate fully with the High Representative for the elections to resolve the current dispute concerning the Independent Electoral Commission and reaffirms that the High Representative, in accordance with paragraph 7 of resolution 1603 (2005), can make all the necessary determinations in order to help the electoral process move forward.
The Security Council reaffirms its readiness, in close consultation with the African Union Mediation, to impose individual measures provided for in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) and in resolution 1633 (2005).
S/PRST/2005/59 Condemnation of Eritrea ’s expulsion of UN peacekeepers
Date: 7 December 2005 Meeting: 5317
The Security Council condemns the decision of the Government of Eritrea to request some members of United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) to leave the country within 10 days, effective as of 6 December 2005, which is inconsistent with the obligations of the Government of Eritrea to respect the exclusively international nature of the Peacekeeping Operation. In this regard, the Security Council unequivocally demands that Eritrea immediately reverse its decision without preconditions.
The Security Council recalls that by resolution 1640 (2005), it demanded that the Government of Eritrea reverse all restrictions imposed on the operations of UNMEE.
The Security Council will be consulting on how to respond to this completely unacceptable action by Eritrea.
S/PRST/2005/60 Appointment of Côte d’Ivoire Prime Minister welcomed
Date: 9 December 2005 Meeting: 5318
The Security Council welcomes the appointment of Mr. Charles Konan Banny as Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, and expresses its full support for him. It also commends the continued and decisive efforts of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Thabo Mbeki and Mamadou Tandja, and reiterates its full support for them.
The Security Council endorses the final communiqué of the International Working Group (IWG) of 6 December 2005. It recalls the IWG’s previous final communiqué of 8 November which stated in particular that the fundamental basis of the peace and national reconciliation process is enshrined in resolution 1633 (2005) and that the IWG will provide all necessary support to the new Prime Minister and the Government that he will establish. The Council also reaffirms its support for the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which stresses that the Ministers shall be accountable to the Prime Minister who shall have full authority over his Cabinet.
The Security Council recalls and reaffirms that the Prime Minister must have all the necessary powers and resources described in resolution 1633, and stresses the importance of the full implementation of this resolution by the Ivorian parties under the monitoring of the IWG. Therefore, the Security Council urges the establishment without delay of the Government so that the Prime Minister can implement as soon as possible the road map defined by the IWG, and requests the Mediation Group and the IWG to monitor this matter closely.
The Security Council reiterates its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for the elections.
S/PRST/2005/61 Condemnation of terrorist bombing in Beirut
Date: 12 December 2005 Meeting: 5320
The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the 12 December terrorist bombing in the suburbs of Beirut that killed Lebanese member of Parliament, editor and journalist Gebrane Tueni, a patriot who was an outspoken symbol of freedom and the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, as well as three others. It expresses its deepest sympathy to the families of those killed and injured.
The Security Council reiterates its deepest concern about the destabilizing impact of political assassinations and other terrorist acts in Lebanon. It reiterates also its warning that the sponsors of today’s and previous terrorist attacks against political leaders and leading members of civil society in Lebanon, whose obvious aim is to undermine Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty, national unity, political independence and press freedom, will not be permitted to succeed and will finally be held accountable for their crimes.
The Security Council welcomes the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice all those responsible for this assassination and others before, and expresses its readiness to consider positively any request for assistance in this regard from the Lebanese Government.
The Security Council reaffirms its resolution 1559 (2004), and reiterates once again its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon. The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.
S/PRST/2005/62 Temporary relocation of staff of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
Date: 14 December 2005 Meeting: 5326
The Security Council has agreed, in consultation with the Secretary-General, to temporarily relocate military and civilian staff of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) from Eritrea to Ethiopia. The Security Council intends to maintain an UNMEE military presence in Eritrea during the period in which it is reviewing future plans for UNMEE.
The Security Council has approved this decision solely in the interests of the safety and security of UNMEE staff. The lack of cooperation with UNMEE by the Eritrean authorities, has produced conditions on the ground which prevent UMEE implementing its mandate satisfactorily.
The Security Council strongly condemns Eritrea’s unacceptable actions and restrictions on UNMEE, which have drastically reduced any meaningful operational capacity for the mission and will have, if they are sustained, implications for UNMEE’s future. The Security Council recalls its demand, expressed in resolution 1640 (2005) that Eritrea reverse such restrictions and provide UNMEE with the access, assistance, support and protection required for the performance of its duties.
In this regard, the Security Council intends, with the Secretariat, to review promptly all options for UNMEE’s deployment and functions in the context of its original purpose, capacity to act effectively and the different military options available.
The Security Council’s view on the fundamental issue of implementation of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s delimitation decision remains unchanged and the Council emphasizes the urgent need for progress in implementation of the EEBC’s decision.
S/PRST/2005/63 Commendation of UN Mission in Sierra Leone
Date: 20 December 2005 Meeting: 5334
The Security Council commends the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for its invaluable contribution over the last six years to Sierra Leone’s recovery from conflict and its progress towards peace, democracy and prosperity. The Council is grateful to the Secretary-General, his Special Representatives, and all the individuals from the United Nations and from troop and police contributing countries who have made UNAMSIL a success, especially those who helped UNAMSIL recover from the crisis it faced in May 2000. The Council also deeply appreciates the cooperation extended by the Government and the people of Sierra Leone to UNAMSIL and the members of the United Nations family operating in the country.
The Security Council notes with satisfaction the innovations in UNAMSIL’s methods of operation that may prove useful best practice in making other United Nations peacekeeping operations more effective and efficient, including an exit strategy based on specific benchmarks for drawdown; an integrated mission with a Deputy Special Representative managing governance, developmental and humanitarian elements; and substantial, regular cooperation and coordination with other United Nations peacekeeping operations and offices in the region.
At the request of the Security Council, the Secretary-General has established the new United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone in order to provide continued support to the Government as it tackles the many challenges ahead, including good governance, sustainable economic development, job creation and delivery of public services. The Government will need the sustained help of donors and development partners, particularly in addressing difficult but essential issues like security sector reform, fighting corruption, the reinforcement of governance mechanisms including the judiciary, and equal rights for women and girls. The Council therefore encourages Sierra Leone’s development partners to continue their support in all these areas, and notes with satisfaction the outcome of the recent Donors’ Consultative Group meeting on Sierra Leone in London.
With Sierra Leone now stable and at peace, the Security Council sees a great opportunity for the development of a mature and vibrant political culture. Achieving this will require tolerance, cooperation from all sides and a shared commitment to act responsibly and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. To that end, government and political leaders should reaffirm their commitment to the basic principles of democratic governance. This will pave the way for fair, transparent and peaceful elections in 2007.
The Security Council reiterates its appreciation for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contribution to reconciliation and the rule of law in the country and the subregion, and encourages all states, particularly states in the subregion, to cooperate fully with the Court and to provide it with the necessary financial resources.
The Security Council continues to emphasize the importance of a regional approach to the countries of West Africa. The Council hopes that Sierra Leone’s neighbours will intensify their cooperation, not least through the Mano River Union and the Economic Community of West African States, especially in the area of peace and security, and with the continued support of the United Nations and development partners.
S/PRST/2005/64 Comprehensive review of counter-terrorism mechanisms
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5338
The Security Council reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The Security Council recalls its resolution 1535 (2004) by which it decided to establish a Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (hereinafter “CTED”) as a special political mission under the policy guidance of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to enhance the Committee’s ability to monitor implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and effectively continue the capacity-building work in which it was engaged. At the same time, the Security Council decided to carry out a comprehensive review of CTED by 31 December 2005.
During today’s consultations, the Security Council undertook this review and came to the following conclusions:
The Security Council endorsed the report prepared by the CTC and forwarded to the Council in S/2005/800 and agreed with its conclusions.
The Security Council noted that CTED had only been fully staffed since 6 September 2005 and welcomed the start that CTED had made on its objectives as set out in the revitalisation process. It welcomed the fact that the CTC, in consultation with the Secretary-General, had decided to declare CTED operational on 15 December 2005.
The Security Council recalled that CTED’s mandate flows from that of the CTC and reaffirmed that the Committee has the sole responsibility for providing policy guidance to CTED. It also welcomed that fact that such guidance would be accompanied by implementation plans to enhance the Committee’s ability effectively to implement its mandate.
The Security Council agreed with the Secretary-General and with the CTC that there is a need to clarify CTED’s reporting lines, within the framework of resolution 1535 (2004) and welcomed the Secretary-General’s initiative in this regard. The Security Council expressed its readiness to work with him on this matter.
The Security Council welcomed the integration into the work of the CTC of the issue of implementation by Member States of resolution 1624 (2005).
The Security Council decided to carry out another comprehensive review of CTED by 31 December 2006, prepared by the CTC.
S/PRST/2005/65 Renewal of mandate of UN Disengagement Observer Force
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5339
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/2005/767) 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/2005/66 Successful holding of referendum in Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5340
The Security Council commends the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the successful holding of the referendum on the draft Constitution. The large number of voters demonstrated a genuine aspiration for peace and national reconciliation.
The Security Council pays tribute to the work of the Independent Electoral Commission, which was able, with an unprecedented and outstanding logistical support from MONUC (the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and with the assistance of the international community, to take up this challenge.
The Security Council recalls its support for the holding of elections in the coming months, which have to take place before the end of the transitional period on 30 June 2006. It urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to live up to the expectations of the Congolese people and to do its utmost to ensure that the next polls are held in accordance with the timetable of the Independent Electoral Commission.
S/PRST/2005/67 Demand for end to violence by all parties to Sudan conflict
Date: 21 December 2005 Meeting: 5342
The Security Council welcomes the commencement in Abuja, Nigeria, of the seventh round of the African Union (AU)-led inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur, and expresses its appreciation to the African Union, the international community and the other donors.
The Security Council is encouraged by the active participation of representatives from all invited groups of the Sudan Liberation Movement/ Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), as well as members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, as part of the Government of National Unity, and urge their continued cooperation with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and with the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS).
The Security Council calls on all parties to the conflict to fulfil their commitments to conclude a just and full peace accord without further delay. The Security Council demands that all parties refrain from violence and put an end to atrocities on the ground, especially those committed against civilians, including women and children, humanitarian workers and international peacekeepers.
The Security Council recalls the demands on the Government of the Sudan and the rebel forces, as well as other armed groups, to respect fully their commitments referred to in its recent resolutions. The Council demands, in particular, that the SLM/A, the JEM and the Government of the Sudan immediately cease violence, comply with the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement, end impediments to the peace process and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission, and that the Government of the Sudan disarm and control militias. It further demands that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law be brought to justice without delay.
The Security Council recalls its concern that the persisting violence in Darfur might further negatively affect the region, in particular the security of Chad. It firmly condemns in this context recent attacks perpetrated by armed elements within Chad and in particular the attack on 19 December 2005 on positions of the Chadian national army in the town of Adré, and supports efforts to reduce tensions on the border.
The Council reaffirms its determination to make full use of existing measures under the relevant Security Council resolutions on the Sudan, including holding accountable those responsible for violence and violations of the arms embargo, and those who impede the peace process.
The Security Council expresses its gratitude to the African Union and its Mission in Sudan (AMIS) for the positive role its forces have played in reducing violence and promoting the restoration of order in Darfur.
The Security Council also appeals to donors to continue both supporting the crucial work of AMIS in stemming the violence in this suffering region and providing critical humanitarian assistance to millions of war-afflicted civilians in Darfur and across the border in Chad.
In the broader Sudan context, the Security Council welcomes further progress achieved in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in particular the signing of the Constitution for Southern Sudan and the formation of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS).
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