SECURITY COUNCIL STRENGTHENS CÔTE D’IVOIRE MISSION, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1682 (2006)

Security Council

5451^st Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL STRENGTHENS CÔTE D’IVOIRE MISSION,

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1682 (2006)

Expressing its serious concern at the persistent crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and obstacles to the peace and national reconciliation process from all sides, the Security Council today authorized until 15 December an increase in the strength of the United Nations peacekeeping mission there of up to 1,500 additional personnel, including a maximum of 1,025 military personnel and 475 civilian police personnel.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1682 (2006) under Chapter VII, the Council noted the recommendations of the Secretary-General on the situation in his reports of 3 January and 11 April.

In his report of 3 January (document S/2006/2), the Secretary-General recommended that the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI)’s troop strength be increased by four battalions, or 3,400 troops, with a commensurate increase in civilian staffing to support that deployment, owing to the “volatile security situation and the possibility that another major violence crisis might occur”.  He recommended that three additional formed police units, or 375 officers, and 100 civilian police officers be deployed to the mission immediately.

The Secretary-General states in his report to the Council of 11 April (document S/2006/222) that the January disturbances in the country had further emphasized the need to reinforce UNOCI operational capabilities, as its ability to address possible new disturbances remained limited.  In addition, he said, “some of the potential spoilers do not seem to have renounced their objectives”.  Thus, he appealed to the Council, once more, to give positive consideration to reinforcing the mission, as he had recommended in his January report.

(For additional details of those reports, see Press Releases SC/8707 of 27 April, and SC/8619 of 24 January). 

Further to today’s resolution, the Council expressed its intention to keep under review the appropriate personnel levels for the mission, in light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and in the subregion.

The meeting began at 12:55 p.m. and was adjourned at 1 p.m.

Council Resolution

The full text of resolution 1682 (2006) reads, as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and in the subregion, in particular its resolutions 1652 (2006) of 24 January 2006 and 1667 (2006) of 31 March 2006, and reaffirming in particular the provisions of paragraph 3 of resolution 1667,

“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,

“Taking note of the reports of the Secretary-General dated 3 January 2006 (S/2006/2) and 11 April 2006 (S/2006/222) and his letters addressed to the President of the Security Council dated 1 February 2006 (S/2006/71), 22 March 2006 (S/2006/184) and 25 May 2006 (S/2006/334),

“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,

“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.   Notes the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report dated 3 January 2006, in particular its paragraphs 48 and 52, and noting that those recommendations have been reiterated in the Secretary-General’s report dated 11 April 2006;

“2.   Authorizes until 15 December 2006 an increase in the strength of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (ONUCI) of up to 1,500 additional personnel, including a maximum of 1,025 military personnel and 475 civilian police personnel;

“3.   Expresses its intention to keep under review the appropriate personnel levels for UNOCI, in light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and in the subregion;

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

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For information media • not an official record