Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Mission

in Central African Republic and Chad for Two Months

 

The Security Council this morning decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad for two months, as discussions on its future continued with the Chadian Government.

Determining that the situation in the region remained a threat to international peace and security, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1913 (2010), extending the mandate until 15 May 2010.  MINURCAT was established in 2007 to protect hundreds of thousands of refugees from the adjacent Darfur region of neighbouring Sudan, other displaced persons and humanitarian workers.

In a 3 March letter to the Council President, the Permanent Representative of Chad said his Government had reconsidered an earlier request for the Mission’s withdrawal, and agreed to a “technical extension” of the mandate for a two-month period beginning 16 March 2010.

“Taking into account the new context in the region and the capacity of Chad to provide better security in eastern Chad, the Government of Chad wishes to express its availability for consultations with the Secretary-General to plan for the future of MINURCAT, in particular the reduction of the military component, while maintaining the civilian component as needed,” the latter stated.

In a subsequent letter to the Council President, dated 11 March, the Secretary-General recommended authorizing the requested two-month technical rollover following consultations with the Chadian Government and in light of the ongoing discussions on the Mission’s future.

The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 10:16 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1913 (2010) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its resolutions and the statements of its President concerning Chad, the Central African Republic and the subregion, including resolution 1769 (2007), 1778 (2007), 1834 (2008) and resolution 1861 (2009),

“Considering the note verbale of the government of Chad of 19 January 2010, its letter of 3 March 2010 (S/2010/115), and the letter of the Secretary-General of 11 March 2010, indicating that discussions on the future of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) are still ongoing,

“Determining that the situation in the region continues to constitutea threat to international peace and security,

“1.  Decides to extend until 15 May 2010 the mandate of MINURCAT as set out in resolution 1861 (2009);

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

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For information media • not an official record