The Argentinian Presidency
February 2000
In accordance with the agreement reached between the members of the Security Council in the note by the President dated 12 June 1997 (S/1997/451), this assessment has been prepared under the responsibility of the Council President for February 2000, Ambassador Arnoldo Listre, Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic, and covers the Council's activities during that month.
As in the preceding two months, questions relating to Africa continued to occupy a preponderant place on the Council's agenda. One such matter, the expansion of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), decided on by resolution 1291 (2000), required a major negotiation effort on the part of Council members. At its 4100th meeting on 9 February, the Council held a public meeting on the protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones, at which the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Adalberto Rodríguez Giavarini, presided.
At the end of the month, the Secretary-General presented a tour d'horizon to Council members on the outcome of his trip through a number of Asian countries, focusing particularly on developments relating to the question of East Timor. The Council also dealt with other questions relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, such as the situations in Burundi, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Western Sahara and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo).
In February the Council adopted four resolutions, issued three presidential statements and held 10 formal meetings — one of which was a private meeting — and Council members held informal consultations on 19 occasions. On five occasions the President made statements to the press on behalf of the Council members on a number of the questions discussed (see below). Following each session of informal consultations, the Presidency held detailed informal briefings for Member States not members of the Council.
The informal working group on documentation and procedures met in order to formalize a proposal made by the Argentine delegation, with a view to enabling members of the Council newly elected by the General Assembly to attend informal consultations as observers one month prior to the beginning of their respective mandates.
Africa
Burundi
In informal consultations on 28 February, Council members were briefed on the situation in Burundi by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahima Fall, who made specific reference to security matters, humanitarian issues and political developments in Burundi. After indicating that the security situation continued to be precarious, he referred to a meeting between the Ministers of Defence of the United Republic of Tanzania and Burundi, at which it had been agreed that security measures on their shared border should be strengthened and that the civilian nature of the refugee camps should be maintained. With respect to the humanitarian situation, he reiterated the Secretary-General's concerns on the policy of maintaining camps for the forced regroupment of civilians. With regard to the political situation, he indicated that the partenariat (partnership) between the Government and the Legislative Assembly had developed favourably. Lastly, he outlined the main issues considered at the ninth Arusha Summit, held from 21 to 23 February 2000, in the presence of the facilitator of the Arusha peace process, Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa. On concluding the informal consultations the President of the Council issued a press statement on behalf of Council members in which, inter alia, he reaffirmed their full support for the facilitator, condemned the violence and appealed to the Government of Burundi to dismantle the regroupment camps and give humanitarian organizations unimpeded access to the camps (see below).
Guinea-Bissau
In informal consultations on 23 February, the Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea- Bissau, Samuel Nana-Sinkam, briefed the Council on the situation in that country, taking particular account of the second round of presidential elections held on 14 January 2000. He indicated that the second round of presidential elections had been won by an opposition candidate, Kumba Yala, with over 70 per cent of the vote. He stated that international observers had described the electoral process as orderly and democratic. He said that the new Government, which had taken office on 17 February, had an arduous task ahead of it in terms of post-conflict peace-building, for which it would require assistance from the international community. Following the informal consultations the President issued a press statement on behalf of the Council members in which, inter alia, he indicated that the members of the Council welcomed the swearing-in of the new Constitutional President elected by means of a free and democratic vote and urged the new Government to continue to take measures to consolidate peace, national reconciliation and economic development (see below).
Central African Republic
In informal consultations on 10 February, Council members considered the ninth report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA) (S/2000/24), which was introduced and updated by the Assistant Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi. The Assistant Secretary-General referred to the withdrawal of MINURCA, whose mandate expired on 15 February, and emphasized that its presence had guaranteed peace and stability in the Central African Republic. He also referred to the political, military and security situation. He made special reference to the progress made in restructuring the armed forces, particularly the disbandment of the Special Force for the Defence of the Republican Institutions (FORSDIR). He indicated that MINURCA would be replaced by a United Nations Peace-building Support Office in the Central African Republic and called for support from the international community in carrying out the tasks ahead.
At the 4101st meeting of the Council the President read out a presidential statement (S/PRST/2000/5) emphasizing the contribution made by MINURCA, commending it for its role in the restoration of peace and security in the Central African Republic, and encouraging the Government to build on the progress made during the presence of MINURCA. Moreover, the Council welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General to establish the United Nations Peace-building Support Office.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
In informal consultations on 3 February, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations introduced the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2000/30) and gave an update of the most recent developments in the country. Council members entrusted the President with issuing a press statement expressing support for the recommendations of the Secretary-General set out in the report, voicing deep concern at the recent massacres in the eastern area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and strongly condemning all human rights violations in the country (see below).
Starting on 9 February the Security Council members held several informal consultations, including at the expert level, in order to consider a draft resolution submitted by the United States delegation on the expansion of MONUC. At those negotiations, the main issues discussed were the inclusion of Security Council resolutions 918 (1994), 1011 (1995) and 1053 (1996) on Rwanda, the disarming of the militias, relations between MONUC and the Joint Military Commission, the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, the number of personnel required in order for MONUC to fulfil its mandate, the imposition of an arms embargo on armed groups not signatories of the Lusaka Agreement, human rights violations — particularly in the eastern part of the country — and the establishment of a panel of experts to investigate the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In informal consultations on 16 February, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations reported on the deterioration in the situation in the eastern area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the tensions in North and South Kivu provinces. He also reported on the flow of 10,000 to 15,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo into the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) as a result of the advance of rebels belonging to the Mouvement pour la libération du Congo towards Banda and South Mokanza.
In informal consultations on 18 February, the Assistant Secretary-General gave an update on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reported on a number of aspects of the mandate of MONUC. On the first issue, he referred to the clashes that had taken place around Ikela, the disturbances in Goma and Bukavu and the violence between Hemas and Lendus in Ituri Province. With regard to the second issue, he indicated that MONUC was basically an observation force, subject to the constraints imposed by the vastness of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the lack of infrastructure and the complex military situation there.
The negotiations that began on 9 February ended on 24 February with the unanimous adoption of resolution 1291 (2000), which was introduced as a President's draft. By that resolution, the Security Council extended the mandate of MONUC to 31 August 2000 and authorized its expansion up to 5,537 military personnel, including up to 500 observers, or more. All Council members, including the delegations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal, the latter speaking on behalf of the European Union, made statements at the meeting at which resolution 1291 (2000) was adopted.
Western Sahara
In informal consultations on 24 February, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Bernard Miyet, introduced the report of the Secretary- General on Western Sahara (S/2000/131), summarizing the evolution of the implementation of the settlement plan since its adoption in 1991. All delegations supported the proposal of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of MINURSO until 31 May 2000 and to request his Personal Envoy, James A. Baker III, to consult with the parties for the purpose of achieving an early, durable and agreed resolution to their dispute. On 29 February the Security Council unanimously adopted without debate, as a President's draft, its resolution 1292 (2000) extending the mandate of MINURSO until 31 May 2000 and supporting the task entrusted by the Secretary-General to his Personal Envoy.
Sierra Leone
On 7 February the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations gave an oral report in a public meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Sierra Leone. The main points covered were the overall security situation in the country, the status of deployment of UNAMSIL, the evolution of the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants and the humanitarian situation, especially in the northern and eastern regions of the country. The Assistant Secretary-General also referred to the attacks on the civilian population by the rebel forces. On 7 February, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1289 (2000) authorizing the expansion of the military component of UNAMSIL up to a maximum of 11,100 troops.
Somalia
In informal consultations on 23 February Council members heard a briefing by the Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, Kieran Prendergast, on the situation in Somalia. The Under-Secretary-General referred in particular to the progress being made regarding the Djibouti peace initiative, as well as the political and humanitarian situation in Somalia. Regarding the Djibouti peace plan, he informed Council members of the steps taken by the President of Djibouti, Omar Guelleh, in the countries of the region; he also indicated that the initiative had been well received by Somali society. Concerning the political and military situation, he said that during January and February incidents of banditry had been reported, as well as confrontations between clans. As to the humanitarian situation, he mentioned the difficult food situation being experienced in the Bay and Bakool regions, and noted that outbreaks of cholera had been reported in the northern part of the country.
After the conclusion of the informal consultations, the President issued a press statement on behalf of Council members in which, inter alia, he expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved towards the Djibouti peace plan and reaffirmed the Council members' commitment to consider it in a constructive spirit in due course. Furthermore, he condemned the attacks against humanitarian workers, called for their safety to be respected and expressed concern at the flow of arms into the country (see below).
Furthermore, on 16 February the President met with the Permanent Representative of Djibouti, Ambassador Roble Olhaye, at his request. The latter referred to the peace plan for Somalia and delivered two documents, a Plan of Action for the National Peace Conference for Somalia and a progress report on the Djibouti peace initiative, and requested that they be circulated among members of the Council.
Europe
The Balkans
At its 4105th meeting on 28 February, the Council heard an oral report by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Balkans, Carl Bildt, on the search for self-sustaining stability in that region. The Special Envoy said that he considered it essential for all the actors involved to be ready to renew the search for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. To that end, he listed four benchmarks, namely, the firm support of the Council for the search for a regional solution, the active participation of the States of the region in achieving that goal, the clear indication that a true solution should meet the minimum requirements of all parties, but the maximum demands of none, and an agreement that was firmly embedded in the context of a broader settlement encompassing the region as a whole.
Cyprus
In informal consultations on 15 February, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, briefed the Council members on the results of the second round of proximity talks held at Geneva from 31 January to 8 February 2000. Following the consultations, the President read out a statement to the press on behalf of the Council members commending the continuing commitment shown by the parties to the talks process, welcoming the fact that the talks had been conducted in a positive atmosphere and without preconditions, and encouraging all concerned to continue their efforts towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question (see below).
Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)
In informal consultations on 10 February, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations gave an oral report to the members of the Council on the chronological succession of the acts of violence which had occurred in the northern part of Mitrovica beginning on 2 February, after the firing of a rocket at a bus belonging to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and continuing until 5 February. After the consultations, the President read out a press statement on behalf of the Council members in which, inter alia, they expressed their profound concern at the deterioration of the security situation in Kosovo, took note of the measures taken by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR to ensure the security of the entire population of Kosovo, and called upon Member States to provide UNMIK with the personnel and financial resources it still required (see below).
At its 4102nd meeting on 16 February, the Council heard an oral report from the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the situation in Kosovo, covering the security situation, minorities, UNMIK police, the rule of law, the Kosovo Protection Force, the Joint Interim Administrative Structure, the civil registry and preparations for municipal elections, the humanitarian situation and financing. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council adopted an official communiqué (S/PV.4102). In informal consultations on 23 February, at the request of a member of the Council, under "Other matters", the consideration of the security situation in Mitrovica continued.
International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
On 3 February, the Office of the President, at his request, met with the President of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Judge Claude Jorda, who discussed, among other topics, certain budgetary difficulties and procedural questions faced by the Tribunal which must be remedied.
Iraq
In informal consultations on 7 February, the Council members considered the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 1284 (1999) (S/2000/22) and a letter dated 14 January 2000 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Council, submitted pursuant to resolution 1281 (1999) (S/2000/26). The Executive Director of the Iraq Programme, Benon Sevan, introduced those documents and gave Council members an update on matters relating to his mandate. Having considered those documents, the Council members did not take any action that day.
Furthermore, in informal consultations held on 28 February, the President referred to a letter dated 24 February 2000 from the Secretary-General (S/2000/166), in which, pursuant to paragraph 26 of resolution 1284 (1999), he proposed a mechanism to provide for reasonable expenses related to the Hajj pilgrimage. In a letter dated 1 March 2000 (S/2000/167), under the Presidency of Bangladesh, the Council authorized the Secretary-General to proceed in accordance with his proposal.
East Timor
At its 4097th meeting on 3 February 2000, the Council considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) (S/2000/53). The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Transitional Administrator in East Timor, Sergio Vieira de Mello, introduced the report and briefed the Security Council on the situation in East Timor. In his introduction, the Special Representative described the evolution of the humanitarian situation in East Timor; recent events in the area of security and public safety; the refugee problem; the establishment of consultative mechanisms to ensure the full participation of the East Timorese in the decision- making process; matters relating to governance, public administration, the administration of justice, public finance and the economy in general; the transfer of functions from the International Force in East Timor to UNTAET; relations between Indonesia and East Timor; and the submission of reports by the International Commission of Inquiry on East Timor and the Indonesian Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in East Timor.
With regard to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in East Timor, by a letter dated 18 February 2000 (S/2000/137), the President replied to the letter of the Secretary-General dated 31 January 2000 transmitting the report of the International Commission of Inquiry on East Timor (S/2000/59). In his letter, the President informed the Secretary-General that that report had been brought to the attention of the Council members and transmitted the members' shared points of view regarding its contents.
In informal consultations held on 29 February, the Secretary-General present a tour d'horizon on his visit to various countries in South-East Asia during that month. With respect to East Timor, the Secretary- General stated that the security emergency had been almost completely resolved and that the primary challenge for the future would be to rebuild the basic education, health, communications and housing infrastructures. He noted, inter alia, that it had been encouraging to observe the degree of political maturity of the Timorese leaders and the improvement in relations between East Timor and Indonesia. Furthermore, he had discussed the refugee problem in East Timor in detail with the Indonesian authorities and he had offered them United Nations assistance in investigating violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. In conclusion, he said that UNTAET was working with the Timorese leaders to establish objective criteria for deciding when East Timor would achieve full independence.
Other matters
Protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones
At its 4100th meeting on 9 February, the Security Council held an open debate on the protection of United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina presided. Participants in the session included the Deputy Secretary-General, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Catherine Bertini, and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Sylvie Junod. That meeting resulted in the adoption of a presidential statement (S/PRST/2000/4) reflecting concern at the situations that United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel were compelled to face in the course of their work and identifying measures to improve their safety. The choice of this topic reflects Argentina's recognition of the selfless work carried out by United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian personnel and the importance attached by the Security Council to the protection of their safety in conflict zones.
Admission of new Members: application of Tuvalu for admission to membership in the United Nations
At its 4103rd meeting on 17 February, the Security Council, having considered the report of the Committee on the Admission of New Members concerning the application of Tuvalu for admission to membership in the United Nations (S/2000/5), adopted resolution 1290 (2000), recommending to the General Assembly that Tuvalu be admitted to the United Nations, by 14 votes in favour, with one abstention (China). Following the adoption of the resolution, the President, on behalf of the Council, made a statement (S/PRST/2000/6) congratulating the Government of Tuvalu.
Working group of the Security Council concerning documentation and other procedural questions
In November 1999, the delegation of Argentina had proposed that new members of the Security Council elected for the term of 2000-2001 by the General Assembly should be invited to observe the informal consultations of the Council members for a period of one month immediately preceding their term of membership.
This proposal was adopted by the members of the Council and allowed new members to acquaint themselves in advance with the Council members' customary procedures and practice at such meetings. The delegation of Argentina therefore proposed, through a draft note by the President, that this mechanism should be formalized with a view to its continued implementation in the future. At a meeting on 22 February, the informal working group of the Security Council concerning the Council's documentation and other procedural questions considered this proposal and recommended to the Council the adoption of a draft note on the matter by the President of the Council. This draft was adopted on 28 February as a note by the President (S/2000/155).
