Africa
Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Africa
On 28 May, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1170 (1998), by which it established an ad hoc working group to review the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report on Africa relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. According to paragraph 4 of the resolution, the ad hoc working group was mandated to prepare a framework for the implementation of those recommendations and to submit it for the consideration of the Council by September 1998.
Angola
On 21 May, members of the Security Council received a briefing from Mr. Hédi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the deteriorating situation in Angola and the stalling of the Lusaka peace process. Mr. Annabi informed members of the Council of the non-completion by the Angolan parties of their obligations under the Lusaka Protocol, contrary to the terms agreed upon within the framework of the 6 March 1998 timetable, and, in particular, he reported on the failure of UNITA to hand over, for extension of State administration, the remaining localities under its control. He drew the attention of members of the Council to the recent stepping-up of attacks by UNITA elements on MONUA personnel, increased mine-laying activities, troop movements by the Government, acts of banditry and propaganda by the Government media against UNITA.
Members of the Council also considered and supported the plan presented to the parties by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General aimed at resolving the crisis and assisting the parties to implement the remaining tasks of the peace process.
On 22 May, the Security Council issued a presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/14), in which it expressed its deep concern at the recent destabilizing acts in Angola, including attacks by UNITA elements on personnel of MONUA, and the serious abuses committed by the Angolan National Police. The Council endorsed the plan by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General; called on the parties to complete the remaining tasks of the Lusaka Protocol by 31 May 1998; and reaffirmed its readiness to consider the imposition of additional measures, should the parties fail to live up to their obligations.
Central African Republic
The Council received a briefing on the situation in the Central African Republic on 7 May. It welcomed the continuing deployment of MINURCA and the encouraging progress made towards national reconciliation. It urged the parties in the Central African Republic to continue to implement the Bangui Agreements and the National Reconciliation Pact.
Ethiopia/Eritrea border dispute
On 28 May, the Council received a briefing from the Secretariat on the border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Council characterized the crisis as volatile and called upon the two countries to exercise maximum restraint as efforts to defuse the crisis continue. It reaffirmed its strong support for the pacific settlement of disputes as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The Council, through its President, in a statement to the press, strongly encouraged President Gouled Aptidon of Djibouti, in his capacity as Chairman of IGAD, the United States and Rwanda actively to continue their ongoing mediation efforts with a view to resolving the crisis peacefully.
Somalia
On 21 May, the Council received a briefing on the situation in Somalia, and was informed of the postponement of the National Reconciliation Conference, which had been scheduled for 15 May 1998, for another 90 days. The Council expressed concern over the breakdown of the peace process and, in this regard, called on the Somali leaders to set aside their factional differences and work towards an early convening of the National Reconciliation Conference.
In a statement to the press, the Council, through its President, expressed its support for the IGAD initiative in its efforts to contribute to the peace process, and called on the Somali leaders to cooperate fully with regional efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. It supported the intention of the Secretary-General to hold a second ambassadors meeting on Somalia next month, possibly after the summit meeting of OAU. It also commended the role of humanitarian bodies and condemned all acts of kidnapping of humanitarian personnel and other aid workers.
Sudan
On 5 May, the Council received a briefing from the Department of Humanitarian Affairs on the humanitarian situation in southern Sudan, following reports of looming famine and lack of access to affected areas.
The Council expressed its concern about the situation in southern Sudan, in particular, about the inadequacy of the humanitarian assistance available. From the briefing and recent media reports, it was clear that the question of access to the affected areas had been resolved and that the Government of Sudan had so far responded positively to all requests for authorization of additional aircraft made by the United Nations. To this end, the Council expected access to be continued and not be tied to any other political process.
The President was authorized by the Council to express its concern with the lack of generous assistance from the donor community, which has pledged less than 20 per cent of the US$ 109.4 million requested in the 1998 United Nations consolidated inter-agency appeal. In that connection, it was agreed that frequent briefings to the Council on the level and status of assistance would be provided by the Secretariat. It was also agreed that the Council would appeal for further humanitarian assistance for the Sudan.
The Nairobi communiqué on the Sudan was circulated to members of the Council by Kenya in its capacity as facilitator of the talks.
Western Sahara
The Council received a briefing on Western Sahara on the basis of the progress report of the Secretary-General, which observed a small improvement in the progress made in the identification process. It was felt that the parties to the conflict needed to cooperate more closely to ensure the completion of the process.
Sierra Leone
During consultations on 7 May, the Council received a briefing on the situation in Sierra Leone. Fighting was still raging in the north-eastern part of the country between ECOMOG forces and the remnants of the junta which had been deposed in April. The Council authorized the President of the Council to convey to the media the Council's deepest concern over the continued fighting and the serious humanitarian situation resulting from instability in the eastern part of the country.
On 20 May, the Council authorized the President to read a statement (S/PRST/1998/13) condemning atrocities carried out against the civilian population by members of the Revolutionary United Front and the deposed military junta. The statement expressed grave concern about reports of military support being provided to the rebels. The Council also commended ECOWAS and ECOMOG for the important role they continued to play in restoring peace and security in Sierra Leone and, in that connection, reiterated its call for all States to provide technical and logistical support to assist ECOMOG in its commendable efforts.
Asia/the Middle East Asia/the Middle East
Afghanistan
On 21 May, the Council reconfirmed the statement it made on 19 May on Afghanistan, and expressed its concern that the Taliban had decided to discontinue its participation in the Ulema negotiation process.
The Council condemned the intensification of hostilities, and emphasized that the use of military force was not an option in the Afghan conflict. It called on the parties to return to the negotiating table and cooperate fully with the United Nations in the political and humanitarian fields.
The Council encouraged the Secretary-General to continue his mediation efforts in the six-plus-two and G-21 context, and called on all States to adhere to the resolutions of the Council and the General Assembly regarding the supply of arms to Afghanistan. In that regard, it expressed support for the appeal by the Secretary-General to all those who may have influence on the Afghan parties to intensify diplomatic, political and other forms of pressure, so that they can resume the negotiation process, and called on neighbouring States to refrain from supplying arms to Afghan factions. The President was asked to meet with the representatives of the neighbouring countries to discuss the flow of arms into Afghanistan.
On 26 May, the President met with the representatives of the countries neighbouring Afghanistan to convey the Council's concern over the situation in Afghanistan, including the Taliban decision to discontinue its participation in the Ulema process, as well as concerns about the continued flow of arms into Afghanistan. On 27 May, the Council authorized the President to make a statement to the press reaffirming the primary role of the Security Council in the Afghanistan peace process as had been stipulated in various Council resolutions.
Nuclear tests by India and Pakistan
On 12 May, the Council exchanged views on India's decision to conduct three underground nuclear tests on 11 May 1998. The Council expressed disappointment and concern about the tests and issued a presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/12) on 14 May, deploring the three tests conducted on 11 May and the two further tests conducted on 13 May. The statement urged India to refrain from any further tests and felt that such testing was contrary to the de facto moratorium on the testing of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices and to global efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament; encouraged India to participate, in a positive spirit, in the proposed negotiations with other States for a fissile material cut-off treaty in Geneva, with a view to reaching early agreement; urged States to exercise maximum restraint; and underlined that the sources of tension in South Asia could only be resolved through dialogue and not by a military build-up.
On 28 May, the Security Council issued a presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/17) regarding the nuclear tests by Pakistan on 28 May 1998. The statement strongly deplored the underground tests; urged Pakistan to refrain from any further tests; expressed the Council's concern at the effects of this development on peace and stability in the region; called upon all the parties to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate steps to reduce and remove the tension between them; and reaffirmed that the sources of tension in South Asia could only be eliminated through peaceful dialogue and not by use of force or other military means.
Iraq
The Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/11) on the report of the Executive Chairman of the United Nations Special Commission dated 16 April 1998 and the report of the Director-General of IAEA dated 9 April 1998. In a major development, the Council welcomed the improved access provided to the Special Commission and IAEA by the Government of Iraq following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and the Secretary-General on 23 February 1998. The Council also acknowledged the decision of IAEA to focus most of its resources on the implementation and strengthening of its activities under the ongoing monitoring and verification plan.
The Council also received a briefing from the Secretariat on the situation in northern Iraq. According to the United Nations, Turkish troops have been seen in Dohuk and along the border, including 50 to 60 tanks, as well as armoured personnel carriers and large Howitzers. In one location, a helicopter was seen. It was reported that guns were fired periodically into the hills where the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) elements were alleged to have been located. The Secretariat noted that the periodic firing of guns was disrupting the lives of the local population, who were vacating villages, and was also beginning to undermine humanitarian efforts by affecting the movement of United Nations agencies in the area. On 6 May, the Council received a letter from the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission pursuant to the responsibilities assigned to him under paragraph 6 of resolution 1137 (1997), in which he expressed the view that the requirements of paragraph 6 of resolution 1137 (1997) had been sufficiently implemented to allow for the termination of the provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 of that resolution. Consequently, the travel restrictions imposed on Iraqi officials under resolution 1137 (1997) were lifted.
Tajikistan
The Council met on 12 May to discuss the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan (S/1998/374). The Council, through its President, in a statement to the press, expressed concern at the precarious security situation in some parts of Tajikistan, as well as violations of the ceasefire. They welcomed the intensified contacts between the Government of Tajikistan and the United Tajik Opposition, which helped contain the recent crisis and confirmed the commitment of both parties to the peace process. They called upon the parties to undertake vigorous efforts to implement the General Agreement on Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan, including the Protocol on Military Issues.
On 14 May, the Council met in formal session, and adopted resolution 1167 (1998) extending the mandate of UNMOT until 15 November 1998.
The Council received a briefing on the situation in Tajikistan on 14 May. The Tajik Parliament met on 21 May, and, in the course of its three-day session, refused to confirm President Rakhmonov's appointments to Government's post of key members of the United Tajik Opposition. On 23 May, the Tajik Parliament also adopted the draft law on political parties and public associations. It incorporated amendments to the original draft, which in effect banned the activities of political parties established on the basis of religious principles. The law runs contrary to the spirit of the General Agreement signed between the Government and the United Tajik Opposition. UNMOT is working together with the President and the Commission on National Reconciliation to continue the dialogue.
United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
On 27 May, the Council adopted resolution 1169 (1998) extending the mandate of UNDOF for another six months, until 30 November 1998. A presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/15) expressing the Council's views on the situation in the Middle East was also adopted on the same day.
Europe
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 11 May, the Council considered the report of the High Representative for the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Carlos Westendorp. They welcomed the presence of the High Representative and expressed their continued support for his efforts and the efforts of the personnel of his Office in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.
Members of the Council noted the substantial progress made in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. They noted with satisfaction that the Programme of Action approved at the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference was proceeding satisfactorily. The members of the Council welcomed the outcome of the donors conference held at Brussels on 7 and 8 May. They shared the assessment of the High Representative on the improvement of the situation in Republika Srpska over the last few months. The members of the Council underlined the importance of continued international support for the Government of Republika Srpska, headed by Mr. Dodik, in its efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Peace Agreement.
However, the members of the Council noted that the peace process had not yet become irreversible and a number of critical problems remained in both the Federation and the Republika Srpska. The Council reiterated its urgent appeal to the parties to increase the phased and orderly return of refugees and displaced persons, particularly to minority areas. They underlined the importance of the Sarajevo Returns Conference held in February and the Conference on the Return of Refugees, held in Banja Luka on 28 April. Against that background, in a statement to the press, the members of the Council, through its President, strongly condemned the acts of violence and intimidation that took place recently in Drvar and Derventa and other places.
The Council also emphasized the need for the Bosnian leadership to strengthen cooperation with the International Tribunal for Yugoslavia. It urged the parties to demonstrate the necessary political will to establish functioning common institutions. It shared the assessment of the High Representative that judicial system reform remained a priority in 1998 and fully supported his proposals on that issue. They also stressed the importance of promoting a free and independent media throughout the country and strongly supported the efforts of the High Representative to that end.
On 21 May, the Council adopted resolution 1168 (1998), which inter alia, authorized an increase in the strength of the International Police Task Force by 30 posts, to a total of 2,057; encouraged Member States to intensify their efforts to provide, on a voluntary funded basis and in coordination with the International Police Task Force, training equipment and related assistance for the local police service for Bosnia and Herzegovina; recognized that establishing an indigenous public security capability was essential to strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and agreed to consider expeditiously an UNMIBH-led court monitoring programme as part of an overall programme of legal reform, as outlined by the Office of the High Representative.
Abkhazia, Georgia
On 20 May, the Council received a briefing from the Secretariat on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia. The Council condemned the acts of violence that took place in the Gali region and stressed the importance of strengthening the peace process. The Council called upon the parties to exercise maximum restraint and to do their utmost to improve the security situation. In addition, the Council reminded the parties that it was their responsibility to protect the UNOMIG bases and personnel. It called on the parties to come together and engage in a serious political dialogue in order to resolve the conflict. In that regard, it was felt that the high-level meeting scheduled to take place in Geneva would provide a good opportunity for the parties to demonstrate their commitment to re-energizing the peace process.
The Council responded to the events and the overall situation in Abkhazia, Georgia with a presidential statement (S/PRST/1998/16), which it adopted on 28 May. In it, the Council expressed its deep concern about the recent outbreak of violence in the zone of conflict, which has resulted in the loss of human life and a significant outflow of refugees, and called upon the parties to observe strictly the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces (the Moscow Agreement) and also the ceasefire protocol signed on 25 May 1998, as well as all their obligations, and to refrain from the use of force and to resolve disputed issues by peaceful means only.
Croatia
On 20 May, the Council was briefed by the Secretariat on the situation in Croatia. The emphasis was on the issue of return of refugees and displaced persons. The Council underlined the obligation of the Government of Croatia to ensure the safety, security and rights of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, and to facilitate the return of all refugees and displaced persons. In this connection, the Council noted the adoption, on 14 May 1998, of improved "Mandatory Instructions" for the full and correct implementation of the refugee return procedures already in place. The members of the Council stressed the importance of the full implementation of those instructions and of the elaboration of a comprehensive return plan.
International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
On 12 February, the President of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia briefed the Council at its informal consultations on the urgent need to establish a third Trial Chamber of three judges in order to expedite trials of the accused in its detention, who numbered 25 at the time.
At that briefing, some members of the Council requested further details on the impact an additional Trial Chamber would have on the budget of the Tribunal.
A report containing a detailed financial statement of the staffing requirements and costs for the additional Chamber was circulated to the members in the month of April.
In a letter dated 6 May addressed to the President of the Council, the Secretary-General informed the Council that the establishment of the third Trial Chamber and the election of three additional judges required the amendment by the Council of articles 11, 12 and 13 of the statute of the Tribunal.
During the first week of May, discussions were held at the expert level on a draft resolution proposed by one delegation, which was approved without many difficulties.
On 13 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1166 (1998) establishing a third Trial Chamber of the Tribunal and decided to elect three additional judges to serve in the Chamber. The Council also urged States to cooperate fully with the Tribunal and its organs in accordance with their obligations under resolution 827 (1993) and the statute of the Tribunal.
