The French Presidency
June 2000
Introduction
During the month of June the Security Council held 17 consultations of the whole, 15 public meetings and 3 private meetings.
The Council adopted four resolutions and three presidential statements. Mandates of two peacekeeping operations (UNFICYP, UNMIBH) were extended, as well as phase VIII of the "oil-for-food" programme for Iraq.
The Security Council had a direct dialogue with regional actors of two major conflicts in the framework of private meetings — with the Political Committee of the Lusaka Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and with the Mediation and Security Committee of ECOWAS for Sierra Leone. The Council held three open debates, on the Balkans, East Timor and Somalia.
Almost all subjects included in the agenda of the Council were discussed during this month (7 on Africa, 2 on Asia, 5 on Europe and 2 on the Middle East). The Council heard the Prosecutor for the International Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia and the President of the Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Africa
Angola
During consultations on 26 June, the Council members heard a briefing by the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, on the situation in Angola after his visit to that country in May. A discussion followed. The Government of Angola pursues a strategy aiming at weakening the military capacity of UNITA but knows that at some point it will have to negotiate with UNITA. The Government position was that the negotiations could not include Jonas Savimbi. Nevertheless, the statement made on 19 June by the President, José Eduardo dos Santos, confirming the validity of the Lusaka Protocol and his readiness to forgive those who renounce war, including Mr. Savimbi himself, raised a question as to what it concretely meant.
The question was discussed whether the time was ripe for a political settlement. Some members of the Council raised doubts given the negative experience in the past when UNITA used these intermissions to rebuild its military potential. Other members wondered who could replace Mr. Savimbi as the main interlocutor on the UNITA side.
The Government of Angola has announced that elections will be organized in 2001. Nevertheless current conditions, in particular the continuation of fighting and the high number of internally displaced persons, are not conducive to the holding of free, fair and credible elections. The United Nations could provide assistance if required.
The growing mobilization of the civil society in favour of peace, in particular at the initiative of church leaders, was noted. The humanitarian situation remains dire. Mine clearance is a top priority and international assistance is needed but this cannot be carried out in the context of continued fighting and has to be linked to renewed efforts for a political settlement. The United Nations Office in Luanda consists of 63 staff members. It was observed that a head of the Office should be appointed without any further delay. The question of broadening the mandate of the Office should be addressed in a pragmatic and progressive way.
Burundi
During consultations on 28 June, the Council members heard a briefing by the Secretariat and had an exchange of views on the current situation in Burundi, in particular on the Arusha peace process. There have been significant developments in the Arusha peace process this year under the leadership of the new facilitator, Nelson Mandela. He has met all interested parties, including the Government, leaders of the army, leaders of political parties and of rebel armed groups and representatives of the civil society. He visited Burundi twice. There has been progress on a number of issues but much more remains to be done on specific but key issues.
The Government has accepted that the army will be composed of 49 per cent Tutsi, 49 per cent Hutu and 2 per cent Twa, and that all regroupment camps will be dismantled by the end of July. Concerning work in the five committees established in the Arusha process, there are still outstanding issues such as, for Committee No. 2, who leads the transition and modalities to set up the transition; for Committee No. 5, the involvement of foreign peacekeeping forces to monitor the implementation of a peace agreement. The outstanding issues are the most delicate and at this juncture radical parties voice their discontent. Concessions made by the President, Pierre Buyoya, are being criticized by some quarters. The facilitator's plan is to convene a plenary meeting in July but the completion of the process could take more time. Attention should be paid to the modalities of implementation of the peace agreement because a lot will depend on the mechanisms worked out to this effect.
The security situation remains tense in several provinces. Armed groups continue to launch attacks which provoke clashes with the army. The humanitarian situation remains difficult and the response of donors to the consolidated appeal has been slim. Twelve regroupment camps have been closed and 4 partially dismantled; 36 still remain to be closed. Out of a total regrouped or internally displaced population of 355,000 people, 123,000 have left the regroupment camps. The economic situation has worsened with the deterioration of economic essentials, shortage of foreign exchanges and drought and social discontent. International economic assistance and cooperation have resumed but only partially.
Finally, members of the Council welcomed the progress achieved so far, reiterated their support to the facilitator and welcomed the steps and commitments made by the Government. They agreed on a statement made by the President (see below).
Democratic Republic of the Congo
At a public meeting held on 2 June, the President, on behalf of the Council, made a statement which specifies the mandate of an expert panel on the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and by which the Secretary- General is requested to establish the panel (S/PRST/2000/20).
During consultations held on 6 June, the Secretariat briefed Council members on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A discussion took place thereafter.
The recent developments were the following: resumption of fighting between Rwandan and Ugandan armies in Kisangani and violations of the ceasefire in Equateur Province; dire humanitarian situation (16 million people in critical need of food, 1.3 million internally displaced people, 5 million people isolated and not accessible to humanitarian assistance); reports of numerous acts of violence and massacres in the eastern part of the country; the massacre of civilians in Katagota confirmed by a team of human rights officers; restrictions on the activity of political parties and political prisoners still remaining in Government- controlled areas.
Regarding MONUC, the Secretariat is checking whether contingents proposed by Member States are adequately equipped and trained. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rebel movements still impose restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Mission.
The Government has refused to take part in the preparatory meeting organized by the facilitator, Sir Ketumile Masire, in Cotonou and has prevented Congolese delegates from leaving Kinshasa to go to that meeting.
Council members agreed on a statement to the press made by the President after the consultations (see below).
During consultations on 12 June, Council members heard a briefing by the Secretariat. In Kisangani, after several failed attempts to cease fire, fighting between the Ugandan and Rwandan armies appear to have stopped over the weekend. Rwanda and Uganda seem to have agreed to withdraw their troops outside the city. One hundred and fifty Congolese civilians have died and 1,000 have been injured as a result of seven days of intensive combat (6,000 shells have fallen on the city). During the fighting 21 MONUC military and civilian staff as well as humanitarian workers remained in Kisangani despite very difficult and dangerous conditions. The humanitarian situation in Kisangani is very serious. United Nations and other humanitarian agencies have made arrangements for a flight of urgent food and medical supplies.
In Kinshasa violent demonstrations, ostensibly in protest against the supposed failure of MONUC to prevent fighting in Kisangani, were held outside MONUC headquarters. The Mission protested to the authorities and reminded them of their strict responsibility to protect the security of United Nations staff. As a result, Congolese armed forces were deployed outside MONUC headquarters.
In a statement, the Minister for Information denounced the facilitator for not speaking out against the fighting in Kisangani and said that the Democratic Republic of the Congo Government was withdrawing its confidence from him.
The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the situation and considers that there has been too much destruction, too many killings, and too many human rights violations. He thinks one should bring that to an end and that time has come for appropriate action by the Security Council. An exchange of views followed. Council members agreed to their President issuing a statement to the press after the consultations (see below). On 15 and 16 June, the members of the Security Council had a series of consultations and public and private meetings. In the consultations they discussed a draft resolution (adopted on 16 June as resolution 1304 (2000)).
On 15 June, they held a public meeting in which members of the Political Committee of the Lusaka Agreement, as well as Zambia, the current Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Kamel Morjane, participated. The President of the Security Council opened the meeting by focusing on the points where progress and commitments are urgently needed: holding of the ceasefire agreement, disengagement from and demilitarization of Kisangani, cooperation with MONUC, respect for human rights, national dialogue. Then the Chairman of the Political Committee, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uganda, Amama Mbabazi, the Permanent Representative of the United States, Richard Holbrooke, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yerodia Abdoulaye Ndombasi, took the floor (see S/PV.4156). On 15 and 16 June, the Security Council held two private meetings to have a frank and interactive discussion with the members of the Political Committee.
They first focused on security matters, in particular the situation in Kisangani. Many delegations emphasized that the recent outbreak of fighting and the severe damage it has inflicted on the local population were unacceptable. While confirming the validity of the Lusaka Agreement, those delegations were of the view that the events in Kisangani made it even more urgent not only to ensure a quick withdrawal of Ugandan and Rwandan forces from that city and to demilitarize it, but also to ensure and accelerate the implementation of the disengagement plan agreed upon in Kampala on 8 April 2000 and the withdrawal of foreign forces from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda and Rwanda did not provide explanations for the fighting but announced that their troops would withdraw to 100 km from Kisangani. The situation in Equateur Province, in particular around Mbandaka, was also raised, but both MLC and the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo blamed the other side for starting military action. The belligerents in the conflict announced that they were proceeding with an exchange of prisoners of war.
Rwanda raised the question of the root cause of the conflict and the need to disarm, demobilize and resettle the armed group as foreseen in the Lusaka Agreement. Some members of the Council were of the view that, given the volatile security situation, it was difficult for MONUC to fully and swiftly deploy and for troop-contributing countries to agree to send their military personnel to areas in trouble. They noted with concern that the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congolese rebel movements continued to hamper the work and freedom of movement of MONUC. They called upon them to live up to their commitments in that regard. The members of the Political Committee stressed the need to provide the Joint Military Commission with adequate resources so that it could discharge its mandate and help consolidate the ceasefire agreement and implement the disengagement plans. The third matter of concern was the slow pace at which the national dialogue was developing. This national dialogue was viewed as a constitutive element of the peace process. According to some members, without a credible political track, there is a risk that the military option will continue to be the preferred option. Many delegations expressed their support for the facilitator chosen by the parties with the assistance of OAU. An appeal was launched to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to cooperate with the facilitation process and to allow all Congolese representatives to participate in the preparatory work. This series of meetings was concluded with the adoption of two important texts: a statement by the Political Committee on the implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement (S/2000/605) and Security Council resolution 1304 (2000) (see S/PV.4159).
During the consultations of 22 June, the Secretariat briefed the members of the Council on the most recent developments. The Congolese police closed the office of the facilitator for the inter-Congolese dialogue in Kinshasa. This step followed a series of decisions and actions taken by the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (renunciation of Sir Ketumile Masire as the facilitator, non-participation in the Cotonou preparatory meeting). In Kisangani the Ugandan and Rwandan forces were withdrawing. Nevertheless, RCD-Goma has occupied the positions left by the Rwandan forces. MLC for its part has announced that it will not attack the city provided that RCD pulls out. In Equateur Province, the Government forces continued preparation for an offensive in the Mbandaka region and bombed several towns. The humanitarian situation remains tense while improving.
Some Council members were of the view that the action taken against the office of the facilitator was very worrisome and, as a new element in a series of negative moves by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, jeopardized the political process. They stressed that this process is a key element of the Lusaka Agreement. According to other members it is necessary to better assess the intentions of the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding the facilitation. The Organization of African Unity should play a role in trying to find ways to solve the problem. Council members agreed to a statement to the press by the President (see below).
Eritrea and Ethiopia
During consultations held on 8 June, Council members considered the report of the Secretary- General of 2 June 2000 (S/2000/530). They heard a briefing by the Secretariat. On the ground, military activity was still reported on several fronts, in particular in the north and in the Assab region. The two parties made contradictory statements on the military situation. Proximity talks at Algiers continue. The option of deploying international observers on the Eritrean territory along the line of 6 May 1998 is being considered. The humanitarian situation is dire, owing to the effects of war and drought. There are 750,000 internally displaced persons in Eritrea and 400,000 in Ethiopia. The situation of internally displaced persons and refugees in the camps is very precarious. Urgent assistance is needed. An emergency appeal for $378 million for the drought in the Horn of Africa was launched.
During the discussions, Council members expected the cessation of all military activities. They emphasized the need for the mediators to liase with the United Nations at an early stage if it is to play an effective role in the implementation of a peace agreement. After consultations, the President spoke to the press on behalf of Council members (see below). During the consultations of 13 June, the Secretariat briefed Council members on current developments.
The Organization of African Unity proposed to the parties an agreement on cessation of hostilities. Eritrea formally communicated its acceptance of the proposal on 9 May. On 10 May, the Government of Ethiopia announced that it had agreed in principle to the OAU proposal. The OAU proposal provides for an immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Eritrea within two weeks after the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force, while requiring Eritrea to maintain a distance of 25 km between its forces and the Ethiopian forces as the latter withdraw to the line of 6 May 1998. This zone of separation will be a temporary security zone. The OAU proposal has substantial implications for the United Nations for it calls for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force. Several provisions included in the draft agreement need to be specified and clarified as to what is expected from the United Nations.
Meanwhile, both sides have reported fighting during the weekend on the Burie, Senafe and western fronts. Statements made by the parties in that regard were contradictory. The humanitarian situation has remained grave. A further influx of Eritrean refugees into the Sudan has been reported. In the discussion that followed, Council members were unanimous in pointing out that a mechanism of close consultation should be established between OAU and the United Nations — both the Security Council and the Secretariat. They expected both parties, once they agree to the proposal, to formally ask the United Nations for assistance in the implementation of the agreement. The United Nations has to make sure that the mandate given to the United Nations peacekeeping force will be feasible. Council members stressed that it is for the United Nations to determine precisely the tasks of that force.
On 18 June, the President of the Council issued a press statement by which members of the Council welcomed the signature by Ethiopia and Eritrea of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities (see below).
Sierra Leone
During consultations held on 7 June, the Secretariat briefed Council members on the most recent developments on the ground in Sierra Leone. There are still 236 United Nations troops surrounded by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Kailahun. Military activity between the Sierra Leone Army and RUF was reported in the region of Lunsar; and RUF soldiers attacked a UNAMSIL unit in Kabala. The security situation remained calm in the rest of the country. UNAMSIL units were deployed at Rogberi junction.
During consultations on 8 June, one delegation presented a draft resolution on Sierra Leone. Council members welcomed this comprehensive proposal. Preliminary comments were made, mostly on four issues, namely, validity of the Lomé Agreement; possible adaptation of the UNAMSIL mandate; trial of Foday Sankoh; and the need to stop diamond trafficking by RUF.
On 21 June, the members of the Security Council had a private meeting with the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Committee on Sierra Leone, composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Mali, as Chairman, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo, and with the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS.
The Foreign Minister of Mali presented the position of ECOWAS (eight points) (see S/2000/631) and an exchange of views followed between Council members and ECOWAS Committee members. The first issue related to the Lomé Agreement and its validity after the outbreak of violence in May. The ECOWAS Committee was of the view that the Agreement remains the sole basis for the settlement of the crisis and that none of the signatories has yet called it into question, but recognized that some adjustments could be made if necessary. Some Council members wondered if the Lomé Agreement could still be regarded as a viable basis for the solution of the crisis, while other members stressed that it is impossible to act as if nothing has happened and that several provisions have become irrelevant.
On the question of RUF leaders, in particular Mr. Sankoh, who bears the responsibility for the May events, the ECOWAS delegation said that a regional inquiry will be launched to shed light on the origin of the resumption of hostilities and that no decision should prejudge the findings. They emphasized that there is still a need for interlocutors in RUF, to implement the peace process, and that the safety of peacekeepers still detained should not be jeopardized by premature measures. Nevertheless, the immunity provided for in the Lomé Agreement did not apply to the acts committed after the signature of the Agreement. Some Council members were of the view that the RUF leaders responsible for the May events had ceased to be valid interlocutors and should be held accountable and brought to justice. Several ideas were expressed with regard to ways and means to achieve that goal.
All participants agreed that the question of illegal trafficking of diamonds and weapons by the rebels should be addressed. The ECOWAS Committee announced that ECOWAS will set up a commission on inquiry to gather facts on the illicit diamond trade and ascertain the situation in all its aspects. Council members pleaded for resolute action such as the measures included in a draft resolution under consideration and stressed the need to have full and genuine cooperation of all countries, in particular the neighbouring countries, in that endeavour. All participants unanimously condemned the taking of hostages and recalled the urgent need to release all peacekeepers still detained or whose freedom of movement is hampered. The ECOWAS Committee reiterated its confidence in the mission entrusted to the President of Liberia to ensure their rapid liberation.
As for UNAMSIL, the ECOWAS Committee argued in favour of a much more robust mandate, towards peace enforcement, so that State authority could be re-established over the whole territory of Sierra Leone, in particular along the border and in the diamond-producing areas. Some Council members were also in favour of a more robust mandate but other members raised questions about the implications of such a choice, in particular in terms of the relationship with the parties on the ground, especially the rebels, the rules of engagement and the strength of the force, and noted that some troop-contributor countries might be reluctant to participate in a mission of that kind. ECOWAS countries announced their readiness to contribute troops to a strengthened UNAMSIL (up to 3,000) provided that the United Nations and the international community provided them with the necessary equipment and logistical support. All participants were of the view there should be only one force with a unique structure of command and control. Finally, Council members and Committee members were of the view that, despite differences among them, a close dialogue and cooperation should be maintained between the Security Council and ECOWAS so as to work together towards the same objectives of restoring peace, promoting reconciliation and fostering reconstruction in Sierra Leone. At the end of this private meeting, a communiqué was issued (S/PV.4163) which reflected the common ground between the Security Council and the ECOWAS Committee.
During the consultations of 30 June, members of the Security Council heard a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sierra Leone, Oluyemi Adeniji, and had a discussion on the current situation and on future developments as well as on a draft resolution on diamonds and arms. Twenty-one peacekeepers detained were released on 29 June, but 233 peacekeepers and military observers still remain surrounded in Kailahun. The behaviour and statements of Mr. Sankoh in recent months have shown his fundamental ambivalence vis-í -vis the Lomé Agreement and the role of the United Nations Mission, which led to the violence against UNAMSIL in May. These events changed the conditions under which the Mission was operating.
There was an exchange of views on the following elements:
Several members stressed that Mr. Sankoh had lost his credibility as a partner in the implementation of the Lomé Agreement and that a judicial mechanism should be established to judge him and other prominent responsible persons; different formulas were considered in that regard. Questions were raised as to who could be the new interlocutors in the RUF leadership.
The arms embargo should be tightened and an embargo on diamonds should be established. The Lomé Agreement remains the framework for the settlement of crisis but some elements have to be reconsidered; in particular, the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration should be reviewed. The Revolutionary United Front should be convinced that it cannot attain power by force. UNAMSIL should be reinforced, both quantitatively and qualitatively, have a robust and credible posture and coordinate with the Sierra Leonean armed forces in their endeavour to extend the State authority throughout the country. Different views were expressed on the nature of the tasks which should be entrusted to UNAMSIL and on the consequences this entails for troop contributors. According to some members, particular attention should be given to the feasibility of the mandate and to the match between the mandate of the operation and the resources allocated to it.
Somalia
On 29 June, the Security Council held a public meeting to hear a briefing by the Secretariat on the situation in Somalia and on the peace process launched by the President of Djibouti (see S/PV.4166). After the debate, the President made a statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/2000/22) (see S/PV.4167).
Sudan
During consultations held on 2 June, the President drew the attention of the members to a letter received from the Permanent Representative of the Sudan asking for the lifting of sanctions against his country. During consultations on 22 June, one delegation announced on behalf of the non-aligned countries that it would transmit to the President a letter attaching a draft resolution on the lifting of sanctions against the Sudan. The President then circulated the letter and the attached draft resolution to all Council members for their consideration. It was agreed later to postpone the consideration of the draft to mid-November.
Asia
Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
During consultations held on 14 June, members of the Council heard a briefing by the Director of the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville, Noel Sinclair, and had an exchange of views. The Loloata Understanding, concluded in March, was most welcome. Discussions held in Gateway by the two parties were very positive, and the peace process is progressing better than previously. The security situation in Bougainville is on the whole satisfactory, although there are some sporadic incidents. The local economy is recovering. The Office plays a positive role in facilitating contacts and helping reduce differences between the parties. Council members agreed on a statement made by their President reflecting their common views on the issue (see below).
East Timor
On 27 June, the Security Council held a public meeting to hear a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNTAET, Sergio Viera de Mello (see S/PV.4165).
Europe
Balkans
At a public meeting held on 23 June, the Security Council heard a briefing by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Balkans, Carl Bildt, on the situation and future developments of the region. Members of the Council and delegations non-members of the Council took the floor in an open debate (see S/PV.4164 and Resumption 1). The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, Javier Solana, took the floor before the Council for the first time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 13 June, the Security Council held a public meeting to hear a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jacques Paul Klein, and to make their views known (see S/PV.4154). During consultations on 19 June, members of the Council considered a draft resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina (extension of the mandate of UNMIBH and of the authorization to SFOR). At a public meeting held on 21 June, the Security Council adopted resolution 1305 (2000), by which it extended for one year the mandate given to UNMIBH and the authorization given to SFOR (see S/PV.4162). Cyprus
During consultations held on 7 June, members of the Council considered the Secretary-General's report on UNFICYP (S/2000/496 and Corr.1). They heard a briefing by the Special Adviser to the Secretary- General on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, who recalled that two rounds of proximity talks had been held in New York and Geneva and that a third session would be held at Geneva from 5 July. He stressed the need to ensure the strict confidentiality of the talks. He recalled the terms of reference of his mission of good offices (to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement). He emphasized that different aspects of the problem were interwoven and should therefore be addressed at the same time. A draft resolution extending the mandate of UNFICYP for six months was presented and supported by Council members. After the consultations, the President made a statement to the press (see below).
During consultations held on 12 June, the President briefed Council members on the meetings he had held with the parties concerned, who expressed the desire to see their position reflected more precisely in the addendum to the Secretary-General's report. Council members determined that there was agreement among all parties to extend the mandate of UNFICYP and that they did not want to be involved in the wording of that addendum, which is the responsibility of the Secretariat. They agreed to give more time to the Secretariat to find a solution to that problem. At a public meeting held on 14 June, the Security Council adopted resolution 1303 (2000), by which it extended for six months the mandate of UNFICYP. Before the vote, the President reported on letters received from interested parties (see S/PV.4155).
Georgia
On 2 June, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations briefed the members on the missing UNOMIG patrol in the Kodori Valley. The search continues. At the end of the consultations, the President made a statement to the press (see below). The Secretariat later reported that the United Nations personnel had been released.
Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
At a public meeting held on 9 June, the Security Council heard a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMIK, Bernard Kouchner (see S/PV.4153).
Middle East
Iraq
Humanitarian programme
During consultations on 6 June, the Executive Director of the Iraq Programme presented the report on the implementation of resolution 1281 (1999) (S/2000/520). During the discussion which followed six matters were raised:
Contracts put on hold: although slight progress has been made in the last few months (1,088 contracts still on hold, for a total amount of $1.6 billion, i.e., a decrease of $317 million), many Council members considered that the level of holds still remains excessive, in particular in some key areas (infrastructure, oil spare parts). Further improvements are urgently needed.
Oil industry: Council members agreed to consider that there is an urgent need to address the state of deterioration of the oil industry and therefore to bring again the total allocation for oil spare parts and equipment to $600 million for the next phase of the programme.
Implementation of section C of resolution 1284 (1999): several provisions of that section have been implemented but some still need to be agreed upon, such as the approval of the list of oil spare parts and equipment (para. 18) and the implementation of paragraph 24 (purchase of locally produced goods).
Assessment of the impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation in Iraq: some delegations were of the view that such a study would be highly useful and was urgently needed.
Payment of Iraqi arrears to the United Nations: some Council members were of the view that Iraq should be allowed to pay its contributions to the United Nations budget by using a small part of the surplus in the account for administrative expenses of the Iraq Programme.
Restricted flying zones: some members reiterated criticism against action taken in these zones, viewed as not conducive to re-establishing cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations.
During consultations held on 8 June, the Council members agreed on a draft resolution to extend the oil- for-food programme.
At a public meeting held on 8 June, the Council adopted resolution 1302 (2000) (see S/PV.4152).
United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission
During consultations on 7 June, the Executive Chairman of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), Hans Blix, presented his three-month report (S/2000/516). He updated Council members on the current state of recruitments and other activities such as the meeting of the Commissioners. During the discussion that followed, Council members welcomed the work done by the Executive Chairman and reiterated their support for him and his action in implementing resolution 1284 (1999), having in mind the views expressed by Council members. Three areas were addressed:
Organization and staffing. All members emphasized the need to have an efficient, professional and impartial Commission. Some members expressed the view that, in order to ensure a complete departure from previous practice, UNMOVIC should not use any former staff of the United Nations Special Commission. Others said that the Council should not micromanage the recruitment conducted by the Executive Chairman. The latter confirmed that he was guided solely by resolution 1284 (1999) and the Charter of the United Nations. One member suggested that the legal and political expertise within UNMOVIC should be strengthened. Some members stressed the need to ensure a broad geographical representation among UNMOVIC staff. The Executive Chairman gave assurances in this latter regard, bearing in mind that the required expertise is not available in all countries. He said that UNMOVIC would be ready to undertake some re-baselining in Iraq by the end of August if conditions permitted.
Methods of work. Some members expressed concern about the methods of work of UNMOVIC once it can go to Iraq, so that the new body does not repeat the mistakes made, according to them, by the Special Commission. Questions were raised in particular on inspections, technical analysis and interviews. As for inspection procedures, the Executive Chairman explained that he was examining them to see if they needed to be revised. UNMOVIC was analysing the situation after the modalities for sensitive sites were drawn up by Rolf Ekeus in 1996. He confirmed the validity of the memorandum of understanding signed by the Secretary-General and Tariq Aziz in February 1998 on presidential sites.
How to engage Iraq to resume cooperation with UNMOVIC? This question was raised by several members. Some members suggested that the Council should start clarifying the financial monitoring mechanisms which will be established when sanctions are suspended, and that the key remaining tasks in disarmament should be specified so that Iraq would have a better picture of what would happen if it cooperated properly with UNMOVIC.
Some members were of the view that the overall environment should be conducive to the resumption of cooperation between UNMOVIC and Iraq. Special attention was given in that regard to actions in the restricted flying zones which, according to these members, should cease. On the other hand, one member pointed out that resolution 1284 (1999) had been adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter, hence Iraq should comply with all its provisions. Some members suggested that the Secretary- General could play a broker role between Iraq and the United Nations. At the end of the consultations, the President of the Council made a statement on behalf of Council members (see below).
Kuwaiti property
During consultations held on 19 June, members of the Council considered the report of the Secretary- General on Kuwaiti property (S/2000/575). The Secretary-General's high-level coordinator, Yuli Vorontsov, briefed the Council and stressed that progress still needed to be made on three issues, namely, national archives, military equipment, and items of artistic and historic value. Members of the Council stressed the importance of resolving this issue. They agreed that the coordinator's mission should be supported and that Iraq should be urged to cooperate with him. They agreed with the proposals made by the Secretary-General, on the understanding that if UNIKOM personnel should be involved in that endeavour, the Secretary-General would come back to the Council. Some members stressed the need to create an environment conducive to the resumption of cooperation with Iraq. They agreed that the President should address the press on this issue (see below).
Lebanon
During consultations held on 17 and 18 June, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General reported on the remaining outstanding issues, including a few Israeli violations of the "blue line". Members of the Security Council considered a draft presidential statement in reaction to the Secretary- General's report of 16 June (S/2000/590 and Corr.1), by which he confirms that Israel has withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) and met the requirements defined in his report of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/460). After prolonged discussions and numerous contacts, it was finally agreed that the statement should be issued before the Secretary-General began his visit to Lebanon on 19 June. The purpose of the statement was for the Security Council to endorse the work done by the United Nations, including the certification of the withdrawal; to note with concern violations that have occurred since 16 June 2000; to call on the parties to exercise utmost restraint and to continue to cooperate with the United Nations and UNIFIL; to note that the United Nations cannot assume law and order functions which are properly the responsibility of the Government of Lebanon; and to stress that the redeployment of UNIFIL should be conducted in coordination with the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese armed forces.
The Security Council will review the need to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL before its expiration on 31 July, taking into account the actions taken by the Government of Lebanon to restore its effective authority in the area.
The presidential statement (S/PRST/2000/21) was adopted at a public meeting on 18 June (see S/PV.4160).
Before the consultations of 26 June, members of the Council had a videoconference with the Secretary- General, who reported on his trip to the Middle East. At the end, the President of the Council made a statement to the press (see below).
International Tribunals
At a public meeting held on 2 June, the Security Council heard a briefing by the Prosecutor of the International Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, Carla Del Ponte (see S/PV.4150). At a public meeting held on 20 June, the Security Council heard a briefing by the President of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Claude Jorda (see S/PV.4161). During the consultations of 22 June, members of the Council agreed to establish an informal working group to consider proposals for modification of the statute of the Tribunals.
Other matters
Working group on sanctions
On 2 June, Council members agreed to appoint Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury of Bangladesh as Chairman of the working group on sanctions established by the Council on 17 April 2000 (see the note by the President (S/2000/319)). Sanctions Committee on Eritrea and Ethiopia Council members agreed that Ambassador Hasmy Agam of Malaysia would chair the sanctions committee established pursuant to resolution 1298 (2000) (arms embargo on Ethiopia and Eritrea).
