Jamaica's Presidency

INTRODUCTION

Under the presidency of Ambassador M. Patricia Durrant, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations, the Security Council, in July 2000, addressed a wide range of issues dealing with conflict situations, and thematic issues having a significant bearing on international peace and security. The issues of "Prevention of Armed Conflicts"; "Children and Armed Conflict"; "HIV/AIDS and International Peacekeeping Operations"; and the "Situation in Angola" were subjects of open debates in the Council. The situations involving Afghanistan, Angola, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea/Ethiopia, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and the Prevlaka Peninsula, and implementation of the UNTAET and UNMIK missions, were addressed during the month. The working groups on the General Issues Relating to Sanctions and on the International Criminal Tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda (ICTY/ICTR) also held meetings in July.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jamaica, Dr. Paul Robertson, presided over the open debates on The Role of the Security Council in Prevention of Armed Conflicts; and HIV/AIDS and international peacekeeping operations.

The programme of work included thirteen formal meetings, twenty-two informal consultations of the whole, five troop contributors meetings - chaired by the President, two meetings of the working group on the ICTY/ICTR, and two meetings of the working group on the general issues relating to sanctions.

The Council adopted seven resolutions and issued two Presidential statements. The resolutions adopted were: extension of the mandates for UNMOP (Prevlaka), resolution 1307 (2000); MINURSO (Western Sahara), resolution 1309 (2000); UNIFIL (Lebanon), resolution 1310 (2000); and UNOMIG (Georgia), resolution 1311 (2000); establishing a sanctions regime on Sierra Leone diamonds, resolution 1306 (2000); HIV/AIDS and International Peacekeeping Operations, resolution 1308 (2000) and approving a military observer force for Eritrea/Ethiopia, resolution 1312 (2000). The Presidential statements were on Sierra Leone (PRST/2000/24) and on Prevention of Armed Conflicts (PRST/2000/25).

The President made eleven statements to the press on behalf of the members of the Security Council and briefed countries not members of the Council on specific issues considered in consultations of the whole. During July, Jamaica's website, http://www.un.int/jamaica/sc, featured the Security Council's programme of work, Presidential Statements and statements by the President to the press.

GENERAL ISSUES

Prevention of Armed Conflicts

Council members held informal consultations of the whole on 13 July at which time the President of the Council introduced a draft Presidential Statement on The Role of the Security Council in the Prevention of Armed Conflicts for the Council's consideration. Council members met in informal consultations of the whole on 19 July to review the final draft of the Presidential Statement

On 20 July, the Council met in an open debate (4174th meeting) to consider its role in the prevention of armed conflicts. The Foreign Minister of Jamaica presided over the meeting. The Secretary-General opened the debate and told the Council that conflict prevention must be the cornerstone of collective security in the twenty-first century. He stated that leaders must recognize the need for preventive action and that States would have to give the institutions that existed for prevention the backing they urgently needed. The debate drew attention to the many causes of conflict and ways in which conflicts may be prevented. Emphasis was placed on the international community becoming proactive in developing a culture of prevention.

At the conclusion of the debate, in which some thirty speakers participated, the Council issued a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2000/25) reflecting the views of members. The Presidential Statement, inter alia; stressed the importance of a coordinated response to economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems, which are often the root causes of conflicts; encouraged the ongoing efforts within the United Nations system to enhance its early warning capacity and invited the Secretary-General to make recommendations to the Council on the most effective and appropriate early warning strategies and proposals for preventive measures; and recognized the important role of regional organizations in the prevention of armed conflicts. The Secretary-General was requested to submit a report to the Council by May 2001.

HIV/AIDS and International Peacekeeping Operations

Council members met in consultations of the whole on 17 July to consider the final draft of a resolution on "The responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security: HIV/AIDS and international peacekeeping operations." The consultations were followed by an open debate on the issue. The Foreign Minister of Jamaica presided over the meeting. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2000/657) was presented by Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Dr. Piot also responded to questions posed by Council members. In addition to Council members, four non-members participated in the discussions.

The Council adopted resolution 1308 (2000), in which it expressed concern about the extent of the HIV/AIDS pandemic worldwide and the severity of the crisis in Africa, in particular. The resolution focused attention on the potentially damaging impact of HIV/AIDS on the health of international peacekeeping personnel. It requested the Secretary-General to take steps to provide training for peacekeeping personnel on the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and recognized the efforts of those Member States, which have developed national programmes to combat the pandemic, while encouraging member states who have not developed programmes to consider doing so.

Children and Armed Conflict

Council members met in consultations of the whole on 21 July at which time the Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1261 (1999) on children and armed conflict (S/2000/712) was introduced. The President announced that an Arria Formula meeting on the subject under the chairmanship of Ambassador Martin Andjaba, Permanent Representative of Namibia, would take place on 25 July.

The Arria Formula meeting heard the views of a number of representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in issues regarding children and armed conflict situations. Members benefited from the information they provided and the responses to questions posed to the representatives of the NGOs.

Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette opened the debate in the formal meeting of the Council (4176th meeting) held on 26 July. The report of the Secretary-General was introduced by Mr. Olara Otunnu, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund. In addition to members of the Council, twenty-two non-members participated in the debate. Ms. Sylvie Junod, Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the United Nations, and the Permanent Observer of the Organization of Islamic Conference to the United Nations, also spoke.

On 31 July, the President introduced a draft resolution during informal consultations of the whole taking into consideration the views expressed during the open debate, and bearing in mind the discussions in the Arria Formula meeting. The resolution was scheduled for adoption in early August.

AFRICA

Angola

The Council held an open meeting (4178th meeting) on 27 July to receive a briefing by the Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, and to consider the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/678) on recent developments in Angola. The briefing by Mr. Gambari and the Secretary-General's report provided an update on the political, security, and human rights and humanitarian situation in Angola. The Minister for Social Assistance and Rehabilitation of Angola, Mr. Albino Malungo, addressed the Council on the Government's response to the political, security, and humanitarian challenges facing his country. The Minister informed the Council about the success of the Government of Angola's political and military measures taken to contain the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Council members expressed concerns about the continued insecurity in Angola caused by the conflict, the political instability of the country, and the humanitarian condition of the civilian population, and urged a peaceful settlement of the conflict and efforts to alleviate the prevailing humanitarian conditions. Council members condemned UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi for having violated the Lusaka Protocol and for perpetuating the conflict, and called for an end to support for UNITA, and adherence to the sanctions regime.

Central African Republic

Members of the Security Council met on 7 July in informal consultations of the whole to receive a briefing from Mr. Youssef Mahmoud, Director of the Africa II Division of the Department of Political Affairs, on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and on the activities of the United Nations Peace-Building Support Office (BONUCA). The report of the Secretary-General (S/2000/639), which covered the political, human rights, military, security and economic conditions in the CAR, was also before the Council members for consideration.

Following the consultations, the President spoke to the media on the Council members' behalf. In her statement, the President, inter alia, expressed serious concern about the increase in reports of extra-judicial killings and summary executions, and about the apparent impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of these serious human rights violations; welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the Bangui Agreements and the National Reconciliation Pact; welcomed the training programmes organized by the Representative of the Secretary-General and BONUCA to acquaint the police and armed forces of the Central African Republic with ways to foster respect for human rights and international humanitarian law; noted the strategies implemented by the Government of the CAR to address the economic situation in the country; and called on the international community to support the post-conflict peace-building efforts in the country.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Security Council members, meeting in consultations of the whole on 19 July, were briefed by Mr. Hédi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in the DRC. They were advised of a number of ceasefire violations, particularly in Equateur Province, by the armed forces of the Congo, and of movements by the military forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Army and the Rally for Congolese Democracy-Goma in the vicinity of the town of Ikela

In a statement to the press following the consultations, the President, speaking on behalf of Council members, expressed concern at these new developments; expressed concern about the humanitarian situation; called on all parties to cooperate with providers of humanitarian assistance; and called on all parties to implement Security Council resolution 1304 and other relevant Council resolutions, the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement and the Kampala Disengagement Plan.

Council members also met in consultations of the whole on 28 July and were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on recent developments in the DRC. Council members were informed that the DRC Government had refused to allow the deployment of United Nations observers in Kinshasa and other areas under the Government's control. Council members were also informed about continued fighting between government troops and the Mouvement de liberation Congolais (MLC) in the Equateur Province. It was noted that the fighting was causing further deterioration in the humanitarian situation. Following the consultations, the President made a statement to the press reiterating Council members' support for the Lusaka Agreement and Kisangani Disengagement Plan.

Eritrea and Ethiopia

Security Council members met on 6 July in consultations of the whole and received a briefing from Mr. Bernard Miyet, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, following the signing on 18 June of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Council members paid tribute to the efforts of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in the negotiation of the Agreement. At the conclusion of the consultations, the President made a statement to the press on behalf of Council members. Council members also discussed the situation in Eritrea and Ethiopia on 11 July at which time a draft resolution on the military observer force was introduced.

Council members again met on 31 July in consultations of the whole on Eritrea and Ethiopia and were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. The briefing consisted of detailed analysis of the military justification for the military observer force. A military adviser to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations answered questions posed by Council members. Immediately following the consultations, the Council met in a formal meeting (4181st meeting) to adopt resolution 1312 (2000) approving the deployment of 100 military observers to Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Secretary-General's report (S/2000/643) was before the Council. Also before the Council were the following documents: S/2000/601 - letter dated 19 June 2000 from Algeria; S/2000/612 and S/2000/726 - letters dated 20 June and 21 June 2000, respectively, from Eritrea; and S/2000/627 and S/2000/704 - letters dated 26 June and 18 July 2000, respectively, from Ethiopia.

Guinea-Bissau

Security Council members were briefed, in informal consultations of the whole, by the Director of the Africa II Division of the Department of Political Affairs, on 7 July, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. Council members also considered the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/632), which indicated that important progress had been made on the political and military fronts but that many challenges remained for the Government of Guinea-Bissau to restore lasting peace, stability and sustainable development. Border tensions with Senegal were a further source of insecurity.

At the conclusion of the consultations, the President spoke to the media on behalf of Council members. In her statement, the President indicated that Council members shared the view that the restructuring of the armed forces was crucial to the success of the democratisation process, and appealed to the international community to provide the necessary financial and material support to enable the Government to adequately address this issue as well as to consolidate the gains made. Members of the Council also expressed support for the efforts of the democratically-elected government to consolidate the new institutions and the rule of law and to carry out the restructuring of the armed forces. The President met with the Chargé d'affaires, ad interim, of Senegal and transmitted to him the views of Council members.

Sierra Leone

Council members met in consultations of the whole on 5 July to consider a draft resolution imposing a sanctions regime on Sierra Leone diamonds, which was aimed at preventing the illicit trade in Sierra Leone diamonds by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and the use of those funds for the purchase of arms. The draft resolution warned neighbouring countries, particularly Liberia, against facilitating this illegal trade.

Following the consultations, the Council met in a formal meeting (4169th meeting) and adopted resolution 1306 (2000) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, imposing the sanctions regime for 18 months and requesting the Secretary-General to appoint a panel of five experts to monitor the implementation of the ban. The resolution exempted exports of diamonds by the Government of Sierra Leone under a newly developed Certificate of Origin. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 14 in favour with one abstention (Mali).

Council members again met in consultations of the whole on 11 July and were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the situation in Sierra Leone. The purpose of the briefing was to clarify the proposals outlined in the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/455) of May 19, 2000, on the expansion of UNAMSIL. The briefing included a detailed outline of the proposed increase in the number and structure of the force and its deployment. There was general consensus that there was an immediate need to strengthen the capacity of UNAMSIL. The President made a statement to the press immediately following the meeting.

On 17 July the Council met in a formal meeting (4173rd meeting) and issued a Presidential Statement (PRST/2000/24) expressing the Council's support for the action taken by the Secretary-General and the Force Commander of UNAMSIL, Major General Vijay Kumar Jetley, in successfully rescuing the 233 peacekeepers and observers which were surrounded by the RUF at Kailahun.

On 18 July, while meeting in consultations of the whole, Council members were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the death of a Nigerian peacekeeper as the result of an attack on a UNAMSIL patrol. The President, in a statement to the press, expressed Council members' condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and to the Government of Nigeria.

Council members were again briefed in consultations of the whole, on 25 July by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. The representative of the United Kingdom introduced a draft resolution to enhance the capacity of UNAMSIL. On 27 July, Council members again met in informal consultations of the whole, at which time the representative of the United States of America introduced a draft resolution to establish a special court for Sierra Leone that would have jurisdiction over members of the RUF leadership responsible for certain offences against the people of Sierra Leone and UNAMSIL forces. The special court, if approved, will have Sierra Leonean and international characteristics.

The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1132 (1997) concerning Sierra Leone, under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, held an open hearing on 31 July on the Sierra Leone diamond industry and on the link to trade in arms and other materiel. [The hearing was scheduled to continue on 1 August.]

Western Sahara

Council members met on 18 July in informal consultations of the whole to consider the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/683) on the situation concerning Western Sahara. Members of the Council were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the results of the talks held in London, on 28 June 2000, under the auspices of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Mr. James Baker III. They noted the Secretary-General's recommendation that Mr. Baker continue to consult with the parties concerned and that the mandate of MINURSO be extended until 31 October 2000. Following the meeting, the President made a statement to the press.

The Council met in a public meeting on 25 July (4175th meeting) and unanimously adopted resolution 1309 (2000) approving the Secretary-General's recommendations.

AMERICAS

Haiti

Members of the Security Council met in informal consultations of the whole on 6 July and were briefed on the situation in Haiti by Ms Angela Kane, Director of the Europe and Americas Division of the Department of Political Affairs. Members of the Council, in acknowledging the holding of the elections, noted with satisfaction that there had been a noticeable increase in voter participation, and the generally peaceful process in the first round. Council members expressed concern at the violence during the electoral period and at reports of irregularities in electoral procedures; emphasised that free and fair elections are crucial to democracy and all aspects of Haiti's development; and called on Haitian authorities to investigate reports of irregularities, taking into account the observations of the OAS electoral observers. Council members also welcomed the leadership role provided by the OAS and CARICOM. Following the consultations, the President made a statement to the media expressing the views of the members of the Council. The President met with the Chargé d'Affaires of Haiti and conveyed to him the views of the Council members.

ASIA

Afghanistan

Security Council members met in informal consultations of the whole on 6 July and were briefed by Sir Kieran Prendergast, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in Afghanistan. The Secretary-General's report (S/2000/581) was also before them for consideration. Members of the Council were briefed on the severe humanitarian conditions of the civilian population; human rights violations, particularly against women and girls; and the threats to the security of humanitarian personnel in areas under the control of the Taliban. Immediately following the meeting, the President made a statement to the press reflecting the concerns of Council members, which included the call on all Afghan parties to resume peace negotiations and expressed the members' serious concerns at the continuing use of Afghan territory, especially under control of the Taliban, for the support of international terrorist activities and production and trafficking of illicit drugs; and at the serious violations of human rights. Council members also confirmed their determination to ensure full compliance by the Taliban, without conditions, with its obligations under resolution 1267 (1999) and the other relevant resolutions, and to consider the imposition of further targeted measures in this regard.

East Timor

The Council met in an open meeting (4180th meeting) on 28 July to consider the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (S/2000/697). The Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Council on the latest developments in East Timor. The briefing and the Secretary-General's report indicated that East Timorese nationals would increasingly participate in joint decision-making and management of the peace-building process in East Timor, including through the establishment of a mixed Cabinet and a new consultative body comprised of 33 members, all of whom were East Timorese.

EUROPE

Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 13 July, in its 4169th meeting, the Council paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica massacre by observing a minute of silence following the reading of a Presidential Statement (PRST/2000/23).

Georgia

On 25 July, Council members were briefed in informal consultations of the whole on the situation in Georgia by Mr. Dieter Boden, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Georgia and Head of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG). The report of the Secretary-General (S/2000/697) concerning the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia, was also before Council for consideration. Council members were informed of the incidents of violence and criminality and problems faced by refugees and displaced persons in the conflict zone.

On 28 July, in its 4179th meeting the Council adopted resolution 1311 (2000) by unanimous vote extending the UNOMIG's mandate until 31 January 2000. The Council demanded that both sides to the conflict strictly observe the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces.

Kosovo (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)

The Council held an open briefing (4171st meeting) on 13 July, and was briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations concerning the United Nations Interim Administrative Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The Council was informed of continued violence against ethnic minorities; the boycott of registration for municipal elections and the lack of participation in local administrative structures by ethnic minorities. The Assistant Secretary-General also indicated that special measures to protect ethnic minorities were being taken and that UNMIK was developing a special security force to deal with attacks against ethnic minorities. Members of the Council expressed their views on the situation.

Prevlaka Peninsula

Council members met in informal consultations of the whole on 11 July and were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the latest development concerning the dispute between Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) over the Prevlaka Peninsula. The Secretary-General's report (S/2000/647) was also before Council members for consideration. Council members were advised that the situation on the ground remained calm and that the parties had agreed to the convening of a fifth round of talks. The Secretary-General recommended that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP) be renewed.

At its 4170th meeting on 13 July the Council adopted resolution 1307 (2000), in which, inter alia, it authorized the extension of the mandate of the UNMOP to continue monitoring the demilitarisation of the peninsula until 15 January 2001. The Council also called upon Croatia and the FRY to fully cooperate with the Mission and to ensure the safety and full and unrestricted freedom of movement of the observers.

MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon

On 3 July Council members met in informal consultations of the whole to consider the situation in Lebanon and were briefed by the United Nations cartographer on the blue line of withdrawal. It was emphasised that the blue line does not represent a demarcation of the international boundary between Israel and Lebanon.

Council members again met in informal consultations of the whole and were briefed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the status of Israel's compliance with the withdrawal line. The Secretary-General advised Council members that Israel had completely withdrawn from Lebanon although there were minor violations, which were being monitored by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). A letter from the Secretary-General dated 24 July 2000 (document S/2000/731) advising of Israel's compliance and the Secretary-General's report (S/2000/718) were also before Council members for consideration. The report identified minor violations that had occurred following the certification of the withdrawal. Immediately following the meeting, the President made a statement to the press on behalf of the members of the Council, welcoming the Secretary-General's letter advising of Israel's withdrawal; commending the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, UNIFIL and all the parties for their efforts to implement Security Council resolution 425 (1978); and endorsing the intention of UNIFIL to deploy along the border with Israel.

On 27 July, the Council in a formal meeting (4177th) adopted resolution 1310 (2000) by a unanimous vote, approving an extension of the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 January 2001.

WORKING GROUPS

Working Group on the ICTY/ICTR

The Working Group on the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTY/ICTR) held two meetings during the month under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Curtis A. Ward, Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica. At the first meeting on 10 July, members gave their perspectives on the recommendations of Judge Claude Jorda, President of the ICTY, the Judges of the ICTY, and the expert group on the two Tribunals. Members also gave preliminary indications as to their positions on the proposed amendments to the statutes. Mr. David Hutchinson of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) responded to a number of questions concerning the proposed amendments and procedures. Members were invited by the Chairman to submit questions to the chair for submission to Judge Jorda and the Tribunal. The Chairman also offered to invite Judge Jorda or his representative to the next scheduled meeting.

The second meeting of the Working Group was held on 24 July. Mr. Jean-Jacques Heintz, Deputy Registrar of the ICTY, was present in response to the invitation of the Chairman, as was Mr. Hutchinson of OLA. Mr Heintz responded to the written questions, which the Chairman had sent to him from members, and also to questions posed directly to him at the meeting. The next meeting of the Working Group was scheduled for August under the Malaysian Presidency.

Working Group on the General Issues Related to Sanctions

The Working Group on the General Issues Related to Sanctions met under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, on 7 July and on 28 July. During the course of the first meeting, the Chairman presented the members with an outline of the programme of work setting out the issues into three clusters for discussion. The meeting explored and agreed to recommendations to invite outside experts and members of the Secretariat with relevant experience and expertise to brief the Working Group. At the second meeting, the Working Group began discussions on the issues in the first cluster of the work programme. The meeting was briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Danilo Turk, and by the Permanent Representative of Canada, Ambassador Robert Fowler.

OTHER MATTERS

Security Council Summit

The Security Council decided to hold a Summit of Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the Security Council, on 7 September 2000. The Council will continue to discuss the modalities of the meeting. The agenda is expected to focus on issues relating to peacekeeping. The President sent letters to the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly advising them of the Council's decision. The President also made a statement to the press on the Council's decision to hold the Summit.

Meetings of the President

During the month of July, the President met with the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, Chairs of Regional Groups, Representatives of various Member States, United Nations Agencies and Missions, United Nations Heads of Departments and Representatives and Special Envoys of the Secretary-General, and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations

Members of the Council were briefed by the President on these discussions.