Ambassador Antonio Monteiro
During the month of June 1998 the Security Council held 13 formal sessions. Its Members also held 24 informal consultations. Several expert meetings were also convened. 10 resolutions were adopted and 1 Presidential statement was issued. The President was mandated by Council members after nearly every meeting to make statements to the press on different matters discussed.
Statistics confirm that Africa continues much present on the Council's agenda. 8 African issues (Angola, Burundi, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Western Sahara Eritrea/Ethiopia dispute and Guinea-Bissau) were discussed and included in the programme of work over twenty times in the month; and the ad hoc Working Group of the Council established to ensure follow-up of resolution 1170 (1998) had its first formal meeting June. Asia also kept Council members busy - Iraq was in the programme 9 times; India and Pakistan nuclear tests gave rise to one formal and several informal meetings of Council members; the situation in the Arab Occupied Territories was raised several times in informal consultations and occasioned one formal meeting of the Council; Bougainville also required Council's attention. Six European situations were discussed (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). Latin America was also in the agenda, with the consideration of the situation in Haiti.
AFRICA
The African prominence was a consequence of the many problems on that continent in need of attention by the Council. New conflicts emerged: the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the insurgency in Guinea-Bissau. The situation in the Great Lakes region continued to occupy the attention of the Council. The report on the Human Rights Mission sent by the Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of Congo was released on the last day of the month. Council members also attended the Conference of the External Actors on the Somalia peace process on June 16.
Angola
This was the African issue that required most attention from the Council during the month of June. The difficulties faced in the peace process and in particular in the implementation of theLusaka Protocol were exposed to the Council by the late Maitre Beye, personally, at the beginning of June. Members of the Council were also briefed by the Vice-Minister for Territorial Administration of Angola, at an "Arria formula" meeting on the peace process.The impasse in the peace process, mainly the responsibility of UNITA, led the Council to adopt, on 12 June, a new package of sanctions against UNITA. Due to the very complex political situation in Angola, at the request of Maitre Beye and with the agreement of the GURN and UNITA, the Council adopted a resolution on 24 June deciding to postpone by 5 days (till July lst) the entry into force of those sanctions. By the end of the month, following the tragic deaths of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, other UN staff members and two pilots, the Council again reviewed the situation in Angola and adopted a resolution to extend MONUA's mandate until 15 August. On 29 June, at the session at which that resolution was adopted, the Council rendered public homage to Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye and the staff accompanying him, who had given their lives for the cause of peace in Angola.
Sierra Leone
Taking into consideration the efforts of the democratically elected government to restore peaceful and secure conditions in Sierra Leone, the Council adopted on 5 June a resolution putting an end to the remaining prohibitions resulting from paragraphs 5 and 6 of resolution 1132 (1997). By the same resolution the council decided to impose an arms embargo on the non-governmental military forces in Sierra Leone and travel restrictions on the leading members of the former military Junta and of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). On the second half of the month the Security Council reviewed the last political and military developments in the light of the report by the Secretary-General recommending the establishment of UNOMSIL. Council members' reaction was positive and later in the month a draft resolution authorising the establishment of UNOMSIL was introduced.On 25 June, Under Secretary-General Vieira de Mello briefed the Council on the extremely serious humanitarian situation in Sierra Leone. The Council, through a statement to the press made by the President, expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, in particular the plight of refugees and displaced persons.
Burundi
Council members considered the situation in Burundi on 25 June. Detailed briefings were provided by the Secretariat. Through a statement to the press made by the President, the Council expressed satisfaction at the signing of a Joint Declaration by all the Burundese parties, in Arusha on 21 June, under the auspices of former President Julius Nyerere, and in particular at the suspension of hostilities and the commitment by all parties to pursue peace negotiations.
Liberia
The political and humanitarian situation and the maintenance of the arms embargo in Liberia were reviewed on 11 June. Council members decided to continue consideration of the matter.
Central African Republic
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Mr. Adeniji, briefed Council members on 25 June on the situation in that country and highlighted the work of MINURCA since 15 April. The President made a statement to the press indicating support for the recommendation of the Secretary-General to extend MINURCA's mandate for a period of two months, until 15 September.
Dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia
The border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia was discussed on several occasions in informal consultations. The President informed members on meetings he had with representatives of the two States and other interested countries. Several written communications were received. A resolution was adopted on 26 June, by which the Council expressed its grave concern at the conflict, condemned the use of force and demanded that both parties immediately cease hostilities and refrain from further use of force.
Guinea-Bissau
The internal conflict in Guinea-Bissau deserved continuous attention by the Council. Developments in the situation were raised several times, in one of which Under Secretary-General Vieira de Mello focused on the humanitarian situation and the difficulty of access for humanitarian assistance. The President was mandated to make three statements to the press during the month, conveying the serious concern of the Council with the humanitarian situation, appealing to all to facilitate the delivery of assistance to Guinea-Bissau, and calling for a rapid cessation of hostilities and the beginning of a process of political dialogue. Council members were also kept informed of all mediation efforts: those undertaken by the Gambian Foreign Minister and those developed by the CPLP-Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Portuguese Foreign Minister briefed Council members immediately upon his return from a visit to Dakar and Bissau on 30 June.
Western Sahara
On 23 June Council members considered the Progress Report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara. The President was mandated to make a statement to the press, noting an increased pace in the identification process but expressing concern about lack of progress regarding contested groups; urging the parties to cooperate with the Secretary-General's Special Representative to conclude the identification process and reach agreement on a schedule for the final phase of the Settlement Plan; and calling for an early conclusion of the status-of-forces agreement enabling full deployment of MINURSO.
ASIA
Iraq
Iraq was on the Council's agenda throughout the month: on 3 June members on were given a detailed technical briefing on the disarmament files by the Executive Director of UNSCOM, Amb. Richard Butler, and several UNSCOM experts. On 12 June the Council analysed the reports of the Secretary-General and the Sanctions Committee on the implementation the third phase of the humanitarian program -resolution 1143(1997). Discussion focussed on authorisation of finance for the purchase of spare parts for oil infrastructure repairs, to ensure implementation of resolution 1153 (1998) . Following prolonged, technically complex and politically difficult discussions, a resolution for that purpose was finally adopted on 19 June.On 24 June the Council considered a report by the Executive Director of UNSCOM on his discussions with the Iraqi authorities in Baghdad on 11-15 June. In a statement to the press by the President, the Council acknowledged the cooperation Iraq extended to UNSCOM since the MOU signed in February by the Secretary'General in Baghdad, underlined the importance of the continuation of such cooperation so as to enable UNSCOM to complete its mandate as soon as possible, and expressed full support for UNSCOM and the schedule of work it had agreed with Iraq.
On the same day the Council heard a comprehensive briefing from the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General in Baghdad, the first since Amb. Prakash Shah assumed his position in March. The main aspects of his role were discussed, namely coordination of all UN agencies to improve the implementation of the humanitarian programme, facilitating the communication between Iraqi authorities and all UN sectors, including UNSCOM, and assisting in solving the remaining problems regarding POWs. MIAs and the return of Kuwaiti property. The review of the sanctions regime was also conducted on that day. The Council concluded that conditions to allow a change in the sanctions regime imposed by resolution 687 (1991) had not yet been met.
India and Pakistan nuclear testing
At the beginning of the month Council members were involved in preparing a further reaction to the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan in May. A resolution was adopted on 6 June, under the item <
Arab Occupied Territories - Jerusalem
In the course of the month the Council considered several communications from the Permanent Observer of Palestine, the Arab League, the Arab Group and several UN members expressing concern at the situation in the Arab Occupied Territories in view of decisions taken by the Israeli Government approving a plan extending the border of Jerusalem and extending the municipal authority over a number of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Council decided to hold a formal meeting on 30 June with the participation of all interested UN members. Many delegations participated, including Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine.
Bougainville
On 11 June Council members were briefed by the Secretariat on the conclusions of the mission sent by the Secretary General to Bougainville in order to assess the means required for UN involvement in the monitoring of the arrangements enshrined in the Lincoln Agreement, as requested by the parties to the peace process. On 15 -June the Security Council sent a letter to the Secretary General endorsing his recommendations.
EUROPE
Resolution 1160 (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)
The President informed Council members of a meeting he had with Mr. Ibrahim Rugova on 2 June. A briefing on the humanitarian situation in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, was given to members of the Council on 5 June 1998. Following informal consultations, the President made a statement to the press expressing the grave concern of the members of the Council at the rapidly deteriorating situation and calling for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence and the use of force in Kosovo.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 15 June 1998, the Security Council adopted resolution 1174 (1998) on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision reaffirmed the support of the Council for the Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina and authorised SFOR for a further period of 12 months. Resolution 1174 also extended the mandate of IPTF until 21 June 1999. The adoption of resolution 1174 reflected the commitment of the United Nations to that peace process Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Croatia
The report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Police Support Group in Croatia was considered by Council members in informal consultations on 18 June 1998. Members noted that the situation in the Danube region was stable and work on a draft presidential statement was begun.
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Members of the Council considered on 26 June 1998 the report of the Secretary-General on UNPREDEP. It was agreed that the presence of that preventive deployment force had contributed successfully to preventing the spillover of conflicts elsewhere in the region to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and that the mandate of UNPREDEP should be further extended as recommended by the Secretary-General. Members of the Council also welcomed the intention of the Secretary-General to submit specific proposals on a possible strengthening of UNPREDEP's overall capacity, taking into consideration the situation in the region and the relevant Security Council resolutions, including 795 (1992) and 1160 (1998).
Cyprus
On 17 June the Council considered a report of the SecretaryGeneral on Cyprus and asked the President to make a statement to the press indicating support for the Secretary General's good offices mission on the eve of a new visit to Cyprus by his Special Adviser, Mr. Diego Cordovez. Two resolutions were adopted on 29 June 1998. Resolution 1178 (1998) extended the mandate of UNFICYP for a further six months, while resolution 1179 (1998) addressed the Secretary-General's mission of good offices to resume a sustained process of direct negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions. The situation in Cyprus, which was relatively calm despite continued tension, remains a concern of the Council which, once again, called upon the leaders of the two communities to commit themselves to the process of negotiations and to resume the direct dialogue.
Georgia
On 17 June the Council considered the report of the Secretary-General issued on 10 June on the situation in Abhazia, Georgia. The President of the Council was mandated to make a statement to the press expressing concern with the security situation in the region, urging the parties to respect the cease-fire and to advance the peace process by resuming high-level contacts under UN auspices. Various options for the protection of UNOMIG forces were also under consideration by the Council.
LATIN AMERICA
Haiti
Council members considered the situation in Haiti in the light of a report presented by the Secretary-General, dated May 28. On 4 June, through a statement to the press made by the President, the Council supported the message conveyed by Under Secretary-General Bernard Miyet to the authorities and political leaders of Haiti and urged them to take all the necessary measures regarding the continuation of the democratic process, in particular the preparation for the elections.
THEMATIC ISSUES
Impact of armed conflict in children
At the Presidency's suggestion, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children in Armed Conflict, Amb. Olara Otunnu, was invited to brief Council members on 11 June. Recognizing the dimension of the problem, killing and brutally affecting millions of children, in blatant violation of the most basic principles of international human rights and humanitarian law, and its relevance for the action of the Council, the Council organised an open debate on 29 June. This debate attracted wide participation and started with a powerful address by Amb. Olara Otunnu. A Presidential Statement was then issued by the Council pledging its serious attention to the situation of children affected by armed conflict and its intention to cooperate with the Special Representative of the Secretary General and with the relevant programmes, funds and agencies of the UN system.
METHODS OF WORK
The Presidency sought to ensure that all issues dealt with by the Council were open to the contributions of interested UN members. Many UN members not sitting in the Council participated in the formal meetings which preceded the adoption of resolutions, namely those on the nuclear explosions conducted by India and Pakistan and on Angola. Open debates were also organised on the question of the impact of armed conflicts on children and on the situation in the Arab Occupied Territories.
With the aim of contributing to increase the transparency of the Council and in order to enhance its working methods, the Presidency submitted to the Working Group on Documentation and Procedural Questions specific proposals, in line with those contained in the letter sent by the 10 non-permanent members to the President of the Council in December 1997. Those proposals relate to the public or closed nature of meetings in which Secretariat briefings are provided or in which sanctions reviews are conducted and to means of improving troop contributors' meetings. Such proposals remain under consideration -by the Working Group.
The Presidency followed its initiative of April 1997 to promote discussion among the Chairmen of the existing Sanctions Committees on possible convergence of approaches to sanctions mechanisms and ways to assess and ensure their effectiveness. Another such informal meeting was held in June 1998, organised by the Presidency. It was agreed that such meetings should take place every month.
The Presidency continued the established practice of providing daily briefings on the Council's informal consultations to other UN Members, but scheduled such briefings immediately after each session of informal consultations. This proved to be useful, since the number of delegations attending increased significantly. The Presidency did its best to provide detailed and fully informative briefings, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of the transparency of the activities of the Council.
Also with a view-to improving the effectiveness and transparency of the Council, the Presidency did its best to be available and accessible to all UN Members, to representatives of parties involved in conflicts, to Media representatives and to interested Non Governmental Organisations. The Presidency organised early in the month a lunch with representatives of the NGOs which follow most closely the work of the Council and, at the end of the month, provided them with a detailed and comprehensive briefing on the Council's discussions and deliberations throughout June.
