The Canadian Presidency
February 1999
This assessment of the work of the Security Council for the month of February 1999 has been prepared under the responsibility of its President during that month, Robert Fowler, Permanent Representative of Canada. The Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada, Michel Duval, presided over the Council in the first week, owing to the illness of Ambassador Fowler.
Africa continued to dominate the Council's agenda: conflict flared between Ethiopia and Eritrea; discussions about the future of the UN's role in Angola continued; and the Council remained seized of the crisis in Sierra Leone. The Secretary-General provided Council members with a tour d'horizon relating to peace and security issues, mainly in Africa, on 11 February. The Council also addressed its broader responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security in all regions of the world, considering the situations in Haiti, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tajikistan, Libya, Iraq, and Kosovo, FRY. The President chaired four meetings of Troop Contributors regarding developments in various peacekeeping missions. Two peacekeeping mandates (MINURSO, in Western Sahara, and MINURCA, in the Central African Republic) were extended, while two other mandates (MONUA, in Angola, and UNPREDEP, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) expired, each for very different reasons. Two sanctions reviews were conducted, on Angola and Libya, and the three newly-established Iraq panels began their work under the chairmanship of Brazilian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Celso Amorim.
The Council adopted four resolutions and issued four presidential statements during the course of the month. Eleven formal meetings were held, and members met in informal consultations of the whole on 18 occasions. Of note, on 12 February, the Council held an open briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, presided over by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, after which a Presidential Statement was issued. This meeting was followed on 22 February by an open debate on the same subject at which non-members of the Council were given an opportunity to respond to the open briefing and to offer input into the future direction of Council action in this area, including the preparation of a report by the Secretary-General, due in September 1999.
Pursuing efforts to increase the transparency of the Council's work, the President regularly addressed the media after informal consultations of the whole. On 13 occasions, the President made statements to the press on specific issues on behalf of Council members. The Presidency also made available, on the Canadian Mission's website, http://www.un.int/canada, on a daily basis, the Council's programme of work and the President's statements to the media. Detailed briefings for countries which are not members of the Security Council were offered on each day the members of the Council met in informal consultations (closed). The Canadian Presidency sought to perpetuate a number of useful initiatives from past presidencies in an attempt to make the Council more transparent, accountable, and responsive in the way it operates. In this regard, an earlier initiative of the Slovenian Presidency, regarding the preparation of Council resolutions and presidential statements, was reviewed, and a Note by the President (S/1999/165) was issued on 17 February.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
The Security Council held an open briefing on 12 February on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The formal meeting was chaired by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, and included the participation of Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga (President, International Committee of the Red Cross), Ms. Carol Bellamy (Executive Director, United Nations Children's Fund) and Mr. Olara Otunnu (Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict), as well as the fifteen Council members. The subject of the meeting reflected Canada's conviction that the Security Council has a vital role to play in addressing threats to human security, and that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is central to the Council's mandate. (Records of the meetings can be found in S/PV.3977 and S/PV. 3978.)
Immediately following the open briefing, the Council issued a Presidential Statement on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/PRST/1999/6) which, among its other provisions, requested the Secretary-General Ato submit a report containing concrete recommendations to the Council by September 1999 on ways the Council, acting within its sphere of responsibility, could improve the physical and legal protection of civilians in armed conflict. Canada expects that the Council will then return to the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict in order to consider and act upon the Secretary-General's detailed recommendations.
A second formal meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict - an open debate - was held on 22 February. The meeting was intended to provide non-members of the Council with an opportunity to address the issues raised by Messrs. Sommaruga and Otunnu and Ms. Bellamy, as well as those raised by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello (Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator) during an open briefing on a related topic on 21 January. Participants in the 22 February meeting were encouraged to address the content of the report requested of the Secretary-General. More than twenty Member States, not members of the Security Council, did so. (Records of the meeting can be found in document S/PV.3980 and S/PV.3980/Resumption 1).
AFRICA
On 11 February, the Secretary-General provided a tour d'horizon to Council members in informal consultations. In his tour d'horizon, the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, focussed mainly on issues of peace and security in Africa, including Sierra Leone, Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, and also addressed the crisis in Kosovo. Mr. Annan highlighted areas which, in his view, were critical and required the special attention of the international community, and noted the new and worrying trend of the inter-relationship between a number of these conflict situations. While his presentation focussed on political and security issues, he noted that many of the underlying causes of these conflicts were social and economic.
a) ANGOLA:
UN Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA)
On 4 February, Council members received a sober assessment of the deteriorating political and military developments in Angola from the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Hedi Annabi, as well as a briefing by Mr. Martin Griffiths, Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. Mr. Annabi advised that MONUA had not been able to revisit the crash sites of two UN-chartered planes which were shot down in December 1998 and early January 1999. Given the overall military situation in Angola, and the expiration of the MONUA mandate on 26 February, Mr. Annabi advised that Secretary-General Annan had written to the Angolan President regarding a continuing UN presence in the country. Council members expressed their support for renewed, urgent diplomatic efforts on the part of the Secretary-General and others, as well as their concern about the ongoing security of MONUA personnel.
Following the Secretary-General's 11 February briefing, the members of the Council on 18 February received an update from the Secretary-General=s Special Representative on Angola, Mr. Issa Diallo, regarding his ongoing discussions with the Government of Angola as to the possible nature of a continuing UN presence. Mr. Diallo discussed the letter which the Secretary-General had received from the President of Angola, in which the President advised that his Government did not see any reason to maintain MONUA upon the expiry of its mandate. The Russian Federation and the United States reported on ongoing diplomatic efforts among the Troika (which also includes Portugal), as well as their preparation of a draft resolution on the modalities and composition of a continuing UN presence.
On 22 February, two consecutive Arria Formula meetings were held. Council members met first with an Angolan Government delegation, headed by H.E. General Higino Carneiro, Angolan Vice-Minister for Territorial Administration. General Carneiro outlined his Government's views on the military and political situation in Angola, as well on as the matter of a future UN presence. Council members subsequently met with a Government of Zambia delegation, led by the Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Keli Walubita, and including the Minister of Home Affairs, H.E. Mr. K. Kalumba and Mr. V.J. Mwaanga, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs. Minister Walubita conveyed his Government's rejection of allegations of Zambian violations of the sanctions regime imposed on UNITA. The President of the Council subsequently met with both delegations separately in an effort to promote better understanding between them.
On 23 February, the President chaired a meeting of Troop Contributors and Council members to consider the latest developments regarding MONUA's future. Council members again discussed MONUA in informal consultations on 25 February, including the just released Report of the Secretary-General (S/1999/202), and a draft resolution. On 26 February, the Council adopted Resolution 1229 (1999), which took note of the expiration of MONUA's mandate, provided for its orderly liquidation while ensuring the safety of UN personnel, allowed for the continuation of the Mission's human rights component during liquidation, and called for ongoing consultations with the Government of Angola regarding the nature of a continuing UN presence. Council members paid tribute to the contribution made over many years by dedicated and courageous UN personnel in MONUA and previous UNAVEM operations, including the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the late Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye.
Angola Sanctions
During informal consultations on 18 February, the members of the Security Council discussed the Report of the Angola Sanctions Committee (S/1999/147), submitted by the President in his capacity as Chair of that Committee. Council members approved the Report, including its recommendation to commission an expert study focusing on measures to address arms trafficking, oil supply and the diamond trade, the movement of UNITA funds and military assistance to UNITA. The recommendations were subsequently endorsed in Resolution 1229 (1999). Following the meeting, the President made a statement to the media expressing the Council members' support for the provisions of the Report and welcoming its proposals on their behalf. In particular, he noted that members of the Council had focussed on the practical, pro-active nature of the Report, and pledged to be supportive of the Committee's efforts to implement the provisions of the sanctions regime.
b) BURUNDI
On 17 February, Council members were briefed on the situation in Burundi. The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Ibrahima Fall, reported that the Heads of State of the region had decided, at the fourth round of talks in Arusha (Arusha IV), to suspend regional sanctions despite some continuing armed confrontation in Burundi. In a statement to the media following informal consultations, the President, on behalf of the members of the Council, welcomed the decision to suspend regional sanctions and the progress achieved at Arusha IV, called on all parties to join in negotiations, deplored the on-going violence in Burundi, expressed concern at reports of rebel groups operating from outside the country, and urged all parties to cease hostilities, guarantee the safety of civilians and respect the principles of humanitarian assistance (neutrality of humanitarian personnel and unimpeded access to populations in need).
c) CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC:
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA)
On 2 February, Council members considered the Fourth Report of the Secretary-General on MINURCA (S/1999/98), following a briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Annabi. Council members expressed support for the Secretary-General's recommendation to extend MINURCA's mandate while retaining the Mission's military component at its current strength. In a statement to the media following the informal consultations, the President welcomed, on behalf of the members of the Council, the renewed commitments of the President of the Central African Republic to implement political, economic, social and security reforms, and advised that the Council would be shortly examining a draft resolution extending MINURCA's mandate. He also expressed Council members' support for UN mediation efforts aimed at overcoming political impasse in the Central African Republic, and for the process of national reconciliation in the country.
On 4 February, the members of the Council considered a draft resolution proposed by the Group of Friends of the Central African Republic, including Canada. On 5 February, Council members agreed upon a text to, inter alia, extend MINURCA's mandate until 15 November 1999 (i.e. two months after the latest date for the holding of Presidential elections in accordance with the constitution of the Central African Republic). There would, however, be a mandate review every forty-five days to assess progress in implementing the Bangui Agreements, the National Reconciliation Pact, and the commitments of the Government of the Central African Republic to implement various reforms and to establish an electoral commission to organize and set a time-table for Presidential elections.
Some members of the Council expressed concern at political tensions following recent legislative elections, highlighted by the opposition parties walking out of the National Assembly. The President of the Central African Republic wrote to the President of the Council on 9 February (S/1999/132) to address these concerns, and to reaffirm his commitment to implement political, economic, social and security reforms. On 12 February, the Council met to issue a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/1999/7) expressly linking the prospects for the success, future mandate and continued presence of MINURCA to the fulfillment of these commitments, in particular to the immediate resumption of a constructive political dialogue.
On 24 February, the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic wrote to the President (S/1999/200) to inform the Council of the latest proposal made by the Bureau of the National Assembly in the hope of bringing the opposition parties back to the National Assembly Hall and putting an end to the political impasse. The same day, the President of the Council spoke by telephone to President Patassé who reinforced his commitment to political compromise. On 26 February, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1230 (1999), based on the Council's deliberations of 5 February.
d) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
During informal consultations on 17 February, Council members were briefed by Assistant Secretary-General Fall on the latest developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He explained that various factors, including Angolan allegations of Zambian support of UNITA and the request from Rwanda and Uganda that the rebels be included at the negotiating table, had prevented the Lusaka Summit from taking place as planned. Council members expressed particular concern at the continuing flow of illegal arms and military training to the DRC, called for the cessation of these activities and expressed deep concern about the continuing impact of hostilities on civilian populations and on the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Members reiterated the Council's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC; expressed full support for the Lusaka Peace Process, especially the efforts of Zambian President Chiluba; and stressed the need for the full and thorough investigation of reported massacres and the punishment of perpetrators. The President spoke to the media following the informal consultations to convey these points on behalf of the members of the Council.
e) ETHIOPIA / ERITREA
Following the outbreak of heavy fighting between Ethiopia and Eritrea over the weekend of 6 to 7 February, a draft resolution was introduced and discussed in informal consultations on 9 February. After the informal consultations, the President made a statement to the media expressing the Council members' dismay at the fighting, in particular its effects on civilian populations; their demand that the fighting cease immediately; and their intention to pursue ways to persuade the two countries to cease hostilities.
Following a briefing on 10 February by the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Africa, Ambassador Mohamed Sahnoun, the Council adopted Resolution 1227 (1999) which condemned the parties= recourse to the use of force; demanded an immediate halt to hostilities, especially air strikes; demanded that the parties resume diplomatic efforts to resolve their dispute peacefully; stressed that the OAU Framework Agreement remained a viable basis for resolving the conflict and expressed full support for OAU, UN and other interested states' efforts in that regard; called upon both parties to ensure the safety of civilian populations and respect for international humanitarian law; and strongly urged all states to cease immediately the sale of arms and munitions to the parties. The Permanent Representatives of Ethiopia and Eritrea addressed the Council at the meeting at which the Resolution was adopted.
The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Sir Kieran Prendergast, briefed the members of the Council on the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea on 24 February. After these informal consultations, the President, on behalf of the members of the Council, made a statement to the media deploring the continuation of hostilities, insisting that both parties respect relevant SC resolutions and immediately and unconditionally agree to a cease-fire, reaffirming the viability of the OAU Framework Agreement and strongly urging all Member States to halt the supply of arms and munitions to Ethiopia and Eritrea, as called for in previous resolutions.
Following receipt of a letter from the President of Eritrea addressed to the President of the Council in which Mr. Afwerki accepted the terms of the OAU Framework Agreement, the Council met formally on 27 February. The Council issued a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/1999/9) which welcomed Eritrea's acceptance of the Agreement, reaffirmed both countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed the Council's willingness to consider all appropriate support to implement a peace accord between the two parties.
f) GUINEA-BISSAU
On 4 February, Council members were briefed by Under-Secretary-General Prendergast on the situation in Guinea Bissau. Sir Kieran informed the Council that a cease-fire agreement had been signed on 3 February which allowed the deployment of a 1,400-strong contingent of ECOMOG peacekeepers. The humanitarian situation in Guinea-Bissau was described as very difficult: recent fighting had displaced thousands, killed dozens, wounded hundreds and nearly exhausted remaining food and medical supplies.
Following these informal consultations, the President made a statement to the media, on behalf of the members of the Council, expressing their concern at renewed fighting; their support for ECOWAS and other international efforts to bring peace; calling upon all parties to halt military operations and allow the free flow of humanitarian assistance; and urging all parties to renew their commitments to the Abuja peace process and to respect the 3 February cease-fire.
g) LIBYA SANCTIONS REVIEW
Sanctions against Libya were reviewed in informal consultations on 26 February. The Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, Mr. Hans Corell, briefed Council members on their efforts to help resolve the Lockerbie and UTA issues. On behalf of the members of the Council, the President made a statement to the media following the informal consultations, noting that the Council had been briefed on deliberations underway to resolve the Lockerbie and UTA issues, and that, further to the discussion between members, no changes to the sanctions regime were discussed.
h) SIERRA LEONE
Council members discussed Sierra Leone on 11 and 17 February. During his 11 February tour d'horizon, the Secretary-General urged that material support be provided for ECOMOG peacekeeping efforts and underscored the urgency of the humanitarian situation. On 17 February, the members of the Council were briefed on the situation in Sierra Leone by Mr. Annabi, who reported that President Kabbah had committed himself to a dialogue for peace with the rebels. Mr. Annabi also raised concerns with regard to Nigeria's possible withdrawal of its ECOMOG presence. The humanitarian situation in Sierra Leone was described as horrific: mutilations, summary executions, rape, the use of child soldiers and the use of women and children as human shields. One third of the country's population, approximately 1.5 million people, had been displaced by the fighting.
i) SOMALIA
Council members were briefed on the situation in Somalia on 24 February by Under-Secretary-General Prendergast. The President made a statement to the media, on behalf of the members of the Council, after the informal consultations, highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Somalia, urging the international community to provide desperately-needed assistance, and calling upon all Member States to honour the arms embargo designed to prohibit the flow of arms into this volatile area.
j) WESTERN SAHARA:
UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
On 2 February, the members of the Council were briefed in informal consultations by Assistant Secretary-General Annabi on MINURSO and the situation in Western Sahara. The Secretary-General's 28 January Report (S/1999/88) recommended that MINURSO be extended until 28 February.
On 11 February, the Council adopted Resolution 1228 (1999) extending MINURSO's mandate until 31 March. The Resolution requested both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front to enable the Office of the UNHCR to carry out necessary work for the repatriation of those Saharan refugees and their families eligible to vote in the upcoming referendum. Further, the Resolution supported the Secretary-General's intention to reassess MINURSO's viability, should prospects to implement the package of measures presented to the parties in 1998 remain elusive when he next reports to the Council.
Following the meeting, the President addressed the media as authorized by the members of the Council, welcoming the signature of the Status of Forces Agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Nations as an important step forward in the referendum process, and expressing the Council's hope that the mandate extension would allow for progress toward the planned referendum in December 1999.
EUROPE
a) KOSOVO, FRY
On 3 February, in informal consultations, Council members considered the Report of the Secretary-General prepared pursuant to Security Council Resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998) and 1203 (1998) (S/1999/99). The discussion was preceded by a briefing provided by Under-Secretary-General Prendergast, who updated the members of the Council on the situation in Kosovo since the preparation of the Report. This update indicated that the security situation had eroded significantly, and the humanitarian situation was also deteriorating rapidly. UNHCR reported growing numbers of displaced persons (370,000, of which 210,000 were still inside Kosovo), as well as increased harassment of international personnel. The President of the Council, in a statement to the media, expressed the Council members= concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Kosovo and reiterated their support for the Contact Group's 29 January 1999 initiative, as previously expressed in a Statement by the President of the Security Council (S/PRST/1999/5).
During the course of the month, in informal consultations, Council members received periodic briefings from the United Kingdom and French delegations on the progress of the political negotiations taking place at Rambouillet, France. These updates were in accordance with the terms of S/PRST/1999/5. Following the conclusion of the Rambouillet negotiations, the members of the Security Council held a short, informal discussion on 23 February. In a statement to the media, the President, on behalf of the members of the Council, took note of the conclusions of the Co-Chairmen of the Rambouillet Conference, noted with satisfaction the agreements achieved there as well as the commitment of the parties to attend a conference covering all aspects of the implementation of these agreements, called on the parties to refrain from taking action which could jeopardize the achievements of Rambouillet and to comply fully with all of their commitments and the provisions of relevant Security Council resolutions.
b) BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The members of the Security Council were briefed in informal consultations on 23 February by the High Representative for Implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Carlos Westendorp. The briefing was based on the Report of the High Representative for the period covering October to December 1998 (S/1999/139). Mr. Westendorp cited three issues in particular: the cantonal elections, the Madrid Peace Implementation Council meeting, and the signing of the Agreement on Special Relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. He also underlined the necessity of forming a Government in the Republika Srpska.
Following the briefing, the President briefed the media as agreed by members of the Council. His statement reiterated the Council members' strong support for the High Representative and his Office; welcomed the conclusions of the Madrid Peace Implementation Council meeting; underlined that authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have to assume greater responsibility for functions currently undertaken or coordinated by the international community; expressed the Council members' concern that, despite what Mr. Westendorp characterized as achievements in minority returns, significant breakthroughs were still needed, and at the continuing difficulties in forming a Government in the Republika Srpska.
c) FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA:
United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP)
On 23 February, Ambassador Fernando Martin Valenzuela Marzo, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, briefed Council members in informal consultations and, in a separate meeting, also briefed Troop Contributors. The Secretary-General had earlier recommended, in his 12 February Report on UNPREDEP (S/1999/161), that the Council might wish to consider extending the presence of the force, which had last been extended (and expanded) in Resolution 1186 (1998). Ensuing discussions reflected wide, but not universal, support for an extension of UNPREDEP's mandate for a further six months. A draft resolution was introduced in informal consultations on 24 February (S/1999/201), and formally considered at a meeting of the Council on 25 February. Thirteen members voted in favour of the draft resolution. Russia abstained. China cast a negative vote, thereby vetoing the proposed mandate extension. A number of Member States expressed regret at the demise of this first United Nations preventative deployment.
Subsequently, a meeting of Troop Contributors and Council members was held on 26 February during which Assistant Secretary-General Annabi provided information concerning the Secretariat's preliminary plans for the liquidation of UNPREDEP.
MIDDLE EAST
a) IRAQ:
Establishment of the Iraq Panels
During the month, the three panels on Iraq, established on 30 January 1999 by a Note by the President (S/1999/100), began to take shape under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Celso Amorim of Brazil. Following consultations on 12 February with the President, members of the Council, the Secretary-General, as well as other interested parties, Ambassador Amorim formally advised the Secretary-General and Council President of the composition of the panels, and the President of the Council and Ambassador Amorim so informed the press. On 26 February, Ambassador Amorim briefed members of the Council on the panels' initial work plan and programme of meetings.
On 8 February, members of the Council received a Report from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Mohamed El Baradei, concerning the status of the implementation of the IAEA's mandate in Iraq. Mr. El Baradei noted that his Report might be useful to the panel on Disarmament and Current and Ongoing Monitoring and Verification.
On 19 February, at the request of a Council member, the Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, Mr. Benon Sevan, provided a written brief, based on the best available information, regarding missile impacts in the area of Dohuk in Northern Iraq.
Review of the Oil-For-Food Programme
On 25 February, during informal consultations, the members of the Council reviewed the Iraq Oil-for-Food Programme based on the Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of Security Council Resolution 1210 (1998). Mr. Sevan introduced the Secretary-General's Report. Council members commented on how the programme could be made more effective, and on the need for Iraq to improve its cooperation with the programme. Council members also noted that Mr. Sevan was preparing a detailed assessment of the humanitarian situation in Iraq over the past two years and would be sharing his assessment with the panel on Humanitarian Affairs. Members expressed their hope that this panel would provide the Council with forward-looking recommendations to address the humanitarian situation in Iraq.
ASIA
a) TAJIKISTAN:
UN Mission of Observers in Tajikstan (UNMOT)
The members of the Council were briefed on 18 February on the situation in Tajikistan by Assistant Secretary-General Annabi, who summarized the conclusions of the Secretary-General's Interim Report (S/1999/124) as slow progress in a precarious security environment. Security conditions did not yet permit UNMOT deployment outside the capital, and investigation into the murders of four UNMOT personnel last year remained incomplete as the rebel United Tajik Opposition (UTO) had refused to cooperate fully. After these informal consultations, the President spoke to the media, expressing the Council members' concern about the slow pace of the peace process and their call on the parties to implement fully the General Agreement and complete the first two stages foreseen in the Protocol on Military Issues. The members of the Council also expressed concern about the state of the security situation and the UTO's lack of cooperation in the investigation of the murdered personnel.
On 23 February, the Council issued a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/1999/8) on the situation in Tajikistan. It welcomed progress toward national reconciliation and toward early implementation of the peace agreements in Tajikistan; underlined the necessity of holding a constitutional referendum and presidential elections in 1999, as well as the timely holding of parliamentary elections; and reiterated both the Council's concern that the security situation in Tajikistan remained precarious, and the importance of a full investigation into the murder of four UNMOT members.
AMERICAS
a) HAITI
On 3 February, Council members were briefed on the continuing political impasse in Haiti. During informal consultations, Assistant Secretary-General Annabi informed Council members of the results of the internal consultations and discussions that took place in New York in reaction to the events that followed President Préval's 11 January speech. Mr. Annabi also addressed the discussions that the Representative of the Secretary-General had, on behalf of the international community, with the President, Prime Minister and political parties in order to assist in resolving the political situation. In a statement to the media following the informal consultations, the President expressed the Council members' concern at the political and electoral impasse in Haiti; urged Haitian political leaders to overcome their differences and to constitute a credible Provisional Electoral Council so as to organize early, open, free and fair elections; and expressed the members' readiness to support a credible electoral process.
OTHER MATTERS
Following the death of His Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan, the President conveyed the Council's condolences and deep sorrow on his passing in a statement to the media on 9 February. During a formal meeting on 10 February, by observing a moment of silence and in a tribute read by the President, the Council honoured the memory of the late King Hussein.
On 5 February, the President met, separately, with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mr. Monie R. Captan, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Pandeli Majko, at their request. During the month, the President also met with the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Didier Opertti, and with the acting President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Gian Nicola Filippi Balestra, regarding the Council's programme of work, and with the President of the Economic and Social Council, H.E. Mr. Francesco Paolo Fulci, regarding closer cooperation between the Council and ECOSOC as envisaged in Article 65 of the UN Charter.
Transparency
Throughout the Presidency, the Canadian Mission sought to make the work of the Security Council more transparent to the full membership of the United Nations. The practice of providing daily, detailed briefings to representatives of all interested Member States immediately after informal consultations was followed without fail. Copies of statements to the media, as well as copies of draft resolutions before the Council, were regularly distributed at these briefings. The Canadian Mission's website (http://www.un.int/canada) was regularly updated with the Council's programme of work. All statements to the media were posted in French and English. The website also included a link to the UN Security Council documents page. Statements from the open briefing and open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict were placed directly on the Canadian Presidency home page.
