Introduction
Under the presidency of Ambassador Peter van Walsum, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Security Council in September was particularly involved with the developments in East Timor and Africa.The Netherlands Prime Minister presided over the open debate on Africa. President Chiluba of Zambia briefed the Council on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A ministerial meeting, chaired by the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs, was devoted to the question of small arms. As a follow-up to the open briefing on the protection of civilians in armed conflict under Canada's presidency in February, the Council discussed this issue further during an open debate on the basis of a report of the Secretary-General.
The President chaired one meeting of troop contributors. One peacekeeping mandate (MINURSO) was extended. The Council adopted 3 resolutions and issued 2 presidential statements. It held 12 formal meetings and the members met in informal consultations on 18 occasions. The President addressed the news media after each session of informal consultations. On 11 occasions he was authorized to make statements to the press on specific issues on behalf of the Council members. After informal consultations, the Presidency extensively briefed non-members of the Security Council. Through its website the Presidency published on a daily basis the Council's Programme of Work and the President's statements to the press.
Asia
East Timor
The outbreak of massive violence after the popular consultation on 30 August on a proposed constitutional framework providing for a special autonomy for East Timor was the most acute crisis situation before the Council in September. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast briefed Council members on 1 September about increased militia activity after the polling. The President informed the members of his meeting with the Permanent Representative of Portugal who had suggested that the Council send a mission to Jakarta. Members felt that sending such a mission, if timed properly, could be a useful step but would require the preliminary consent of the Indonesian Government. Consequently, further consultations would be inevitable. Through a statement of the President to the press the members of the Council condemned the violence that was taking place in Dili and demanded immediate preventive steps by the Indonesian Government.
On 3 September in a meeting of the Security Council the Secretary-General announced the result of the popular consultation, i.e. the rejection of the proposal for a special autonomy. In a separate meeting the same day the Council adopted a presidential statement which welcomed the successful popular consultation and, while condemning the violence that preceded and followed the ballot, urged all parties to respect the result.
On Sunday 5 September Mr. Prendergast reported to Council members on the rapidly deteriorating security situation in East Timor leading to the suspension of operations of most of the regional UNAMET offices and the concentration of staff and East Timorese refugees in the main headquarters compound in Dili. Non-essential staff would be temporarily relocated to Darwin, Australia. Mr. Prendergast also reported about demarches of the Secretary-General with President Habibie of Indonesia in view of the apparent involvement of Indonesian police and military in militia activities and the inability of the Government to rein in the militias. Council members felt that these alarming developments warranted the urgent dispatch of a mission of the Security Council to convey to the Indonesian Government the concerns of the Council. After a brief suspension of the consultations enabling the President to consult with the Indonesian Permanent Representative, the President reported to the Council that the Government of Indonesia could accept the proposed mission. Following consultations, the President made a statement to the press condemning in the strongest terms the intensifying violence, in particular the murders of UN local staff, and underlining once again the responsibility of the Indonesian Government for guaranteeing peace and security in East Timor, the safety and security of all UNAMET staff, local staff and premises. He also announced the dispatch of the mission which was to discuss with the Government of Indonesia concrete steps to allow the peaceful implementation of the ballot result.
On Monday 6 September the Secretary-General met with the mission prior to its departure. At the request of the President of the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of Namibia, Ambassador Andjaba, acted as head of the mission. The other members were the Permanent Representatives of Malaysia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands Deputy Permanent Representative. The Secretary-General informed the members of the mission of his telephone conversation with the President of Indonesia who had declared martial law in East Timor.
During informal consultations on 7 September one member raised the possibility of sending foreign troops to East Timor. The President explained to the members his understanding that the implicit objective of the Security Council mission was to seek Indonesian concurrence with the sending of an multinational force to East Timor.
On 8 September Mr. Prendergast reported to Council members a serious escalation of violence in East Timor compelling the United Nations to start up the evacuation of UNAMET staff to Darwin. At a later stage in the consultations news came that at the request of the Indonesian military authorities the evacuation had been temporarily suspended in order to allow the army more time to prepare the evacuation and await the results of martial law. At the same meeting the Secretary-General informed the Council members of his telephone conversation the previous night with the President of Indonesia. The Secretary-General said he had proposed a deadline of 48 hours for the restoration of law and order before possible further steps of the UN would be contemplated, including the possibility of sending an international force. The Secretary-General reported further that a lead nation already had presented itself and that other governments had indicated their willingness to participate. However, it was clear that the concerned Governments were not prepared to proceed without the agreement of the Indonesian Government. Members felt that Indonesia had failed in its responsibility to ensure security. If UNAMET were not allowed to fulfil its mandate, the international community should indeed send a force to assist in ensuring peace and security in East Timor. Several members insisted, however, that such a force should be authorized by the Council and agreed upon by the Indonesian Government.
During the consultations the Council members received a formal request of Portugal for an open meeting of the Council on East Timor. Several delegations questioned the need for an immediate meeting. They pointed out that it was inappropriate for the Council to dispatch a mission to deal with a certain question and then call an open meeting on the same question before the mission had had a chance to report. It was therefore agreed that the President would conduct further consultations on the timing for such a meeting. The President informed the Council members also of his telephone conversation with the head of the Security Council mission in Jakarta, who had reported that the Indonesian authorities were opposed to both the Secretary-General's deadline of 48 hours and the dispatch of an international force in the current stage of full Indonesian responsibility for peace and security in East Timor. In a statement to the press the President stressed that Council members shared the view of the Secretary-General that if the security situation did not improve within a very short period of time, the Council would consider further action to help the Government of Indonesia to ensure full implementation of the 5 May Agreements and to end the violence.
On 9 September Mr. Prendergast briefed Council members on further contacts between the Secretary-General and the President of Indonesia. The President informed the members of his contacts with the mission in Jakarta. From these reports it became clear that the Indonesian Government was not yet prepared to accept the presence of an international force and was only willing to consider such a force if the situation should deteriorate to a degree beyond the control of the Government. Following a formal request of Brazil for an open meeting of the Council on the issue, the members again debated inconclusively on the timing of such a meeting. The President announced that he would consult members bilaterally on the matter. After consultations the President spoke to the press, expressing grave concern at the deteriorating security situation and referring to the need for possible further action of the Council.
During informal consultations on 10 September Mr. Prendergast confirmed the evacuation from Dili of all local UNAMET staff. Given also the following forced entry of militia members into the UNAMET compound, Mr. Prendergast concluded that the imposition of martial law during the last 72 hours had not produced the desired effect. The President reported on his bilateral consultations with members on the timing of an open meeting. One group of members favoured an early open meeting. Other members continued to feel that such a meeting should only take place after completion of the mission's task. Given these divergent views and in particular in light of a press statement that same day by the Secretary-General in which he urgently called on the Government of Indonesia to seek the help of the international community, the President informed the Council members that in his view political necessity should override procedural correctness. Accordingly, he would call a meeting of the Security Council in two stages. The Council would meet on Saturday, 11 September, for an open debate and resume consultations at a later stage, after the return of the mission, with a view to making a decision on further action.
In the meeting a large number of delegations expressed their concern about the situation in East Timor. They underlined the need for international assistance, thereby following the Secretary-General's call at the same meeting for Indonesia to accept an international force. (For the records of the meeting see doc. S/PV.4043).
Following President Habibie's public acceptance on Sunday 12 September of such a force Council members met on 13 September for a briefing by the Secretary-General and the presentation of the report of the Security Council mission by Ambassador Andjaba of Namibia in his capacity as head of the mission. The Secretary-General informed the Council about his understanding with the Indonesian authorities on the modalities for the international force which would be of a multinational character and be authorized under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. After a meeting with Foreign Minister Alatas, the President of the Council confirmed the flexible position of the Indonesian Government as to the modalities of the international force although the Government did have a preference for a force drawn largely from Asian countries. Ambassador Andjaba explained that, acting upon its mandate, the mission had conveyed in very strong terms the concerns of the Council and had also insisted on the acceptance of international assistance in establishing peace and security in East Timor (see also the mission's report S/1999/976).
On 14 September Council members discussed a draft resolution, introduced by the United Kingdom, for the establishment of a multinational force. Some members disputed the enforcement nature of the operation and preferred Chapter VI instead as the legal basis for the Force. Others felt that, if a United Nations peacekeeping operation was not feasible at this stage, the force should be transformed as soon as possible into a United Nations operation. Several delegations insisted that the resolution should be adopted by consensus. In the early morning of 15 September the Security Council adopted, in fact by consensus, resolution 1264 to establish a multinational force with a mandate on the basis of Chapter VII to restore peace and security in East Timor.
Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Council dealt twice with the situation in the DRC and the obstacles in the Lusaka peace process. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast informed the Council members on 2 September that on 31 August the founding members of the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) had finally signed the cease-fire agreement in Lusaka which had been signed by the other parties to the conflict before. However, the first meetings of the Political Committee and the Joint Military Commission had been postponed as a result of disagreement within the RCD leadership on the representation of this rebel group in the meetings. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hédi Annabi provided details on the deployment of the first group of 27 military liaison officers that would take place shortly. Deployment of the remaining liaison officers in 13 locations would follow at a later stage. A technical survey team for the assessment of security conditions and preparation of logistical support arrangements would be dispatched once assurances of cooperation and security guarantees on the part of the Government were received. Members of the Council expressed their concern about the postponement of meetings of the Political Committee and Joint Military Commission. In a statement to the press, the Council President commended President Chiluba of Zambia for his mediation efforts.
On 7 September the President informed Council members of his meeting on 3 September with the Minister of Justice of the DRC. The minister had reaffirmed his Government's determination to implement the Lusaka Agreement and its commitment to internal dialogue now that all the rebels had signed the agreement. At the initiative of Gabon, President Chiluba of Zambia was invited to brief the Council in an open meeting, on 21 September, on his activities as chairman of the regional mediation effort in the DRC conflict and to respond to questions of Council members. At this meeting President Chiluba acknowledged the need for Africa to take responsibility for its own problems while recognizing the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. More specifically, the conflict in the DRC was first of all an African problem. For that reason, it was up to Africans to find a solution. For the implementation of such a solution, however, the international community should provide assistance like it does for peace efforts in other regions.
President Chiluba called on the Council to take action and send a peacekeeping force that, given the need to disarm non-statutory forces and relocate foreign militias, would act on a mandate beyond Chapter VI of the UN Charter. He also noted that cost should not be placed above anything else when determining the mandate and size of the peacekeeping force. In this context President Chiluba referred to an existing perception that the Security Council is usually slow and reluctant to support peace efforts in Africa. In response to questions President Chiluba expressed his full confidence in the commitment to the Lusaka Agreement of the parties to the conflict. He was convinced that the safety of those involved in peacekeeping in the Congo would be assured. President Chiluba appealed to the United Nations to play a role in ensuring that the national dialogue would be successful. On a more general note president Chiluba recognized that the best way to end some of Africa's problems was by broadening the political space and trying to democratize Africa's systems of government as much as possible.
On 28 September the President of the Council informed the members of his meetings with the DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs and a SADC delegation respectively. Both sides had complained about the slow pace of UN involvement in the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement.
Ethiopia / Eritrea
On 23 September the President briefed Council members on his separate meetings with the Permanent Representatives of Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Eritrean Ambassador had confirmed that his Government had accepted the complete package of the OAU Framework Agreement, including the modalities for implementation and the technical arrangements. He had asked the Security Council to exert pressure on Ethiopia to accept the package.
The Ambassador of Ethiopia had informed the President that Ethiopia, while remaining fully committed to the OAU Framework and the modalities, had requested clarifications on the technical agreements.
Sierra Leone
Briefing Council members on 28 September, Mr. Annabi elaborated on the Secretary-General's proposals for the deployment of a peacekeeping force. The force would be robust, consisting of 6000 troops to assist in the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement. In response to questions of members Mr. Annabi referred to an understanding between the Secretary-General and the President of Nigeria that ECOMOG would withdraw progressively from most of the country but remain responsible for security around Lungi airport and Freetown. Some delegations said that a quick launch of the UNAMSIL operation would be an indication of the resolve of the Council to deal with African conflicts as effectively as with conflicts elsewhere. Some delegations enquired about the status of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as foreseen in the Peace Agreement.
Central African Republic (CAR)
Members of the Council discussed the situation in the CAR on two occasions. On 14 September Mr. Annabi informed the Council members that the first round of the presidential elections, scheduled for 12 September, had been postponed to 19 September due to a press campaign by some presidential candidates against the elections accusing MINURCA of supporting President Patassé. Several members expressed disappointment about this development. Some also insisted that the time had come for a transition from peacekeeping to a peace-building and institution-building mandate. Following consultations, the President made a statement to the press deploring the deliberate press campaign against MINURCA and pointing out to the Government and opposition leaders that the conduct of the elections was their national responsibility.
Briefing Council members again on 28 September, Mr. Annabi referred to the successful conduct of the first round of elections in the CAR on 19 September. Voter turnout had been estimated at around 60 percent. Mr. Annabi cautioned, however, that some presidential candidates had made it clear that they would not accept a victory of President Patassé. In a press statement, the President expressed appreciation for the smooth conduct of the elections and reminded the Government and all parties of their commitment to national reconciliation in the framework of the Bangui Agreements.
Western Sahara
On 9 September the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, William Eagleton, briefed Council members on developments with regard to the Western Sahara. On the identification operation he noted that the number of appeals filed so far was considerable and very likely to delay the completion of the processing of appeals and the holding of hearings. An additional problem was the hiring of extra staff especially in view of very specific job requirements. Given the delay Mr. Eagleton was not in a position to provide a revised timetable and its financial implications. He also referred to ongoing discussions with the Moroccan authorities on the implementation of paragraph 42 of the Status-of-Forces agreement (the carrying of weapons). Mr. Eagleton referred to the Secretary-General's recommendation in his report (S/1999/954) that the Security Council consider extending the mandate of MINURSO for a period of three months.
Council members expressed concern at the slow pace of the preparations for the referendum. In response to questions the Special Representative confirmed that the return of refugees was at the core of the entire process. He reported some progress in the talks with the Moroccan authorities on the draft repatriation protocol and the UNHCR plan of action for cross-border confidence-building measures.
In a statement to the press, the President expressed the hope that the parties would continue to cooperate with MINURSO and the Identification Commission.
By unanimously adopting resolution 1263 on 13 September, the Security Council authorized the extension of the mandate of MINURSO until 14 December 1999. International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
On 14 September Justice Louise Arbour, the outgoing Prosecutor of ICTY and ICTR, briefed members of the Council about the functioning of both tribunals. She stated that both tribunals had developed into full-fledged judicial institutions. Ms. Arbour considered the ICTR a success story which to a large degree could be ascribed to the support of African states in investigations, including the arrest of suspects. As an example Ms. Arbour cited the arrest of former Rwandan leader Jean Kambanda on charges of genocide. Members praised the Prosecutor for her work in helping consolidate the rule of international law and in structuring the tribunals.
Europe
Kosovo, FRY
On 7 September Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bernard Miyet reported to Council members on the investigation by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) of mass graves with allegedly Serbian victims in Ugljare and Metohija. Although details about matters under investigation were usually not released, ICTY had indicated that the victims indeed seemed to have been Serbs. With regard to the fact that Kosovo-Albanians were pressing for issuing identification papers Mr. Miyet noted that UNMIK had not issued any. However, the issue was under discussion also in view of concerns that identification papers would be become available through other, less desirable channels. Mr. Miyet also underlined that the customs regime had been working effectively. It provided revenues and a mechanism to prevent others from introducing their own revenue systems. Members of the Council were satisfied by Mr. Miyet's briefing on the mass graves.
On 10 September the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bernard Kouchner, reported to Council members on the progress that UNMIK so far had achieved in the areas of law and order, public services, return of refugees and the economy. An important step forward was the establisment of a consultative political body, i.e. the Kosovo Transitional Council, in which all parties were represented. Mr. Kouchner dwelled on the problems UNMIK encountered in what he perceived as a culture of violence and revenge. Delegations expressed their appreciation for the work of Mr. Kouchner and his staff. A few delegations noted their concern at both the effects of UNMIK's civil administration on the sovereignty of the FRY and the apparent slow pace of the demilitarization of the KLA.
In a statement to the press, the President expressed support for the work of Mr. Kouchner and his team, in implementing SC resolution 1244.
On 28 September Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hedi Annabi informed members of the Council of the establishment of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). Its mandate was to provide humanitarian assistance and did not include the maintenance of law and order. The KPC would be armed with a limited number of sidearms. A few members expressed reservations about the KPC which they more or less saw as a continuation of the KLA, which in their view was still far from disarmed. Adding to their concern was the impression that steps like these might be conceived as steps towards independence for Kosovo. In this connection, the privatization of enterprises belonging to the FRY was mentioned. Other members believed the establishment of the KPC to be a positive development and a good compromise under the circumstances. They also stressed the desirability of a multi-ethnic composition of the KPC.
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
In her briefing for Council members on 14 September Justice Louise Arbour, the outgoing Prosecutor of ICTY and ICTR, stated that with regard to ICTY the number of indicted persons had progressively increased to 38 of which 31 persons had been detained. Lack of compliance had compelled the Prosecutor to use the instrument of sealed indictments. In this connection she named two countries in particular. Ms. Arbour described the task for the Tribunal in Kosovo as overwhelming. She stressed that the investigation was of a strict non-discriminatory nature in terms of ethnic background of the victims. In this context Ms. Arbour also underlined that the Tribunal had competence only over crimes committed in the course of armed conflict.
Cyprus
On 15 September Dame Ann Hercus, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission in Cyprus, briefed Council members before relinquishing her post. Her impression was that the leaders of the island were not able to narrow the divide between both communities as feelings of bitterness and mistrust continued to prevail. Although both sides were not interested in a further escalation of the conflict they would not accept an imposed solution. Dame Ann identified the following key areas for negotiations: security, distribution of power, property and territory. She also stressed that talks should only be held if prospects for success were favourable. Some members insisted that the international community should continue efforts to find a solution for the Cyprus problem, including pressure on the leaders to come to an arrangement. In a statement to the press, the President thanked Dame Ann for her work and confirmed the importance of the role of the Special Representative. He also underlined the need for full implementation of resolution 1250.
Middle East
Iraq
On 3 September Council members discussed the written clarifications UNSCOM had provided on the operation of its chemical laboratory in Baghdad, including the presence of samples of the chemical warfare agent Vx. These clarifications had been requested by some members following discussions in July and August about the UNSCOM chemical laboratory in the Baghdad Monitoring and Verification Centre (BMVC). Deputy Executive Chairman and Officer-in-Charge of UNSCOM Charles Duelfer provided additional, oral information during the meeting. Some delegations declared themselves fully satisfied with the information provided by UNSCOM, whereas others expressed doubts about the way UNSCOM had fulfilled its mandate and requested that the information be provided in writing.
Open meetings
Protection of civilians in armed conflict
On 16 September the Security Council met in a formal meeting to discuss the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/1999/957). The report contained 40 recommendations. The Secretary-General was accompanied by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Sergio Vieira de Mello. At the end of the debate the Council adopted resolution 1265.
In his presentation of the report the Secretary-General stressed that civilians are no longer just random victims of conflict but have become targets in today's conflicts. The conflicts in Angola, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, and East Timor were clear manifestations of this trend. According to the Secretary-General, the United Nations must act in this regard in the name of the principles of the Charter and the values of humanity and should establish human security.
In her statement the High Commissioner underlined that human rights violations are both a consequence of and a contributing factor to instability and further conflict. The link between systematic and widespread violations of the rights of civilians and the erosion of international peace and security is intrinsic. As such human security is synonymous with international security. Ms. Robinson also raised the issue of accountability. Granting amnesty to the perpetrators of the most atrocious crimes for the sake of peace and reconciliation might be tempting, but it would contradict the purposes and standards of the UN Charter. The High Commissioner also felt that the Security Council has a vital role to play in both preventing conflicts and minimizing the impact of conflict on civilians.
In the debate many member states were of the view that the Security Council has a responsibility with regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Some member states, however, could not agree to a specific role of the Council in this regard and referred to the responsibilities of the General Assembly of the United Nations and ECOSOC. The importance of accountability was widely acknowledged. Many delegations therefore welcomed the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Many delegations also spoke out in favour of targeted sanctions aimed at those who commit the crimes rather than innocent civilians. In order to better protect civilians in the different stages of conflict it was generally felt that UN peacekeeping mandates should be broad and integrated. Some delegations expressed the view that in this context more robust enforcement mandates would be desirable. (For the records of the meeting see S/PV.4046).
At the end Mr. de Mello commented on views expressed during the debate. He emphasized that the best way to protect civilians is to prevent conflict. In this context Mr. de Mello stressed that development and combating poverty is an indispensable tool to achieve sustainable peace and stability in conflict- and post-conflict areas. Referring to the view of two delegations that some of the Secretary-General's proposals actually invite the Council to go beyond its mandate as contained in the Charter, Mr. de Mello gave as his view that the Charter was not meant to be a static document.
Small Arms
On 24 September the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jozias van Aartsen, chaired a meeting of the Security Council at the level of ministers. The meeting was attended by eleven Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a Minister of State and an Assistant Foreign Minister, to discuss the question of small arms. In his introduction to the subject the Secretary-General stressed that as the world will no longer stand by in silence when gross and systematic violations of human rights are being committed, the United Nations is dedicated to addressing both the supply and the demand aspects of the trade in small arms. These arms are not only primary tools of violence in many conflicts, they also fuel the violence associated with terrorism and organized crime. The Secretary-General mentioned the important role civil society should play in combating small arms referring in particular to the activities of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA). He called upon the Security Council to provide effective leadership in this area.
Council members recognized the need for the Council to involve itself with the issue of small arms and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/1999/28). In this statement the Council, inter alia, cited the multifaceted challenge posed by small arms involving security, humanitarian and development dimensions. It welcomed the current global and regional initiatives to address the issue and encouraged Member States to establish in particular voluntary moratoria on arms transfers to countries and regions engaged in or emerging from armed conflicts. The Council called for the effective implementation of arms embargoes, imposed by the Council in its relevant resolutions. It recognized the importance of incorporating within peace agreements clear terms for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, including the disposal of arms and ammunition. It invited Member States to involve civil society in the efforts to combat the destabilizing accumulation of and illicit trafficking in small arms. The Security Council called upon Member States to participate constructively in the international conference on the illicit arms trade in all its aspects that will be held no later than 2001. (For records of the meeting see doc. S/PV.4048).
The Situation in Africa
The Netherlands Prime Minister, Wim Kok, presided over the first day of an open meeting, held on 29 and 30 September, of the Security Council on Africa. The Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Salim, addressed the meeting in which 32 non-Council members also participated. Along the lines of his report for this meeting (S/1999/1008), the UN Secretary-General described Africa as a combination of accomplishments and unresolved problems. He signalled positive trends like democratic elections gradually becoming the norm and good governance, accountability, and the rule of law gaining ground. The Secretary-General noted in particular the agreement among Africa's leaders, at the OAU summit in Algiers, that Governments that came to power through unconstitutional means could no longer expect to be received as equals in an assembly of elected heads of state. He expressed the hope that the General Assembly of the United Nations would follow Africa's lead in this regard. However, without a solution for its current armed conflicts progress would remain tenuous. The Secretary-General referred in particular to the situation of conflict in Angola, Sudan, Sierra Leone, DRC and Somalia. In this connection the Secretary-General recalled the operations in East Timor and Kosovo that reflected an evolving understanding of sovereignty. Adressing concerns about perceived indifference of the Security Council to Africa's plight, he expressed the view that the Council should apply its commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance consistently, irrespective of region or nation. Combining African efforts with those of the international community could give decisive impetus to the efforts to establish peace in Africa.
The Secretary-General of the OAU reminded the Council of past experiences when critical time and opportunities for peace were lost because of a lack of timely action by the Council. In light of this, Mr. Salim insisted that the Council would take speedy action through the deployment of a peacekeeping force, especially with regard to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. Recognizing that many of Africa's problems are of Africa's own making he emphasized that African countries nowadays are clearly not shying away from their responsibilities.
The Council President, in his national capacity, made it clear that the major reason to call for this debate was to take issue with 'Afro-pessimism' and highlight the positive developments taking place in Africa instead. What was needed today was fresh creative thinking about conflict resolution and peacekeeping in Africa. In this regard the President specifically mentioned options like linking debt relief and enhanced assistance with African participation in peacekeeping operations on the continent. Participants in the debate stressed the need for support of the positive developments in Africa. (For records of the meeting see doc. S/PV.4049). Many raised the issue of double standards, including the perceived lack of political will to do more than just paying lip service to the need for decisive political and military action in Africa. Wide support was expressed for strengthening regional peacekeeping capacity in order to enable Africa to take matters into its own hands.
Other issues
On 2 September the report of the Security Council to the General Assembly was adopted in a formal meeting. This was announced in a note by the President (S/1999/933). The Officer-in-Charge of the Security Affairs Division, Joseph Stephanides, made an explanatory statement.
