Global Policy Forum

The Slovenian Presidency

S/2000/181

In addition to addressing the mounting tensions in several areas of conflict, the Security Council took active steps in November 1999 to ensure the success of peace-building efforts in a number of situation on its agenda. Under the Presidency of Ambassador Danilo Türk, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, the members of the Security Council paid particular attention to the role of the Council in conflict prevention and took part in an open debate on the issue.

Council members followed with keen interest the progress of efforts at stabilization in South-Eastern Europe. In this connection, the Slovenian Foreign Minister presided over the formal meeting of the Security Council with the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council was also briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo on the situation in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The month witnessed an active engagement of the Council in a number of African crises, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Burundi. Council members followed with great concern emerging obstacles to the peace process in Sierra Leone. The month was also marked by the coming into effect of sanctions against the Taliban in Afghanistan. In all these situations the Security Council acted in exercise of its primary responsibility for international peace and security and continued to be actively involved.

During the month of November, the Security Council held 17 formal meetings, including two open debates, two private meetings and two open briefings. Council members also met 13 times in informal consultations. The Council adopted seven resolutions and issued five presidential statements. It established a new United Nations mission (MONUC) and extended three United Nations peacekeeping mandates (UNMOT, UNDOF and MIPONUH). Several expert meetings were convened in November, as well as three meetings between the members of the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop-contributing States.

At the end of each meeting at which informal consultations were held, the President of the Security Council briefed the press. The President spoke on behalf of Council members on several occasions, delivering a total of five oral statements to the press.

Accounts of the informal consultations were provided regularly for the benefit of States that are not members of the Security Council. Those briefings took place immediately after the consultations. The Presidency also posted oral statements to the press on its Internet web site (www.un.int/slovenia) within hours of their delivery. In a further effort to increase the openness and transparency in the work of the Council, the Presidency kept an updated programme of work for the month of November and a record of daily activities of the Council on its web site. This record included brief accounts of the issues that had been discussed in informal consultations.

Africa

Burundi

As a result of its concern about the deterioration in Burundi's political and security situation, the Security Council held an open debate to assess the situation and to find out what the United Nations could do to keep the peace process on track. The open debate was held at the 4067th meeting of the Security Council, on 12 November, with the participation of 20 speakers.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahima Fall, opened the debate and concentrated on the most recent developments on the ground, where the situation was worsened by the outbreak of violence. He said the internal situation was still disturbing and that the country's political partnership was facing difficulties that threatened its survival. Following the death of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, who was the facilitator for the Arusha peace talks, the Government had requested help in choosing a new facilitator for the peace process.

In this connection, The Assistant Secretary-General emphasized that it was important for the United Nations to take steps to see the peace process continue. He also pointed out that the situation was worsened by the uncertain security situation. The capital, Bujumbura, had been attacked more than 20 times and there had been attacks and ambushes in various regions. In addition, many Burundians were leaving for the United Republic of Tanzania, adding to the over 200,000 refugees already there.

Participants in the debate paid tribute to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and stressed the importance of continuing the Arusha process. Speakers also emphasized that the ceasefire agreement signed in Lusaka between the parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be implemented. Peace in Burundi was not likely to last in the absence of regional stability. At the same time, social and economic development were other key factors in determining Burundi's peaceful future. Several speakers emphasized that the support of the international community was crucial.

Immediately after the end of the open debate, at the 4068th meeting of the Security Council, the President of the Council made a statement on behalf of the Council on the situation in Burundi, in which, inter alia, the Council reiterated its support for the Arusha peace process and for the efforts to build an internal political partnership in Burundi (see S/PRST/1999/32).

Democratic Republic of the Congo

At the informal consultations held on 4 November, the members of the Council discussed the second report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations preliminary deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/1999/1116) and were briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Bernard Miyet. He expressed concern over the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the increase of violations of the peace agreement.

The humanitarian situation was worsening. Another source of concern was the scale of human rights violations. The Under-Secretary-General informed Council members that the United Nations survey team was still waiting for security guarantees from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The security of personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was a source of concern and following increased threats against them the United Nations placed its staff in Kinshasa on security alert.

Council members were informed about the reasons for the Secretary-General's proposal to extend the mandate of the current military liaison officers and for his recommendation for the prior authorization of the deployment of 500 military observers. Even though the security situation did not allow their deployment, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations had to start preparations and the necessary budgetary procedures to be in a position to deploy a peacekeeping operation once conditions permitted.

In the discussion that followed the briefing, Council members expressed unanimous support for the extension of the mandate of the current military liaison officers until 15 January 2000. Regarding the proposal for the prior authorization of 500 military observers, Council members had different views. Members of the Council agreed to ask for a humanitarian briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo later in the month and expressed support for the idea of sending a mission of the Security Council to the country.

The problem of funding of humanitarian activities and the Joint Military Commission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was also stressed and the need for further financial support from donor countries was expressed. Council members agreed that it was incumbent upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to extend the necessary security guarantees to the United Nations survey team and stressed the need for the beginning of a national dialogue and the appointment of a national facilitator.

At its 4060th meeting, on 5 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1273 (1999) on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, extending the mandate of the United Nations military liaison personnel deployed under paragraph 8 of resolution 1258 (1999) until 15 January 2000.

Following the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the Security Council authorize preparations for the deployment of up to 500 military observers, once conditions permitted, a draft resolution was introduced on 11 November by a Council member, agreement on which was reached after lengthy negotiations at the expert level. At its 4076th meeting, on 30 November, the Council subsequently adopted resolution 1279 (1999), by which it established the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The resolution was adopted unanimously

Prior to the action on the draft resolution, the members of the Council were briefed on 16 November at informal consultations by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who informed them about the visit of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mustapha Niasse, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 7 to 10 November. The purpose of the visit was to build a climate of confidence and establish relations of good will between the United Nations and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a view to creating a positive atmosphere for the arrival of the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Kamel Morjane.

In the discussion that followed the briefing, Council members welcomed the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and commended the efforts of Mr. Niasse.

Eritrea and Ethiopia

At the informal consultations held on 11 November, Council members were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs on the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The situation on the ground was described as being neither war nor peace. Rumours were spreading along the border about a possible resumption of hostilities following the end of the rainy season. The two parties did not yet agree on the technical arrangements regarding the modalities of the Framework Agreement of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Three special envoys — from OAU, the United Nations and the United States of America — were working with both parties. There was some ground for optimism since the Personal Envoy of the President of Algeria, Ahmed Ouyahia, was preparing a new package proposal that might be acceptable to Ethiopia. The Assistant Secretary-General also emphasized that the humanitarian situation on the ground was deteriorating. Humanitarian assistance was underfunded and the response to the humanitarian appeals for both countries was inadequate.

In the discussion that followed the briefing, members of the Council expressed support for the efforts of OAU. They also expressed concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise utmost restraint. The views of Council members were subsequently incorporated in an oral statement to the press by the President of the Council.

Sierra Leone

At the informal consultations held on 8 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi, on the latest developments in Sierra Leone. He informed Council members that preparations for speedy deployment of the peacekeeping operation were under way and that they should be completed soon. According to the Assistant Secretary-General, the Secretariat had consulted the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to determine the composition of those ECOMOG forces that were to become part of the peacekeeping operation; agreement had been reached with some members of ECOWAS on their participation.

The Assistant Secretary-General also alerted Council members to the fact that the Secretary-General had written to the President of Nigeria on 4 November regarding the continuing responsibility of ECOMOG for security in Freetown and at Lungi airport. Council members were also informed that the Secretary-General had spoken with the Secretary-General of OAU regarding the situation in Sierra Leone. It was also pointed out that additional human rights personnel had been deployed within the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and that a child protection unit was also on its way.

In his briefing, the Assistant Secretary-General expressed concern regarding the overall deterioration in the military and security situation since mid-October. The number of ceasefire violations was growing. The looting of villages and human rights violations were continuing. The rebels were targeting humanitarian assistance. Even though Foday Sankoh of the Revolutionary United Front and Johnny Paul Koromah of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council had publicly condemned such attacks on 3 November, humanitarian personnel were taking special precautions and possible plans for the evacuation of the military observers and other United Nations staff were being prepared.

In the brief discussion that followed the briefing, Council members expressed their concern and dismay about the serious violations of the Lomé Peace Agreement and the resulting deterioration in the security situation in the country. They emphasized the responsibilities of the parties concerned, in particular Mr. Sankoh, to meet their obligations under the Lomé Agreement in full. They also underlined the importance of the speedy and effective deployment of UNAMSIL on the ground. The President of the Council subsequently incorporated the views of Council members in an oral statement to the press.

At the informal consultations held on 19 November, the members of the Council were briefed by Carolyn McAskie, the newly appointed Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and acting head of the Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs. She briefed Council members on the mission of donors (European Union, Finland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom) to Sierra Leone.

She stated that the security and political situation in Sierra Leone was fragile. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process was slow, with only several hundred out of an estimated 45,000 ex-combatants having reported to the camps. On the other hand, the World Food Programme and donors were committed to delivering food and packages to the camps. Moreover, the humanitarian community on the ground was well coordinated.

In the opinion of the Deputy Coordinator, the human rights situation was extremely critical. Special attention needed to be paid to women who had been victims of rape and sexual assault and children who had been abducted for fighting. Regarding the refugees, she urged donors not to reduce the current level of humanitarian assistance to Guinea. She stressed the need to give more thought to the problems of refugee-receiving countries and the deeper problems that the refugees represented for those countries.

In the discussion following the briefing, Council members expressed continuing concern about the volatile security situation and violations of the Lomé Peace Agreement in Sierra Leone. They called on all parties to the Agreement to immediately implement all its provisions. They also welcomed the imminent deployment of a robust peacekeeping force and stressed the importance of continued humanitarian assistance. Council members authorized the President of the Council to present these views in an oral statement to the press.

Somalia

At the informal consultations held on 9 November, the members of the Council were updated on the situation in Somalia by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, in the light of the upcoming summit meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He reported that there was broad support for the initiative by the President of Djibouti among IGAD members, and that it was expected that the IGAD summit would be held either in the last 10 days of November or in the first 10 days of December.

Regarding the situation inside Somalia, the Assistant Secretary-General referred to the increasingly serious humanitarian situation following seven years of bad harvests, increasing insecurity, difficulties for humanitarian access and inadequate response by the donor community to the 1999 humanitarian appeal.

In the discussion that followed the briefing, Council members concentrated on support for the initiative of Djibouti and the efforts by IGAD. Concerns were expressed regarding the humanitarian situation and the need to provide necessary resources. Some members expressed support for the need for a comprehensive review of the United Nations involvement in Somalia. There were also reactions to the idea of a possible relocation of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia from Kenya to Somalia.

At the end of the informal consultations, the President of the Council introduced a draft presidential statement on the situation in Somalia in his national capacity. He called on Council members to start working on a draft statement at the expert level, with a view to its adoption before the IGAD summit.

Following successful negotiations at the expert level, the President of the Security Council made a statement on behalf of the Council at its 4066th meeting, held on 12 November, in which, inter alia, the Council welcomed the Djibouti initiative and encouraged the Secretary-General to review the role of the United Nations in Somalia (see S/PRST/1999/31).

Western Sahara

At the informal consultations held on 2 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi, on developments regarding the implementation of the United Nations settlement plan for Western Sahara. The Assistant Secretary-General informed Council members that identification of the remaining 65,000 applicants from the tribal groupings H41, H61, J51/52 was continuing and was expected to be concluded by mid-December 1999. After issuing the provisional list of potential voters on 15 July, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) had received over 79,000 appeals.

Because of the large number of appeals, MINURSO felt that the staff of the Commission had to be strengthened by additional 36 members, with relevant support staff. It was expected that an additional 10 to 12 months would be necessary for completing the appeals process. The time-frame for holding the referendum scheduled for July/August 2000 might be changed. The Secretary-General had instructed his Special Representative, William Eagleton, to hold talks with the parties on measures that might be taken in this regard.

Council members were also informed that arrangements for paragraph 42 of the status-of-forces agreement had been concluded and signed with Morocco on 26 October, and were briefed about the preparatory work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the repatriation of refugees to the territory.

Members of the Council expressed satisfaction at the progress regarding identification of the remaining three tribes, the arrangement for the status-of-forces agreement, the work on the repatriation of refugees and the beginning of mine-clearance activities. Several delegations expressed concern regarding the large number of appeals, which might delay the holding of the referendum.

Other members, however, were of the view that the right to appeal should be respected. Council members also expressed support for the talks of the Special Representative with the parties and stressed the need for the parties to be constructive in those talks and to cooperate with MINURSO and UNHCR for the initiation of the confidence-building measures with the refugees.

On 2 November the President of the Council met with Emhamed Khaddad, Frente POLISARIO's Coordinator with MINURSO, who expressed his concern that the appeals process might turn into the second round of identification and called upon the Security Council to ensure that the letter and spirit of its resolution 1263 (1999) be respected.

He also emphasized that there should be a new element presented for consideration of the substance of any appeal by the Identification Commission. Given the large number of appeals submitted, he expressed the need that the Identification Commission is strengthened. The President of the Council informed Council members about this meeting.

Americas

Haiti

At the informal consultations held on 24 November, the members of the Council considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti (MIPONUH) (S/1999/1184).

Council members also heard a briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Choi Young-Jin, who noted that the Secretary-General was preparing to withdraw MIPONUH following the expiration of its mandate on 30 November, unless the Council decided otherwise. He stressed, however, that the assistance of the international community would continue to be necessary.

He brought the attention of Council members to the fact that, in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General, the President of Haiti thanked the United Nations for deploying MIPONUH, which had made a valuable contribution to enhancing police performance and the country's stability. In the letter, the President of Haiti also stated that his country would like an institutional support mission to be set up, whose members would be neither uniformed nor armed, to support the democratization process and assist the Government of Haiti in strengthening the judiciary and professionalizing the Haitian National Police.

The new integrated mission, the International Civilian Support Mission in Haiti (MICAH), would be authorized by the General Assembly and combine some of the functions of the International Civilian Mission in Haiti (MICIVIH) and MIPONUH — assisting Haiti in the critical areas of police, justice and human rights.

During the informal consultations the majority of Council members expressed support for the extension of the mandate of MIPONUH to ensure a phased transition to MICAH, while some expressed certain reservations. Council members stressed the significance of a smooth and orderly transition from MIPONUH to its successor mission, emphasizing the importance of transformation from a military (peacekeeping) to a civilian (post-conflict peace-building) mission, focusing on institution-building and sustainable development. They noted that Haiti was a test case that could open the way for further strengthening of the collaboration between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council in similar situations.

At its 4074th meeting, on 30 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 1277 (1999) by which, inter alia, it decided to continue MIPONUH in order to ensure a phased transition to MICAH by 15 March 2000. The resolution was adopted by 14 votes in favour, one member abstaining.

Asia

Afghanistan

On 15 November the President of the Council made an oral statement to the press on behalf of the members of the Council, announcing that the Taliban had not complied with the demand to turn over Usama bin Laden, contained in resolution 1267 (1999), as a result of which the measures against the Taliban, set out in paragraph 4 of the resolution entered into effect on 14 November.

At the informal consultations held on 16 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Francesc Vendrell, who provided an update on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan following the imposition of sanctions. He informed Council members about a series of demonstrations held inside Afghanistan, apparently unrestrained by the Taliban administration, resulting in considerable damage to a number of United Nations offices, vehicles and equipment.

While the imposition of sanctions did not significantly affect the international community's humanitarian action in Afghanistan, the perceived association of United Nations relief and development agencies with the sanctions in the minds of authorities and the general public was a cause of particular concern. He stressed the urgent need for unhindered access to the displaced population in Afghanistan, particularly in the Panjshir valley. He noted that there had been no progress in political terms. He also informed Council members that the Secretariat was seriously considering the possibility of sending United Nations observers to the meeting to be held in Rome from 22 to 25 November in connection with the initiative of the former Afghan King to convene a grand assembly.

Following the informal consultations, the President of the Council made an oral statement to the press on behalf of Council members, in which, inter alia, the Council condemned the attacks on United Nations offices in Afghanistan (see below).

Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

At the informal consultations held on 10 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs on the situation in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. He informed Council members that the Prime Minister of the new coalition Government of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, had stated that his Government would continue to attach high priority to the question of Bougainville, and would seek, through consultation and cooperation, to forge a bipartisan approach and make progress towards a long-term political settlement.

The Prime Minister called for a clear timetable for the settlement of the issue and for preparation of early democratic elections, as called for in the Lincoln Agreement. Consultations had already begun between the Bougainvillean parties and the national Government about an agenda and a timetable for negotiations on possible political arrangements for the island.

The United Nations Political Office in Bougainville was working closely with all parties on the island and was acting as a neutral facilitator in bringing Bougainville leaders together and encouraging a harmonious process of negotiation with the national Government. It had presented a draft proposal on weapons disposal, as requested by the parties, so that the issue was being seriously addressed.

In the light of the assessment that the political question would not be settled by the end of 1999, it was the view of the Secretary-General that the presence of the Office was required on the island for another one-year period. The extension was needed to move the peace process forward, so that lasting peace could be attained in Bougainville.

Members of the Council expressed support for the proposal of the Secretary-General for the extension of the mandate of the Office. They welcomed the commitment of the Government of Papua New Guinea and called upon the parties to redouble their efforts in bringing the process to an end. Views were also expressed that no effort should be spared in reaching an agreement on weapons disposal and that the Security Council should be more frequently informed on the issue of Bougainville, with a full review of progress in June 2000.

With the concurrence of Council members, the President of the Security Council on 10 November wrote to the Secretary-General (see S/1999/1153), informing him that the members of the Security Council took note of his intention, contained in his letter to the President of the Security Council (S/1999/1152) of 28 October, to extend the presence of the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville by a further 12 months.

East Timor

At the informal consultations held on 23 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the situation in East Timor. He reported that the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) had been gearing up its operations under the leadership of Sergio Vieira de Mello, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, who assumed his duties in Dili on 16 November.

Former Special Representative Ian Martin left Dili on 19 November after having served the United Nations Mission in East Timor throughout a difficult period. A top priority of UNTAET was the establishment of close liaison with the East Timorese. Mr. Vieira de Mello was creating a high-level consultative body through which the National Resistance Council would be encouraged to work with the United Nations.

The situation in East Timor was stable and the multinational force, INTERFET, had effectively secured all parts of East Timor. UNTAET had established a military and civilian police presence in all 13 districts of the territory. Along the border, INTERFET, UNTAET and Indonesian security forces were working together to resolve any problems. The modalities and timing for the transition of INTERFET to the United Nations peacekeeping force were under discussion and the transition was expected to take place by the end of January or the beginning of February 2000.

About 92,000 refugees had returned to East Timor. The main concern, however, continued to be the intimidation of refugees in West Timor (approximately 150,000 refugees remained stranded in West Timor) as well as the harassment of relief workers by militia elements. The Under-Secretary-General informed Council members that a consolidated picture of the resource requirements of the United Nations efforts in East Timor would be presented at a donor conference, to be held in Tokyo on 16 and 17 December.

In the discussion that followed, Council members expressed their appreciation for Mr. Martin's work as the Secretary-General's previous Special Representative for East Timor. They emphasized the importance of establishing a consultation mechanism with the East Timorese and expressed concern about the slow repatriation of refugees from West Timor. The need for an early transition from INTERFET to the United Nations peacekeeping operation was mentioned, as was the leading role that representatives from Asian countries should assume in it.

Tajikistan

At the informal consultations held on 11 November, the members of the Council considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan (S/1999/1127), in which he recommended the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) for another six months, until 15 May 2000.

Council members also heard a briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi, who informed them about the results of the presidential elections, which were held in Tajikistan on 6 November without incident, and about the initial boycott of the elections by the opposition. The situation was resolved on the eve of the elections by the signing by President Takhmonov and Abdullo Nuri of a protocol on political guarantees regarding the parliamentary elections to be held in February 2000.

The Assistant Secretary-General also informed Council members about the decision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to withdraw from its monitoring role in the presidential elections because of serious difficulties faced by alternative candidates. He pointed out that the presence of UNMOT would be an important factor of stability in the immediate aftermath of the parliamentary elections. The Secretary-General will submit a report to the Security Council after the elections with suggestions for a follow-on United Nations presence in Tajikistan, taking into account the fact that UNMOT is approaching the completion of its assignment.

At its 4064th meeting, on 12 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1274 (1999) in which, inter alia, it called upon the parties to undertake further concerted measures to implement fully the General Agreement and underlined the necessity of the full resumption of the work of the Commission on National Reconciliation.

Europe

Abkhazia, Georgia

At the informal consultations held on 9 November, the members of the Council considered the report of the Secretary-General concerning the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia (S/1999/1087), and heard a briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hédi Annabi. He informed Council members about the results of the Georgian parliamentary elections, held on 31 October in a peaceful atmosphere and without major security incidents.

He expressed hope that the parties would now resume their consultations in the framework of the Geneva process. He further informed Council members that the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Georgia, Dieter Boden, would assume his functions in Sukhumi on 24 November. He wished him success in the efforts to reactivate the peace process, renew work done so far on the question of the political status of Abkhazia, Georgia, and start consultations with the parties on the main topics to be addressed at the next meeting on confidence-building measures to be convened by the end of the year in Yalta.

He said that the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) was conducting an investigation into the taking hostage of United Nations personnel on 13 October and pressing the Georgian authorities to pursue the perpetrators of the incident.

At the 4065th meeting of the Security Council, on 12 November, the President of the Council made a statement on behalf of the council, in which the Council, inter alia, strongly supported the intention of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to submit as soon as possible further proposals to both sides on the distribution of constitutional competencies between Tbilisi and Sukhumi (see S/PRST/1999/30).

Bosnia and Herzegovina

At its 4062nd meeting, held in private on 8 November, the Security Council was briefed by the High Representative for the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wolfgang Petritsch, on the latest situation in that country. In addition to the presentation of his regular, fifteenth report to the Secretary-General (S/1999/1115), the High Representative presented a package of property law reforms that he had imposed on 27 October. He stressed the importance of this package for refugee returns.

One of the main obstacles to the return of refugees was a basic inconsistency between the laws of the Federation and of Republika Srpska. The new proposed package therefore harmonized the appropriate laws across both entities and issued detailed instructions on their implementation. The High Representative presented a new concept of "ownership", which aimed at the acknowledgment of individual and collective responsibility by the authorities and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As for the new draft Election Law, he was convinced that it would substantially improve the democratic process in the country as it increased the accountability of politicians to their electorate.

He considered the adoption of the Election Law an important test for the leadership and local lawmakers to engage in the constructive search for a compromise. The High Representative placed great importance on ensuring that the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina were the focal point of the State, and therefore urged the Security Council to remind the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 November of their responsibilities to promote the national interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign country.

Members of the Security Council welcomed Mr. Petritsch's first briefing of the Council since his appointment to the post of the High Representative and reaffirmed their support for his efforts. Most delegations expressed support for the concept of "ownership", as presented by the High Representative, and appealed to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to actively participate in the efforts of the international community for the stabilization and development of the country.

The briefing was held at a private meeting of the Security Council. Fifty Members of the United Nations were invited, at their request, to participate in the meeting in accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. At the end of the meeting, an official communiqué (S/PV.4062) of the private meeting of the Security Council was adopted.

At its 4069th meeting, on 15 November, the Security Council was briefed by the members of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina — Ante Jelavic, Chair of the Presidency, and Alija Izetbegovic and Živko Radišic, members of the Presidency. The meeting was presided by Boris Frlec, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia.

The members of the Presidency reported on the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, on their commitment to a sovereign, integrated and multi-ethnic State, and on the continuing responsibilities of the international community. They stressed the importance of strengthening the role and responsibilities of the common institutions, the need for continuing economic and social reforms and their expectation that Bosnia and Herzegovina would benefit from the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe.

During the appearance of the members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina before the Security Council, the Presidency announced the adoption of the New York Declaration, in which, inter alia, the members of the Presidency reaffirmed their commitment to the Dayton Peace Accords, noted the progress made since then, and pledged themselves to facing the remaining challenges; they also reaffirmed their commitment to the realization of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign, fully integrated, and multi-ethnic State and stressed the importance of full integration of the country into European institutions (see S/1999/1179).

Members of the Security Council were unanimous in stressing the importance of the adopted Declaration for the implementation of the Peace Accords. The determination of the Presidency to take greater responsibilities for the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina was welcomed. Council members expressed their determination to continue to pay close attention to the situation on the ground and their hope that experiences in post-conflict peace-building in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be of important significance for the United Nations.

At the outset of the meeting, the Security Council observed a moment of silence in honour of the 24 persons who lost their lives in the crash of the aircraft of the World Food Programme on 12 November in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The President of the Council said they would be remembered as men and women who had lost their lives in the cause of peace, and expressed the international community's condolences to the bereaved.

Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

At its 4061st meeting, held in private on 5 November, the Security Council was briefed by Bernard Kouchner, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), on the latest developments in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and on the efforts of UNMIK to establish provisional administration.

The Special Representative reported on developments in Kosovo since his briefing of the Council in September. He said that refugees had mainly returned and international agencies were working on providing shelter for each family. Schools had been reopened and 95 per cent of children have returned to school. The KLA was demilitarized and 600 ex-combatants were already working on rebuilding houses for civilians.

As for the problems, he reported that protection of minorities was not fully provided for, but that the number of murders per week was decreasing and that the police were doing their best to prevent them. He appealed for more civilian police for UNMIK. He was also of the view that the international presence on the ground should aim to prevent an exodus of Serbs from Kosovo. For the time being it was difficult to encourage Serbs to return to the province, since security could not yet be fully guaranteed. He stressed the importance of providing sufficient funds, to enable UNMIK to pay salaries for civil servants, especially teachers, doctors and judges. He stressed the need to start working on the agenda for co-existence that would later be followed by the revitalization of a multi-ethnic society.

Members of the Security Council expressed their support for the efforts of UNMIK in Kosovo. Several members emphasized their concern for the security of minorities within Kosovo and stressed the need for continuing efforts of UNMIK and KFOR in this respect. Members of the Council supported the need for strengthening the civilian police component of UNMIK.

Some Council members expressed reservations about the establishment of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC), which in their view was not in line with resolution 1244 (1999). Some Council members also raised the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, reaffirmed in that resolution. Other Council members viewed the establishment of KPC as the best solution for the demilitarization of armed groups.

The briefing was held in private. Forty-five Members of the United Nations were invited, at their request, to participate in accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. At the end of the meeting, an official communiqué (S/PV.4061) of the private meeting of the Security Council was adopted.

At the informal consultations held on 23 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the situation in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Under-Secretary-General referred to the crash of the World Food Programme aircraft in Kosovo on 12 November, when 24 passengers and members of the crew died, including five police officers and a United Nations volunteer. Pending the conclusion of the investigation, UNMIK had suspended civil flights to and out of Priština.

He stated that the general situation in Kosovo presented a matter of concern. The frequency of attacks against the non-Albanian population was still high. Minorities formed ethnic enclaves where greater security and mobility were provided. The increasing presence of organized crime groups, which added to the instability of the region, had also been reported.

The Under-Secretary-General informed Council members that the deadline for the establishment of KPC was 19 December. There were two conditions for its establishment: confirmation by KFOR that KLA had fully accepted the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), especially regarding demobilization, as well as adequate resources. Approximately 14,000 applications had been received for membership in KPC and 1,400 provisional members were already working on reconstruction of houses. Further funds were needed for KPC to become operational.

The Under-Secretary-General pointed out that the Kosovo Transitional Council continued to meet weekly. Serb representatives had not yet returned to those meetings. He also informed Council members that US$ 1 billion were pledged for Kosovo at the donor conference in Brussels, mainly for reconstruction and recovery of the region.

In the discussion that followed, a member of the Council informed other members about his recent travel to the region with the task of evaluating the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). He referred to the increased intolerance against minorities, as well as to the emergence of political intolerance. Security and safety of non-Albanians remained a matter of great concern. Serious doubts were also expressed regarding the establishment of KPC.

Other members of the Council expressed the need for continuing support for UNMIK and especially for the difficult tasks of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Concerns were also raised regarding the increase in organized crime and the continuing and unacceptably high level of violence.

Prevlaka, Croatia

At the informal consultations held on 19 November, the members of the Council were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Choi Young-Jin, on the reported firing exercise of the Yugoslav Army in the Bay of Kotor on 5 November. The briefing was requested by a member of the Council. According to the Assistant Secretary-General the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka reported that the exercise took place, but did not violate the United Nations demilitarized regime.

Middle East

Golan Heights

At its 4071st meeting, on 24 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1276 (1999), by which it extended the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for another period of six months, until 31 May 2000. The President of the Council also read out a complementary statement on behalf of the Council (S/PRST/1999/33).

Iraq

The main activity of the Security Council concerning Iraq in November related to the question of the extension of the 180-day period of the humanitarian programme for Iraq (phase VI). Phase VI had been launched by resolution 1242 (1999) and was to expire on 21 November.

The Security Council received periodic, 180-day reports from the Secretary-General (S/1999/1162 and Corr.1) and from the sanctions Committee (S/1999/1177), according to which total revenue generated during phase VI would reach a record level of over $7 billion, which would nevertheless still be short of the increase authorized by resolution 1266 (1999). The Secretary-General's report contained several recommendations for possible improvements of the programme.

At the informal consultations held on 17 November, the two reports were presented to Council members by the Executive Director of the Office of the Iraq Programme, Benon Sevan, and by Ambassador A. Peter van Walsum, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established by resolution 661 (1990) concerning the situation between Iraq and Kuwait, respectively. Following the introduction of the reports, Council members started their deliberations, in informal consultations and in expert meetings, with a view to extending the humanitarian programme.

Initially, Council members were involved in the drafting of a resolution providing for a further six?month extension. However, in the course of this activity, a new proposal was presented based on an agreement emanating from the parallel ongoing negotiations on the comprehensive question of Iraq, to extend the programme for a very short period. A Council member subsequently tabled a draft resolution on a two-week extension of phase VI, until 13 December, which was adopted at the 4070th meeting of the Security Council, on 19 November, as resolution 1275 (1999).

Other issues

Prevention of armed conflicts

Slovenia chose the issue of the role of the Security Council in conflict prevention as a theme for an open debate of the Council in November 1999. The proposal gained wide support among the members of the Council, the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General. The open debate was held at the 4072nd meeting of the Security Council, on 29 and 30 November, with the participation of 38 speakers.

The Secretary-General opened the debate by stressing the need to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the United Nations preventive capacity, as well as to intensifying cooperation with Governments and regional and non-governmental organizations.

According to the Secretary-General, the Security Council should make greater use of fact-finding missions, encourage States to bring potential conflicts to its attention, give urgent attention to the States that suffer acute economic, environmental and security strains, establish an informal working group to study early warning and prevention issues, and institute regular meetings on prevention to identify areas for preventive action. The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of addressing the deep-rooted causes of conflicts.

Participants in the debate welcomed the resolve of the Security Council to address the issue of prevention. They stressed the important role of the Council in prevention activities, as well as that of the Secretary-General. Council members stressed the need for addressing the root causes of conflicts, which often lie within the social and economic spheres. While some Council members emphasized the need for respect for the sovereignty of Member States, others stressed the responsibility of the international community to prevent humanitarian catastrophes.

Several speakers expressed concern that the Security Council employs a policy of double standards in its actions and stressed that the Council should show the same resolve in African situations as it does in others. The Council was urged to build closer ties with the Economic and Social Council, perhaps through regular joint briefings and occasional joint meetings.

Immediately after the end of the open debate, at the 4073rd meeting of the Security Council, the President of the Council made a statement on behalf of the Council on the prevention of armed conflicts, in which, inter alia, the Council stressed the need to respect principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and norms of international law and affirmed its commitment to the principles of political independence, sovereign equality and territorial integrity of all States (see S/PRST/1999/34).

International Tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia

At its 4063rd meeting, on 10 November, the Security Council was briefed by the Prosecutor of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia and of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States, Carla Del Ponte.

She emphasized that the success of the two Tribunals depended upon the active support of the Security Council and that the effectiveness and strength of international criminal justice ultimately lay in the Council's hands. She restricted her remarks to the Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and expressed readiness to report to the Council on the Tribunal for Rwanda following her upcoming visit there.

The Prosecutor reported total defiance on the part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in surrendering indicted persons. She feared that, as a result, Serbia was becoming a safe haven for indicted war criminals that had been accused of serious crimes in Croatia, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo. She also reported on Croatia's unilateral decision that the Tribunal had no jurisdiction to investigate its actions in Operation Storm and Operation Flash.

She explained in great detail the work of her Office in the past year in gathering evidence in Kosovo. As she described her Office's future work, the Prosecutor said that the forensic programme in Kosovo could be finished by 2000. She also intended to establish a new financial team to look into the freezing of fugitives' funds.

The Prosecutor urged the Security Council to put its full weight behind the efforts of the Tribunals, and to be creative in finding ways to bring to bear the sort of pressure that would produce results. In response to the briefing, several Council members stressed the need to execute arrest warrants, and expressed concern that accused persons remained at large.

Some Council members called for greater efforts to bring war criminals to justice. Others stressed that the Tribunals must respect national sovereignty and regional stability when carrying out their mandates. It was also emphasized that the Council, which has the responsibility to provide support and strengthen the effectiveness of the judicial bodies it has created, should be thinking about possible further steps to ensure the necessary cooperation of States with the Tribunals.

International Court of Justice

At its 4059th meeting, on 3 November, the Security Council held elections for the International Court of Justice, to fill the five seats that were to become vacant on 5 February 2000. The elections were held in accordance with Article 13 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice. The procedure for the elections had been previously agreed upon by Council members, at the informal consultations, on 2 November.

Having obtained the required majority of votes both in the Security Council and the General Assembly, the following four judges were re-elected to their posts as members of the International Court of Justice for a term of office of nine years, beginning on 6 February 2000: Gilbert Guillaume (France), Rosalyn Higgins (United Kingdom), Gonzalo Parra-Aranguren (Venezuela) and Raymond Ranjeva (Madagascar). The fifth judge, Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh (Jordan) was elected to the Court for the first time.

In accordance with Article 14 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the Security Council at its 4075th meeting, on 30 November, unanimously adopted resolution 1278 (1999), which fixed the date, 2 March 2000, for elections to fill the vacancy in the Court caused by the resignation of Judge Stephen Schwebel, the President of the International Court of Justice.

Protection of civilians in armed conflict

In paragraph 22 of resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council decided to establish immediately an appropriate mechanism to review further the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/1999/957) and to consider appropriate steps by April 2000 in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

At the informal consultations held on 2 November, the members of the Council considered ways to ensure follow-up to resolution 1265 (1999) and a thorough consideration of the Secretary-General's report. Council members agreed to establish an informal working group of the Council for a period of six months, consisting of the 15 Council members at the expert level, to be chaired by the delegation of Canada.

It was agreed that the informal working group would be provided with interpretation into the six working languages of the Security Council. This agreement was reflected in a note by the President of the Council (S/1999/1160).

Council members were also of the opinion that some of the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report related to the prerogatives of the General Assembly and other United Nations organs. Accordingly, with the agreement of Council members, the President of the Council sent a letter to the Secretary-General, suggesting that he might make his report available to the General Assembly.

New members of the Security Council

On 18 November the President of the Security Council sent letters to the Permanent Representatives of five newly elected members of the Security Council (Bangladesh, Jamaica, Mali, Tunisia and Ukraine) and invited them to observe the informal consultations of Council members, beginning on 1 December. Each incoming delegation was to be represented by one of its members, at the level of either Permanent Representative or Deputy Permanent Representative.

Statements to the press by the President of the Security Council

Sierra Leone (8 November 1999)

The members of the Council heard a briefing by the Secretariat on the situation in Sierra Leone. They expressed their concern about the recent serious violations of the Lomé Peace Agreement and the resulting deterioration in the security situation in the country.

They also noted the reports of the failure of the Revolutionary United Front and Civil Defence Forces fighters to enter the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process last week despite the fact that the camps in phase I have now opened. They expressed dismay at recent clashes and urged the parties to abide by the Lomé Agreement and solve their differences by peaceful means. They also expressed concern at the fate of the refugees and internally displaced persons and underlined the need for the provision of humanitarian aid and rehabilitation assistance.

Council members emphasized the obligation on the parties concerned, in particular Foday Sankoh, to meet their obligations under the Lomé Agreement in full. They called on Mr. Sankoh to implement all the provisions of the Agreement for which he is responsible, and especially to ensure the participation of the Revolutionary United Front in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes.

Council members also underlined the importance of the speedy and effective deployment of UNAMSIL to the successful implementation of the Lomé Agreement, and urged those Member States in a position to do so to facilitate this through the provision of logistical and other specialist support. They also underlined the continued need for financial and other assistance to support ECOMOG in its vital role in the peace process and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UNAMSIL and other international personnel in Sierra Leone.

Eritrea and Ethiopia (11 November 1999)

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahima Fall, on the status of progress towards a negotiated settlement of the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Council members commended OAU, including the Chairman of OAU and President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and the Secretary-General of OAU, Salim Ahmed Salim, the Personal Envoy of the President of Algeria and former Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, and concerned Member States, for their energetic and persistent efforts to secure an agreement.

Council members expressed their concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground and called on the international community to respond generously to the consolidated inter-agency appeals for both countries.

Council members also urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to exercise maximum restraint.

Afghanistan (15 November 1999)

On 15 October 1999, the Security Council at its 4051st meeting adopted resolution 1267 (1999) by which it demanded that the Taliban turn over Usama bin Laden without further delay to appropriate authorities in a country where he has been indicted, or to appropriate authorities in a country where he will be returned to such a country, or to appropriate authorities in a country where he will be arrested and effectively brought to justice.

The Council further decided that on 14 November 1999 all States shall impose the measures set out in paragraph 4 of the resolution, unless the Council has previously decided, on the basis of the report of the Secretary-General, that the Taliban has fully complied with the aforementioned obligation.

Since the Taliban has not complied with this obligation, the measures contained in paragraph 4 of the resolution have entered into effect.

Afghanistan (16 November 1999)

Members of the Security Council were briefed today on the situation in Afghanistan. They expressed concern at the recent acts of violence in Afghanistan directed against the United Nations personnel.

Members of the Security Council recalled all the Council's resolutions on Afghanistan, and the President's oral statement to the press of 15 November 1999, announcing the coming into force of resolution 1267 (1999), which includes targeted sanctions, and reiterated their call on all States to implement that resolution. Council members also reiterated their demand that the Taliban turn over Usama bin Laden as set out in resolution 1267 (1999).

Members of the Security Council emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and commended the courage shown by United Nations and other international personnel as well as their will to continue, to the extent possible, to provide humanitarian assistance. Council members urged States to enhance humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and called upon all parties in Afghanistan to permit access of humanitarian assistance to the people in need.

Members of the Security Council condemned the attacks on the United Nations offices in Afghanistan, which threaten to hinder assistance to the Afghan people, and called for increased security for personnel and facilities.

Sierra Leone (19 November 1999)

Members of the Security Council expressed continuing concern about the volatile security situation and the violations of the Lomé Peace Agreement and the consequent humanitarian suffering of the people of Sierra Leone, and called on all parties to the Lomé Peace Agreement to immediately implement all its provisions.

Council members welcomed efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Francis Okelo, and ECOMOG to support the peace process.

Council members underlined that the international community could only do so much without the wholehearted commitment of all parties to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme and urged ex-combatants, especially those belonging to RUF, to lay down their arms, enter the camps, and help start to rebuild a peaceful and stable Sierra Leone for the benefit of all its people.

Council members stressed that it was unacceptable that rebels should continue to harass and intimidate humanitarian personnel. They underlined that the international community could only assist Sierra Leone where conditions permitted and reminded rebel leaders of commitments on humanitarian access which they made on signing the Lomé Peace Agreement.

Council members welcomed the imminent deployment of a robust peacekeeping force, for which the first troops will arrive later this month.

In the light of urgent humanitarian needs highlighted today, Council members urged all Member States to again consider what further assistance they might provide to facilitate the early deployment of UNAMSIL and other United Nations programmes, the World Bank disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme and the operations of ECOMOG, which plays such a key role in maintaining security.

Council members also stressed the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to neighbouring countries, especially Guinea.