RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 2005

RESOLUTIONS AND STATEMENTS

OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

2005

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL IN 2005

S/RES/1581 Extensions of office terms of judges on Tribunal for former Yugoslavia

Date: 18 January 2005 Meeting: 5112

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Taking note of the letter to the President of the Council from the Secretary-General dated 6 January 2005 (S/2005/9),

Recalling its resolutions 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003 and 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004,

Bearing in mind the statement made to the Security Council at its 5086th meeting on 23 November 2004 by the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), in which he expressed the commitment by the International Tribunal to the Completion Strategy,

Expressing its expectation that the extension of the terms of office of the ad litem judges concerned will enhance the effectiveness of trial proceedings and contribute towards ensuring the implementation of the Completion Strategy,

1. Decides, in response to the request by the Secretary-General, that:

(a) Judge Rasoazanany and Judge Swart, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Hadžihasanović case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;

(b) Judge Brydensholt and Judge Eser, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Orić case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;

(c) Judge Thelin and Judge Van Den Wyngaert, once replaced as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal, finish the Limaj case, which they have begun before expiry of their term of office;

(d) Judge Canivell, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, finish the Krajišnik case, which he has begun before expiry of his term of office;

(e) Judge Szénási, if appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for the trial of the Halilović case, proceed, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, to finish that case, which he would have begun before expiry of his term of office;

(f) Judge Hanoteau, if appointed to serve in the International Tribunal for the trial of the Krajišnik case, proceed, once replaced as an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal, to finish that case, which he would have begun before expiry of his term of office;

2. Takes note in this regard of the intention of the International Tribunal to finish the Hadžihasanović case before the end of September 2005, the Halilović before the end of October 2005, the Orić and Limaj cases before the end of November 2005 and the Krajišnik case before the end of April 2006.

S/ RES/1582 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia

Date: 28 January 2005 Meeting: 5116

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1554 of 29 July 2004 (S/RES/1554),

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 17 January 2005,

Recalling the conclusions of the Lisbon (S/1997/57, annex) and Istanbul summits of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regarding the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia,

Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,

Deploring that the perpetrators of the shooting down of a helicopter of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) on 8 October 2001, which resulted in the death of nine people on board, have still not been identified,

Stressing that the continued lack of progress on key issues of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia, is unacceptable,

Welcoming, however, the positive momentum given to the United Nations-led peace process by regular high level meetings of the Group of Friends in Geneva and the Georgian-Russian summit meetings,

Welcoming the important contributions made by UNOMIG and the Collective Peacekeeping Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS peacekeeping force) in stabilizing the situation in the zone of conflict, and stressing its attachment to the close cooperation existing between them in the performance of their respective mandates,

1. Reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and the necessity to define the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia in strict accordance with these principles;

2. Commends and strongly supports the sustained efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, with the assistance of the Russian Federation in its capacity as facilitator as well as of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General and of the OSCE, to promote the stabilization of the situation and the achievement of a comprehensive political settlement, which must include a settlement of the political status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia;

3. Reiterates its strong support for the document on “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and for its letter of transmittal, finalized by, and with the full support of, all members of the Group of Friends;

4. Deeply regrets the continued refusal of the Abkhaz side to agree to a discussion on the substance of this document, again strongly urges the Abkhaz side to receive the document and its transmittal letter, urges both parties thereafter to give them full and open consideration, and to engage in constructive negotiations on their substance, and urges those having influence with the parties to promote this outcome;

5. Regrets also the lack of progress on the initiation of political status negotiations, and recalls, once again, that the purpose of these documents is to facilitate meaningful negotiations between the parties, under the leadership of the United Nations, on the status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia, and is not an attempt to impose or dictate any specific solution to the parties;

6. Notes its position on Abkhaz elections as expressed in resolution 1255 of 30 July 1999 (S/RES/1255);

7. Calls on both sides to participate in constructive negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict and to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust and underlines that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;

8. Welcomes the commitment by the Georgian side to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and calls on both parties further to publicly dissociate themselves from all militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options;

9. Reminds all concerned to refrain from any action that might impede the peace process;

10. Welcomes the convening of regular meetings of senior representatives of the Group of Friends and the United Nations in Geneva and encourages both sides to participate actively in the next meeting;

11. Urges the parties to participate in a more active, regular and structured manner in the task forces established in the first Geneva meeting (to address issues in the priority areas of economic cooperation, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and political and security matters) and complemented by the working groups established in Sochi in March 2003, and reiterates that results-oriented activities in these three priority areas remain key to building common ground between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides and ultimately for concluding meaningful negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement based on the paper entitled “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and its transmittal letter;

12. Encourages the sides in that respect to continue their discussion on security guarantees with the participation of the Group of Friends;

13. Calls again on the parties to take concrete steps to revitalize the peace process in all its major aspects, including their work in the Coordinating Council and its relevant mechanisms, to build on the results of the Yalta meeting on confidence-building measures in March 2001 (S/2001/242) and to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, with a view to holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures, and welcomes the intention expressed by Germany to host such a conference pending progress in the conflict resolution process;

14. Notes that contacts at the level of civil society can reinforce mutual confidence and calls on both sides to facilitate such contacts;

15. Stresses the urgent need for progress on the question of the refugees and internally displaced persons, calls on both sides to display a genuine commitment to make returns the focus of special attention and to undertake this task in close coordination with UNOMIG and consultations with UNHCR and the Group of Friends;

16. Calls for the rapid finalization and signature of the letter of intent on returns proposed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and welcomes the meetings with the participation of the SRSG and UNHCR of the Sochi working group on refugees and internally displaced persons;

17. Reaffirms the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict, reaffirms also the inalienable right of all refugees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions, in accordance with international law and as set out in the Quadripartite Agreement of 4 April 1994 (S/1994/397, annex II) and the Yalta Declaration;

18. Recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population;

19. Welcomes the continuing activities of UNDP in the Gali, Ochamchira and Tkvarcheli districts and the opening of offices by UNDP in Sukhumi and Gali;

20. Urges the parties once again to implement the recommendations of the Joint Assessment Mission to the Gali sector (November 2000), regrets that there has been no progress to that effect despite the positive consideration by the parties given to those recommendations in the first Geneva meeting and calls again upon the Abkhaz side to agree to the opening as soon as possible of the Gali branch of the human rights office in Sukhumi and to provide security conditions for its unhindered functioning;

21. Reiterates its concern that despite the start of the deployment of a civilian police component as part of UNOMIG, as endorsed in resolution 1494 (2003) and agreed by the parties, the deployment of the remaining officers in the Gali sector is still outstanding and calls on the Abkhaz side to allow for a swift deployment of the police component in that region;

22. Calls in particular on the Abkhaz side to improve law enforcement involving the local population and to address the lack of instruction in their mother tongue for the ethnic Georgian population;

23. Welcomes the measures taken by the Georgian side to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups and encourages the maintenance of these efforts;

24. Condemns any violations of the provisions of the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces (S/1994/583, annex I);

25. Welcomes the continuing relative calm in the Kodori valley, condemns the killings and abductions of civilians in the Gali district;

26. Urges the parties to abide by the provisions of the protocols on security issues in the Gali district signed on 19 January 2004 and 8 October 2003, to continue their regular meetings and to cooperate more closely with each other to improve security in the Gali sector, and takes note of the resumption of Abkhaz participation in the Quadripartite meetings and the Joint Fact Finding Group;

27. Reiterates its call on the Georgian side to provide comprehensive security guarantees to allow for independent and regular monitoring of the situation in the upper Kodori valley by joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols;

28. Underlines that it is the primary responsibility of both sides to provide appropriate security and to ensure the freedom of movement of UNOMIG, the CIS peacekeeping force and other international personnel;

29. Strongly condemns in that respect the repeated abductions of personnel of those missions in the past, deeply deplores that none of the perpetrators have ever been identified or brought to justice, reiterates that it is the responsibility of the parties to end this impunity and calls upon them to take action;

30. Also calls upon the parties, once again, to take all necessary steps, to identify those responsible for the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, to bring them to justice, and to inform the SRSG of the steps taken in particular in the criminal investigation;

31. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 July 2005; subject to a review as appropriate of its mandate by the Council in the event of changes in the mandate of the CIS peacekeeping force;

32. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed and to report three months from the date of the adoption of this resolution on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia;

33. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1583 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon

Date: 28 January 2005 Meeting: 5117

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, including resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978 and 1553 (2004) of 29 July 2004 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),

Recalling further the letter from its President to the Secretary-General of 18 May 2001 (S/2001/500),

Recalling also the Secretary-General’s conclusion that, as of 16 June 2000, Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978) and met the requirements defined in the Secretary-General’s report of 22 May 2000 (S/2000/460), as well as the Secretary-General’s conclusion that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had essentially completed two of the three parts of its mandate, focusing now on the remaining task of restoring international peace and security,

Gravely concerned at the persistence of tension and violence along the Blue Line,

Emphasizing once again the interim nature of UNIFIL,

Recalling its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,

Recalling also its resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000,

Recalling further the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,

Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a new period of six months presented in the letter from its Permanent Representative to the United Nations of 11 January 2005 to the Secretary-General (S/2005/13), while reaffirming that the Council has recognized the Blue Line as valid for the purpose of confirming Israel’s withdrawal pursuant to resolution 425 and that the Blue Line must be respected in its entirety,

Expressing its concern over the tensions and potential for escalation as noted in the Secretary-General’s report of 20 January (S/2005/36),

1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 20 January (S/2005/36);

2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 July 2005;

3. Reiterates its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon;

4. Calls upon the Government of Lebanon to fully extend and exercise its sole and effective authority throughout the south, including through the deployment of sufficient numbers of Lebanese armed and security forces, to ensure a calm environment throughout the area, including along the Blue Line, and to exert control over the use of force on its territory and from it;

5. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, and requests UNIFIL to report any obstruction it may face in the discharge of its mandate;

6. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the entire withdrawal line identified by the United Nations, as set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 June 2000 (S/2000/590), to exercise utmost restraint and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL;

7. Condemns all acts of violence, including the recent incidents across the Blue Line that have resulted in the killing and wounding of United Nations military observers, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the sea, land and continuing air violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations, to refrain from any act or provocation that could further escalate the tension and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of the UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel;

8. Supports the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation, while stressing the primary responsibility of the parties in this regard;

9. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational mine clearance, encourages further assistance in mine action by the United Nations to the Government of Lebanon in support of both the continued development of its national mine action capacity and clearance of the remaining mine/UXO threat in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in-kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, and stresses the necessity for provision to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL any additional existing maps and minefield records;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned on the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Council before the end of the present mandate as well as on the activities of UNIFIL and the tasks presently carried out by the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO);

11. Expresses its intention to review the mandate and structures of UNIFIL at the end of the present mandate and requests the Secretary-General, following appropriate consultations, including with the Lebanese Government, to include in his report recommendations in this regard, taking into account the prevailing situation on the ground, the activities actually performed by the Force in its area of operation and its contribution towards the remaining task of restoring international peace and security;

12. Looks forward to the early fulfilment of the mandate of UNIFIL;

13. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973.

S/RES/1584 Strengthening of arms embargo on Côte d’Ivoire

Date: 1 February 2005 Meeting: 5118

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 and 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, as well as the relevant statements of its President in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48), of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42) and of 5 August 2004 (S/PRST/2004/29),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,

Recalling that it endorsed the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of States on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),

Deploring once again the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003,

Recalling strongly the obligations of all Ivorian parties, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire as well as the Forces nouvelles, to comply fully with the ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003, to refrain from any violence, in particular against civilians including foreign citizens, and to cooperate fully with the activities of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI),

Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by President Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on behalf of the African Union,

Welcoming also the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on Côte d’Ivoire taken on 10 January 2005 in Libreville, Gabon, and noting its communiqué issued on that occasion,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Reaffirms its decision in paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 of 15 November 2004 that all States, particularly those bordering Côte d’Ivoire, take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Côte d’Ivoire of arms or any related materiel as well as the provision of any assistance, advice or training related to military activities;

2. Authorizes UNOCI and the French forces which support it, within their capacity and without prejudice to their mandate set out in resolution 1528 (2004) and paragraph 3 below:

(a) To monitor the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), in cooperation with the group of experts referred to in paragraph 7 below, and, as appropriate, with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and Governments concerned, including by inspecting, as they deem it necessary and as appropriate without notice, the cargo of aircraft and of any transport vehicle using the ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings of Côte d’Ivoire;

(b) To collect, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Côte d’Ivoire in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to dispose of such arms and related materiel as appropriate;

3. Requests the French forces which support UNOCI, in addition to their mandate set out in resolution 1528 (2004), to provide, as appropriate, security assistance to UNOCI in carrying out the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above;

4. Acknowledges that the appropriate civilian expertise within UNOCI is needed to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above, to the extent that no additional resources are required;

5. Demands that all Ivorian parties, including the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the Forces nouvelles, provide unhindered access, particularly to equipment, sites and installations referred to in paragraph 2 above, to UNOCI and French forces which support it to enable them to carry out the tasks set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 above;

6. Requests the Secretary-General and the French Government immediately to report to the Security Council, through the Security Council Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004) (the Committee), any hindrance or difficulty in implementing the tasks described in paragraph 2 (b) above, so that the Security Council can consider all appropriate measures against any individual or group that hinders the implementation of these tasks;

7. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to create, as referred to in paragraph 17 of resolution 1572 (2004), within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, a group of experts consisting of no more than three members (the Group of Experts), having the necessary skills to perform the following mandate:

(a) To examine and analyse information gathered by UNOCI and the French forces in the context of the monitoring mandate set out in paragraph 2 above;

(b) To gather and analyse all relevant information in Côte d’Ivoire, countries of the region and, as necessary, in other countries, in cooperation with the governments of those countries, on flows of arms and related materiel, and provision of assistance, advice or training related to military activities as well as networks operating in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);

(c) To consider and recommend, where appropriate, ways of improving the capabilities of States, in particular those in the region, to ensure the effective implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);

(d) To report to the Security Council in writing within 90 days from its establishment, through the Committee, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), with recommendations in this regard;

(e) To keep the Committee regularly updated on its activities;

(f) To exchange with UNOCI and the French forces, as appropriate, information that might be of use in fulfilling its monitoring mandate set out in paragraph 2 above;

(g) To provide the Committee in its reports with a list, with supporting evidence, of those found to have violated the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and those found to have supported them in such activities, for possible future measures by the Council;

(h) To cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Liberia by resolutions 1521 of 22 December 2003 and 1579 of 21 December 2004;

8. Calls upon the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the Forces nouvelles, specifically their armed forces, to cooperate with UNOCI in establishing, within 45 days from the date of adoption of this resolution, a comprehensive list of armaments in the possession of these armed forces and in possession of paramilitary troops and militias associated with them, as well as their location, in particular aircraft and their armament of any kind, missiles, explosive devices, artillery of any calibre, including anti-aircraft artillery, and armoured and non-armoured vehicles, in order to help UNOCI to fulfil the tasks set out in paragraph 2 above and to assist in undertaking the regrouping of all the Ivorian forces involved and in implementing the national programme for the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of combatants in accordance with resolution 1528 (2004);

9. Requests the Secretary-General to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by UNOCI and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire;

10. Requests also the French Government to communicate as appropriate to the Security Council, through the Committee, information gathered by the French forces and, when possible, reviewed by the Group of Experts, about the supply of arms and related materiel to Côte d’Ivoire;

11. Urges all States, relevant United Nations bodies and, as appropriate, other organizations and interested parties, to cooperate fully with the Committee, the Group of Experts, UNOCI and the French forces, in particular by supplying any information at their disposal on possible violations of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);

12. Expresses its grave concern at the use of mercenaries by both Ivorian parties, and urges both sides immediately to desist from this practice;

13. Recalls its request set out in paragraph 15 of resolution 1572 (2004) to all States, in particular those in the region, to report to the Committee on steps they have taken to implement the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004);

14. Expresses its intention to consider the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report dated 9 December 2004 (S/2004/962), including its addendum (S/2004/962/Add.1);

15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1585 Extension of UN Advance Mission in Sudan

Date: 10 March 2005 Meeting: 5137

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004 and 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004,

Reaffirming its readiness to support the peace process,

Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS), established by its resolution 1547 (2004), until 17 March 2005,

Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1586 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea

Date: 14 March 2005 Meeting: 5139

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous resolutions and statements pertaining to the situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the requirements contained therein, including in particular resolution 1560 (2004) of 14 September 2004,

Stressing its unwavering commitment to the peace process, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), and to the full and expeditious implementation of the Comprehensive peace agreement signed by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”) on 12 December 2000 and the preceding Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/1183 and S/2000/601, respectively, hereinafter referred to as the “Algiers Agreements”), and the delimitation decision by the Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2000/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s determination that UNMEE has been able to maintain the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ),

Expressing concern regarding the recent high concentration of Ethiopian troops in the areas adjacent to the TSZ,

Recalling that lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region cannot be achieved without the full demarcation of the border between the parties,

Seriously concerned with the Commission’s decision to take immediate steps to close down its field offices, due to the lack of progress made in the demarcation of the border, as reflected in the 16th report on the work of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission of 24 February 2005,

Expressing concern about Ethiopia’s ongoing rejection of significant parts of the Boundary Commission’s decision, and its current lack of cooperation with the Commission, including the refusal to participate in the meeting of 22 February 2005,

Expressing disappointment about the continuing refusal of Eritrea to engage with the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea, whose good offices represent a concrete opportunity for both parties to move the peace process forward,

Recalling the recent increase in United Nations peacekeeping activities and the need to allocate peacekeeping resources in the most effective manner, and recalling in this regard the additional burden caused by the delays in the demarcation process,

Welcoming Eritrea’s unconditional acceptance of the Boundary Commission’s decision,

Welcoming Ethiopia’s Five point proposal of 25 November 2004,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/142) and welcoming the observations made therein,

1. Decides to extend the present mandate of UNMEE until 15 September 2005;

2. Calls on both parties to refrain from any increase of troops in the areas adjacent to the Temporary Security Zone, to give serious consideration to returning to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment and more generally, to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other;

3. Calls on both parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the security of all UNMEE staff, and to remove immediately and unconditionally all restrictions on and impediments to the work and to the full and free movement of UNMEE and its staff;

4. Takes note of positive developments in some areas of relations between UNMEE and both parties, and in this regard urges Eritrea to take immediate steps, in consultation with UNMEE, towards implementing the direct flights between Addis Ababa and Asmara; also calls upon Eritrea to reopen the Asmara to Barentu road;

5. Stresses that Ethiopia and Eritrea have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and calls upon both parties to show leadership to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through political dialogue for the adoption of further confidence-building measures and to consolidate progress achieved so far, by making full use of the existing framework of the Boundary Commission;

6. Reiterates its call on the parties to cooperate fully and promptly with the Boundary Commission and to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed expeditiously, including through the complete appointment by Ethiopia of its field liaison officers;

7. Calls on Ethiopia without preconditions to start the implementation of demarcation, by taking the necessary steps to enable the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly;

8. Expresses its concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea and the implications this could have for the peace process and calls on Member States to continue to provide prompt and generous support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Eritrea;

9. Reiterates its full support for the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea, Lloyd Axworthy, in his efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Algiers Agreements, the decision of the Boundary Commission and normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries through his good offices, and emphasizes that this appointment does not constitute an alternative mechanism;

10. Calls on Eritrea to accept the good offices of the Secretary-General and cooperate with his Special Envoy for Ethiopia and Eritrea;

11. Calls on the witnesses to the Algiers Agreements to play a more concerted and active role to facilitate their full implementation;

12. Decides to continue monitoring closely the steps taken by the parties in the implementation of their commitments under the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and under the Algiers Agreements, including through the Boundary Commission, and to review any implications for UNMEE;

13. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation closely, to review the mission’s mandate in the light of progress made in the peace process and changes made to UNMEE;

14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1587 Re-establishment of group monitoring arms embargo violations in Somalia

Date: 15 March 2005 Meeting: 5142

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, which established an embargo on all delivery of weapons and military equipment to Somalia (hereinafter referred to as the “arms embargo”), resolution 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003 and resolution 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004,

Welcoming further progress in the process of national reconciliation in Somalia and expecting further steps by the Transitional Federal Government towards establishing effective national governance in Somalia,

Reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia,

Commending the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in support of the Transitional Federal Government and welcoming the African Union’s continued support for reconciliation in Somalia,

Taking note of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 14 February 2005 (S/2005/153) submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 (e) of resolution 1558 (2004) and the observations and recommendations contained therein,

Condemning the continued flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia, in violation of the arms embargo, and expressing its determination that violators should be held accountable,

Reiterating the importance of the implementation of the arms embargo by Member States and the enhancement of the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into the violations, bearing in mind that strict enforcement of the arms embargo will improve the overall security situation in Somalia,

Determining that the situation in Somalia constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Stresses the obligation of all States to comply fully with the measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);

2. Expresses its intention to give the report of the Monitoring Group dated 14 February 2005 (S/2005/153) due consideration in order to improve implementation of and compliance with measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);

3. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), to re-establish within thirty days from the date of the adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, the Monitoring Group referred to in paragraph 3 of resolution 1558 (2004), with the following mandate:

(a) to continue investigating the implementation of the arms embargo by Member States and violations, inter alia, through field-based investigations in Somalia, where possible, and, as appropriate, in other States, in particular, those in the region;

(b) to assess actions taken by Somali authorities, as well as Member States, in particular, those in the region, fully to implement the arms embargo;

(c) to make specific recommendations based on detailed information in relevant areas of expertise related to violations and measures to give effect to and strengthen the implementation of the arms embargo in its various aspects;

(d) to continue refining and updating information on the draft list of those individuals and entities who violate the measures implemented by Member States in accordance with resolution 733 (1992), inside and outside Somalia, and their active supporters, for possible future measures by the Council, and to present such information to the Committee as and when the Committee deems appropriate;

(e) to continue making recommendations based on its investigations, on the previous reports of the Panel of Experts (S/2003/223 and S/2003/1035) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1425 (2002) of 22 July 2002 and 1474 (2003) of 8 April 2003, and on the previous reports of the Monitoring Group (S/2004/604 and S/2005/153) appointed pursuant to resolutions 1519 (2003) of 16 December 2003 and 1558 (2004) of 17 August 2004;

(f) to work closely with the Committee on specific recommendations for additional measures to improve overall compliance with the arms embargo;

(g) to assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States in the region can be strengthened to facilitate the implementation of the arms embargo;

(h) to provide to the Council, through the Committee, a mid-term briefing within 90 days from its establishment;

(i) to submit to the Council through the Committee, no later than 30 days prior to the termination of its mandate, a final report covering all the tasks set out above, which the Committee will subsequently consider and convey to the Security Council prior to the expiration of its mandate;

4. Further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Monitoring Group;

5. Reaffirms paragraphs 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 of resolution 1519 (2003);

6. Requests the Committee, in accordance with its mandate and in consultation with the Monitoring Group and other relevant United Nations entities, to consider and recommend to the Council ways to improve implementation of and compliance with the arms embargo, including ways to develop capacity of States in the region to implement the arms embargo, in response to continuing violations;

7. Further requests the Committee to consider, when appropriate, a visit to Somalia and/or the region by its Chairman and those he may designate, as approved by the Committee, to demonstrate the Security Council’s determination to give full effect to the arms embargo;

8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1588 Extension of UN Advance Mission in Sudan

Date: 17 March 2005 Meeting: 5143

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, and resolution 1585 (2005) of 10 March 2005,

Reaffirming its readiness to support the peace process,

Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan (UNAMIS), established by its resolution 1547 (2004), until 24 March 2005,

Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1589 Extension of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

Date: 24 March 2005 Meeting: 5148

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolution 1536 (2004) of 26 March 2004 extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) through 26 March 2005,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan,

Welcoming once again the successful holding of the presidential election on 9 October 2004,

Recognizing the urgent need to tackle the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, including the fight against narcotics, the lack of security in certain areas, terrorist threats, comprehensive nationwide disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of the Afghan Militia Forces and disbandment of illegal armed groups, timely preparation for the parliamentary, provincial and district elections, development of Afghan Government institutions, acceleration of justice sector reform, promotion and protection of human rights, and economic and social development,

Reaffirming in this context its continued support for the implementation of the provisions of the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001, and of the Berlin Declaration of 1 April 2004 including its annexes, and pledging its continued support thereafter for the Government and people of Afghanistan as they rebuild their country, strengthen the foundations of a constitutional democracy and assume their rightful place in the community of nations,

Recalling and emphasizing the importance of the Kabul Declaration of 22 December 2002 on Good-Neighbourly Relations (S/2002/1416), and encouraging all States concerned to continue to follow up on the Kabul Declaration and the Declaration on Trade, Transit and Inward Investment signed in Dubai in September 2003,

Expressing its appreciation and strong support for the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Afghanistan, and stressing the central and impartial role that the United Nations continues to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan,

1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 18 March 2005 (S/2005/183);

2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNAMA for an additional period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution;

3. Stresses the importance of urgently establishing a framework for the holding at the earliest possible date of free and fair elections, welcomes in this regard the announcement of the Joint Electoral Management Body that elections for the lower house of the parliament (Wolesi Jirga) and provincial councils will be held on 18 September 2005, calls upon UNAMA to continue to provide necessary support in order to facilitate timely elections with the broadest possible participation, and urges the donor community to promptly make available the necessary financial support based on that framework, in close coordination with the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA, and to consider contributing to electoral observer missions;

4. Stresses the importance of security for the credible parliamentary, provincial and district elections, and to this end calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to support the expansion of the International Security Assistance Force and the establishment of provincial reconstruction teams in other parts of Afghanistan, and to coordinate closely with UNAMA and the Government of Afghanistan;

5. Welcomes the international efforts to assist in setting up the new Afghan Parliament and ensure its efficient functioning, which will be critical to the political future of Afghanistan and the steps towards a free and democratic Afghanistan;

6. Welcomes the substantial progress in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process in accordance with the Bonn Agreement, encourages the Government of Afghanistan to continue its active efforts to accelerate the DDR process towards its completion by June 2006, to disband the illegal armed groups and to dispose of the ammunition stockpile, and requests the international community to further extend assistance for these efforts;

7. Welcomes the effort to date of the Government of Afghanistan to implement its national drug control strategy adopted in May 2003, including through the launch of the 2005 Counter Narcotics Implementation Plan in February 2005, which reflects a new determination of the Government to tackle the cultivation, production and trafficking of drugs, urges the Government to take decisive action to stop the processing and trade of drugs and to pursue the specific measures set out in that plan in the fields of building institutions, information campaigns, alternative livelihoods, interdiction and law enforcement, criminal justice, eradication, demand reduction and treatment of addicts, and regional cooperation, and calls on the international community to provide every possible assistance to the Government in pursuing full implementation of all aspects of the plan;

8. Supports the fight against the illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors within Afghanistan and in neighbouring States and countries along trafficking routes, including increased cooperation among them to strengthen anti-narcotic controls to curb the drug flow, and welcomes in this context the signing on 1 April 2004 of the Berlin Declaration on Counter-Narcotics within the framework of the Kabul Declaration on Good-neighbourly Relations of 22 December 2002;

9. Requests UNAMA to continue to support the ongoing effort for the establishment of a fair and transparent justice system, including the reconstruction and reform of the prison sector, in order to strengthen the rule of law throughout the country;

10. Calls for full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law throughout Afghanistan and, in this regard, requests UNAMA, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue to assist in the full implementation of the human rights provisions of the new Afghan constitution, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights, commends the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission for its courageous efforts to monitor respect for human rights in Afghanistan as well as to foster and protect these rights, welcomes in this regard the Commission’s report of 29 January 2005 and the proposed national strategy for transitional justice, and requests international support for that endeavour;

11. Welcomes the development of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police and the ongoing efforts to increase their capabilities as important steps towards the goal of Afghan security forces providing security and ensuring the rule of law throughout the country;

12. Calls upon the Government of Afghanistan, with the assistance of the international community, including the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition and the International Security Assistance Force, in accordance with their respective designated responsibilities as they evolve, to continue to address the threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan posed by Al-Qaida operatives, the Taliban and other extremist groups, factional violence among militia forces and criminal activities, in particular violence involving the drug trade;

13. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council in a timely manner on developments in Afghanistan, and make recommendations on the future role of UNAMA, after the parliamentary elections;

14. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1590 Establishment of UN Mission in Sudan

Date: 24 March 2005 Meeting: 5151

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1564 (2004) of 18 September 2004, and 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, 1585 of 10 March 2005 and 1588 (2005) of 17 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,

Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, and recalling the importance of the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,

Welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Nairobi, Kenya on 9 January 2005,

Recalling the commitments made by the parties in the 8 April N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Humanitarian and Security Protocols between the Government of Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and recalling the commitments made in the Joint Communiqué of 3 July 2004 between the Government of Sudan and the Secretary-General,

Expressing its determination to help the people of Sudan to promote national reconciliation, lasting peace and stability, and to build a prosperous and united Sudan in which human rights are respected, the protection of all citizens assured,

Taking note of the statements of Vice-President Ali Osman Taha of the Government of Sudan and Chairman Garang of the SPLM/A at the meeting of the Council on 8 February 2005, and the strong will and determination they expressed to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur as expressed at the meeting,

Recognizing that the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement must build on the Agreement to bring peace and stability to the entire country, and calling on all Sudanese parties in particular those party to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to take immediate steps to achieve a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur and to take all necessary action to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and to put an end to impunity, including in the Darfur region,

Expressing its utmost concern over the dire consequences of the prolonged conflict for the civilian population in the Darfur region as well as throughout Sudan, in particular the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons,

Considering that the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be a critical factor for the consolidation of the peace process,

Expressing also its deep concern for the security of humanitarian workers and their access to populations in need, including refugees, internally displaced persons and other war-affected populations,

Condemning the continued violations of the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement of 8 April 2004 and the Abuja Protocols of 9 November 2004 by all sides in Darfur and the deterioration of the security situation and the negative impact this has had on humanitarian assistance efforts,

Strongly condemning all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Darfur region, in particular the continuation of violence against civilians and sexual violence against women and girls since the adoption of resolution 1574 (2004), urging all parties to take necessary steps to prevent further violations, and expressing its determination to ensure that those responsible for all such violations are identified and brought to justice without delay,

Recalling the demands in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), that all parties to the conflict in Darfur refrain from any violence against civilians and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Darfur,

Commending the efforts of the African Union, in particular its Chairman, acknowledging the progress made by the African Union in the deployment of an international protection force, police, and military observers, and calling on all member States to contribute generously and urgently to the African Union Mission in Darfur,

Commending also the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), in particular the Government of Kenya as Chair of the Subcommittee on Sudan,

Reaffirming its resolutions 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security, 1379 (2001) and 1460 (2003) on children in armed conflicts, as well as resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000) on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and resolution 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel,

Welcoming the efforts by the United Nations to sensitize United Nations personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its established operations,

Expressing grave concern at the allegations of sexual exploitation and misconduct by United Nations personnel in United Nations established operations, and welcoming the Secretary-General’s 9 February 2005 letter to the Council in this regard, affirming there will be a zero-tolerance policy of sexual exploitation and abuse of any kind in all United Nations peacekeeping missions,

Recognizing that international support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is critically important to its success, emphasizing that progress towards resolution of the conflict in Darfur would create conditions conducive for delivery of such assistance, and alarmed that the violence in Darfur nonetheless continues,

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s reports of 31 January 2005 (S/2005/57 and Add.1), 4 February 2005 (S/2005/68), and 4 March 2005 (S/2005/140) as well as the report of 25 January 2005 of the International Commission of Inquiry (S/2005/60),

Taking note of the request of the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for the establishment of a peace support mission,

Expressing appreciation for the important contributions of the Standby High Readiness Brigade (SHIRBRIG) towards the planning, preparation, and initial deployment of a peacekeeping operation, as well as the preparatory work by the United Nations Advance Mission in Sudan,

Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

1. Decides to establish the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for an initial period of 6 months and further decides that UNMIS will consist of up to 10,000 military personnel and an appropriate civilian component including up to 715 civilian police personnel;

2. Requests that UNMIS closely and continuously liaise and coordinate at all levels with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) with a view towards expeditiously reinforcing the effort to foster peace in Darfur, especially with regard to the Abuja peace process and the African Union Mission in Sudan;

3. Requests the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative for Sudan, to coordinate all the activities of the United Nations system in Sudan, to mobilize resources and support from the international community for both immediate assistance and the long-term economic development of Sudan, and to facilitate coordination with other international actors, in particular the African Union and IGAD, of activities in support of the transitional process established by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and to provide good offices and political support for the efforts to resolve all ongoing conflicts in Sudan;

4. Decides that the mandate of UNMIS shall be the following:

(a) To support implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement by performing the following tasks:

(i) To monitor and verify the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and to investigate violations;

(ii) To liaise with bilateral donors on the formation of Joint Integrated Units;

(iii) To observe and monitor movement of armed groups and redeployment of forces in the areas of UNMIS deployment in accordance with the Ceasefire Agreement;

(iv) To assist in the establishment of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme as called for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, with particular attention to the special needs of women and child combatants, and its implementation through voluntary disarmament and weapons collection and destruction;

(v) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in promoting understanding of the peace process and the role of UNMIS by means of an effective public information campaign, targeted at all sectors of society, in coordination with the African Union;

(vi) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in addressing the need for a national inclusive approach, including the role of women, towards reconciliation and peacebuilding;

(vii) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in coordination with bilateral and multilateral assistance programmes, in restructuring the police service in Sudan, consistent with democratic policing, to develop a police training and evaluation programme, and to otherwise assist in the training of civilian police;

(viii) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in promoting the rule of law, including an independent judiciary, and the protection of human rights of all people of Sudan through a comprehensive and coordinated strategy with the aim of combating impunity and contributing to long-term peace and stability and to assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to develop and consolidate the national legal framework;

(ix) To ensure an adequate human rights presence, capacity, and expertise within UNMIS to carry out human rights promotion, civilian protection, and monitoring activities;

(x) To provide guidance and technical assistance to the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, in cooperation with other international actors, to support the preparations for and conduct of elections and referenda provided for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;

(b) To facilitate and coordinate, within its capabilities and in its areas of deployment, the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and humanitarian assistance, inter alia, by helping to establish the necessary security conditions;

(c) To assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in cooperation with other international partners in the mine action sector, by providing humanitarian demining assistance, technical advice, and coordination;

(d) To contribute towards international efforts to protect and promote human rights in Sudan, as well as to coordinate international efforts towards the protection of civilians with particular attention to vulnerable groups including internally displaced persons, returning refugees, and women and children, within UNMIS’s capabilities and in close cooperation with other United Nations agencies, related organizations, and non-governmental organizations;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council within 30 days on options for how UNMIS can reinforce the effort to foster peace in Darfur through appropriate assistance to AMIS, including logistical support and technical assistance, and to identify ways in liaison with the AU to utilize UNMIS’s resources, particularly logistical and operations support elements, as well as reserve capacity towards this end;

6. Calls upon all parties to cooperate fully in the deployment and operations of UNMIS, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel as well as associated personnel throughout the territory of Sudan;

7. Emphasizes that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur, and calls upon the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups, particularly the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese Liberation Army/Movement to resume the Abuja talks rapidly without preconditions and negotiate in good faith to speedily reach agreement, and urges the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to play an active and constructive role in support of the Abuja talks and take immediate steps to support a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur;

8. Calls upon all Member States to ensure the free, unhindered and expeditious movement to Sudan of all personnel, as well as equipment, provisions, supplies and other goods, including vehicles and spare parts, which are for the exclusive and official use of UNMIS;

9. Calls upon all parties to ensure, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law, the full, safe and unhindered access of relief personnel to all those in need and delivery of humanitarian assistance, in particular to internally displaced persons and refugees;

10. Requests that the Secretary-General transfer all functions performed by the special political mission in Sudan (UNAMIS) to UNMIS, together with staff and logistics of the office as appropriate, on the date when UNMIS is established, and to ensure a seamless transition between the United Nations and existing monitoring missions, namely the Verification Monitoring Team, the Joint Monitoring Mission, and the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team;

11. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of the progress in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, respect for the ceasefire, and the implementation of the mandate of UNMIS, including a review of the troop level, with a view to its adjusted reduction, taking account of the progress made on the ground and the tasks remaining to be accomplished and to report to the Council in this regard every three months;

12. Requests that the Secretary-General continue to report on a monthly basis on the situation in Darfur;

13. Urges the Joint Assessment Mission of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the parties, in association with other bilateral and multilateral donors, to continue their efforts to prepare for the rapid delivery of an assistance package for the reconstruction and economic development of Sudan, including official development assistance and trade access, to be implemented once implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement begins, and welcomes the initiative of the Government of Norway to convene an international donors’ conference for the reconstruction and economic development of Sudan, and urges the international community accordingly to donate generously, including to address the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees;

14. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in UNMIS with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, including the development of strategies and appropriate mechanisms to prevent, identify and respond to all forms of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and the enhancement of training for personnel to prevent misconduct and ensure full compliance with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in accordance with the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

15. Reaffirms the importance of appropriate expertise on issues relating to gender in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalls the need to address violence against women and girls as a tool of warfare, and encourages UNMIS as well as the Sudanese parties to actively address these issues;

16. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

(i) Decides that UNMIS is authorized to take the necessary action, in the areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations, and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers, joint assessment mechanism and assessment and evaluation commission personnel, and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence; and

(ii) Requests that the Secretary-General and the Government of Sudan, following appropriate consultation with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, conclude a status-of-forces agreement within 30 days of adoption of the resolution, taking into consideration General Assembly resolution 58/82 on the scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and notes that pending the conclusion of such an agreement, the model status-of-forces agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594), shall apply provisionally;

17. Underscores the immediate need to rapidly increase the number of human rights monitors in Darfur, and urges the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake to accelerate the deployment of human rights monitors to Darfur and augment their numbers and also to move forward with the formation of civilian monitoring protection teams, and expects that the Secretary-General will report on progress on the formation of these teams in his reports to the Security Council as outlined in paragraph 11;

18. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1591 Imposition of travel ban and assets freeze on those impeding peace in Darfur

Date: 29 March 2005 Meeting: 5153

Vote: 12-0-3 In favour: Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Denmark,

France, Greece, Japan, Philippines,

Romania, United Kingdom, United

Republic of Tanzania, United States,

Against: None.

Abstaining: Algeria, China, Russian Federation

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1547 (2004) of 11 June 2004, 1556 (2004) of 30 July 2004, 1564 (2004) of 18 September 2004, 1574 (2004) of 19 November 2004, 1585 (2005) of 10 March 2005, 1588 (2005) of 17 March 2005, and 1590 of 24 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning Sudan,

Recalling the commitments made by the parties in the 8 April N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Humanitarian and Security Protocols between the Government of Sudan, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and recalling the commitments made in the Joint Communique of 3 July 2004 between the Government of Sudan and the Secretary-General,

Welcoming the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Nairobi, Kenya on 9 January 2005,

Recognizing that the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement must build on the Agreement to bring peace and stability to the entire country, and calling on all Sudanese parties, in particular those party to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to take immediate steps to achieve a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur and to take all necessary action to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and to put an end to impunity, including in the Darfur region,

Considering that the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons will be a critical factor for the consolidation of the peace process,

Condemning the continued violations of the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement of 8 April 2004 and the Abuja Protocols of 9 November 2004 by all sides in Darfur and the deterioration of the security situation and negative impact this has had on humanitarian assistance efforts,

Strongly condemning all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the Darfur region, in particular the continuation of violence against civilians and sexual violence against women and girls since the adoption of resolution 1574 (2004), urging all parties to take necessary steps to prevent further violations, and expressing its determination to ensure that those responsible for all such violations are identified and brought to justice without delay,

Recalling the demands, in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), that all parties to the conflict in Darfur refrain from any violence against civilians and cooperate fully with the African Union Mission in Darfur,

Welcoming the 16 February 2005 N’djamena Summit on Darfur and the continued commitment of the African Union to play a key role in facilitating a resolution to the conflict in Darfur in all respects, and the announcement by the Government of Sudan on 16 February 2005 that it would take immediate steps, including withdrawal of its forces from Labado, Qarifa, and Marla in Darfur, and the withdrawal of its Antonov aircraft from Darfur,

Commending the efforts of the African Union, in particular its Chairman, acknowledging the progress made by the African Union in the deployment of an international protection force, police, and military observers, and calling on all member states to contribute generously and urgently to the African Union Mission in Darfur,

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s reports of 31 January 2005 (S/2005/57 and Add.1), 3 December 2004 (S/2004/947), 4 February 2005 (S/2005/68), and 4 March 2005 (S/2005/140), as well as the report of 25 January 2005 of the International Commission of Inquiry (S/2005/60),

Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Deplores strongly that the Government of Sudan and rebel forces and all other armed groups in Darfur have failed to comply fully with their commitments and the demands of the Council referred to in resolutions 1556 (2004), 1564 (2004), and 1574 (2004), condemns the continued violations of the 8 April 2004 N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Protocols, including air strikes by the Government of Sudan in December 2004 and January 2005 and rebel attacks on Darfur villages in January 2005, and the failure of the Government of Sudan to disarm Janjaweed militiamen and apprehend and bring to justice Janajaweed leaders and their associates who have carried out human rights and international humanitarian law violations and other atrocities, and demands that all parties take immediate steps to fulfil all their commitments to respect the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the Abuja Protocols, including notification of force positions, to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to cooperate fully with the African Union Mission;

2. Emphasizes that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur, and calls upon the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups, particularly the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army to resume the Abuja talks rapidly without preconditions and negotiate in good faith to speedily reach agreement, and urges the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to play an active and constructive role in support of the Abuja talks and take immediate steps to support a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Darfur;

3. Decides, in light of the failure of all parties to the conflict in Darfur to fulfil their commitments,

(a) to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security Council consisting of all the members of the Council (herein “the Committee”), to undertake to following tasks:

i. to monitor implementation of the measures referred to in subparagraphs (d) and (e) of this paragraph and paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and paragraph 7 below;

ii. to designate those individuals subject to the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e) of this paragraph and to consider requests for exemptions in accordance with subparagraphs (f) and (g);

iii. to establish such guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e);

iv. to report at least every 90 days to the Security Council on its work;

v. to consider requests from and, as appropriate, provide prior approval to the Government of Sudan for the movement of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region in accordance with paragraph 7 below;

vi. to assess reports from the Panel of Experts established under subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, and Member States, in particular those in the region, on specific steps they are taking to implement the measures imposed by subparagraphs (d) and (e) and paragraph 7 below;

vii. to encourage a dialogue between the Committee and interested Member States, in particular those in the region, including by inviting representatives of such States to meet with the Committee to discuss implementation of the measures;

(b) to request the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to appoint for a period of six months, within 30 days of adoption of this resolution, a Panel of Experts comprised of four members and based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to travel regularly to El-Fasher, Sudan and other locations in Sudan, and to operate under the direction of the Committee to undertake the following tasks:

i. to assist the Committee in monitoring implementation of the measures in subparagraphs (d) and (e), paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and paragraph 7 of this resolution, and to make recommendations to the Committee on actions the Council may want to consider;

ii. to provide a mid-term briefing on its work to the Committee, and an interim report no later than 90 days after adoption of this resolution, and a final report no later than 30 days prior to termination of its mandate to the Council through the Committee with its findings and recommendations; and

iii. to coordinate its activities as appropriate with ongoing operations of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS);

(c) that those individuals, as designated by the Committee established by subparagraph (a) above, based on the information provided by Member States, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights or the Panel of Experts established under subparagraph (b) of this paragraph above, and other relevant sources, who impede the peace process, constitute a threat to stability in Darfur and the region, commit violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or other atrocities, violate the measures implemented by Member States in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004) and paragraph 7 of this resolution as implemented by a state, or are responsible for offensive military overflights described in paragraph 6 of this resolution, shall be subject to the measures identified in subparagraphs (d) and (e) below;

(d) that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of all persons as designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (c) above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall obligate a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;

(e) that all States shall freeze all funds, financial assets and economic resources that are on their territories on the date of adoption of this resolution or at any time thereafter, that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the persons designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (c) above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such persons or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;

(f) that the measures imposed by subparagraph (d) above shall not apply where the Committee established by subparagraph (a) above determines on a case by case basis that such travel is justified on the ground of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would otherwise further the objectives of the Council’s resolutions for the creation of peace and stability in Sudan and the region;

(g) that the measures imposed by subparagraph (e) of this resolution do not apply to funds, other financial assets and economic resources that:

i. have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for basic expenses, including payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges or for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges, in accordance with national laws, for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds, other financial assets and economic resources, after notification by the relevant States to the Committee of the intention to authorize, where appropriate, access to such funds, other financial assets and economic resources and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within two working days of such notification;

ii. have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that such determination has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee, or

iii. have been determined by relevant States to be the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitral lien or judgment, in which case the funds, or other financial assets and economic resources may be used to satisfy that lien or judgment provided that the lien or judgment was entered prior to the date of the present resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity designated by the Committee, and has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee;

4. Decides that the measures referred to in subparagraphs 3 (d) and (e) shall enter into force 30 days from the date of adoption of this resolution, unless the Security Council determines before then that the parties to the conflict in Darfur have complied with all the commitments and demands referred to in paragraph 1 above and paragraph 6 below;

5. Expresses its readiness to consider the modification or termination of the measures under paragraph 3, on the recommendation of the Committee or at the end of a period of 12 months from the date of adoption of this resolution, or earlier if the Security Council determines before then that the parties to the conflict in Darfur have complied with all the commitments and demands referred to in paragraph 1 above and paragraph 6 below;

6. Demands that the Government of Sudan, in accordance with its commitments under the 8 April 2004 N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and the 9 November 2004 Abuja Security Protocol, immediately cease conducting offensive military flights in and over the Darfur region, and invites the African Union Ceasefire Commission to share pertinent information as appropriate in this regard with the Secretary-General, the Committee, or the Panel of Experts established under paragraph 3 (b);

7. Reaffirms the measures imposed by paragraphs 7 and 8 of resolution 1556 (2004), and decides that these measures shall immediately upon adoption of this resolution, also apply to all the parties to the N’djamena Ceasefire Agreement and any other belligerents in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur; decides that these measures shall not apply to the supplies and related technical training and assistance listed in paragraph 9 of resolution 1556 (2004); decides that these measures shall not apply with respect to assistance and supplies provided in support of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; further decides that these measures shall not apply to movements of military equipment and supplies into the Darfur region that are approved in advance by the Committee established under paragraph 3 (a) upon a request by the Government of Sudan; and invites the African Union Ceasefire Commission to share pertinent information as appropriate in this regard with the Secretary-General, the Committee, or the Panel of Experts established under paragraph 3 (b);

8. Reiterates that, in the event the parties fail to fulfil their commitments and demands as outlined in paragraphs 1 and 6, and the situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, the Council will consider further measures as provided for in Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations;

9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1592 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

Date: 30 March 2005 Meeting: 5155

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolution 1565 of 1 October 2004, and the statement of 2 March 2005 (S/PRST/2005/10),

Reaffirming its commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process of the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002, and calling on all the Congolese parties to honour their commitments in this regard, in particular so that free, fair and peaceful elections can take place,

Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by armed groups and militias in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, and by the grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law that accompany them, calling on the Government of National Unity and Transition to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay, and recognizing that the continuing presence of ex-Forces armées rwandaises and Interahamwe elements remains a threat for the local civilian population and an impediment to good-neighbourly relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda,

Welcoming in this regard the African Union’s support for efforts to further peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and calling on the African Union to work closely with MONUC in defining its role in the region,

Recalling its condemnation of the attack by one of these militias against members of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), on 25 February 2005, and welcoming the first steps taken to date to bring them to justice, in particular the arrests of militia leaders suspected of bearing responsibility for human rights abuses,

Reiterating its call on the Congolese parties, when selecting individuals for key posts in the Government of National Unity and Transition, including the Armed Forces and National Police, to take into account the record and commitment of those individuals with regard to respect for international humanitarian law and human rights,

Recalling that all the parties bear responsibility for ensuring security with respect to civilian populations, in particular women, children and other vulnerable persons, and expressing concern at the continuing levels of sexual violence,

Reaffirming its full support for MONUC and for its personnel, who operate in particularly hazardous conditions, and welcoming the robust action it is undertaking in pursuit of its mandate,

Recalling the link between the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources in certain regions and the fuelling of armed conflicts, condemning categorically the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other sources of wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urging all States, especially those in the region including the Democratic Republic of the Congo itself, to take appropriate steps in order to end these illegal activities,

Bearing in mind the third special report of the Secretary-General on MONUC, dated 16 August 2004 (S/2004/650), and its recommendations, and aware of the importance of keeping under review the situation in the Katanga and Kasaï provinces,

Taking note of the seventeenth report of the Secretary-General on MONUC, dated 21 March 2005 (S/2005/167), and looking forward to the special report on the electoral process announced by the Secretary-General in paragraph 34 of his seventeenth report,

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC, as contained in resolution 1565, until 1 October 2005, with the intention to renew it for further periods;

2. Reaffirms its demand that all parties cooperate fully with the operations of MONUC and that they ensure the safety of, as well as unhindered and immediate access for, United Nations and associated personnel in carrying out their mandate, throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular that all parties provide full access to MONUC military observers, including to all ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings, and requests the Secretary-General to report without delay any failure to comply with these demands;

3. Urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to do its utmost to ensure the security of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, by effectively extending State authority, throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular in North and South Kivu and in Ituri;

4. Calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to carry out reform of the security sector, through the expeditious integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular by ensuring adequate payment and logistical support for their personnel, and stresses the need in this regard to implement without delay the national disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion programme for Congolese combatants;

5. Further calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to develop with MONUC a joint concept of operations for the disarmament of foreign combatants by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the assistance of MONUC, within its mandate and capabilities;

6. Calls on the donor community, as a matter of urgency, to continue to engage firmly in the provision of assistance needed for the integration, training and equipping of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and urges the Government of National Unity and Transition to promote all possible means to facilitate and expedite cooperation to this end;

7. Emphasizing that MONUC is authorized to use all necessary means, within its capabilities and in the areas where its armed units are deployed, to deter any attempt at the use of force to threaten the political process and to ensure the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, from any armed group, foreign or Congolese, in particular the ex-FAR and Interahamwé, encourages MONUC in this regard to continue to make full use of its mandate under resolution 1565 in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stresses that, in accordance with its mandate, MONUC may use cordon and search tactics to prevent attacks on civilians and disrupt the military capability of illegal armed groups that continue to use violence in those areas;

8. Calls on all the parties to the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to make concrete progress towards the holding of elections, as provided for by the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement, in particular in furthering the early adoption of the constitution and of the electoral law, as well as the registration of voters;

9. Demands that the Governments of Uganda, Rwanda, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo put a stop to the use of their respective territories in support of violations of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 of 28 July 2003 or of activities of armed groups operating in the region;

10. Further urges all States neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to impede any kind of support to the illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources, particularly by preventing the flow of such resources through their respective territories;

11. Reaffirms its concern regarding acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by United Nations personnel against the local population, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure compliance with the zero tolerance policy he has defined and with the measures put in place to prevent and investigate all forms of misconduct, discipline those found responsible and provide support to the victims, and to pursue active training and awareness-raising of all MONUC personnel, and further requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of the measures implemented and their effectiveness;

12. Urges troop-contributing countries carefully to review the Secretary-General’s letter of 24 March 2005 (A/59/710) and to take appropriate action to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by their personnel in MONUC, including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness-training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such misconduct involving their personnel;

13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1593 Referral of situation in Darfur to International Criminal Court Prosecutor

Date: 31 March 2005 Meeting: 5158

Vote: 11-0-4 In favour: Argentina, Benin, Denmark, France,

Greece, Japan, Philippines, Romania,

Russian Federation, United

Kingdom, United Republic of

Tanzania

Against: None

Abstaining: Algeria, Brazil, China, United States

The Security Council,

Taking note of the report of the International Commission of Inquiry on violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in Darfur (S/2005/60),

Recalling article 16 of the Rome Statute under which no investigation or prosecution may be commenced or proceeded with by the International Criminal Court for a period of 12 months after a Security Council request to that effect,

Also recalling articles 75 and 79 of the Rome Statute and encouraging States to contribute to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims,

Taking note of the existence of agreements referred to in Article 98-2 of the Rome Statute,

Determining that the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to refer the situation in Darfur since 1 July 2002 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court;

2. Decides that the Government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur, shall cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor pursuant to this resolution and, while recognizing that States not party to the Rome Statute have no obligation under the Statute, urges all States and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully;

3. Invites the Court and the African Union to discuss practical arrangements that will facilitate the work of the Prosecutor and of the Court, including the possibility of conducting proceedings in the region, which would contribute to regional efforts in the fight against impunity;

4. Also encourages the Court, as appropriate and in accordance with the Rome Statute, to support international cooperation with domestic efforts to promote the rule of law, protect human rights and combat impunity in Darfur;

5. Also emphasizes the need to promote healing and reconciliation and encourages in this respect the creation of institutions, involving all sectors of Sudanese society, such as truth and/or reconciliation commissions, in order to complement judicial processes and thereby reinforce the efforts to restore long-lasting peace, with African Union and international support as necessary;

6. Decides that nationals, current or former officials or personnel from a contributing State outside Sudan which is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of that contributing State for all alleged acts or omissions arising out of or related to operations in Sudan established or authorized by the Council or the African Union, unless such exclusive jurisdiction has been expressly waived by that contributing State;

7. Recognizes that none of the expenses incurred in connection with the referral including expenses related to investigations or prosecutions in connection with that referral, shall be borne by the United Nations and that such costs shall be borne by the parties to the Rome Statute and those States that wish to contribute voluntarily;

8. Invites the Prosecutor to address the Council within three months of the date of adoption of this resolution and every six months thereafter on actions taken pursuant to this resolution;

9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1594 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire

Date: 4 April 2005 Meeting: 5159

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 and 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005, as well as the relevant statements of its President, in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48) and of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Côte d’Ivoire, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,

Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the African Union,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General dated 18 March 2005 (S/2005/186),

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire and of the French forces which support it shall be extended for a period of one month until 4 May 2005;

2. Calls upon all Ivorian parties immediately and actively to pursue a lasting and just solution to the current crisis, particularly through the African Union mediation led by President Thabo Mbeki;

3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1595 Establishment of commission to investigate assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister

Date: 7 April 2005 Meeting: 5160

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reiterating its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon,

Endorsing the Secretary-General’s opinion, as expressed in his letter of 24 March 2005 to the President of the Security Council, that Lebanon is passing through a difficult and sensitive period, that all concerned should imperatively behave with the utmost restraint and that the future of Lebanon should be decided strictly through peaceful means,

Reaffirming its unequivocal condemnation of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others, and caused injury to dozens of people, and condemning the subsequent attacks in Lebanon,

Having examined the report of the fact-finding mission to Lebanon inquiring into the circumstances, causes and consequences of this terrorist act (S/2005/203), transmitted to the Security Council by the Secretary-General following the declaration of the President of the Security Council of 15 February 2005 (S/PRST/2005/4),

Noting with concern the fact-finding mission’s conclusion that the Lebanese investigation process suffers from serious flaws and has neither the capacity nor the commitment to reach a satisfactory and credible conclusion,

Noting also in this context its opinion that an international independent investigation with executive authority and self-sufficient resources in all relevant fields of expertise would be necessary to elucidate all aspects of this heinous crime,

Mindful of the unanimous demand of the Lebanese people that those responsible be identified and held accountable, and willing to assist Lebanon in the search for the truth,

Welcoming the Lebanese Government’s approval of the decision to be taken by the Security Council concerning the establishment of an international independent investigation Commission, and welcoming also its readiness to cooperate fully with such a Commission within the framework of Lebanese sovereignty and of its legal system, as expressed in the letter of 29 March 2005 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Lebanon to the United Nations to the Secretary-General (S/2005/208),

1. Decides, consistent with the above-mentioned letter from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Lebanon, to establish an international independent investigation Commission (“the Commission”) based in Lebanon to assist the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of all aspects of this terrorist act, including to help identify its perpetrators, sponsors, organizers and accomplices;

2. Reiterates its call on the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing, and calls upon the Lebanese government to ensure that the findings and conclusions of the Commission’s investigation are taken into account fully;

3. Decides that, to ensure the Commission’s effectiveness in the discharge of its duties, the Commission shall:

– Enjoy the full cooperation of the Lebanese authorities, including full access to all documentary, testimonial and physical information and evidence in their possession that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;

– Have the authority to collect any additional information and evidence, both documentary and physical, pertaining to this terrorist act, as well as to interview all officials and other persons in Lebanon, that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;

– Enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Lebanese territory, including access to all sites and facilities that the Commission deems relevant to the inquiry;

– Be provided with the facilities necessary to perform its functions, and be granted, as well as its premises, staff and equipment, the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to consult urgently with the Lebanese Government with a view to facilitate the establishment and operation of the Commission pursuant to its mandate and terms of reference as mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, and requests also that he report to the Council accordingly and notify it of the date the Commission begins its full operations;

5. Requests further the Secretary-General, notwithstanding paragraph 4 above, to undertake without delay the steps, measures and arrangements necessary for the speedy establishment and full functioning of the Commission, including recruiting impartial and experienced staff with relevant skills and expertise;

6. Directs the Commission to determine procedures for carrying out its investigation, taking into account the Lebanese law and judicial procedures;

7. Calls on all States and all parties to cooperate fully with the Commission, and in particular to provide it with any relevant information they may possess pertaining to the above-mentioned terrorist act;

8. Requests the Commission to complete its work within three months of the date on which it commenced its full operations, as notified by the Secretary-General, and authorizes the Secretary-General to extend the Commission’s operation for a further period not exceeding three months, if he deems it necessary to enable the Commission to complete its investigation, and requests that he inform the Security Council accordingly;

9. Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the conclusions of its investigation and requests the Secretary-General to update orally the Security Council on the progress of the Commission every two months during the operations of the Commission or more frequently as needed.

S/RES/1596 Arms embargo on Democratic Republic of Congo widened

Date: 18 April 2005 Meeting: 5163

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1493 of 28 July 2003, 1533 of 12 March 2004, 1552 of 27 July 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004 and 1592 of 30 March 2005, and recalling also the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular on 7 December 2004,

Reiterating its serious concern regarding the presence of armed groups and militias in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, which perpetuate a climate of insecurity in the whole region,

Welcoming the fact that some of these groups and militias have started to submit an inventory of arms and related materiel in their possession, as well as their location, with a view to their participation in the programmes of disarmament, and encouraging those who have not yet done so rapidly to do so,

Expressing its readiness to review the provisions of its resolutions 918 of 17 May 1994, 997 of 9 June 1995 and 1011 of 16 August 1995 in a broader perspective, taking into account the implications of continued instability in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for peace and security in the Great Lakes Region of Africa,

Condemning the continuing illicit flow of weapons within and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and declaring its determination to continue closely monitoring implementation of the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 of 28 July 2003,

Recalling the importance for the Government of National Unity and Transition to implement without delay the integration for which it bears responsibility of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by continuing to work within the framework of the Joint Commission on Security Sector Reform, and encouraging the donor community to provide coordinated financial and technical assistance for this task,

Commending the efforts made by the Secretary-General, the African Union and other actors concerned to restore peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcoming in this regard the Declaration adopted in Dar es Salaam on 20 November 2004 at the conclusion of the first summit of the International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region of Africa,

Taking note of the reports of the Group of Experts established by paragraph 10 of resolution 1533, dated 15 July 2004 (S/2004/551) and 25 January 2005 (S/2005/30), transmitted by the Committee established in accordance with paragraph 8 of that resolution (hereafter the Committee), and of their recommendations,

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Reaffirms the measures established by paragraph 20 of resolution 1493, dated 28 July 2003, and extended until 31 July 2005 by resolution 1552, dated 27 July 2004, decides that these measures shall from now on apply to any recipient in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and reiterates that assistance includes financing and financial assistance related to military activities;

2. Decides that the measures above shall not apply to:

(a) Supplies of arms and related materiel or technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by units of the army and police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provided that the said units:

– have completed the process of their integration, or

– operate under the command, respectively, of the état-major intégré of the Armed Forces or of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or

– are in the process of their integration, in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo outside the provinces of North and South Kivu and the Ituri district,

(b) Supplies of arms and related materiel as well as technical training and assistance intended solely for support of or use by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),

(c) Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance and training, as notified in advance to the Committee in accordance with paragraph 8 (e) of resolution 1533;

3. Requests MONUC, within its existing capabilities and without prejudice to the performance of its current mandate, and the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 21 below to continue to focus their monitoring activities in North and South Kivu and in Ituri;

4. Decides that all future authorized shipments of arms and related materiel consistent with such exemptions noted in paragraph 2 (a) above shall only be made to receiving sites as designated by the Government of National Unity and Transition, in coordination with MONUC, and notified in advance to the Committee;

5. Demands that all parties other than those referred to in paragraph 2 (a) above with military capabilities in Ituri, in North Kivu or in South Kivu, help the Government of National Unity and Transition implement its commitments regarding disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of foreign and Congolese combatants, and regarding security sector reform;

6. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all governments in the region, and in particular those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus, shall take the necessary measures:

– To ensure that aircraft operate in the region in accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in Chicago on 7 December 1944, in particular by verifying the validity of documents carried in aircraft and the licences of pilots,

– To prohibit immediately in their respective territories operation of any aircraft inconsistent with the conditions in that Convention or the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, in particular with respect to the use of falsified or out-of-date documents, and to notify the Committee, and to maintain such prohibition until the Committee is informed by States or by the Group of Experts that these aircraft meet the said conditions and standards set forth in Chapter V of the Chicago Convention and determines that they will not be used for a purpose inconsistent with the resolutions of the Security Council,

– To ensure that all civilian and military airports or airfields on their respective territories will not be used for a purpose inconsistent with the measures imposed by paragraph 1 above;

7. Further decides that each government in the region, in particular those of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus, as well as that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shall maintain a registry for review by the Committee and the Group of Experts of all information concerning flights originating in their respective territories en route to destinations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as flights originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo en route to destinations in their respective territories;

8. Calls upon the Government of National Unity and Transition to strengthen the monitoring of the activity of all airports and airfields, in particular those located in Ituri and in the Kivus, to ensure in particular that only customs airports are used for international air service, and requests MONUC, in airports and airfields where it has a permanent presence, to cooperate within its existing capability with the competent Congolese authorities, with a view to enhancing the capability of those authorities to monitor and control the use of airports;

9. Recommends in this context to States in the region, and in particular to those parties to the Declaration adopted in Dar es Salaam on 20 November 2004, to promote regional cooperation in the field of air traffic control;

10. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the one hand, and those of States bordering Ituri and the Kivus on the other hand, shall take the necessary measures:

– To strengthen, as far as each of them is concerned, customs controls on the borders between Ituri or the Kivus and the neighbouring States,

– To ensure that all means of transport on their respective territories will not be used in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, and notify MONUC of such actions,

and requests MONUC and the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB), in accordance with their respective mandates, to provide assistance to this end, where they have a permanent presence, to the competent customs authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Burundi;

11. Reiterates its call upon the international community, in particular the specialized international organizations concerned, notably the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Customs Organization, to provide financial and technical assistance to the Government of National Unity and Transition with a view to helping it exercise effective control over its borders and its airspace, and invites in this regard the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide assistance with a view to evaluating and improving the performance and enhancing the capacity of the Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

12. Urges all States to conduct inquiries into the activities of their nationals who operate or are associated with the operation of aircraft or other means of transport such as those referred to in paragraphs 6 and 10 above used for the transfer of arms or related materiel in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 above, and if necessary to institute the appropriate legal proceedings against them;

13. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all persons designated by the Committee as acting in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;

14. Decides that the measures imposed by the previous paragraph shall not apply where the Committee determines in advance and on a case-by-case basis that such travel is justified on the grounds of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would further the objectives of the Council’s resolutions, that is peace and national reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and stability in the region;

15. Decides that all States shall, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, immediately freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories from the date of adoption of this resolution, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 13 above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, as designated by the Committee, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories, to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;

16. Decides that the provisions of the previous paragraph do not apply to funds, other financial assets and economic resources that:

(a) have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for basic expenses, including payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges, or for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges, in accordance with national laws, for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds, other financial assets and economic resources, after notification by the relevant States to the Committee of the intention to authorize, where appropriate, access to such funds, other financial assets and economic resources and in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within four working days of such notification,

(b) have been determined by relevant States to be necessary for extraordinary expenses, provided that such determination has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee and has been approved by the Committee, or

(c) have been determined by relevant States to be the subject of a judicial, administrative or arbitration lien or judgement, in which case the funds, other financial assets and economic resources may be used to satisfy that lien or judgement provided that the lien or judgement was entered prior to the date of the present resolution, is not for the benefit of a person or entity designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 15 above, and has been notified by the relevant States to the Committee;

17. Decides that, no later than 31 July 2005, it shall review the measures set forth in paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, in the light of progress accomplished in the peace and transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular with regard to the integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police;

18. Decides that the Committee shall undertake, in addition to the tasks listed in paragraph 8 of resolution 1533, those hereafter:

(a) to designate persons and entities with respect to the measures set forth in paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, including aircraft and airlines, and regularly to update its list,

(b) to seek from all States concerned, and particularly those in the region, information regarding the actions taken by them to enforce the measures imposed by paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and any further information it may consider useful, including by providing all States with an opportunity to send representatives to meet the Committee to discuss in more detail any relevant issues,

(c) to call upon all States concerned, and particularly those in the region, to provide the Committee with information regarding the actions taken by them to investigate and prosecute as appropriate individuals designated by the Committee pursuant to subparagraph (a) above,

(d) to consider and decide on requests for the exemptions set out in paragraphs 14 and 16 above,

(e) to promulgate guidelines as may be necessary to facilitate the implementation of paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above;

19. Demands that all parties and all States cooperate fully with the work of the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 21 below and of MONUC, and that they ensure:

– the safety of their members,

– unhindered and immediate access for the members of the Group of Experts, in particular by supplying them with any information on possible violations of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and by facilitating access of the Group of Experts to persons, documents and sites it deems relevant to the execution of its mandate;

20. Requests all States concerned, in particular those in the region, to report to the Committee, within forty-five days from the date of adoption of this resolution, on the actions they have taken to implement the measures imposed by paragraphs 6, 10, 13 and 15 above, and authorizes the Committee thereafter to request from all Member States any information it may consider necessary to fulfil its mandate;

21. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to re-establish, within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution, and for a period expiring on 31 July 2005, the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 10 of resolution 1533 with the addition of a fifth expert for financial issues, and requests further that the Secretary-General provide the Group of Experts with the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate;

22. Requests the Group of Experts above to report to the Council in writing before 1 July 2005, through the Committee, including on the implementation of the measures set forth in paragraphs 1, 6, 10, 13 and 15 above;

23. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1597 Amendment of Statute of International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia

Date: 20 April 2005 Meeting: 5165

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolutions 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, 1166 (1998) of 13 May 1998, 1329 (2000) of 30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002, 1481 (2003) of 19 May 2003, 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003 and 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004,

Having considered the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated 24 February 2005 (S/2005/127) transmitting the list of candidates for election as ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia,

Noting that the Secretary-General had suggested that the deadline for nominations be extended until 31 March 2005 and the President’s reply of 14 March 2005 (S/2005/159) indicating that the Security Council had agreed to the extension of the deadline,

Having considered also the letter from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council dated 11 April 2005 (S/2005/236) that suggested that the deadline for the nomination of candidates for election as ad litem judges be further extended,

Noting that the number of candidates continues to fall short of the minimum number required by the Statute of the Tribunal to be elected,

Considering that the 27 ad litem judges elected by the General Assembly at its 102nd plenary meeting on 12 June 2001 whose term of office expires on 11 June 2005, should be eligible for re-election and wishing to amend the Statute for that purpose,

Noting that, should the cumulative period of service of an ad litem judge of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia amount to three years or more, this will not result in any change in their entitlements or benefits and, in particular, will not give rise to any additional entitlements or benefits other than those that already exist and which will, in such an eventuality, be extended pro-rata by virtue of the extension of service,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to amend article 13 ter of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and to replace that article with the provision set out in the annex to this resolution;

2. Decides further to the Secretary-General’s letter of 11 April 2005 (S/2005/236) to extend the deadline for nominations of ad litem judges under the amended provision of the Statute for a further 30 days from the date of the adoption of this resolution;

3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Annex

Article 13 ter

Election and appointment of ad litem judges

1. The ad litem judges of the International Tribunal shall be elected by the General Assembly from a list submitted by the Security Council in the following manner:

(a) The Secretary-General shall invite nominations for ad litem judges of the International Tribunal from States Members of the United Nations and non-member States maintaining permanent observer missions at United Nations Headquarters;

(b) Within sixty days of the date of the invitation of the Secretary-General, each State may nominate up to four candidates meeting the qualifications set out in article 13 of the Statute, taking into account the importance of a fair representation of female and male candidates;

(c) The Secretary-General shall forward the nominations received to the Security Council. From the nominations received the Security Council shall establish a list of not less than fifty-four candidates, taking due account of the adequate representation of the principal legal systems of the world and bearing in mind the importance of equitable distribution;

(d) The President of the Security Council shall transmit the list of candidates to the President of the General Assembly. From that list the General Assembly shall elect the twenty-seven ad litem judges of the International Tribunal. The candidates who receive an absolute majority of the votes of the States Members of the United Nations and of the non-member States maintaining permanent observer missions at United Nations Headquarters shall be declared elected;

(e) The ad litem judges shall be declared elected for a term of four years. They shall be eligible for re-election.

2. During any term, ad litem judges will be appointed by the Secretary-General, upon request of the President of the International Tribunal, to serve in the Trial Chambers for one or more trials, for a cumulative period of up to, but not including three years. When requesting the appointment of any particular ad litem judge, the President of the International Tribunal shall bear in mind the criteria set out in article 13 of the Statute regarding the composition of the Chambers and sections of the Trial Chambers, the considerations set out in paragraph 1 (b) and (c) above and the number of votes the ad litem judge received in the General Assembly.

S/RES/1598 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara

Date: 28 April 2005 Meeting: 5170

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, including resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003, resolution 1541 (2004) of 29 April 2004, and resolution 1570 (2004) of 28 October 2004,

Reaffirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect,

Reiterating its call upon the parties and States of the region to continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution,

Urging the POLISARIO Front to release without further delay all remaining prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law, and calling upon Morocco and the POLISARIO Front to continue to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross to resolve the fate of persons who are unaccounted for since the beginning of the conflict,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 April (S/2005/254), and taking note of his interim report of 27 January (S/2005/49),

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2005;

2. Affirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire;

3. Calls on Member States to consider voluntary contributions to fund Confidence Building Measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family unification visits;

4. Looks forward to receiving the results of the comprehensive review of the structure of the administrative and other civilian components of the mission, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report of 19 April (S/2005/254);

5. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation in the Western Sahara before the end of the mandate period;

6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1599 Establishment of UN Office in Timor-Leste

Date: 28 April 2005 Meeting: 5171

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its previous resolutions on the situation in Timor-Leste, in particular its resolutions 1543 (2004) of 14 May 2004 and 1573 (2004) of 16 November 2004,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 18 February 2005 (S/2005/99),

Commending the people and the Government of Timor-Leste for the peace and stability they have achieved in the country, as well as for their continuing efforts towards consolidating democracy and strengthening State institutions,

Further commending the United Nations Mission of Support in Timor-Leste (UNMISET), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and welcoming the continuing progress made towards the completion of key tasks inscribed in its mandate, particularly during its consolidation phase, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1543 (2004) and 1573 (2004),

Paying tribute to Timor-Leste’s bilateral and multilateral partners for their invaluable assistance, particularly with regard to institutional capacity-building and social and economic development,

Expressing its appreciation to those Member States which have provided support to UNMISET,

Having considered the letter dated 20 January 2005, from the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to the Secretary-General (S/2005/103),

Noting the Secretary-General’s analysis of the need for a United Nations presence to remain in Timor-Leste after 20 May 2005, although at a reduced level,

Noting also that the emerging institutions in Timor-Leste are still in the process of consolidation and that further assistance is required to ensure sustained development and strengthening of key sectors, mainly rule of law, including justice, human rights, and support for the Timor-Leste police, and other public administration,

Acknowledging the excellent communication and good will that have characterized relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, including the decision to establish a Truth and Friendship Commission, and their land border agreement signed in Dili 8 April 2005, which covers approximately 96 per cent of the land border, and encouraging continued efforts by both Governments towards resolving this and all pending bilateral issues,

Acknowledging the Secretary-General’s decision outlined in his letter to the Security Council dated 11 January 2005 (S/2005/96) to send a Commission of Experts to Timor-Leste and Indonesia to review the serious crimes accountability processes, and recommend further measures as appropriate,

Remaining fully committed to the promotion of long-lasting stability in Timor-Leste,

1. Decides to establish a one-year follow-on special political mission in Timor-Leste, the United Nations Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL), which will remain in Timor-Leste until 20 May 2006;

2. Decides further that UNOTIL will have the following mandate:

(i) to support the development of critical State institutions through provision of up to 45 civilian advisers;

(ii) to support further development of the police through provision of up to 40 police advisers, and support for development of the Border Patrol Unit (BPU), through provision of up to 35 additional advisers, 15 of whom may be military advisers;

(iii) to provide training in observance of democratic governance and human rights through provision of up to 10 human rights officers; and

(iv) to monitor and review progress in (i) through (iii ) above;

3. Requests that, when implementing its mandate, UNOTIL emphasize proper transfer of skills and knowledge in order to build the capacity of the public institutions of Timor-Leste to deliver their services in accordance with international principles of rule of law, justice, human rights, democratic governance, transparency, accountability and professionalism;

4. Requests further that UNOTIL be led by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who will direct the operations of the mission and coordinate all United Nations activities in Timor-Leste through his office, with due attention to safety of personnel, and facilitated by appropriate levels of logistics support, including transportation assets, such as air transport when necessary;

5. Requests that the Secretary-General deploy some of the advisers, authorized in paragraph 2 (ii) above, to assist the National Police of Timor-Leste in developing procedures for and in training the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) and to assist the Timor-Leste Government in coordinating contacts with the Indonesian military, with the objective of transferring skills to the BPU to assume full responsibility for such coordination as soon as possible;

6. Underlines that United Nations assistance to Timor-Leste should be coordinated with the efforts of bilateral and multilateral donors, regional mechanisms, non-governmental organizations, private sector organizations and other actors from within the international community, and encourages the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to establish and chair a consultative group, made up of these stakeholders in Timor-Leste, that will meet regularly for that purpose;

7. Urges the donor community, as well as the United Nations agencies and multilateral financial institutions, to continue providing resources and assistance for the implementation of projects towards sustainable and long-term development in Timor-Leste, and urges the donor community to actively participate in the donor’s conference scheduled to be held in April 2005;

8. Encourages, in particular, the Government of Timor-Leste, UNOTIL, the United Nations Secretariat, United Nations development and humanitarian agencies, and multilateral financial institutions to start immediately planning for a smooth and rapid transition, in Timor-Leste, from a special political mission to a sustainable development assistance framework;

9. Reaffirms the need for credible accountability for the serious human rights violations committed in East Timor in 1999, and, in this regard, underlines the need for the United Nations Secretariat, in agreement with Timor-Leste authorities, to preserve a complete copy of all the records compiled by the Serious Crimes Unit, calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the work of the Secretary-General’s Commission of Experts, and looks forward to the Commission’s upcoming report exploring possible ways to address this issue, including ways of assisting the Truth and Friendship Commission, which Indonesia and Timor-Leste have agreed to establish;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council closely and regularly informed of developments on the ground and of the implementation of the mandate of UNOTIL, and the planning for a transition to a sustainable development assistance framework, and to submit a report within four months of the date of adoption of the present resolution and every four months thereafter, with recommendations for any modifications such progress might allow to size, composition, mandate and duration of the UNOTIL presence;

11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1600 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire

Date: 4 May 2005 Meeting: 5173

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005 and 1594 (2005) of 4 April 2005, as well as the relevant statements of its President, in particular those of 16 December 2004 (S/PRST/2004/48) and of 6 November 2004 (S/PRST/2004/42),

Recalling that it endorsed the agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),

Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reaffirming in this regard its full support to the ongoing facilitation mission undertaken by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the African Union,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Welcomes the signature by the Ivorian parties on 6 April 2005 in Pretoria of the agreement on the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire (the Pretoria Agreement) (S/2005/270), under the auspices of President Thabo Mbeki, commends President Thabo Mbeki for the essential role he has played, on behalf of the African Union, to restore peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire and reaffirms its full support for his mediation efforts;

2. Calls on all parties to implement fully the Pretoria Agreement and reminds them that they have decided in the Pretoria Agreement to refer to the mediator, President Thabo Mbeki, any differences which may arise in the interpretation of any part of the agreement;

3. Welcomes further the decision taken by President Thabo Mbeki with regard to the eligibility for the Presidency of the Republic, as described in the letter he sent on 11 April 2005 to Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (S/2005/270), and takes note with satisfaction of the announcement made by President Laurent Gbagbo on 26 April 2005 that all candidates nominated by the political parties signatory to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be eligible for the Presidency;

4. Urges all the Ivorian parties to take all necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and transparent;

5. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire and of the French forces which support it shall be extended for a period of one month until 4 June 2005;

6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1601 Extension of UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti

Date: 31 May 2005 Meeting: 5192

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming resolutions 1576 (2004) of 29 November 2004 and 1542 (2004) of 30 April 2004, and recalling resolution 1529 (2004) of 29 February 2004, relevant statements by its President, as well as the Security Council’s report on its Mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 April (S/2005/302),

Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, as described in section 1 of operative paragraph 7 of resolution 1542 (2004),

1. Decides to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, as contained in resolution 1542 (2004), until 24 June 2005, with the intention to renew for further periods;

2. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s report S/2005/313;

3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1602 Extension of UN Operation in Burundi

Date: 31 May 2005 Meeting: 5193

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its relevant resolutions on Burundi and in particular resolutions 1545 of 21 May 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1577 of 1 December 2004 and 1596 of 18 April 2005, as well as the statements of its President, in particular those of 15 August 2004 (S/PRST/2004/30), of 14 March 2005 (S/PRST/2005/13) and of 23 May 2005 (S/PRST/2005/19),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Burundi, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness and non-interference, and of regional cooperation,

Reaffirming also its full support for the process of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, signed at Arusha on 28 August 2000 (hereafter “the Arusha Agreement”), calling on all the Burundian parties to fully honour their commitments, and assuring them of its determination to support Burundi’s efforts to bring the transition to an end successfully through the holding of free and fair elections,

Welcoming the positive achievements that have been made so far by the Burundian parties, including since the deployment of the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) on 1 June 2004,

Welcoming in particular the approval by the Burundian people of the post-transitional Constitution in the referendum of 28 February 2005,

Taking note with satisfaction of the declaration signed on 15 May 2005 in Dar es Salaam by the President of Burundi, Mr. Domitien Ndayizeye, and by the leader of the rebel group of Palipehutu-FNL, Mr. Agathon Rwasa, and taking note in particular of the commitment by both parties to cease hostilities immediately, agree within a month on a permanent ceasefire, and negotiate without disturbing the electoral process,

Urging the international community to take advantage of these positive political developments to increase its assistance for social and economic development in Burundi,

Welcoming the imminent holding of elections as provided for by the Arusha Agreement, taking note with satisfaction of the electoral timetable confirmed at the last meeting of Member States of the Regional Initiative for Peace in Burundi on 22 April 2005 in Entebbe, calling on the Transitional authorities strictly to adhere to this timetable for the holding of each poll, and urging all Burundian parties and candidates to ensure respect for the electoral code of conduct, refrain from any actions that may disrupt the process and accept the result of the elections,

Encouraging the Transitional Government to continue, with the cooperation of ONUB, to enhance women’s participation in the political process,

Taking note of the progress achieved in the reform of the security sector, as well as in the disarmament and demobilization of former combatants, and stressing the need in this regard to implement without delay a national reintegration strategy in order to further consolidate peace and stability,

Paying tribute to the efforts of the Member States of the Regional Initiative for Burundi, especially Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Facilitation of South Africa, to support the peace process in Burundi, and encouraging them to continue to assist the efforts of the Burundian parties,

Encouraging also the international donor community to respond to requests from the Government of Burundi to strengthen its national judicial institutions and rule of law capacity,

Condemning all acts of violence, any threat of the use of force, as well as violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and stressing the need for the Burundian authorities to ensure the safety of civilian populations, in particular with regard to women, children and other vulnerable persons,

Reiterating its strong condemnation of the Gatumba massacre of 13 August 2004, and its commitment that perpetrators of such crimes, as well as all persons responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, be brought to justice,

Considering that bringing an end to the climate of impunity in Burundi, as well as in the Great Lakes of Africa as a whole, is essential for building lasting peace in the region,

Taking note with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General dated 19 May 2005 (S/2005/328),

Noting that factors of instability remain in Burundi, and determining that the situation in this country continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of ONUB until 1 December 2005;

2. Calls upon all Burundian parties to exert greater efforts to ensure success of the Transition, national reconciliation and stability of the country in the longer term, in particular by refraining from any actions which may affect the cohesion of the Arusha Agreement process;

3. Looks forward to the Secretary-General’s recommendations by 15 November 2005 on the role of the United Nations in supporting Burundi, including on the possible adjustment of ONUB’s mandate and force strength, in accordance with progress made on the ground;

4. Looks forward also to the submission by the Secretary-General of his detailed proposal, as described in paragraphs 53 and 54 of his report, for the establishment of an international support mechanism during the post-transitional period in Burundi;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep it informed in his reports on the situation in Burundi of actions taken in the fight against impunity;

6. Welcomes efforts undertaken by ONUB to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1603 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire

Date: 3 June 2005 Meeting: 5194

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,

Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, and the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement),

Welcoming the efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards re-establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire,

Welcoming, in particular, the mediation efforts undertaken by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on behalf of the African Union, and reaffirming its full support for him,

Welcoming the signature by the Ivorian parties on 6 April 2005 in Pretoria of the agreement on the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire (the Pretoria Agreement), under the auspices of President Thabo Mbeki, and expressing its satisfaction with the first steps which have been undertaken by the Ivorian parties in order to implement this agreement, in particular with the agreement on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process reached on 14 May 2005 and the restoration of the status of the Ivorian Radio and Television to that it enjoyed before 24 December 2004,

Reaffirming its resolutions 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000 on women, peace and security, 1379 (2001) of 20 November 2001 and 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003 on children and armed conflict, as well as its resolutions 1265 (1999) of 17 September 1999 and 1296 (2000) of 19 April 2000 on protection of civilians in armed conflict,

Expressing grave concern at the allegations of misconduct of some peacekeeping troops deployed in African countries, including the sexual exploitation, affirming that these troops should limit their behaviour in line with their code of conduct and reaffirming that there will be a zero-tolerance policy of any illegal misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse in all peacekeeping troops,

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General of 18 March 2005 (S/2005/186),

Having also taken note of the letter of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South-Africa of 24 May 2005 (S/2005/340),

Expressing its concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, in particular in the West of the country,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Endorses the Pretoria Agreement and demands that all the signatories to the agreement and all the Ivorian parties concerned implement it fully and without delay;

2. Stresses in this regard that non-respect, by the signatories to the Pretoria Agreement, or by any other Ivorian party concerned, of any of the commitments made in Pretoria in the presence of President Thabo Mbeki would endanger the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire and would constitute an obstacle to the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and the Accra III Agreement, and therefore reaffirms its readiness to implement paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) if the parties fail to meet their commitments under the Linas-Marcoussis and Pretoria Agreements;

3. Commends President Thabo Mbeki for the essential role he has played, on behalf of the African Union, to restore peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirms its full support for his mediation efforts, reminds the signatories to the Pretoria Agreement that in the event of differences in the interpretation of all or part of the agreement, they should seek a ruling from President Thabo Mbeki and encourages the Secretary-General, President Thabo Mbeki and the African Union to continue to collaborate closely in the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement;

4. Takes note with satisfaction of the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement reaffirming the determination of the signatories of the Agreement regarding the need to organize presidential elections in October 2005 and legislative elections following immediately thereafter, as well as their agreement to invite the United Nations to participate in the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Constitutional Council and in the organization of the general election, and of the decision by the Council of Ministers on 28 April 2005 to hold the first round of the presidential elections on 30 October 2005;

5. Welcomes the decision taken by President Thabo Mbeki with regard to the eligibility for the Presidency of the Republic, as described in the letter he sent to Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, on 11 April 2005 (S/2005/270), and takes note with satisfaction of the announcement made by President Laurent Gbagbo on 26 April 2005 that all candidates nominated by the political parties signatory to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement would be eligible for the presidential elections;

6. Demands that all the Ivorian parties take all necessary steps to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and transparent;

7. Requests the Secretary-General, on the basis of the Pretoria Agreement, to designate, as an exceptional arrangement, after consultations with the African Union and President Thabo Mbeki, a High Representative for the elections in Côte d’Ivoire (the High Representative), autonomous from the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), to assist in particular in the work of the Independent Electoral Commission and of the Constitutional Council, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with the following mandate:

(a) To verify, on behalf of the international community, that all stages of the electoral process, including the establishment of a register of voters and the issuance of voters’ cards, provide all the necessary guarantees for the holding of open, free, fair and transparent presidential and legislative elections within the time limits laid down in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire;

(b) To provide, in close cooperation with UNOCI and the mediation, all necessary advice and guidance to the Constitutional Council, the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies or institutes to help them prevent and resolve any difficulty which may jeopardize the holding of open, free, fair and transparent elections within the time limits laid down in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, with the authority in this regard to make necessary determinations;

(c) To report immediately to the Security Council through the Secretary-General, and to inform the mediator of the African Union, President Mbeki, any difficulty which may jeopardize the holding of open, free, fair and transparent elections, and to submit to them, as appropriate, such recommendations as he may see fit to make;

(d) To keep the Security Council, through the Secretary-General, and President Thabo Mbeki regularly informed of all aspects of his mandate;

(e) To request and receive information and technical advice from UNOCI as well as other sources;

8. Decides that the mandate of the High Representative as referred to in paragraph 7 above will end after the forthcoming general elections in Côte d’Ivoire;

9. Calls upon the community of donors to provide all the necessary financial resources to the High Representative to support the full implementation of his mission;

10. Takes note of the agreement on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process and on the restructuring of the armed forces signed on 14 May 2005 in Yamoussoukro by the Chiefs of Staff of the National Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the armed forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN), demands that the parties implement fully this agreement so that the DDR process can start without delay, reaffirms in this regard paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004), reaffirms also paragraph 8 of resolution 1584 (2005) regarding the establishment of a comprehensive list of armaments in their possession and demands the immediate disarmament and dismantling of militias throughout the national territory;

11. Decides that the mandate of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it shall be extended until 24 June 2005, with a view to renew it, in this specific instance, for a period of seven months;

12. Authorizes the Secretary-General to begin the necessary planning and preparations, including troop and police generation as well as required support and other arrangements, to facilitate a timely deployment in the event that the Security Council decides to increase UNOCI’s authorized strength of troops and police and to adjust its mandate;

13. Underlines the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding and of appropriate expertise in this regard, and encourages UNOCI to actively address this issue;

14. Urges donors and international financial institutions to provide the necessary support to the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, in particular the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme and the electoral process, through the expeditious allocation of financial resources;

15. Calls upon all parties to cooperate fully in the deployment and operations of UNOCI, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, as well as associated personnel throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire;

16. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNOCI to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

17. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed of the developments of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, the implementation of the mandate of UNOCI and of the Linas-Marcoussis and Pretoria Agreements, and to report to it in this regard every three months;

18. Requests also France to continue to report to it periodically on all aspects of its mandate in Côte d’Ivoire;

19. Invites the African Union to keep it regularly informed of the implementation of the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement and to make recommendations to it as it deems necessary;

20. Expresses its full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;

21. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1604 Extension of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

Date: 15 June 2005 Meeting: 5202

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 27 May 2005 (S/2005/353) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,

Reiterating its call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness, and welcoming in this regard the resumption of the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons since August 2004,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s review of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Cyprus (UNFICYP), pursuant to resolution 1568 (2004) of 22 October 2004,

Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 June 2005,

Taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security situation on the island continues to be stable and that the situation along the Green Line remains calm, and, nonetheless, that there were problems in a few sensitive areas, and welcoming in this context the further decrease in the overall number of incidents involving the two sides,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the operations of UNFICYP under close review, continuing to take into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and to revert to the Council with recommendations for further adjustments as appropriate to UNFICYP’s mandate, force levels and concept of operation once he judges that sufficient time has passed since the implementation of UNFICYP’s new concept of operations to make this assessment,

Taking note with satisfaction of the lifting of restrictions of movement of UNFICYP by the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish forces, and taking note in this connection that UNFICYP enjoys good cooperation from both sides,

Welcoming the fact that over seven million crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south have taken place, and encouraging the opening of additional crossing points,

Expressing concern at the increase in crime across the ceasefire line and urging both sides to increase cooperation in order to address this issue,

Welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events, including, inter alia, on the part of the United Nations, and urging the two sides to promote further bicommunal contacts and to remove any obstacles to such contacts,

Echoing the Secretary-General’s gratitude to the Government of Cyprus and the Government of Greece for their voluntary contributions to the funding of UNFICYP, and his request for further voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations,

Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,

1. Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period ending 15 December 2005;

3. Calls on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to restore in Strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on implementation of this resolution by 1 December 2005;

5. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNFICYP to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1605 Mandate renewal of UN Disengagement Observer Force

Date: 17 June 2005 Meeting: 5205

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force of 10 June 2005 (S/2005/379), and also reaffirming its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,

1. Calls upon the parties concerned to implement immediately its resolution 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973;

2. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

3. Decides to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of six months, that is, until 31 December 2005;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement resolution 338 (1973).

S/RES/1606 Negotiations on Burundi Truth Commission and Special Chamber

Date: 20 June 2005 Meeting: 5207

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its support for the process of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, signed at Arusha on 28 August 2000,

Convinced of the need, for the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in Burundi, to establish the truth, investigate the crimes, and identify and bring to justice those bearing the greatest responsibility for crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Burundi since independence, to deter future crimes of this nature, and to bring an end to the climate of impunity, in Burundi and in the region of the Great Lakes of Africa as a whole,

Emphasizing that appropriate international assistance to Burundi is needed to help the Burundian people end impunity, promote reconciliation, and establish a society and government under the rule of law,

Having taken note of the letter addressed on 24 July 2002 by the then President of the Republic of Burundi, Pierre Buyoya, to the Secretary-General to request the establishment of an international judicial commission of inquiry, as provided for in the Arusha Agreement,

Having also taken note of the report transmitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council on 11 March 2005 (S/2005/158), following on the assessment mission he had dispatched to Burundi, from 16 to 24 May 2004, to consider the advisability and feasibility of establishing such a commission,

Having heard the opinion of the Transitional Government of Burundi, presented by its Justice Minister, Didace Kiganahe, on 15 June 2005, on the recommendations contained in this report, which aim at the creation of a mixed Truth Commission and a Special Chamber within the court system of Burundi,

Acknowledging the crucial importance of reconciliation for peace and national unity in Burundi and sharing the view that a future Truth Commission should contribute to it,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to initiate negotiations with the Government and consultations with all Burundian parties concerned on how to implement his recommendations, and to report to the Council by 30 September 2005 on details of implementation, including costs, structures and time frame;

2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1607 Extension of Liberia diamond embargo

Date: 21 June 2005 Meeting: 5208

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on the situation in Liberia and West Africa,

Taking note of the reports of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Liberia dated 17 March 2005 (S/2005/176) and 13 June 2005 (S/2005/360), and the report of the Secretary-General dated 7 June 2005 (S/2005/376), submitted pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004),

Recognizing the linkage between the illegal exploitation of natural resources such as diamonds and timber, illicit trade in such resources, and the proliferation and trafficking of arms and the recruitment and use of mercenaries as one of the sources of fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in West Africa, particularly in Liberia,

Recalling that the measures imposed under resolution 1521 (2003) were designed to prevent such illegal exploitation from fuelling a resumption of the conflict in Liberia, as well as to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the extension of the authority of the National Transitional Government throughout Liberia,

Expressing its concern that, while the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has contributed to the improvement of security throughout Liberia, the National Transitional Government has not yet established its authority throughout Liberia,

Emphasizing the need for the international community to help the National Transitional Government increase its capacity to establish its authority throughout Liberia, particularly to establish its control over the diamond- and timber-producing areas and Liberia’s borders,

Expressing deep concern at information that former President Charles Taylor and others still closely associated with him continue to engage in activities that undermine peace and stability in Liberia and the region,

Having reviewed the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) and paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) and the progress towards meeting the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003),

Welcoming the assessment of the Panel of Experts that there is no evidence of illegal timber being exported from Liberia, but noting with concern that few of the reforms in the National Transitional Government of Liberia road map necessary to meet the conditions set forth in paragraph 11 of resolution 1521 (2003) for lifting the measures on timber imposed by paragraph 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) have been implemented,

Acknowledging the recent completion of the Forest Concession Review and welcoming the report of the Forest Concession Review Committee,

Welcoming the progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia with training for diamond mining officials, but noting with serious concern the increase in unlicensed mining and illegal exports of diamonds and the National Transitional Government of Liberia’s agreement to, and lack of transparency in, granting exclusive mining rights to a single company,

Noting with concern the limited progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia towards establishing transparent financial management systems that will help ensure that government revenues are not used to fuel conflict or otherwise used in violation of the Council’s resolutions but are used for legitimate purposes for the benefit of the Liberian people, including development,

Taking note of the ongoing discussions regarding a Liberia Economic Governance Action Plan, designed to ensure prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to expedite the lifting of measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), and expressing its intention to consider, as appropriate, the Action Plan,

Emphasizing that, despite completion of demobilization and disarmament, significant challenges remain in completing reintegration and repatriation of ex-combatants and restructuring of the security sector, as well as establishing and maintaining stability in Liberia and the subregion,

Determining that the situation in Liberia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides, on the basis of its assessments above of progress made by the National Transitional Government of Liberia towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), to renew the measures on diamonds imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1521 (2003) for a further period of six months from the date of adoption of this resolution;

2. Urges the National Transitional Government of Liberia to intensify its efforts, with the support of UNMIL, to establish its authority over the diamond-producing areas, and to work towards establishing an official Certificate of Origin regime for trade in rough diamonds that is transparent and internationally verifiable, with a view to joining the Kimberley Process;

3. Reiterates the Council’s readiness to terminate all measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003) once the conditions set forth in paragraphs 5, 7 and 11 of resolution 1521 (2003) have been met;

4. Calls on the National Transitional Government of Liberia urgently to intensify its efforts to reform the Forestry Development Authority, to implement the Liberia Forest Initiative and to implement the Forest Concession Review Committee’s recommendations for reform, which will ensure transparency, accountability and sustainable forest management and contribute towards the lifting of the measures on timber set forth in paragraph 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);

5. Invites the National Transitional Government of Liberia to consider, with the assistance of international partners and for a specific time period, the possibility of commissioning independent external advice on the management of Liberia’s diamond and timber resources, in order to increase investor confidence and attract additional donor support;

6. Notes that the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004) remain in force to prevent former President Charles Taylor, his immediate family members, senior officials of the former Taylor regime, or other close allies or associates from using misappropriated funds and property to interfere in the restoration of peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion, and reconfirms its intention to review these measures at least once a year;

7. Reiterates its intention to consider whether and how to make available to the Government of Liberia the funds, other financial assets and economic resources frozen pursuant to paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), once that Government has established transparent accounting and auditing mechanisms to ensure the responsible use of government revenue to benefit directly the people of Liberia;

8. Emphasizes its concern that the National Transitional Government of Liberia has taken no action to implement its obligations under paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and calls on the Government to take such action immediately, particularly through adopting the necessary domestic legislation, with technical support provided by Member States;

9. Notes also that the measures on arms, travel and timber imposed by paragraphs 2, 4 and 10 respectively of resolution 1521 (2003) and renewed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1579 (2004) remain in force until 21 December 2005;

10. Urges UNMIL to intensify its efforts, as mandated in resolution 1509 (2003), to assist the National Transitional Government of Liberia in re-establishing its authority throughout Liberia, including diamond-producing and timber-producing areas, and restoring proper administration of natural resources;

11. Reiterates the importance of UNMIL’s continuing assistance to the National Transitional Government of Liberia, the Committee established by paragraph 21 of resolution 1521 (2003) (“the Committee”) and the Panel of Experts, within its capabilities and areas of deployment, and without prejudice to its mandate, in the following areas:

(a) monitoring the implementation of the measures in paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003) in accordance with paragraph 23 of that resolution;

(b) supporting efforts by the Transitional Government to prevent violations of those measures, and reporting any such violations;

(c) collecting, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Liberia in violation of the measures taken by States to implement paragraph 2 of resolution 1521 (2003), and disposing of such arms and related materiel as appropriate;

(d) assisting the National Transitional Government of Liberia in monitoring the recruitment and movement of ex-combatants, and reporting any relevant information to the Panel and the Committee, in order to reduce the opportunity for ex-combatants to undermine the peace process or provoke renewed instability in Liberia and the subregion;

(e) developing a strategy, in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners, to consolidate a national legal framework as mandated in resolution 1509 (2003), including the implementation by the National Transitional Government of Liberia of the measures in paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004);

12. Calls upon UNMIL and the United Nations Missions in Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to intensify their cooperation, within their capabilities and areas of deployment and without prejudice to their mandates, to monitor arms trafficking and recruitment of mercenaries within the subregion;

13. Reiterates its call on the international donor community to continue to provide assistance to the peace process, including for reintegration of ex-combatants and reconstruction, to contribute generously to consolidated humanitarian appeals, to disburse as soon as possible the pledges made at the Liberia Reconstruction Conference in New York on 5-6 February 2004 and to respond to the financial, administrative and technical needs of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, in particular to assist the Government to meet the conditions referred to in paragraph 3 above, so that the measures can be lifted as soon as possible;

14. Decides to re-establish the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004) for a further period until 21 December 2005 to undertake the following tasks:

(a) to conduct a follow-up assessment mission to Liberia and neighbouring States, in order to investigate and compile a report on the implementation, and any violations, of the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003), including any information relevant to the designation by the Committee of the individuals described in paragraph 4 (a) of resolution 1521 (2003) and paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004), and including the various sources of financing, such as from natural resources, for the illicit trade of arms;

(b) to assess the impact and effectiveness of the measures imposed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1532 (2004);

(c) to assess the progress made towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003);

(d) to assess the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the measures imposed by paragraphs 2, 4, 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);

(e) to report to the Council through the Committee by 7 December 2005 on all the issues listed in this paragraph, and to provide informal updates to the Committee as appropriate before that date, especially on progress towards meeting the conditions for lifting the measures imposed by paragraphs 6 and 10 of resolution 1521 (2003);

(f) to cooperate with other relevant groups of experts, in particular that established on Côte d’Ivoire by resolution 1584 of 1 February 2005;

15. Requests the Secretary-General, acting in consultation with the Committee, to appoint as soon as possible no more than five experts, with the appropriate range of expertise, in particular on arms, timber, diamonds, finance, humanitarian and socio-economic and any other relevant issues, drawing as much as possible on the expertise of the members of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1579 (2004), and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support the work of the Panel;

16. Calls upon all States and the National Transitional Government of Liberia to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts;

17. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1608 Extension of UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti

Date: 22 June 2005 Meeting: 5210

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming resolutions 1542 (2004) and 1576 (2004), and recalling resolution 1529 (2004), relevant statements by its President, as well as the Security Council’s report on its Mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 April 2005 (S/2005/302),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti,

Stressing that free and fair elections, open to all political parties that have renounced violence and with the broadest possible participation of the Haitian people, must take place in 2005 in accordance with the established timetable, and that the democratically elected authorities must take office on 7 February 2006,

Affirming its determination to ensure a secure and stable environment in which the electoral process can take place,

Condemning all violations of human rights, including lack of due process and prolonged pretrial detentions, and urging the Transitional Government of Haiti to take all necessary measures to put an end to impunity and to ensure progress in the respect for the rule of law, including by pursuing reforms in the Haitian National Police (HNP) and in the justice and correctional systems,

Reaffirming the importance of appropriate expertise on issues relating to gender in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), recalling the need to address violence against women and children, and encouraging the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) as well as the Transitional Government of Haiti to actively address these issues,

Underlining that pervasive poverty is an important root cause of unrest in Haiti, and stressing that there can be no genuine stability without strengthening its economy, including through a long-term strategy for sustainable development and the strengthening of Haitian institutions,

Welcoming the approval of a National Programme on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) by the Transitional Government of Haiti, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and MINUSTAH, and emphasizing that its implementation is imperative for broader stabilization efforts to succeed,

Recalling that security, political reconciliation, and economic reconstruction efforts remain key to the stability of Haiti,

Noting that the Haitian people must take responsibility for achieving stability, social and economic development and law and order,

Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, as described in Section 1 of operative paragraph 7 of resolution 1542 (2004),

1. Decides to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, as contained in resolution 1542 (2004), until 15 February 2006, with the intention to renew for further periods;

2. Welcomes the Report of the Secretary-General of 19 May 2005 on MINUSTAH (S/2005/313), and supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General as outlined in paragraphs 44-52, as follows:

(a) a temporary increase, during the electoral period and subsequent political transition, of 750 personnel to MINUSTAH’s currently authorized military strength in order to create a rapid reaction force in Haiti to provide increased security, in particular in and around Port-au-Prince;

(b) an increase of 50 military personnel in order to create a sector headquarters in Port-au-Prince, with the understanding that MINUSTAH will optimize at all levels the coordination between military and police components to ensure efficient and better-integrated operations, including by posting UN staff civilian police officers in this headquarters;

(c) a temporary increase, during the electoral period and subsequent political transition, of 275 personnel to the current strength of MINUSTAH’s civilian police component to provide increased security;

(d) an assessment of the Haitian judiciary and correctional systems including to explore possibilities for greater international community support, and a more active role by MINUSTAH, to be submitted to the Security Council as soon as possible;

3. Decides that for a temporary period MINUSTAH will consist of a military component of up to 7,500 troops of all ranks and of up to 1,897 Civilian Police. Requests the Secretary-General to devise, in a timely manner, a progressive drawdown strategy of the MINUSTAH force levels for the post-election period, in accordance with the situation on the ground;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to share with the Council the overall plan for the successful holding of elections in Haiti, including voter registration, security, logistics, civic education, observation, and detailed budget information; urges Haitian authorities to increase and accelerate efforts to prepare for and ensure the smooth conduct of the elections; and calls upon international donors to provide the necessary resources to support the electoral process;

5. Requests also the Secretary-General to share with the Council the reform plan for the HNP, formulated by MINUSTAH and the Haitian authorities, that includes the anticipated size, standards, implementation timetable, and resources;

6. Requests that MINUSTAH concentrate the use of its resources, including civilian police, towards increasing security and protection during the electoral period; including a review, as appropriate, of the rules of engagement of the individual civilian police officers;

7. Requests that MINUSTAH and the Haitian authorities take all necessary steps to achieve optimal coordination between MINUSTAH’s civilian police and the HNP;

8. Reaffirms MINUSTAH’s authority to vet and certify new and existing HNP personnel for service, and urges the Transitional Government of Haiti to ensure that HNP personnel do not serve unless certified and to ensure that technical advice and recommendations provided by MINUSTAH are fully implemented by Haitian authorities at all levels without delay;

9. Calls upon MINUSTAH to make the Joint Mission Analysis Cell operational as soon as possible in order to pool and better use the information available to the MINUSTAH military, police and civilian components; and also calls for the use of MINUSTAH’s aviation assets in an efficient and effective manner in support of security operations;

10. Urges the Transitional Government to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into cases of human rights violations, particularly those allegedly involving HNP officers; requests that in order to support this effort MINUSTAH make the Joint Special Investigation Unit operational as soon as possible;

11. Welcomes the launching on 7 April 2005 of the “national dialogue” by the Transitional Government of Haiti, and stresses that such a dialogue should serve the long-term aim of national reconciliation and, in the shorter term, the holding of credible and inclusive elections; urges the Transitional Government of Haiti to redouble its efforts for this essential process and invites all Haitians to participate in this dialogue without delay;

12. Urges the Transitional Government of Haiti and MINUSTAH to begin immediately effective implementation of the DDR programme and calls on all Member States to provide timely financial, human and technical resources in support of this programme;

13. Renews its appeal for the accelerated disbursement of the funds pledged by international financial institutions and donors at the July 2004 International Donors Conference on Haiti; supports the Cayenne follow-up donor conference held on 16 and 17 June 2005, in Montreal; and calls upon all donors to continue to assist Haiti;

14. Requests MINUSTAH to strengthen its capacity to implement quick-impact projects; and calls for increased coordination between the various development actors in Haiti in order to ensure greater efficiency in development efforts;

15. Invites the Bretton Woods institutions to consider the issue of debt sustainability and the implications of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative for Haiti;

16. Urges MINUSTAH to urgently develop and implement a proactive communications and public relations strategy, in order to improve the Haitian population’s understanding of the mandate of MINUSTAH and its role in Haiti;

17. Welcomes efforts undertaken by MINUSTAH to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

18. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the effectiveness of the implementation of MINUSTAH’s mandate at least once every three months; requests further that the Secretariat keeps the Council members informed, on a regular basis, on the status of electoral preparations, including party and voter registration figures and other relevant data;

19. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1609 Extension of UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire

Date: 24 June 2005 Meeting: 5213

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,

Recalling also its resolutions 1561 (2004) of 17 September 2004 on the situation in Liberia and 1562 (2004)

of 17 September 2004 on the situation in Sierra Leone,

Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement) and the Agreement signed in Pretoria on 6 April 2005 (the Pretoria Agreement),

Having taken note of the report of the Secretary-General of 17 June 2005 (S/2005/398 and S/2005/398/Add.1) and of his report of 2 March 2005 on inter-mission cooperation and possible cross-border operations between the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (S/2005/135),

Expressing its serious concern at the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation, in particular after the dramatic events that occurred in the West of the country,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that the mandate of UNOCI and of the French forces which support it shall be extended, in this specific instance, for a period of 7 months, until 24 January 2006;

2. Decides that UNOCI shall have the following mandate from the date of adoption of this resolution:

Monitoring of the cessation of hostilities and movements of armed groups

(a) To observe and monitor the implementation of the joint declaration of the end of the war of 6 April 2005 and of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement of 3 May 2003, to prevent, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, any hostile action, in particular within the Zone of Confidence, and to investigate violations of the ceasefire,

(b) To liaise with the National Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FANCI) and the military elements of the Forces Nouvelles in order to promote, in coordination with the French forces, the re-establishment of trust among all the Ivorian forces involved,

(c) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in monitoring the borders, with particular attention to the situation of Liberian refugees and to any cross-border movement of combatants,

Disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement

(d) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in undertaking the regrouping of all the Ivorian forces involved and to assist in ensuring the security of their disarmament, cantonment and demobilization sites,

(e) To support the Government of National Reconciliation in the implementation of the national programme for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants, paying special attention to the specific needs of women and children,

(f) To coordinate closely with the United Nations missions in Sierra Leone and in Liberia in the implementation of a voluntary repatriation and resettlement programme for foreign ex-combatants, paying special attention to the specific needs of women and children, in support of the efforts of the Government of National Reconciliation and in cooperation with the Governments concerned, relevant international financial institutions, international development organizations and donor nations,

(g) To ensure that the programmes mentioned in paragraphs (e) and (f) take into account the need for a coordinated regional approach,

(h) To secure, neutralize or destroy any weapons, ammunition or any other military materiel surrendered by the former combatants,

Disarmament and dismantling of militias

(i) To assist the Prime Minister of the Government of National Reconciliation in formulating and monitoring the implementation of the Joint Operation Plan for the disarmament and dismantling of militias envisaged in article 4 of the Pretoria Agreement,

(j) To secure, neutralize or destroy all weapons, ammunition and other military materiel surrendered by militias,

Protection of United Nations personnel, institutions and civilians

(k) To protect United Nations personnel, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of National Reconciliation, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment,

(l) To support, in coordination with the Ivorian and South African authorities, the provision of security for members of the Government of National Reconciliation,

Monitoring of the arms embargo

(m) To monitor the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), in cooperation with the Group of Experts established under resolution 1584 (2005) and, as appropriate, with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and Governments concerned, including by inspecting, as they deem it necessary and without notice, the cargo of aircraft and of any transport vehicle using the ports, airports, airfields, military bases and border crossings of Côte d’Ivoire,

(n) To collect, as appropriate, arms and any related materiel brought into Côte d’Ivoire in violation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004), and to dispose of such arms and related materiel as appropriate,

Support for humanitarian assistance

(o) To facilitate the free flow of people, goods and humanitarian assistance, inter alia, by helping to establish the necessary security conditions and taking into account the special needs of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and elderly people,

Support for the redeployment of State administration

(p) To facilitate, with the assistance of the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners, the re-establishment by the Government of National Reconciliation of the authority of the State throughout Côte d’Ivoire which is essential for the social and economic recovery of the country,

Support for the organization of open, free, fair and transparent elections

(q) To provide all necessary technical assistance to the Government of National Reconciliation, the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies or institutes, with the support of the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners, for the organization of open, free, fair and transparent presidential and legislative elections within the time frames envisaged in the Constitution of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire,

(r) To provide technical information, advice and assistance as appropriate to the High Representative referred to in paragraph 7 of resolution 1603 (2005) of 3 June 2005,

(s) To contribute, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment, to the security of the areas where voting is to take place,

Assistance in the field of human rights

(t) To contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, with special attention to violence committed against children and women, to monitor and help investigate human rights violations with a view to ending impunity, and to keep the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of developments in this regard,

Public information

(u) To promote understanding of the peace process and the role of UNOCI among local communities and the parties, through the Mission’s public information capacity, including its radio broadcasting capability,

(v) To monitor the Ivorian mass media, in particular with regard to any incidents of incitement by the media to hatred, intolerance and violence, and to keep the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) regularly informed of the situation in this regard,

Law and order

(w) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in conjunction with the African Union, ECOWAS and other international organizations in restoring a civilian policing presence throughout Côte d’Ivoire, to advise the Government of National Reconciliation on the restructuring of the internal security services, and to assist the Ivorian parties with the implementation of temporary and interim security measures in the northern part of the country, as provided for in paragraph 6 of the Pretoria Agreement,

(x) To assist the Government of National Reconciliation in conjunction with the African Union, ECOWAS and other international organizations in re-establishing the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law throughout Côte d’Ivoire;

3. Authorizes, for the period specified in paragraph 1 above, an increase in the military component of UNOCI of up to 850 additional personnel as well as an increase in the civilian police component of up to a ceiling of 725 civilian police personnel, including three formed police units, and the necessary additional civilian personnel;

4. Authorizes the Secretary-General to take all the necessary steps in order to implement as appropriate relevant measures envisaged in paragraphs 19 to 23 and in paragraph 76 (b) through (e) of his report on inter-mission cooperation and possible cross-border operations between the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire dated 2 March 2005 (S/2005/135), subject to the agreements of the troop-contributing countries and, where relevant, of the governments concerned and without prejudice to the performance of the mandates of these United Nations missions;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to seek the agreement of the countries contributing military and civilian police personnel to UNMIL, UNAMSIL and UNOCI to redeploy such personnel as may be needed on a temporary basis to reinforce another of the above three missions, as appropriate, taking account of the need to ensure effective performance of the current mandates of those missions;

6. Authorizes, subject to the necessary prior steps referred to in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, including the agreements of the troop-contributing countries and, where relevant, the governments concerned, the temporary redeployment of military and civilian police personnel among UNMIL, UNAMSIL and UNOCI to deal with challenges which cannot be handled within the authorized personnel ceiling of a given mission, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The Secretary-General shall inform the Security Council in advance of his intention to make such a redeployment, including its scope and duration, with the understanding that the implementation of the above-mentioned reinforcement will require a corresponding decision of the Security Council,

(b) Any forces redeployed shall continue to be counted against the authorized ceiling on military and civilian personnel of the mission from which they are being transferred and shall not count against the ceiling of the mission to which they are being transferred,

(c) Any such transfer shall not result in any increase in the total combined ceilings on military and civilian personnel deployed in UNOCI, UNAMSIL and UNMIL determined by the Security Council in the respective mandates of the three missions,

(d) Any such transfer shall not have the effect of extending the deployment period of personnel deployed under the mandate of their original mission, unless the Security Council decides otherwise;

7. Decides to review the troop level of UNOCI by 31 December 2005, including the civilian police component, in the light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire after the forthcoming general elections and on the basis of the tasks remaining to be carried out, with a view to further reduction as appropriate;

8. Authorizes UNOCI to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate, within its capabilities and its areas of deployment;

9. Requests UNOCI to carry out its mandate in close liaison with the United Nations missions in Sierra Leone and in Liberia, including especially in the prevention of movements of arms and combatants across shared borders and the implementation of disarmament and demobilization programmes;

10. Underlines the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict peacebuilding and of appropriate expertise in this regard, and encourages UNOCI to actively address this issue;

11. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNOCI to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

12. Authorizes from the date of adoption of this resolution the French forces to use all necessary means in order to support UNOCI in accordance with the agreement reached between UNOCI and the French authorities, and in particular to:

– Contribute to the general security of the area of activity of the international forces,

– Intervene at the request of UNOCI in support of its elements whose security may be threatened,

– In consultation with UNOCI, intervene against belligerent actions, if the security conditions so require, outside UNOCI’s areas of deployment,

– Help to protect civilians, in the deployment areas of their units,

– Contribute to monitoring the arms embargo established by resolution 1572 (2004) in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of resolution 1584 (2005);

13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1610 Extension of UN Mission in Sierra Leone

Date: 30 June 2005 Meeting: 5219

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,

Affirming the commitment of all States to respect the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone,

Emphasizing the importance of the continued support of the United Nations and the international community for the long-term security and development of Sierra Leone,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 April 2005 (S/2005/273), and noting with approval his observations in paragraph 65 on the drawdown schedule of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and in paragraphs 63 to 64 on the need for a strong United Nations system presence in Sierra Leone after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL,

Commending the work of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and encouraging the Government of Sierra Leone to disseminate widely the Commission’s report and the Government’s response to it,

Expressing its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, noting its vital contribution to the establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone, and in this regard underlining the importance of ensuring that all those indicted by the Court appear before it, in order to strengthen the stability of Sierra Leone and the subregion and to bring an end to impunity, and encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court,

Determining that the situation in Sierra Leone continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that the mandate of UNAMSIL shall be extended for a final period of six months until 31 December 2005;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to finalize the necessary planning for an appropriate integrated United Nations system presence in Sierra Leone, as recommended in paragraphs 63 to 64 of the Secretary-General’s report, with the capacity and expertise to coordinate the activities of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, to cooperate with the donor community, and to continue to support the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone at peace consolidation and long-term development, after UNAMSIL has withdrawn;

3. Encourages UNAMSIL and the United Nations country team in Sierra Leone to continue their close collaboration to ensure a seamless transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, including through the implementation of their joint Transition Plan;

4. Recalls that the Sierra Leone security forces shall effectively assume full responsibility for security in the country after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL;

5. Underlines also the importance of providing effective security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone after UNAMSIL has withdrawn, and requests the Secretary-General to make recommendations on this to the Security Council as soon as possible;

6. Urges the Government of Sierra Leone to continue its efforts to develop an effective, affordable and sustainable police force, armed forces, penal system and independent judiciary, and further to promote good governance and strengthen mechanisms to tackle corruption, and encourages donors and UNAMSIL, in accordance with its mandate, to assist the Government in this regard, as well as in restoring public services throughout the country;

7. Encourages the United Nations missions in the region to continue their efforts towards enhancing inter-mission cooperation, especially in the prevention of movements of arms and combatants across borders and in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes;

8. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNAMSIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that such acts are properly investigated and punished in cases involving their personnel;

9. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to keep the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation in Sierra Leone under close review and to report regularly to the Council, after due consultations with troop-contributing countries and the Government of Sierra Leone;

10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1611 Condemnation of London terrorist attacks

Date: 7 July 2005 Meeting: 5223

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001 and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004,

Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,

1. Condemns without reservation the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July 2005, and regards any act of terrorism as a threat to peace and security;

2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families, and to the people and Government of the United Kingdom;

3. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these barbaric acts;

4. Expresses its utmost determination to combat terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

S/RES/1612 Implementation of monitoring and reporting mechanism on use of child soldiers

Date: 26 July 2005 Meeting: 5235

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolutions 1261 (1999) of 25 August 1999, 1314 (2000) of 11 August 2000, 1379 (2001) of 20 November 2001, 1460 (2003) of 30 January 2003, and 1539 (2004) of 22 April 2004, which contribute to a comprehensive framework for addressing the protection of children affected by armed conflict,

While noting the advances made for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, particularly in the areas of advocacy and the development of norms and standards, remaining deeply concerned over the lack of overall progress on the ground, where parties to conflict continue to violate with impunity the relevant provisions of applicable international law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict,

Stressing the primary role of national Governments in providing effective protection and relief to all children affected by armed conflicts,

Recalling the responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against children,

Convinced that the protection of children in armed conflict should be regarded as an important aspect of any comprehensive strategy to resolve conflict,

Reiterating its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and, in this connection, its commitment to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on children,

Stressing its determination to ensure respect for its resolutions and other international norms and standards for the protection of children affected by armed conflict,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 9 February 2005 (S/2005/72) and stressing that the present resolution does not seek to make any legal determination as to whether situations which are referred to in the Secretary-General’s report are or are not armed conflicts within the context of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols thereto, nor does it prejudge the legal status of the non-State parties involved in these situations,

Gravely concerned by the documented links between the use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and stressing the need for all States to take measures to prevent and to put an end to such trafficking,

1. Strongly condemns the recruitment and use of child soldiers by parties to armed conflict in violation of international obligations applicable to them and all other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict;

2. Takes note of the action plan presented by the Secretary-General relating to the establishment of a monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict as called for in paragraph 2 of its resolution 1539 (2004) and, in this regard:

(a) Underlines that the mechanism is to collect and provide timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and on other violations and abuses committed against children affected by armed conflict, and the mechanism will report to the working group to be created in accordance with paragraph 8 of this resolution;

(b) Underlines further that this mechanism must operate with the participation of and in cooperation with national Governments and relevant United Nations and civil society actors, including at the country level;

(c) Stresses that all actions undertaken by United Nations entities within the framework of the monitoring and reporting mechanism must be designed to support and supplement, as appropriate, the protection and rehabilitation roles of national Governments;

(d) Also stresses that any dialogue established under the framework of the monitoring and reporting mechanism by United Nations entities with non-State armed groups in order to ensure protection for and access to children must be conducted in the context of peace processes where they exist and the cooperation framework between the United Nations and the concerned Government;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to implement without delay, the above-mentioned monitoring and reporting mechanism, beginning with its application, within existing resources, in close consultation with countries concerned, to parties in situations of armed conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2005/72) that are on the agenda of the Security Council, and then, in close consultation with countries concerned, to apply it to parties in other situations of armed conflict listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2005/72), bearing in mind the discussion of the Security Council and the views expressed by Member States, in particular during the annual debate on Children and Armed Conflict, and also taking into account the findings and recommendations of an independent review on the implementation of the mechanism to be reported to the Security Council by 31 July 2006. The independent review will include:

(a) An assessment of the overall effectiveness of the mechanism, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, objectivity and reliability of the information compiled through the mechanism;

(b) Information on how effectively the mechanism is linked to the work of the Security Council and other organs of the United Nations;

(d) Information on the budgetary and other resource implications for United Nations actors and voluntary funded organizations contributing to the mechanism;

(e) Recommendations for the full implementation of the mechanism;

4. Stresses that the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism by the Secretary-General will be undertaken only in the context of and for the specific purpose of ensuring the protection of children affected by armed conflict and shall not thereby prejudge or imply a decision by the Security Council as to whether or not to include a situation on its agenda;

5. Welcomes the initiatives taken by UNICEF and other United Nations entities to gather information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers in violation of applicable international law and on other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict and invites the Secretary-General to take due account of these initiatives during the initial phase of implementation of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 3;

6. Notes that information compiled by this mechanism, for reporting by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly and the Security Council, may be considered by other international, regional and national bodies, within their mandates and the scope of their work, in order to ensure the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict;

7. Expresses serious concern regarding the lack of progress in development and implementation of the action plans called for in paragraph 5 (a) of its resolution 1539 (2004) and, pursuant to this, calls on the parties concerned to develop and implement action plans without further delay, in close collaboration with United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, consistent with their respective mandates and within their capabilities; and requests the Secretary-General to provide criteria to assist in the development of such action plans;

8. Decides to establish a working group of the Security Council consisting of all members of the Council to review the reports of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 3 of this resolution, to review progress in the development and implementation of the action plans mentioned in paragraph 7 of this resolution and to consider other relevant information presented to it; decides further that the working group shall:

(a) Make recommendations to the Council on possible measures to promote the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including through recommendations on appropriate mandates for peacekeeping missions and recommendations with respect to the parties to the conflict;

(b) Address requests, as appropriate, to other bodies within the United Nations system for action to support implementation of this resolution in accordance with their respective mandates;

9. Recalls paragraph 5 (c) of its resolution 1539 (2004), and reaffirms its intention to consider imposing, through country-specific resolutions, targeted and graduated measures, such as, inter alia, a ban on the export and supply of small arms and light weapons and of other military equipment and on military assistance, against parties to situations of armed conflict which are on the Security Council’s agenda and are in violation of applicable international law relating to the rights and protection of children in armed conflict;

10. Stresses the responsibility of United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, consistent with their respective mandates, to ensure effective follow-up to Security Council resolutions, ensure a coordinated response to CAAC concerns and to monitor and report to the Secretary-General;

11. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by United Nations peacekeeping operations to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of their personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of misconduct involving their personnel;

12. Decides to continue the inclusion of specific provisions for the protection of children in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations, including the deployment, on a case-by-case basis, of child-protection advisers (CPAs), and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the need for and the number and roles of CPAs are systematically assessed during the preparation of each United Nations peacekeeping operation; welcomes the comprehensive assessment undertaken on the role and activities of CPAs with a view to drawing lessons learned and best practices;

13. Welcomes recent initiatives by regional and subregional organizations and arrangements for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, and encourages continued mainstreaming of child protection into their advocacy, policies and programmes; development of peer review and monitoring and reporting mechanisms; establishment, within their secretariats, of child-protection mechanisms; inclusion of child-protection staff and training in their peace and field operations; sub- and interregional initiatives to end activities harmful to children in times of conflict, in particular cross-border recruitment and abduction of children, illicit movement of small arms, and illicit trade in natural resources through the development and implementation of guidelines on children and armed conflict;

14. Calls upon all parties concerned to ensure that the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict are specifically integrated into all peace processes, peace agreements and post-conflict recovery and reconstruction planning and programmes;

15. Calls upon all parties concerned to abide by the international obligations applicable to them relating to the protection of children affected by armed conflict as well as the concrete commitments they have made to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to UNICEF and other United Nations agencies and to cooperate fully with the United Nations peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams, where appropriate, in the context of the cooperation framework between the United Nations and the concerned Government, in the follow-up and implementation of these commitments;

16. Urges Member States, United Nations entities, regional and subregional organizations and other parties concerned, to take appropriate measures to control illicit subregional and cross-border activities harmful to children, including illicit exploitation of natural resources, illicit trade in small arms, abduction of children and their use and recruitment as soldiers as well as other violations and abuses committed against children in situations of armed conflict in violation of applicable international law;

17. Urges all parties concerned, including Member States, United Nations entities and financial institutions, to support the development and strengthening of the capacities of national institutions and local civil society networks for advocacy, protection and rehabilitation of children affected by armed conflict to ensure the sustainability of local child-protection initiatives;

18. Requests that the Secretary-General direct all relevant United Nations entities to take specific measures, within existing resources, to ensure systematic mainstreaming of CAAC issues within their respective institutions, including by ensuring allocation of adequate financial and human resources towards protection of war-affected children within all relevant offices and departments and on the ground as well as to strengthen, within their respective mandates, their cooperation and coordination when addressing the protection of children in armed conflict;

19. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to ensure that, in all his reports on country-specific situations, the protection of children is included as a specific aspect of the report, and expresses its intention to give its full attention to the information provided therein when dealing with those situations on its agenda;

20. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by November 2006 on the implementation of this resolution and resolutions 1379 (2001), 1460 (2003), and 1539 (2004) which would include, inter alia:

(a) Information on compliance by parties in ending the recruitment or use of children in armed conflict in violation of applicable international law and other violations being committed against children affected by armed conflict;

(b) Information on progress made in the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism mentioned in paragraph 3;

(c) Information on progress made in the development and implementation of the action plans referred to in paragraph 7 of the present resolution;

(d) Information on the assessment of the role and activities of CPAs;

21. Decides to remain actively seized of this matter.

S/RES/1613 List of ad litem judge candidates for former Yugoslavia Tribunal forwarded to General Assembly

Date: 26 July 2005 Meeting: 5236

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, 1166 (1998) of 13 May 1998, 1329 (2000) of 30 November 2000, 1411 (2002) of 17 May 2002, 1431 (2002) of 14 August 2002, 1481 (2003) of 19 May 2003, 1503 (2003) of 28 August 2003, 1534 (2004) of 26 March 2004 and 1597 (2005) of 20 April 2005,

Having considered the nominations for ad litem judges of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia received by the Secretary-General,

Forwards the following nominations to the General Assembly in accordance with Article 13 ter (1) (d) of the Statute of the International Tribunal:

Mr. Tanvir Bashir Ansari ( Pakistan)

Mr. Melville Baird ( Trinidad and Tobago)

Mr. Frans Bauduin (The Netherlands)

Mr. Giancarlo Roberto Belleli ( Italy)

Mr. Ishaq Usman Bello ( Nigeria)

Mr. Ali Nawaz Chowhan ( Pakistan)

Mr. Pedro David ( Argentina)

Mr. Ahmad Farawati ( Syrian Arab Republic)

Ms. Elizabeth Gwaunza ( Zimbabwe)

Mr. Burton Hall (The Bahamas)

Mr. Frederik Harhoff ( Denmark)

Mr. Frank Höpfel ( Austria)

Ms. Tsvetana Kamenova ( Bulgaria)

Mr. Muhammad Muzammal Khan ( Pakistan)

Mr. Uldis Kinis ( Latvia)

Mr. Raimo Lahti ( Finland)

Ms. Flavia Lattanzi ( Italy)

Mr. Antoine Mindua ( Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Mr. Jawdat Naboty ( Syrian Arab Republic)

Ms. Janet Nosworthy ( Jamaica)

Ms. Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme ( Nigeria)

Ms. Prisca Matimba Nyambe ( Zambia)

Ms. Michèle Picard ( France)

Mr. Brynmor Pollard ( Guyana)

Mr. Árpád Prandler ( Hungary)

Ms. Kimberly Prost ( Canada)

Mr. Sheikh Abdul Rashid ( Pakistan)

Ms. Vonimbolana Rasoazanany ( Madagascar)

Mr. Ole Bjørn Støle ( Norway)

Mr. Krister Thelin ( Sweden)

Mr. Klaus Tolksdorf ( Germany)

Mr. Stefan Trechsel ( Switzerland)

Mr. Abubakar Bashir Wali ( Nigeria)

Mr. Tan Sri Dato Lamin Haji Mohd Yunus ( Malaysia)

S/RES/1614 Extension of UN Interim Force in Lebanon

Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5241

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Lebanon, including resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978 and 1583 (2005) of 28 January 2005 as well as the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, in particular the statement of 18 June 2000 (S/PRST/2000/21),

Recalling further the letter from its President to the Secretary-General of 8 May 2001 (S/2001/500),

Recalling also the Secretary-General’s conclusion that, as of 16 June 2000, Israel had withdrawn its forces from Lebanon in accordance with resolution 425 (1978) and met the requirements defined in the Secretary-General’s report of 2 May 2000 (S/2000/460), as well as the Secretary-General’s conclusion that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had essentially completed two of the three parts of its mandate, focusing now on the remaining task of restoring international peace and security,

Reaffirming that the Council has recognized the Blue Line as valid for the purpose of confirming Israel’s withdrawal pursuant to resolution 425 (1978) and that the Blue Line must be respected in its entirety,

Gravely concerned at the persistence of tension and violence along the Blue Line, in particular the hostilities that took place in May and the grave incident on 29 June, which demonstrated once more that the situation remains volatile and fragile, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report of 21 July 2005 (S/2005/460),

Emphasizing once again the interim nature of UNIFIL,

Recalling its resolution 1308 (2000) of 17 July 2000,

Recalling also its resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000,

Recalling further the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,

Responding to the request of the Government of Lebanon to extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a new period of six months presented in the letter from its Chargé d’affaires to the United Nations of 11 July 2005 to the Secretary-General (S/2005/444),

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s opinion that the situation does not support a change in UNIFIL’s mandate or another reconfiguration of the Force at this stage, and his recommendation that its mandate be extended with no changes to the strength and composition of the Force,

1. Endorses the report of the Secretary-General on UNIFIL of 21 July 2005 (S/2005/460);

2. Decides to extend the present mandate until 31 January 2006;

4. Condemns all acts of violence, including the recent incidents across the Blue Line that have resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides, expresses great concern about the serious breaches and the sea, land and continuing air violations of the withdrawal line, and urges the parties to put an end to these violations, to refrain from any act or provocation that could further escalate the tension and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of the UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, including by avoiding any course of action which endangers United Nations personnel;

5. Reiterates its call on the parties to continue to fulfil the commitments they have given to respect fully the entire withdrawal line identified by the United Nations, as set out in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 June 2000 (S/2000/590), and to exercise utmost restraint;

6. Calls upon the Government of Lebanon to fully extend and exercise its sole and effective authority throughout the south, including through the deployment of sufficient numbers of Lebanese armed and security forces, to ensure a calm environment throughout the area, including along the Blue Line, and to exert control and monopoly over the use of force on its entire territory and to prevent attacks from Lebanon across the Blue Line;

7. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s intention to discuss with the Lebanese Government the next steps in preparing for an expansion of its authority in the south;

8. Supports the continued efforts of UNIFIL to maintain the ceasefire along the withdrawal line through mobile land and air patrols and observation from fixed positions and through close contacts with the parties to correct violations, resolve incidents and prevent their escalation, while stressing the primary responsibility of the parties in this regard;

9. Welcomes the continued contribution of UNIFIL to operational mine clearance, encourages further assistance in mine action by the United Nations to the Government of Lebanon in support of both the continued development of its national mine action capacity and clearance of the remaining mine/UXO threat in the south, commends donor countries for supporting these efforts through financial and in kind contributions and encourages further international contributions, and stresses the necessity for provision to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL any additional existing maps and minefield records;

10. Calls on the parties to ensure UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement throughout its area of operation as outlined in the Secretary-General’s report, requests UNIFIL to report any obstruction it may face in the discharge of its mandate, and reiterates its call on the parties to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL;

11. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNIFIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

12. Requests the Secretary-General to continue consultations with the Government of Lebanon and other parties directly concerned on the implementation of this resolution and to report thereon to the Council before the end of the present mandate as well as on the activities of UNIFIL and the tasks presently carried out by the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO);

13. Expresses its intention to keep the mandate and structures of UNIFIL under regular review, taking into account the prevailing situation on the ground, the activities actually performed by the Force in its area of operation, its contribution towards the remaining task of restoring international peace and security, the views of the Lebanese Government and the implications for the Force of an increased presence of the Lebanese army in the south;

14. Looks forward to the early fulfilment of the mandate of UNIFIL;

15. Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all its relevant resolutions including its resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 2 October 1973.

S/RES/1615 Extension of UN Observer Mission in Georgia

Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5242

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its relevant resolutions, in particular resolution 1582 of 28 January 2005 (S/RES/1582),

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 14 July 2005,

Recalling the conclusions of the Lisbon (S/1997/57, annex) and Istanbul summits of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regarding the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia,

Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994,

Stressing that the continued lack of progress on key issues of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Abkhazia, Georgia, is unacceptable,

Welcoming, however, the positive momentum given to the United Nations-led peace process by regular high-level meetings of the Group of Friends in Geneva and the Georgian-Russian summit meetings,

4. Deeply regrets the continued refusal of the Abkhaz side to agree to a discussion on the substance of this document, again strongly urges the Abkhaz side to receive the document and its transmittal letter, urges both parties thereafter to give them full and open consideration, and to engage in constructive negotiations on their substance, and urges those having influence with the parties to promote this outcome;

6. Calls on both sides to participate in constructive negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict and to spare no efforts to overcome their ongoing mutual mistrust and underlines that the process of negotiation leading to a lasting political settlement acceptable to both sides will require concessions from both sides;

7. Welcomes the commitment by the Georgian side to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and calls on both parties further to publicly dissociate themselves from all militant rhetoric and demonstrations of support for military options;

8. Reminds all concerned to refrain from any action that might impede the peace process;

9. Welcomes the convening of regular meetings of senior representatives of the Group of Friends and the United Nations in Geneva as well as the participation of both sides in the last meeting on 7 and 8 April 2005 and the commitments expressed by the parties during this meeting and strongly urges both sides to continue to participate constructively in future meetings;

10. Urges the parties to participate in a more active, regular and structured manner in the task forces established in the first Geneva meeting (to address issues in the priority areas of economic cooperation, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and political and security matters) and complemented by the working groups established in Sochi in March 2003, and reiterates that results oriented activities in these three priority areas remain key to building common ground between the Georgian and Abkhaz sides and ultimately for concluding meaningful negotiations on a comprehensive political settlement based on the paper entitled “Basic Principles for the Distribution of Competences between Tbilisi and Sukhumi” and its transmittal letter;

11. Regrets the cancellation of the meeting on security guarantees planned for July 2005 and expects that such a meeting with the full participation of both sides will be held as soon as possible;

12. Welcomes the signing on 12 May 2005 of a Protocol with measures to strengthen the implementation of the Moscow agreement on ceasefire and separation of forces of 1994;

13. Calls again on the parties to take concrete steps to revitalize the peace process in all its major aspects, including their work in the Coordinating Council and its relevant mechanisms, to build on the results of the Yalta meeting on confidence-building measures in March 2001 (S/2001/242) and to implement the proposals agreed on that occasion in a purposeful and cooperative manner, with a view to holding a fourth conference on confidence-building measures, and welcomes the intention expressed by Germany to host such a meeting on economic cooperation and confidence-building measures pending progress in the conflict resolution process;

14. Welcomes the positive developments towards the reopening of the railways between Sochi and Tbilisi and towards the return of refugees and internally displaced persons;

15. Notes that contacts at the level of civil society can reinforce mutual confidence and calls on both sides to facilitate such contacts;

16. Stresses the urgent need for progress on the question of the refugees and internally displaced persons, calls on both sides to display a genuine commitment to make returns the focus of special attention and to undertake this task in close coordination with UNOMIG and consultations with UNHCR and the Group of Friends;

17. Calls for the rapid finalization and signature of the letter of intent on returns proposed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and welcomes the meetings with the participation of the SRSG and UNHCR of the Sochi working group on refugees and internally displaced persons;

18. Reaffirms the unacceptability of the demographic changes resulting from the conflict, reaffirms also the inalienable rights of all refugees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict, and stresses that they have the right to return to their homes in secure and dignified conditions, in accordance with international law and as set out in the Quadripartite Agreement of 4 April 1994 (S/1994/397, annex II) and the Yalta Declaration;

19. Recalls that the Abkhaz side bears a particular responsibility to protect the returnees and to facilitate the return of the remaining displaced population;

20. Welcomes the continuing activities of UNDP in the Gali, Ochamchira and Tkvarcheli districts and the opening of offices by UNDP in Sukhumi and Gali;

21. Urges the parties once again to implement the recommendations of the Joint Assessment Mission to the Gali sector (November 2000), regrets that there has been no progress to that effect despite the positive consideration by the parties given to those recommendations in the first Geneva meeting and calls again upon the Abkhaz side to agree to the opening as soon as possible of the Gali branch of the human rights office in Sukhumi and to provide security conditions for its unhindered functioning;

22. Reiterates its concern that despite the start of the deployment of a civilian police component as part of UNOMIG, as endorsed in resolution 1494 (2003) and agreed by the parties, the deployment of the remaining officers in the Gali sector is still outstanding and calls on the Abkhaz side to allow for a swift deployment of the police component in that region;

23. Calls in particular on the Abkhaz side to improve law enforcement protection of the local population and to address the lack of instruction in their mother tongue for the ethnic Georgian population;

24. Welcomes the measures taken by the Georgian side to put an end to the activities of illegal armed groups and encourages the maintenance of these efforts;

25. Condemns any violations of the provisions of the Moscow Agreement of 14 May 1994 on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces (S/1994/583, annex I);

26. Welcomes the continuing relative calm in the Kodori valley and condemns the continuing criminal activities, including killings and abductions of civilians, in the Gali and Zugdidi districts;

27. Urges the parties to abide by the provisions of the protocols on security issues in the Gali district signed on 19 January 2004 and 8 October 2003, to continue their regular meetings and to cooperate more closely with each other to improve security in the Gali sector, and takes note of the resumption of Abkhaz participation in the Quadripartite meetings and the Joint Fact Finding Group;

28. Reiterates its call on the Georgian side to provide comprehensive security guarantees to allow for independent and regular monitoring of the situation in the upper Kodori valley by joint UNOMIG and CIS peacekeeping force patrols;

29. Underlines that it is the primary responsibility of both sides to provide appropriate security and to ensure the freedom of movement of UNOMIG, the CIS peacekeeping force and other international personnel and calls upon both sides to fulfil their obligations in this regard;

30. Strongly condemns in that respect the repeated abductions of personnel of those missions in the past, deeply deplores that none of the perpetrators have ever been identified or brought to justice, reiterates that it is the responsibility of the parties to end this impunity and calls upon them to take action;

31. Also calls upon the parties, once again, to take all necessary steps, to identify those responsible for the shooting down of a UNOMIG helicopter on 8 October 2001, to bring them to justice, and to inform the SRSG of the steps taken in particular in the criminal investigation;

32. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNOMIG to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

33. Decides to extend the mandate of UNOMIG for a new period terminating on 31 January 2006; subject to a review as appropriate of its mandate by the Council in the event of changes in the mandate of the CIS peacekeeping force;

34. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed and to report three months from the date of the adoption of this resolution on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia;

35. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1616 Maintenance of sanctions in Democratic Republic of Congo

Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5243

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1493 of 28 July 2003, 1533 of 12 March 2004, 1552 of 27 July 2004, 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1592 of 30 March 2005 and 1596 of 18 April 2005,

Reiterating its serious concern regarding the presence of armed groups and militias in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu and in the Ituri district, which perpetuate a climate of insecurity in the whole region,

Condemning the continuing illicit flow of weapons within and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and declaring its determination to closely monitor compliance with the arms embargo imposed by resolution 1493 and expanded by resolution 1596, and to enforce the measures provided for in paragraphs 13 and 15 of resolution 1596 against persons and entities acting in violation of this embargo,

Recognizing the linkage between the illegal exploitation of natural resources, illicit trade in such resources and the proliferation and trafficking of arms as one of the factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa,

Taking note of the report of the Group of Experts referred to in paragraph 10 of resolution 1533 and paragraph 21 of resolution 1596 (hereafter the Group of Experts), dated 5 July 2005 (S/2005/436), transmitted by the Committee established in accordance with paragraph 8 of resolution 1533 (hereafter the Committee),

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Reaffirms the demands of paragraphs 15, 18 and 19 of resolution 1493 and of paragraphs 5 and 19 of resolution 1596;

2. Decides, in light of the failure by the parties to comply with the demands of the Council, to renew until 31 July 2006 the provisions of paragraphs 20 to 22 of resolution 1493, as amended and expanded by paragraph 1 of resolution 1596, and reaffirms paragraphs 2, 6, 10 and 13 to 16 of resolution 1596;

3. Expresses its intention to modify or to remove those provisions if it determines that the demands noted above have been satisfied;

4. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee, to re-establish the Group of Experts within thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution and for a period expiring on 31 January 2006, drawing, as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the group of experts established pursuant to resolution 1596;

5. Requests the Group of Experts to continue fulfilling its mandate as defined in resolutions 1533 and 1596, to update the Committee on its work by 10 November 2005, and to report to the Council in writing, through the Committee, before 10 January 2006, including on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 20 of resolution 1493 and expanded by resolution 1596, with recommendations in this regard, in particular regarding the lists provided for by paragraph 10 (g) of resolution 1533, and including information on the sources of financing, such as from natural resources, which are funding the illicit trade in arms;

6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1617 Extension of sanctions against al-Qaida and Taliban

Date: 29 July 2005 Meeting: 5244

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1333 (2000) of 19 December 2000, 1363 (2001) of 30 July 2001, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1390 (2002) of 16 January 2002, 1452 (2002) of 20 December 2002, 1455 (2003) of 17 January 2003, 1526 (2004) of 30 January 2004 and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and the relevant statements of its President,

Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed; and reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, the Taliban -- and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities -- for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts aimed at causing the death of innocent civilians and other victims, destruction of property and greatly undermining stability,

Expressing its concern over the use of various media, including the Internet, by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban, and their associates, including for terrorist propaganda and inciting terrorist violence, and urging the working group established pursuant to resolution 1566 (2004) to consider these issues,

Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, stressing in this regard the important role the United Nations plays in leading and coordinating this effort,

Emphasizing the obligation placed upon all Member States to implement, in full, resolution 1373 (2001), including with regard to the Taliban or Al-Qaida, and any individuals, groups, undertakings or entities associated with Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban, who have participated in financing, planning, facilitating, recruiting for, preparing, perpetrating, or otherwise supporting terrorist activities or acts, as well as to facilitate the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions,

Stressing the importance of clarifying which individuals, groups, undertakings and entities are subject to listing in light of information regarding the changing nature of, and threat from, Al-Qaida, particularly as reported by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (“Monitoring Team”),

Underscoring the importance of Member State designations pursuant to relevant resolutions and robust implementation of existing measures as a significant preventive measure in combating terrorist activity,

Noting that, in giving effect to the measures in paragraph 4 (b) of resolution 1267 (1999), paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000) and paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1390 (2002), full account is to be taken of the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1452 (2002),

Welcoming the efforts of the International Civil Aviation Organization to prevent travel documents from being made available to terrorists and their associates,

Encouraging Member States to work in the framework of Interpol, in particular through the use of the Interpol database of stolen and lost travel documents, to reinforce the implementation of the measures against Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban, and their associates,

Expressing its concern over the possible use by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, or the Taliban, and their associates of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), commercially available explosives and chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear weapons and material, and encouraging Member States to consider possible action to reduce these threats,

Urging all States, international bodies, and regional organizations to allocate sufficient resources, including through international partnership, to meet the ongoing and direct threat posed by Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden and the Taliban, and individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them,

Stressing the importance of meeting the ongoing threat that Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden and the Taliban, and individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them represent to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that all States shall take the measures as previously imposed by paragraph 4 (b) of resolution 1267 (1999), paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1333 (2000), and paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1390 (2002) with respect to Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden, and the Taliban and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them, as referred to in the list created pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1333 (2000) (the “Consolidated List”):

(a) Freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of these individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, including funds derived from property owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by them or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, and ensure that neither these nor any other funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly, for such persons’ benefit, by their nationals or by any persons within their territory;

(b) Prevent the entry into or the transit through their territories of these individuals, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige any State to deny entry or require the departure from its territories of its own nationals and this paragraph shall not apply where entry or transit is necessary for the fulfilment of a judicial process or the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) (“the Committee”) determines on a case-by-case basis only that entry or transit is justified;

(c) Prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer, to these individuals, groups, undertakings and entities from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities;

2. Further decides that acts or activities indicating that an individual, group, undertaking, or entity is “associated with” Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban include:

– participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of;

– supplying, selling or transferring arms and related materiel to;

– recruiting for; or

– otherwise supporting acts or activities of;

Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban, or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof;

3. Further decides that any undertaking or entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by, or otherwise supporting, such an individual, group, undertaking or entity associated with Al-Qaida, Usama bin Laden or the Taliban shall be eligible for designation;

4. Decides that, when proposing names for the Consolidated List, States shall act in accordance with paragraph 17 of resolution 1526 (2004) and henceforth also shall provide to the Committee a statement of case describing the basis of the proposal; and further encourages States to identify any undertakings and entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the proposed subject;

5. Requests relevant States to inform, to the extent possible, and in writing where possible, individuals and entities included in the Consolidated List of the measures imposed on them, the Committee’s guidelines, and, in particular, the listing and delisting procedures and the provisions of resolution 1452 (2002);

6. Decides that the statement of case submitted by the designating State referred to in paragraph 4 above may be used by the Committee in responding to queries from Member States whose nationals, residents or entities have been included on the Consolidated List; decides also that the Committee may decide on a case-by-case basis to release the information to other parties, with the prior consent of the designating State, for example, for operational reasons or to aid the implementation of the measures; decides also that States may continue to provide additional information which shall be kept on a confidential basis within the Committee unless the submitting State agrees to the dissemination of such information;

7. Strongly urges all Member States to implement the comprehensive, international standards embodied in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Forty Recommendations on Money Laundering and the FATF Nine Special Recommendations on Terrorist Financing;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to increase cooperation between the United Nations and Interpol in order to provide the Committee with better tools to fulfil its mandate more effectively and to give Member States better tools to implement the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above;

9. Urges all Member States, in their implementation of the measures called for in paragraph 1 above, to ensure that stolen and lost passports and other travel documents are invalidated as soon as possible and share information on those documents with other Member States through the Interpol database;

10. Calls on all Member States to use the checklist contained in annex II of this resolution to report by 1 March 2006 to the Committee on specific actions that they have taken to implement the measures outlined in paragraph 1 above with regard to individuals and entities henceforth added to the Consolidated List, and thereafter at intervals to be determined by the Committee;

11. Directs the Committee to encourage the submission of names and additional identifying information from Member States for inclusion on the Consolidated List;

12. Calls upon the Committee, working in cooperation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (the “Counter-Terrorism Committee” or “CTC”) to inform the Council of specific additional steps that States could take to implement the measures outlined in paragraph 1 above;

13. Reiterates the need for ongoing close cooperation and exchange of information among the Committee, the CTC, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as their respective groups of experts, including enhanced information sharing, coordinated visits to countries, technical assistance, and other issues of relevance to all three committees;

14. Further reiterates the importance of having the Committee follow up via oral and/or written communications with Member States regarding effective implementation of the sanctions measures and provide Member States with an opportunity, at the Committee’s request, to send representatives to meet the Committee for more in-depth discussion of relevant issues;

15. Requests the Committee to consider, where and when appropriate, visits to selected countries by the Chairman and/or Committee members to enhance the full and effective implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, with a view to encouraging States to comply fully with this resolution and resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), 1390 (2002), 1455 (2003) and 1526 (2004);

16. Requests the Committee to report orally, through its Chairman, at least every 120 days to the Council on the overall work of the Committee and the Monitoring Team, and, as appropriate, in conjunction with the reports by the Chairmen of the CTC and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), including briefings for all interested Member States;

17. Reminds the Committee of its responsibilities as outlined in paragraph 14 of resolution 1455 (2003) and paragraph 13 of resolution 1526 (2004), and calls upon the Committee to provide the Council no later than 31 July 2006 with an update of the written assessment referred to in paragraph 13 of resolution 1526 (2004) of actions taken by Member States to implement the measures described in paragraph 1 above;

18. Requests that the Committee continue its work on the Committee’s guidelines, including on listing and delisting procedures, and implementation of resolution 1452 (2002) and requests the Chairman, in his periodic reports to the Council pursuant to paragraph 16 above, to provide progress reports on the Committee’s work on these issues;

19. Decides, in order to assist the Committee in the fulfilment of its mandate, to extend the mandate of the New York-based Monitoring Team for a period of 17 months, under the direction of the Committee with the responsibilities outlined in annex I;

20. Requests the Secretary-General, upon adoption of this resolution and acting in close consultation with the Committee, to appoint, consistent with United Nations rules and procedures, no more than eight members, including a coordinator, to the Monitoring Team, taking into account the areas of expertise referred to in paragraph 7 of resolution 1526 (2004);

21. Decides to review the measures described in paragraph 1 above with a view to their possible further strengthening in 17 months, or sooner if necessary;

22. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Annex I to resolution 1617 (2005)

In accordance with paragraph 19 of this resolution, the Monitoring Team shall operate under the direction of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) To collate, assess, monitor and report on and make recommendations regarding implementation of the measures, to pursue case studies, as appropriate; and to explore in depth any other relevant issues as directed by the Committee;

(b) To submit a comprehensive programme of work to the Committee for its approval and review, as necessary, in which the Monitoring Team should detail the activities envisaged in order to fulfil its responsibilities, including proposed travel, based on close coordination with the CTC’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to avoid duplication and reinforce synergies;

(c) To submit, in writing, three comprehensive, independent reports to the Committee, the first by 31 January 2006, the second by 31 July 2006, and the third by 10 December 2006, on implementation by States of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution, including specific recommendations for improved implementation of the measures and possible new measures, as well as reporting on listing, de-listing, and exemptions pursuant to resolution 1452 (2003);

(d) To analyse reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1455 (2003), the checklists submitted pursuant to paragraph 10 of this resolution, and other information submitted by Member States to the Committee as instructed by the Committee;

(e) To work closely and share information with the CTC’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the 1540 Committee’s group of experts to identify areas of convergence and to help facilitate concrete coordination among the three Committees;

(f) To develop a plan to assist the Committee with addressing non-compliance with the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution;

(g) To present to the Committee recommendations, which could be used by Member States to assist them with the implementation of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 of this resolution and in preparing proposed additions to the Consolidated List;

(h) To consult with Member States in advance of travel to selected Member States, based on its programme of work as approved by the Committee;

(i) To encourage Member States to submit names and additional identifying information for inclusion on the Consolidated List, as instructed by the Committee;

(j) To study and report to the Committee on the changing nature of the threat of Al-Qaida and the Taliban and the best measures to confront it;

(k) To consult with Member States, including regular dialogue with representatives in New York and in capitals, taking into account comments from Member States, especially regarding any issues that might be contained in the Monitoring Team’s reports referred to in paragraph (c) of this annex;

(l) To report to the Committee, on a regular basis or when the Committee so requests, through oral and/or written briefings on the work of the Monitoring Team, including its visits to Member States and its activities;

(m) To assist the Committee in preparing oral and written assessments to the Council, in particular the analytical summaries referred to in paragraphs 17 and 18 of this resolution;

(n) Any other responsibility identified by the Committee.

Annex II to resolution 1617 (2005)

1267 Committee Checklist

Please provide to the United Nations 1267 (Al-Qaida/Taliban Sanctions) Committee by XXX date information on the following individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities added in the last six months to the Committee’s Consolidated List of those subject to the sanctions described in Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999) and successor resolutions.

This information is provided by the Government of __________________________on XXX date.

YES NO

1. Mr. Doe (Number ____ on Consolidated List)

A. Name added to visa lookout list?

B. Any visas denied?

C. Financial institutions notified?

D. Any assets frozen?

E. Arms embargo ban implemented?

F. Any attempts to purchase arms?

Additional information, if available:

YES NO

2. The Doe Corp. (Number ____ on Consolidated List)

A. Financial institutions notified?

B. Any assets frozen?

C. Arms embargo ban implemented?

D. Any attempts to purchase arms?

Additional information, if available:

S/RES/1618 Condemnation of terrorist attacks in Iraq

Date: 4 August 2005 Meeting: 5246

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq, in particular resolution 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004,

Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Iraqi people in their political transition, as outlined in resolution 1546 (2004), further reaffirming Iraq’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and calling upon the international community to stand by the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability and democracy,

Reaffirming also the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and 1267 (1999) of 25 October 1999 and subsequent resolutions,

Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,

Commending the courage of the Iraqi people who are working bravely in support of the political and economic transition currently taking place in spite of the grave threat of terrorism,

Welcoming the active steps undertaken by the Government of Iraq towards achieving national dialogue and unity and encouraging continuation of these efforts,

1. Condemns without reservation and in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Iraq, and regards any act of terrorism as a threat to peace and security;

2. Takes note particularly of the shameless and horrific attacks in recent weeks which have resulted in over one hundred deaths, including thirty-two children, employees of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, and a member and an expert adviser of the Commission charged with drafting a permanent constitution for a new, democratic Iraq, Mijbil Sheikh Isa and Dhamin Hussin Ubaidi;

3. Further notes with great concern that attacks on foreign diplomats in Iraq have increased in number, and have resulted in the murder or kidnapping of such diplomats;

4. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of these terrorist attacks and their families, and to the people and Government of Iraq;

5. Affirms that acts of terrorism must not be allowed to disrupt Iraq’s political and economic transition currently taking place, including the constitutional drafting process and its referendum, outlined in resolution 1546 (2004);

6. Reaffirms the obligations of Member States under resolutions 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1333 (2000) of 9 December 2000, 1390 (2002) of 16 January 2002, 1455 (2003) of 17 January 2003, 1526 (2004) of 30 January 2004, and 1617 (2005) of 29 July 2005 and other relevant international obligations with respect, inter alia, to terrorist activities in and from Iraq or against its citizens, and specifically strongly urges Member States to prevent the transit of terrorists to and from Iraq, arms for terrorists, and financing that would support terrorists, and re-emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cooperation of the countries in the region, particularly neighbours of Iraq, in this regard;

7. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate actively in efforts to find and bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these barbaric acts;

8. Expresses its utmost determination to combat terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations;

9. Calls on the international community to support fully the Government of Iraq in exercising its responsibilities to provide protection to the diplomatic community, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel working in Iraq;

10. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1619 Extension of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq

Date: 11 August 2005 Meeting: 5247

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq, in particular 1500 (2003) of 14 August 2003, 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004, and 1557 (2004) of 12 August 2004,

Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq,

Recalling the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 14 August 2003, and extended on 12 August 2004, and reaffirming that the United Nations should play a leading role in assisting the efforts of the Iraqi people and Government in developing institutions for representative government, and in promoting national dialogue and unity,

Stressing that this Iraqi national dialogue, which UNAMI should assist, is crucial for Iraq’s political stability and unity,

Taking note of the letter dated 3 August 2005 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2005/509),

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for another period of twelve months from the date of this resolution;

2. Expresses its intention to review the mandate of UNAMI in twelve months or sooner, if requested by the Government of Iraq;

3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1620 Establishment of UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone

Date: 31 August 2005 Meeting: 5254

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone,

Commending the valuable contribution the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has made to the recovery of Sierra Leone from conflict and to the country’s peace, security and development,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 26 April 2005 (S/2005/273), and its addendum of 28 July 2005 (S/2005/273/Add.2), and welcoming his recommendation that a United Nations integrated office be established in Sierra Leone, after the withdrawal of UNAMSIL at the end of 2005, in order to continue to assist the Government of Sierra Leone to consolidate peace by enhancing political and economic governance, building the national capacity for conflict prevention, and preparing for elections in 2007,

Noting the letter of 21 June 2005 from the President of Sierra Leone to the Secretary-General (S/2005/419), that likewise emphasizes the need for an integrated United Nations office to support the above objectives,

Emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition between UNAMSIL and the new United Nations integrated office, and of the effective and efficient operation of the office,

Emphasizing the importance of the continued support of the United Nations and the international community for the long-term security and development of Sierra Leone, particularly in building the capacity of the Government of Sierra Leone,

Reiterating its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contribution to the establishment of rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion, underlining its expectation that the Court will finish its work in accordance with its Completion Strategy, and in this regard encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court and to provide it with the necessary financial resources,

Welcoming the publication of the report of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission and encouraging the Government of Sierra Leone to take further steps to implement its recommendations,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to establish the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), as recommended in the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2), for an initial period of 12 months beginning on 1 January 2006, with the following key tasks:

(a) to assist the Government of Sierra Leone in:

(i) building the capacity of State institutions to address further the root causes of the conflict, provide basic services and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals through poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth, including through the creation of an enabling framework for private investment and systematic efforts to address HIV/AIDS;

(ii) developing a national action plan for human rights and establishing the national human rights commission;

(iii) building the capacity of the National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2007;

(iv) enhancing good governance, transparency and accountability of public institutions, including through anti-corruption measures and improved fiscal management;

(v) strengthening the rule of law, including by developing the independence and capacity of the justice system and the capacity of the police and corrections system;

(vi) strengthening the Sierra Leonean security sector, in cooperation with the International Military Advisory and Training Team and other partners;

(vii) promoting a culture of peace, dialogue, and participation in critical national issues through a strategic approach to public information and communication, including through building an independent and capable public radio capacity;

(viii) developing initiatives for the protection and well-being of youth, women and children;

(b) to liaise with the Sierra Leonean security sector and other partners, to report on the security situation and make recommendations concerning external and internal security threats;

(c) to coordinate with United Nations missions and offices and regional organizations in West Africa in dealing with cross-border challenges such as the illicit movement of small arms, human trafficking and smuggling and illegal trade in natural resources;

(d) to coordinate with the Special Court for Sierra Leone;

2. Emphasizes the primary responsibility of the Government of Sierra Leone for the consolidation of peace and security in the country, and urges continued support from international donors for the Government’s efforts in this regard;

3. Underlines the importance of establishing a fully integrated office with effective coordination of strategy and programmes between the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Sierra Leone, between the United Nations and other international donors, and between the integrated office, the Economic Community of West African States and other United Nations missions in the region;

4. Welcomes the Secretary-General’s recommendation in the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2) that the integrated office should be headed by an Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and his intention that he/she should also serve as the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Resident Coordinator;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue planning for security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone on the basis outlined in paragraphs 15 to 24 of the addendum to his report (S/2005/273/Add.2), and looks forward to further details on the proposed arrangements;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed of progress with establishing the United Nations integrated office in Sierra Leone, and thereafter with the implementation of this resolution;

7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1621 Increased strength for UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

Date: 6 September 2005 Meeting: 5255

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements by its President concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 of 1 October 2004 and 1592 of 30 March 2005 and the statement of 29 June 2005 (S/PRST/2005/27),

Reaffirming its commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002,

Underlining the importance of elections as the foundation for the longer term restoration of peace and stability, national reconciliation and establishment of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Calling on the Transitional institutions and on all Congolese parties to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place, and that the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission is scrupulously respected,

Paying tribute to the donor community for the assistance they provide to the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and encouraging them to maintain it,

Welcoming the interest and commitment shown by the Congolese authorities to promote good governance and transparent economic management, and encouraging them to continue their efforts in this regard,

Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by armed groups and militias in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law that accompany them, and at the threat they pose to the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Taking note of the special report of the Secretary-General on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dated 26 May 2005 (S/2005/320), and of its recommendations,

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Approves the recommendations and the concept of operations described in paragraphs 50 to 57 of the special report of the Secretary-General, and authorizes an increase in the strength of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) of 841 personnel, including up to five formed police units of 125 officers each and the additional police personnel;

2. Underlines the temporary character of the deployments referred to in the previous paragraph, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps with a view to downsizing or repatriating these additional personnel from 1 July 2006 at the latest, and to report to the Council before 1 June 2006 on the assessment mentioned in paragraph 47 of his special report;

3. Approves the Secretary-General’s recommendation in paragraphs 58 and 59 of his special report, and authorizes MONUC, in accordance with this recommendation and with its mandate as defined in paragraphs 5 (f) and 7 (c) of resolution 1565, and acting in close coordination with the United Nations Development Programme, to provide additional support to the Independent Electoral Commission for the transport of electoral materials;

4. Encourages MONUC, within its capacity and in accordance with its mandate, to provide advice and assistance as well as the necessary support to the setting up by the Transitional Government, international financial institutions and donors, of an arrangement to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management;

5. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1622 Extension of UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea

Date: 13 September 2005 Meeting: 5259

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Stressing its unwavering commitment to the peace process, including through the role played by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), and to the full and expeditious implementation of the Comprehensive peace agreement signed by the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea (hereinafter referred to as “the parties”) on 12 December 2000 and the preceding Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities of 18 June 2000 (S/2000/1183 and S/2000/601, respectively, hereinafter referred to as the “Algiers Agreements”), and the delimitation decision by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission of 13 April 2002 (S/2002/423), embraced by the parties as final and binding in accordance with the Algiers Agreements,

Stressing that lasting peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as in the region cannot be achieved without the full demarcation of the border between the parties,

Deeply concerned with the continued lack of progress in the implementation of the final and binding decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, and with Ethiopia’s ongoing rejection of significant parts of the Boundary Commission’s decision,

Noting with deep concern the continuing high concentration of troops in the areas adjacent to the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ),

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/553) and welcoming the observations made therein,

Noting possible options to resolve the stalemate in the peace process include, when appropriate, a visit to Ethiopia and Eritrea, as suggested by the Secretary-General in paragraph 38 of his report, as well as a meeting of the witnesses to the signature of the Algiers Agreements,

Welcoming action taken by UNMEE to address the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly the efforts towards prevention through training; and also the action taken to address HIV and AIDS,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMEE until 15 March 2006;

. 2. Approves the reconfiguration of UNMEE’s military component, including an increase in the number of military observers by ten, within the existing overall mandated strength of UNMEE; and the assistance to the parties in the mine action sector, as recommended by the Secretary-General in his report in paragraphs 11 and 42;

3. Calls on both parties to refrain from any action which may lead to an escalation of the tension, and in this respect urges both parties to give serious consideration to returning to the 16 December 2004 levels of deployment and more generally, to refrain from any threat of use of force against each other;

4. Reaffirms that Ethiopia and Eritrea have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, by making full use of the existing framework of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission;

5. Calls upon Ethiopia to accept fully the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and to enable, without preconditions, the Commission to demarcate the border completely and promptly;

6. Calls also on the parties to implement completely and without further delay the decision of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission and to create the necessary conditions for demarcation to proceed expeditiously;

7. Takes note of the continuing improvement in the climate of cooperation between UNMEE and the parties and calls on both parties to cooperate fully and expeditiously with UNMEE in the implementation of its mandate, to ensure the security of all UNMEE staff, and to remove immediately and unconditionally all restrictions on and impediments to the work and to the full and free movement of UNMEE and its staff; also in this regard strongly urges Eritrea to remove the restrictions on UNMEE military police in Asmara;

8. Urges Eritrea to take immediate steps, in consultation with UNMEE towards implementing the direct United Nations flights between Addis Ababa and Asmara and to reopen the Asmara to Barentu road to UNMEE traffic;

9. Calls upon both parties to achieve a full normalization of their relationship, including through political dialogue between them for the adoption of further confidence-building measures and to consolidate progress achieved so far;

10. Expresses its concern at the ongoing food insecurity in Ethiopia and Eritrea and its potential to create greater instability and calls on Member States to continue to provide generous support for both humanitarian and development activities to improve food security in Ethiopia and Eritrea;

11. Calls on Eritrea to lift all restrictions imposed on the operations of aid organizations, to enable them to carry out their humanitarian activities;

13. Requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in UNMEE with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, including the development of strategies and appropriate mechanisms to prevent, identify and respond to all forms of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and the enhancement of training for personnel to prevent misconduct and ensure full compliance with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in accordance with the Secretary-General’s Bulletin on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

14. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor the situation closely, to review the mission’s mandate in the light of progress made in the peace process and changes made to UNMEE;

15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1623 Extension of International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan

Date: 13 September 2005 Meeting: 5260

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolutions 1386 (2001) of 20 December 2001, 1413 (2002) of 23 May 2002, 1444 (2002) of 27 November 2002, 1510 (2003) of 13 October 2003 and 1563 (2004) of 17 September 2004,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan,

Reaffirming also its resolutions 1368 (2001) of 12 September 2001 and 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001 and reiterating its support for international efforts to root out terrorism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,

Recognizing that the responsibility for providing security and law and order throughout the country resides with the Afghans themselves and welcoming the cooperation of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force,

Recalling the importance of the Bonn Agreement and the Berlin Declaration, in particular annex 1 of the Bonn Agreement which, inter alia, provides for the progressive expansion of the International Security Assistance Force to other urban centres and other areas beyond Kabul,

Stressing also the importance of extending central government authority to all parts of Afghanistan, of respect for democratic values, of full completion of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, of the disbandment of illegal armed groups, of justice sector reform, of security sector reform including reconstitution of the Afghan National Army and Police, and of combating narcotics trade and production, and recognizing certain progress that has been made in these and other areas with the help of the international community,

Recognizing the challenges facing Afghanistan with regard to the security situation in parts of the country,

Welcoming in this context the commitment by NATO lead nations to establish further Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs),

Further welcoming the role played by the International Security Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom Coalition in assisting in securing the conduct of national elections,

Expressing its appreciation to Italy for taking over the lead from Turkey in commanding the International Security Assistance Force, and to those nations who contributed to Eurocorps, and recognizing with gratitude the contributions of many nations to the International Security Assistance Force,

Taking note of the letter dated 1 September 2005 from Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (S/2005/574, annex),

Determining that the situation in Afghanistan still constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

Determined to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force, in consultation with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,

Acting for these reasons under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to extend the authorization of the International Security Assistance Force, as defined in resolution 1386 (2001) and 1510 (2003), for a period of twelve months beyond 13 October 2005;

2. Authorizes the Member States participating in the International Security Assistance Force to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;

3. Recognizes the need to strengthen the International Security Assistance Force, and in this regard calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to the International Security Assistance Force, and to make contributions to the Trust Fund established pursuant to resolution 1386 (2001);

4. Calls upon the International Security Assistance Force to continue to work in close consultation with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as well as with the Operation Enduring Freedom Coalition in the implementation of the force mandate;

5. Requests the leadership of the International Security Assistance Force to provide quarterly reports on implementation of its mandate to the Security Council through the Secretary-General;

6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1624 Call for strengthened steps against terrorism

Date: 14 September 2005 Meeting: 5261

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999) of 15 October 1999, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, 1535 (2004) of 26 March 2004, 1540 (2004) of 28 April 2004, 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004, and 1617 (2005) of 29 July 2005, the declaration annexed to its resolution 1456 (2003) of 20 January 2003, as well as its other resolutions concerning threats to international peace and security caused by acts of terrorism,

Reaffirming also the imperative to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and also stressing that States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, and should adopt such measures in accordance with international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law,

Condemning in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism irrespective of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever committed, as one of the most serious threats to peace and security, and reaffirming the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations,

Condemning also in the strongest terms the incitement of terrorist acts and repudiating attempts at the justification or glorification (apologie) of terrorist acts that may incite further terrorist acts,

Deeply concerned that incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance poses a serious and growing danger to the enjoyment of human rights, threatens the social and economic development of all States, undermines global stability and prosperity, and must be addressed urgently and proactively by the United Nations and all States, and emphasizing the need to take all necessary and appropriate measures in accordance with international law at the national and international level to protect the right to life,

Recalling the right to freedom of expression reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1948 (“the Universal Declaration”), and recalling also the right to freedom of expression in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly in 1966 (“ICCPR”) and that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary on the grounds set out in paragraph 3 of Article 19 of the ICCPR,

Recalling in addition the right to seek and enjoy asylum reflected in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration and the non-refoulement obligation of States under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees adopted on 28 July 1951, together with its Protocol adopted on 31 January 1967 (“the Refugees Convention and its Protocol”), and also recalling that the protections afforded by the Refugees Convention and its Protocol shall not extend to any person with respect to whom there are serious reasons for considering that he has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations,

Reaffirming that acts, methods, and practices of terrorism are contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations and that knowingly financing, planning and inciting terrorist acts are also contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations,

Deeply concerned by the increasing number of victims, especially among civilians of diverse nationalities and beliefs, caused by terrorism motivated by intolerance or extremism in various regions of the world, reaffirming its profound solidarity with the victims of terrorism and their families, and stressing the importance of assisting victims of terrorism and providing them and their families with support to cope with their loss and grief,

Recognizing the essential role of the United Nations in the global effort to combat terrorism and welcoming the Secretary-General’s identification of elements of a counter-terrorism strategy to be considered and developed by the General Assembly without delay with a view to adopting and implementing a strategy to promote comprehensive, coordinated and consistent responses at the national, regional and international level to counter terrorism,

Stressing its call upon all States to become party, as a matter of urgency, to the international counter-terrorism Conventions and Protocols whether or not they are party to regional Conventions on the matter, and to give priority consideration to signing the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism adopted by the General Assembly on 13 April 2005,

Re-emphasizing that continuing international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, and addressing unresolved regional conflicts and the full range of global issues, including development issues, will contribute to strengthening the international fight against terrorism,

Stressing the importance of the role of the media, civil and religious society, the business community and educational institutions in those efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding, and in promoting tolerance and coexistence, and in fostering an environment which is not conducive to incitement of terrorism,

Recognizing the importance that, in an increasingly globalized world, States act cooperatively to prevent terrorists from exploiting sophisticated technology, communications and resources to incite support for criminal acts,

Recalling that all States must cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism, in accordance with their obligations under international law, in order to find, deny safe haven and bring to justice, on the basis of the principle of extradite or prosecute, any person who supports, facilitates, participates or attempts to participate in the financing, planning, preparation or commission of terrorist acts or provides safe havens,

1. Calls upon all States to adopt such measures as may be necessary and appropriate and in accordance with their obligations under international law to:

(a) Prohibit by law incitement to commit a terrorist act or acts;

(b) Prevent such conduct;

(c) Deny safe haven to any persons with respect to whom there is credible and relevant information giving serious reasons for considering that they have been guilty of such conduct;

2. Calls upon all States to cooperate, inter alia, to strengthen the security of their international borders, including by combating fraudulent travel documents and, to the extent attainable, by enhancing terrorist screening and passenger security procedures with a view to preventing those guilty of the conduct in paragraph 1 (a) from entering their territory;

3. Calls upon all States to continue international efforts to enhance dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, and to take all measures as may be necessary and appropriate and in accordance with their obligations under international law to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance and to prevent the subversion of educational, cultural, and religious institutions by terrorists and their supporters;

4. Stresses that States must ensure that any measures taken to implement paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this resolution comply with all of their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law, and humanitarian law;

5. Calls upon all States to report to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, as part of their ongoing dialogue, on the steps they have taken to implement this resolution;

6. Directs the Counter-Terrorism Committee to:

(a) Include in its dialogue with Member States their efforts to implement this resolution;

(b) Work with Member States to help build capacity, including through spreading best legal practice and promoting exchange of information in this regard;

7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1625 Call for enhanced steps to prevent armed conflict, particularly in Africa

Date: 14 September 2005 Meeting: 5261

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Decides to adopt the attached declaration on strengthening the effectiveness of the Security Council’s role in conflict prevention, particularly in Africa.

Annex

The Security Council,

Meeting on 14 September 2005 at the level of Heads of State and Government to discuss how to strengthen the effectiveness of the Security Council’s role in the prevention of armed conflict, particularly in Africa,

Reaffirming its commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Bearing in mind its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,

Deeply concerned by the high human cost and material losses caused by armed conflicts and recognizing that peace, security and development are mutually reinforcing, including in the prevention of armed conflict,

Reaffirming the importance of adhering to the principles of refraining, in international relations, from the threat or the use of force in any manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations, and of peaceful settlement of international disputes,

Reaffirming the need to adopt a broad strategy of conflict prevention, which addresses the root causes of armed conflict and political and social crises in a comprehensive manner, including by promoting sustainable development, poverty eradication, national reconciliation, good governance, democracy, gender equality, the rule of law and respect for and protection of human rights,

Recognizing the need to strengthen the important role of the United Nations in the prevention of violent conflicts, and to develop effective partnerships between the Council and regional organizations, in particular the African Union and its subregional organizations, in order to enable early responses to disputes and emerging crises;

Recalling the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact adopted in Abuja on 31 January 2005, as well as the African Union position on unconstitutional changes of governments, as stated in the 1999 Algiers Declaration and the 2000 Lomé Declaration;

Recognizing the important supporting roles played by civil society, men and women, in conflict prevention, and the need to take into account all possible contributions from civil society;

1. Expresses its determination to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in preventing armed conflicts and to monitor closely situations of potential armed conflict;

2. Affirms its determination to strengthen United Nations conflict prevention capacities by:

(a) assessing regularly the developments in regions at risk of armed conflict and encouraging the Secretary-General to provide information to the Council on such developments pursuant to Article 99 of the Charter;

(b) promoting the follow-up of preventive-diplomacy initiatives of the Secretary-General;

(c) supporting regional mediation initiatives in close consultation with regional and subregional organizations concerned;

(d) supporting regional and subregional capacities for early warning to help them in working out appropriate mechanisms to enable prompt action in reaction to early warning indicators;

(e) requesting as necessary and appropriate information and assistance from the Economic and Social Council in accordance with Article 65 of the United Nations Charter;

(f) taking measures to contribute to combating illicit trade of arms in all its aspects and the use of mercenaries;

(g) helping to enhance durable institutions conducive to peace, stability and sustainable development;

(h) supporting efforts of African States to build independent and reliable national judicial institutions;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to:

(a) provide to the Council regular reports and analysis of developments in regions of potential armed conflicts, particularly in Africa, and as appropriate a presentation of ongoing preventive-diplomacy initiatives;

(b) assist countries at risk of armed conflict in performing strategic conflict risk assessments, in implementing the measures agreed by the concerned countries, in enhancing national dispute management capacities, and in addressing the root causes of armed conflict;

(c) promote coordination with regional conflict management machinery in Africa which would provide the Security Council with additional reliable and timely information to facilitate rapid decision-making;

4. Stresses the importance of establishing effective comprehensive strategies of conflict prevention, focused on averting negative developments in the security, economic, social and humanitarian sectors and in the field of governance and human rights in countries which are facing crises, with special attention to:

(a) developing quick win activities to prevent conflicts arising from competition for economic resources and to monitoring tension arising from economic and social issues;

(b) encouraging United Nations regional offices to facilitate the implementation of strategies aimed at curbing illicit cross-border activities;

(c) strengthening the capacities of civil society groups, including women’s groups, working to promote a culture of peace, and to mobilize donors to support these efforts;

(d) developing policy measures to foster good governance and the protection of human rights in order to strengthen weakened or collapsed governance mechanisms and to end the culture of impunity;

(e) promoting the fairness and transparency of electoral processes;

5. Stresses the critical importance of a regional approach to conflict prevention, particularly to programmes of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as the effective and sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants;

6. Reaffirms its determination to take action against illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and high-value commodities in areas where it contributes to the outbreak, escalation or continuation of armed conflict;

7. Calls for the strengthening of cooperation and communication between the United Nations and regional or subregional organizations or arrangements, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, particularly with respect to mediation initiatives;

8. Encourages all African States to adhere to the African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact adopted in Abuja on 31 January 2005, and to sign where appropriate subregional pacts on peace, security, democracy, good governance and development, and calls on the United Nations system and the international community to support the implementation of the Pacts;

9. Encourages also African countries to continue to work closely with the United Nations Secretariat and United Nations regional offices in the implementation of measures aimed at securing peace, security, stability, democracy and sustainable development consistent with the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development;

10. Urges the international community including the United Nations system and International Financial Institutions to support African countries in their efforts to achieve the above objectives and in this respect welcomes the decisions taken by the G-8 Summit held in Gleneagles, 6-8 July 2005, for combating poverty in Africa;

11. Urges all African States and the international community to fully cooperate in developing the capacities of African regional and subregional organizations to deploy both civilian and military assets quickly when needed, including the development of the African Union’s African Standby Force; welcomes bilateral and multilateral programmes developed to this end, and expresses its support for the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a ten-year capacity-building programme for the African Union;

12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1626 Extension of UN Mission in Liberia

Date: 19 September 2005 Meeting: 5263

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President concerning the situations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in particular its resolutions 1509 (2003) of 19 September 2003, 1610 (2005) of 30 June 2005 and 1620 (2005) of 31 August 2005,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s report of 1 September 2005 (S/2005/560),

Welcoming progress made in the preparations for the October presidential and legislative elections,

Welcoming the further extension of State authority, including progress in the establishment of a new Liberian police service and the appointment of new judges and magistrates,

Expressing appreciation for the indispensable and continuing contributions to the Liberian peace process by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), and for financial and other assistance provided by the international community,

Welcoming the signing by the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NGTL) and the International Contact Group of Liberia of the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) which is designed to ensure prompt implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to expedite the lifting of measures imposed by resolution 1521 (2003),

Reiterating its appreciation for the essential work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and its vital contributions to the establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone and the subregion and encouraging all States to cooperate fully with the Court as it implements its completion strategy,

Noting that the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) is scheduled to end its operations on 31 December 2005,

Recalling the briefing to the Security Council by the President of the Special Court for Sierra Leone on 24 May 2005 in which he stressed the need for a continuing international security presence to provide protection for the Special Court after the departure of UNAMSIL, and welcoming the Secretary-General’s recommendations in this regard,

Determining that the situation in Liberia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) shall be extended until 31 March 2006;

2. Calls on all Liberian parties to demonstrate their full commitment to a democratic process of government by ensuring that the upcoming presidential and legislative elections are peaceful, transparent, free and fair;

3. Calls on the international community to respond to continuing needs for resources for the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants and for security sector reform;

4. Looks forward to the implementation of GEMAP by the NTGL and succeeding governments of Liberia in collaboration with their international partners, and requests the Secretary-General to include information on the progress of this implementation in his regular reports on UNMIL;

5. Authorizes UNMIL, subject to the consent of the troop-contributing countries concerned and the Government of Sierra Leone, to deploy from November 2005 up to 250 United Nations military personnel to Sierra Leone to provide security for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, as recommended in paragraphs 90 to 94 of the Secretary-General’s report of 1 September 2005 (S/2005/560);

6. Authorizes a temporary increase in UNMIL’s personnel ceiling, to a total of 15,250 United Nations military personnel, for the period from 15 November 2005 to 31 March 2006 in order to ensure that the support provided to the Court does not reduce UNMIL’s capabilities in Liberia during its political transition period;

7. Further authorizes UNMIL, subject to the consent of troop-contributing countries concerned and of the Government of Sierra Leone, to deploy an adequate number of military personnel to Sierra Leone, if and when needed, to evacuate UNMIL military personnel deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to paragraph 5 of this resolution and officials of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the event of a serious security crisis affecting those personnel and the Court;

8. Requests the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), once established, to assist in providing logistic support for UNMIL military personnel deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to this resolution;

9. Requests the Secretary-General and the Government of Sierra Leone to conclude an agreement regarding the status of military personnel of UNMIL deployed to Sierra Leone pursuant to this resolution, taking into account General Assembly resolution 59/47 on the scope of legal protection under the Convention on the Safety and Security of United Nations and Associated Personnel, and decides that, pending the conclusion of such an agreement, the model status-of-forces agreement dated 9 October 1990 (A/45/594) shall apply provisionally;

10. Supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation to return to the ceiling of United Nations military personnel authorized in resolution 1509 (2003) by 31 March 2006;

11. Encourages the United Nations missions in the region, within their capabilities and areas of deployment and without prejudice to their mandates, to continue their efforts towards enhancing intermission cooperation, especially with regard to the prevention of cross-border movement of arms, combatants and the illicit exploitation of natural resources and in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes;

12. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by UNMIL to implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, and requests the Secretary-General to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action, including the conduct of predeployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure that allegations of sexual exploitation or abuse against their personnel are properly investigated and, if substantiated, punished;

13. Requests the Secretary-General to provide recommendations on a drawdown plan for UNMIL, including specific benchmarks and a tentative schedule, in his March 2006 report;

14. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to keep the Council regularly informed on UNMIL’s progress with the implementation of its mandate;

15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1627 Extension of UN Mission in Sudan

Date: 23 September 2005 Meeting: 5269

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions, in particular resolution 1590 of 24 March 2005, and statements of its President concerning the Sudan,

Reaffirming its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Sudan,

Reiterating its expression of sympathy and condolences on the death of First Vice President Dr. John Garang de Mabior on 30 July 2005; commending the Government of the Sudan and First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit for continued efforts for consolidation of peace in the Sudan,

Welcoming implementation by the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 9 January 2005, and in particular welcoming the formation of the Government of National Unity as a significant and historic step towards lasting peace in the Sudan,

Urging the parties to meet their outstanding commitments to the CPA, including, as a priority, the establishment of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission,

Determining that the situation in the Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acknowledging the commitments by troop-contributing countries in support of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) and encouraging deployment in order for UNMIS to support timely implementation of the CPA,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMIS until 24 March 2006, with the intention to renew it for further periods;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every three months on the implementation of the mandate of UNMIS, including its work to reinforce the efforts of the African Union Mission in the Sudan to foster peace in Darfur;

3. Urges troop-contributing countries carefully to review the Secretary-General’s letter of 24 March 2005 (A/59/710) and to take appropriate action to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by their personnel in UNMIS, including pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such misconduct involving their personnel;

4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1628 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

Date: 30 September 2005 Meeting: 5272

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 (2004) of 1 October 2004, 1592 (2005) of 30 March 2005, 1596 (2005) of 18 April 2005 and 1621 (2005) of 6 September 2005,

Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its readiness to support the peace and national reconciliation process in that country, in particular through the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC),

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC, as contained in resolutions 1565 (2004), 1592 (2005), 1596 (2005) and 1621 (2005), adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, until 31 October 2005;

2. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1629 Decision for Judge to participate in case before International Tribunal for former Yugoslavia

Date: 30 September 2005 Meeting: 5273

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Taking note of the letter to the President of the Security Council from the Secretary-General dated 14 September 2005 (S/2005/593),

Decides that notwithstanding Article 12 of the Statute of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and notwithstanding that Judge Christine Van Den Wyngaert’s elected term as a permanent judge of the Tribunal will in accordance with Article 13 bis of the Tribunal’s Statute only begin on 17 November 2005, she be assigned as a permanent judge to the Mrksic et al. case which is due to commence on 3 October 2005.

S/RES/1630 Condemnation of increase in flow of weapons and ammunitions to Somalia

Date: 14 October 2005 Meeting: 5280

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming the importance of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia,

Reiterating the urgent need for all Somali leaders to take tangible steps to begin political dialogue,

Reaffirming its strong support for the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in his efforts in fostering inclusive dialogue, particularly through his road map for dialogue among the leaders of the Transitional Federal Institutions,

Stressing the need for the Transitional Federal Institutions to continue working towards establishing effective national governance in Somalia,

Commending the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in support of the Transitional Federal Institutions and welcoming the African Union’s continued support for national reconciliation in Somalia,

Taking note of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 22 August 2005 (S/2005/625, annex) submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 (i) of resolution 1587 (2005) and the observations and recommendations contained therein,

Condemning the significant increase in the flow of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia, which constitutes a violation of the arms embargo and a serious threat to the Somali peace process,

Reiterating its insistence that all Member States, in particular those in the region, should refrain from any action in contravention of the arms embargo and should take all necessary steps to hold violators accountable,

Reiterating and underscoring the importance of enhancing the monitoring of the arms embargo in Somalia through persistent and vigilant investigation into the violations, bearing in mind that strict enforcement of the arms embargo will improve the overall security situation in Somalia,

Determining that the situation in Somalia constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Stresses the obligation of all Member States to comply fully with the measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);

2. Expresses its intention, in light of the report of the Monitoring Group dated 22 August 2005 (S/2005/625, annex), to consider specific actions to improve implementation of and compliance with measures imposed by resolution 733 (1992);

3. Decides to request the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) of 24 April 1992 (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”), to re-establish within thirty days from the date of the adoption of this resolution, and for a period of six months, the Monitoring Group referred to in paragraph 3 of resolution 1558 (2004), with the following mandate:

(a) to continue the tasks outlined in paragraphs 3 (a) to (c) of resolution 1587 (2005);

(b) to continue to investigate, in coordination with relevant international agencies, all activities, including in the financial, maritime and other sectors, which generate revenues used to commit arms embargo violations;

(c) to continue to investigate any means of transport, routes, seaports, airports and other facilities used in connection with arms embargo violations;

(f) to work closely with the Committee on specific recommendations for additional measures to improve overall compliance with the arms embargo;

(g) to assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States in the region can be strengthened to facilitate the implementation of the arms embargo;

(h) to provide to the Council, through the Committee, a midterm briefing within 90 days from its establishment;

(i) to submit, for the Security Council’s consideration, through the Committee, a final report covering all the tasks set out above, no later than 15 days prior to the termination of the Monitoring Group’s mandate;

4. Further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary financial arrangements to support the work of the Monitoring Group;

5. Reaffirms paragraphs 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 of resolution 1519 (2003);

8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1631 Need to further strengthen cooperation between UN and regional organizations

Date: 17 October 2005 Meeting: 5282

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming its previous relevant resolutions and presidential statements,

Welcoming the adoption of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (A/RES/60/1),

Recalling its invitation of January 1993 to regional organizations to improve coordination with the United Nations, the Declaration of the General Assembly of December 1994 on the enhancement of cooperation between the United Nations and regional arrangements or agencies (A/RES/49/57), its meeting on “The Security Council and Regional Organizations: Facing the New Challenges to international Peace and Security”, held on 11 April 2003 under the Mexican presidency, and its debate on “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in stabilization processes”, held on 20 July 2004 under the Romanian presidency,

Welcoming the Conclusions of the Chairman of the Sixth High-Level Meeting between the United Nations and Regional and other Intergovernmental Organizations (25-26 July 2005),

Reiterating its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,

Emphasizing that the growing contribution made by regional organizations in cooperation with the United Nations can usefully complement the work of the organization in maintaining international peace and security, and stressing in this regard that such contribution must be made in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter,

Recognizing the necessity to support capacity-building and cooperation at regional and subregional level in maintaining international peace and security, and noting in particular the importance of strengthening the capacity of African regional and subregional organizations,

Acknowledging the resolve of Heads of State and Government of the 2005 World Summit to expand, as appropriate, the involvement of regional organizations in the work of the Security Council, and to ensure that regional organizations that have a capacity for the prevention of armed conflict or peacekeeping consider the option of placing such capacity in the framework of the United Nations Standby Arrangements System,

Welcoming the decision in the World Summit Outcome to establish a Peacebuilding Commission, and looking forward to it as an important opportunity for cooperation and close contact with regional and subregional organizations in post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery,

1. Expresses its determination to take appropriate steps to the further development of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, and invites regional and subregional organizations that have a capacity for conflict prevention or peacekeeping to place such capacities in the framework of the United Nations Standby Arrangements System;

2. Urges all States and relevant international organizations to contribute to strengthening the capacity of regional and subregional organizations, in particular of African regional and subregional organizations, in conflict prevention and crisis management, and in post-conflict stabilization, including through the provision of human, technical and financial assistance, and welcomes in this regard the establishment by the European Union of the Peace Facility for Africa;

3. Stresses the importance for the United Nations of developing regional and subregional organizations’ ability to deploy peacekeeping forces rapidly in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations or other Security Council-mandated operations, and welcomes relevant initiatives taken in this regard;

4. Stresses the potential role of regional and subregional organizations in addressing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and the need to take into account in the peacekeeping operations’ mandates, where appropriate, the regional instruments enabling states to identify and trace illegal small arms and light weapons;

5. Reiterates the need to encourage regional cooperation, including through the involvement of regional and subregional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to include, where appropriate, specific provisions to this aim in future mandates of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations authorized by the Security Council;

6. Welcomes the efforts undertaken by its subsidiary bodies with responsibilities in counter-terrorism to foster cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, notes with appreciation the efforts made by an increasing number of regional and subregional organizations in the fight against terrorism and urges all relevant regional and subregional organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their counter-terrorism efforts within their respective mandates, including with a view to develop their capacity to help Member States in their efforts to tackle the threats to international peace and security posed by acts of terrorism;

7. Expresses its intention to hold regular meetings as appropriate with heads of regional and subregional organizations in order to strengthen the interaction and cooperation with these organizations in maintaining international peace and security, ensuring if possible that such meetings coincide with the annual high-level meetings held by the United Nations with regional and other intergovernmental organizations for better efficiency of participation and substantive complementarity of agendas;

8. Recommends better communication between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations through, notably, liaison officers and holding of consultations at all appropriate levels;

9. Reiterates the obligation for regional organizations, under article 54 of the Charter, to keep the Security Council fully informed of their activities for the maintenance of international peace and security;

10. Invites the Secretary-General to submit a report to the Security Council on the opportunities and challenges facing the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, and encourages the Secretary-General to explore with regional organizations the possibility of agreements establishing a framework for regional organizations’ cooperation with and contributions to United Nations-led peacekeeping operations, taking into due consideration the cooperation guidelines already identified between the UN and certain regional organizations;

11. Requests the Secretary-General, where appropriate, to include in his regular reporting to the Security Council on peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations under its mandate, assessments of progress on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations;

12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1632 Extension of mandate of Côte d’Ivoire expert group

Date: 18 October 2005 Meeting: 5283

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, in particular resolutions 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, 1584 (2005) of 1 February 2005 and 1609 (2005) of 24 June 2005, and the relevant statements of its President,

Welcoming the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General, the African Union and the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) towards re‑establishing peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire,

Recalling the interim report of the Group of Experts created by the Secretary-General, further to paragraph 7 of resolution 1584 (2005) and anticipating the receipt of its final report,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the Group of Experts to 15 December 2005, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures;

2. Requests the Group of Experts to submit a brief written update to the Council, through the Committee established by paragraph 14 of resolution 1572 (2004), before 1 December 2005, on the implementation of the measures imposed by paragraph 7 of resolution 1572 (2004) and reaffirmed by paragraph 1 of resolution 1584 (2005), with recommendations in this regard;

3. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1633 Demand for immediate compliance with Côte d’Ivoire of peace agreements

Date: 21 October 2005 Meeting: 5288

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President relating to the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,

Recalling that it endorsed the Agreement signed by the Ivorian political forces in Linas-Marcoussis on 24 January 2003 (S/2003/99) (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) approved by the Conference of Heads of State on Côte d’Ivoire, held in Paris on 25 and 26 January 2003, the Agreement signed in Accra on 30 July 2004 (the Accra III Agreement) and the Agreement signed in Pretoria on 6 April 2005 (the Pretoria Agreement),

Reaffirming that the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements remain the appropriate framework for the peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire,

Having taken note of the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union adopted at its 40th meeting at the level of the Heads of State and Government held on 6 October 2005 in Addis Ababa (“the decision of the Peace and Security Council”) (S/2005/639),

Having taken note also of the creation of an International Working Group at ministerial level (“the International Working Group”) and of a day-to-day mediation undertaken by representatives of the international working group (“the Mediation Group”),

Having heard on 13 October 2005 a briefing by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union on behalf of the African Union, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the High Representative for elections,

Expressing its serious concern at the persistence of the crisis and the deterioration of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire,

Reiterating its firm condemnation of all violations of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire,

Determining that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Commends the continued efforts of the African Union, in particular President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Chair of the African Union, and President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa, Mediator of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the leaders of the region to promote peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire, and reiterates its full support for them;

2. Commends also the constant efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Pierre Schori, and of the High Representative for the elections, Mr. Antonio Monteiro, and reiterates its full support for them, including for the arbitration and certification role of the High Representative for elections;

3. Reaffirms its endorsement of the observation of ECOWAS and of the Peace and Security Council on the end of the mandate of President Laurent Gbagbo on 30 October 2005 and the impossibility of organizing presidential elections on the scheduled date, and of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, including its decision on the fact that President Gbagbo shall remain Head of State from 31 October 2005 for a period not exceeding 12 months, and demands that all the parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements as well as all the Ivorian parties concerned implement it fully and without delay;

4. Supports the establishment of the International Working Group at a ministerial level and the Mediation Group, which should both be co-chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, urges the international working group to meet as soon as possible, and affirms that the secretariat of the international working group shall be coordinated by the United Nations, in accordance with paragraph 10, article (vi) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council;

5. Urges the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of ECOWAS and the African Union Mediator to consult immediately with all the Ivorian parties in order to ensure that a new Prime Minister acceptable to all the Ivorian parties signatories to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement shall be appointed by 31 October 2005, in accordance with paragraph 10, article (ii) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, and to maintain close contact with the Secretary-General throughout the process;

6. Expresses its full support for paragraph 10, article (iii) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council which stresses that the Ministers shall be accountable to the Prime Minister who shall have full authority over his or her cabinet;

7. Reiterates the importance of having all ministers to participate fully in the Government of National Reconciliation as underscored in the statement by its president dated 25 May 2004 (S/PRST/2004/17), considers therefore that, when a minister is not participating fully in the Government of National Reconciliation, his or her portfolio should be assumed by the Prime Minister and requests the International Working Group to monitor closely the situation in this regard;

8. Stresses that the Prime Minister must have all the necessary powers according to the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and all the governmental financial, material and human resources, particularly with regard to security, defence and electoral matters, to ensure the effective functioning of the Government, to guarantee security and the redeployment of the administration and public services throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire, to lead the programme of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and the operations of disarmament and dismantling of militias, and to ensure the fairness of the identification process and of voter registration, leading to the organization of free, open, fair and transparent elections, with the support of the United Nations;

9. Calls upon all Ivorian parties to ensure that the Prime Minister has all powers and resources described in paragraph 8 above and faces no hindrance or difficulty in implementing his tasks;

10. Requests the International Working Group, on the basis of paragraph 10, articles (iii) and (v) of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, to verify that the Prime Minister has all the necessary powers and resources described in paragraph 8 above and immediately to report to the Security Council any hindrance or difficulty which the Prime Minister may face in implementing his tasks and to identify those responsible;

11. Invites the International Working Group, noting that the mandate of the National Assembly will end by 16 December 2005, to consult with all the Ivorian parties, in liaison as appropriate with the Forum for National Dialogue as referred to in paragraph 11 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, with a view to ensure that the Ivorian institutions function normally until the holding of the elections in Côte d’Ivoire, and to keep the Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union informed in that regard;

12. Considers, as noted by the Peace and Security Council in paragraph 9 of its decision, that additional measures are required to expedite the implementation of some provisions of the Linas-Marcoussis, Accra III and Pretoria Agreements, in particular the DDR process, the dismantling and disarmament of militias and the creation of conditions for holding free, fair, open and transparent elections, including the identification process and the registration of voters;

13. Requests therefore the International Working Group to draw up as soon as possible a road map in consultation with all Ivorian parties, with a view to hold free, fair, open and transparent elections as soon as possible and no later than 31 October 2006, concerning in particular:

(a) The appointment of a new Prime Minister as provided for in paragraph 5 above;

(b) The implementation of all outstanding issues as referred to in paragraph 12 above, recalling in this regard that the concomitant implementation of the identification process and of the cantonment of the forces, as provided for in the national programme for disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion and rehabilitation signed in Yamoussoukro on 14 May 2005, would expedite the creation of conditions for holding free, fair, open and transparent elections;

14. Demands that the Forces nouvelles proceed without delay with the DDR programme in order to facilitate the restoration of the authority of the State throughout the national territory, the reunification of the country and the organization of the elections as soon as possible;

15. Affirms that the identification process must also start without delay;

16. Demands that all Ivorian parties stop all incitement to hatred and violence in radio and television broadcasting as well as in any other media;

17. Demands also the immediate disarmament and dismantling of militias throughout the national territory;

18. Recalls paragraphs 5 and 7 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, and demands that all Ivorian parties refrain from any use of force and violence, including against civilians, and foreigners, and from all kinds of disruptive street protests;

19. Urges countries neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire to prevent any cross-border movement of combatants or arms into Côte d’Ivoire;

20. Reiterates its serious concern at all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Côte d’Ivoire, and urges the Ivorian authorities to investigate these violations without delay in order to put an end to impunity;

21. Condemns the serious attacks against the personnel of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and the unacceptable obstacles to the freedom of movement of UNOCI and French forces, demands that all Ivorian parties cooperate fully in their operations, in particular by guaranteeing the safety, security and freedom of movement of their personnel, as well as associated personnel, throughout the territory of Côte d’Ivoire, and affirms that any obstacle to their freedom of movement or to the full implementation of their mandates would not be tolerated;

22. Takes note of paragraph 13 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council, recalls the statement of its President dated 14 October 2005 (S/PRST/2005/49) and its decisions under resolution 1609 (2005) of 24 June 2005, including paragraphs 4, 5 and 6, and expresses its intention to review the troop level of UNOCI by the end of UNOCI’s mandate on 24 January 2006, in the light of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire;

23. Recalls paragraph 12 of the decision of the Peace and Security Council and its support for the individual measures provided for in paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004, and reaffirms its readiness to impose those measures against any person who blocks the implementation of the peace process, as defined in particular by the road map mentioned in paragraph 13 above, who is determined as responsible for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Côte d’Ivoire, who incites publicly hatred and violence, or against any person or entity who is determined to be in violation of the arms embargo;

24. Urges the International Working Group, which shall receive regular reports from the Mediation Group, and the sanctions committee established by resolution 1572 (2004) of 15 November 2004 to evaluate, monitor and follow up closely the progress made with regard to the issues mentioned in paragraphs 14 to 18 above;

25. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1634 Extension of UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara

Date: 28 October 2005 Meeting: 5295

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, including resolution 1495 (2003) of 31 July 2003, resolution 1541 (2004) of 29 April 2004, and resolution 1598 (2005) of 28 April 2005,

Taking note of the POLISARIO Front’s 18 August 2005 release of the remaining 404 Moroccan prisoners of war in compliance with international humanitarian law, and calling upon the parties to continue to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross to resolve the fate of persons who are unaccounted for since the beginning of the conflict,

Welcoming the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Peter van Walsum, and noting that he recently completed consultations in the region,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 17 October 2005 (S/2005/648),

1. Reaffirms the need for full respect of the military agreements reached with MINURSO with regard to the ceasefire;

2. Calls on Member States to consider voluntary contributions to fund Confidence Building Measures that allow for increased contact between separated family members, especially family unification visits;

3. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 2006;

4. Requests that the Secretary-General provide a report on the situation in the Western Sahara before the end of the mandate period and requests the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to provide a briefing, within three months of the adoption of the resolution, on the progress of his efforts;

5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

S/RES/1635 Extension of UN Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

Date: 28 October 2005 Meeting: 5296

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions and the statements by its President on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular resolutions 1565 of 1 October 2004, 1592 of 30 March 2005, 1596 of 18 April 2005 and 1621 of 6 September 2005 and 1628 of 30 September 2005, and the statement of 4 October 2005 (S/PRST/2005/46),

Reaffirming its commitment to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as of all States in the region, and its support for the process of the Global and All Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002,

Paying tribute to the donor community for the assistance they provide to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular to the electoral process, and encouraging them to maintain it,

Welcoming the interest and commitment shown by the Congolese authorities to promote good governance and transparent economic management, and urging all the components of the Government of National Unity and Transition to strengthen their efforts in continuing to build consensus in this regard,

Reiterating its serious concern regarding the continuation of hostilities by militias and foreign armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and at the threat they pose to the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Deploring the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law carried out by these militias and groups and stressing the urgent need for those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice,

Recognizing the link between the illegal exploitation of natural resources, the illicit trade in such resources and the proliferation and trafficking of arms as one of the factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa, and in particular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Taking note of the nineteenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), dated 26 September 2005 (S/2005/603), and of its recommendations,

Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of MONUC until 30 September 2006;

2. Having taken note of the recommendations described in paragraphs 27 to 29 of the report of the Secretary-General, authorizes an increase of 300 personnel in the military strength of MONUC to allow for the deployment of an infantry battalion in Katanga, with enabling assets including its own air mobility and appropriate medical support, to provide additional security within its area of operations during the electoral period;

3. Underlines the temporary character of the increase referred to in the previous paragraph, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps with a view to downsizing or repatriating this additional strength from 1 July 2006 at the latest, and to report to the Council before 1 June 2006 on the assessment to be made for that purpose;

4. Calls on the Transitional institutions and on all Congolese parties to ensure that free, fair and peaceful elections take place, and that the timetable for polls developed by the Independent Electoral Commission is scrupulously respected, and underlines in this regard that it is the responsibility of the Congolese authorities to adopt the necessary legislation without further delay;

5. Calls on the Government of National Unity and Transition to carry out reform of the security sector, through the expeditious integration of the Armed Forces and of the National Police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in particular by ensuring adequate payment and logistical support for their personnel;

7. Requests MONUC, within its capacity and mandate, and in consultation with international financial institutions and donors, to continue to provide advice and assistance as well as the necessary support, to the effective follow-up to the meeting on 21 September 2005 between the Espace présidentiel and the International Committee in Support of the Transition, to strengthen support for good governance and transparent economic management;

8. Welcomes the action taken by MONUC in investigating and dealing with instances of sexual exploitation and abuse and its efforts to put in place preventive measures, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to achieve actual compliance in MONUC with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action, including predeployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

S/RES/1636 Report of UN Investigation Commission into murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister

Date: 31 October 2005 Meeting: 5297

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular resolutions 1595 (2005) of 7 April 2005, 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001, and 1566 (2004) of 8 October 2004,

Reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security,

Having examined carefully the report of the international independent investigation Commission (S/2005/662) (“the Commission”) concerning its investigation into the 14 February 2005 terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others, and caused injury to dozens of people,

Commending the Commission for the outstanding professional work it has accomplished under difficult circumstances in assisting the Lebanese authorities in their investigation of all aspects of this terrorist act, and taking note of the Commission’s conclusion that the investigation is not yet complete,

Commending States which have provided assistance to the Commission in the discharge of its duties,

Commending also the Lebanese authorities for the full cooperation they have provided to the Commission in the discharge of its duties, in accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 1595 (2005),

Recalling that pursuant to its relevant resolutions, all States are required to afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal investigations or criminal proceedings relating to terrorist acts, and recalling in particular that it had requested in its resolution 1595 (2005) all States and all parties to cooperate fully with the Commission,

Taking note of the Commission’s findings that although the inquiry has already made considerable progress and achieved significant results, it is of the utmost importance to continue the trail both within and outside Lebanon in order to elucidate fully all aspects of this terrorist act, and in particular to identify and hold accountable all those who bear responsibility in its planning, sponsoring, organization and perpetration,

Mindful of the demand of the Lebanese people that all those responsible for the terrorist bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others be identified and held accountable,

Acknowledging in this connection the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon to the Secretary-General of 13 October 2005 (S/2005/651) requesting that the mandate of the Commission be extended to enable the Commission to continue to assist the competent Lebanese authorities in any further investigation of the various dimensions of the terrorist crime,

Acknowledging also the concurrent recommendation of the Commission that continued international assistance is needed to help the Lebanese authorities get right to the bottom of this terrorist act, and that a sustained effort on the part of the international community to establish an assistance and cooperation platform together with the Lebanese authorities in the field of security and justice is essential,

Willing to continue to assist Lebanon in the search for the truth and in holding those responsible for this terrorist act accountable for their crime,

Calling upon all States to extend to the Lebanese authorities and to the Commission the assistance they may need and request in connection with the inquiry, and in particular to provide them with all relevant information they may possess pertaining to this terrorist attack,

Reaffirming its profound commitment to the national unity and stability of Lebanon, emphasizing that the future of Lebanon should be decided through peaceful means by the Lebanese themselves, free of intimidation and foreign interference, and warning in this regard that attempts to undermine the stability of Lebanon will not be tolerated,

Taking note of the Commission’s conclusions that, given the infiltration of Lebanese institutions and society by the Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services working in tandem, it would be difficult to envisage a scenario whereby such a complex assassination plot could have been carried out without their knowledge, and that there is probable cause to believe that the decision to assassinate former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri could not have been taken without the approval of top-ranked Syrian security officials,

Mindful of the Commission’s conclusion that while the Syrian authorities, after initial hesitation, have cooperated to a limited degree with the Commission, several Syrian officials have tried to mislead the investigation by giving false or inaccurate statements,

Convinced that it is unacceptable in principle that anyone anywhere should escape accountability for an act of terrorism for any reason, including because of his own obstruction of the investigation or failure to cooperate in good faith,

Determining that this terrorist act and its implications constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region, and the need for peaceful solutions,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

== I ==

1. Welcomes the report of the Commission;

2. Takes note with extreme concern of the Commission’s conclusion that, there is converging evidence pointing at the involvement of both Lebanese and Syrian officials in this terrorist act, and that it is difficult to envisage a scenario whereby such complex assassination could have been carried out without their knowledge;

3. Decides as a step to assist in the investigation of this crime and without prejudice to the ultimate judicial determination of the guilt or innocence of any individual;

(a) that all individuals designated by the Commission or the Government of Lebanon as suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, organizing or perpetrating of this terrorist act, upon notification of such designation to and agreement of the Committee established in subparagraph (b) below, shall be subject to the following measures:

– All States shall take the measures necessary to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of such individuals, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall obligate a state to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals, or, if such individuals are found within their territory, shall ensure in accordance with applicable law that they are available for interview by the Commission if it so requests;

– All States shall: freeze all funds, financial assets and economic resources that are on their territories that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such individuals, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such individuals or by persons acting on their behalf or at their direction; ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories to or for the benefit of such individuals or entities; and cooperate fully in accordance with applicable law with any international investigations related to the assets or financial transactions of such individuals, entities or persons acting on their behalf, including through sharing of financial information;

(b) to establish, in accordance with rule 28 of its provisional rules of procedure, a Committee of the Security Council consisting of all the members of the Council to undertake the tasks described in the annex to this resolution;

(c) that the Committee and any measures still in force under subparagraph (a) will terminate when the Committee reports to the Security Council that all investigative and judicial proceedings relating to this terrorist attack have been completed, unless otherwise decided by the Security Council;

4. Determines that the involvement of any State in this terrorist act would constitute a serious violation by that State of its obligations to work to prevent and refrain from supporting terrorism, in accordance in particular with resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004) and that it would amount also to a serious violation of its obligation to respect the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon;

5. Takes note with extreme concern also of the Commission’s conclusion that, while the Syrian authorities have cooperated in form but not in substance with the Commission, several Syrian officials tried to mislead the Commission by giving false or inaccurate information, and determines that Syria’s continued lack of cooperation to the inquiry would constitute a serious violation of its obligations under relevant resolutions, including 1373 (2001), 1566 (2004) and 1595 (2005);

6. Takes note of the recent statement by Syria regarding its intention now to cooperate with the Commission and expects the Syrian Government to implement in full the commitments it is now making;

== II ==

7. Acknowledges that continued assistance from the Commission to Lebanon, as requested by its Government in its letter to the Secretary-General of 13 October 2005 and recommended by the Commission in its report, remains necessary to elucidate fully all aspects of this heinous crime, thus enabling that all those involved in the planning, sponsoring, organizing and perpetrating of this terrorist act, as well as their accomplices, be identified and brought to justice;

8. Welcomes in this regard the decision of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the Commission until 15 December 2005, as authorized by the Security Council in its resolution 1595 (2005), and decides that it will extend the mandate further if recommended by the Commission and requested by the Lebanese Government;

9. Commends the Lebanese authorities for the courageous decisions they have already taken in relation to the inquiry, including upon recommendation of the Commission, in particular the arrest and indictment of former Lebanese security officials suspected of involvement in this terrorist act, and encourages the Lebanese authorities to persist in their efforts with the same determination in order to get right to the bottom of this crime;

== III ==

10. Endorses the Commission’s conclusion that it is incumbent upon the Syrian authorities to clarify a considerable part of the questions which remain unresolved;

11. Decides in this context that:

(a) Syria must detain those Syrian officials or individuals whom the Commission considers as suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, organizing or perpetrating of this terrorist act, and make them fully available to the Commission;

(b) the Commission shall have vis-à-vis Syria the same rights and authorities as mentioned in paragraph 3 of resolution 1595 (2005), and Syria must cooperate with the Commission fully and unconditionally on that basis;

(c) the Commission shall have the authority to determine the location and modalities for interview of Syrian officials and individuals it deems relevant to the inquiry;

12. Insists that Syria not interfere in Lebanese domestic affairs, either directly or indirectly, refrain from any attempt aimed at destabilizing Lebanon, and respect scrupulously the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of this country;

== IV ==

13. Requests the Commission to report to the Council on the progress of the inquiry by 15 December 2005, including on the cooperation received by the Commission from the Syrian authorities, or anytime before that date if the Commission deems that such cooperation does not meet the requirements of this resolution, so that the Council, if necessary, could consider further action;

14. Expresses its readiness to consider any additional request for assistance from the Lebanese Government to ensure that all those responsible for this crime are held accountable;

15. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

Annex

The following are the functions of the Committee established pursuant to paragraph 3 of this resolution:

1. To register as subject to the measures in paragraph 3 (a) in this resolution an individual designated by the Commission or the Government of Lebanon, provided that within two working days of receipt of such designation no member of the Committee objects, in which case the Committee shall meet within fifteen days to determine the applicability of the measures in paragraph 3 (a).

2. To approve exceptions to the measures established in paragraph 3 (a) on a case-by-case basis:

(i) with respect to the travel restrictions, where the Committee determines that such travel is justified on the ground of humanitarian need, including religious obligation, or where the Committee concludes that an exemption would otherwise further the objectives of this resolution;

(ii) with respect to the freezing of funds and other economic resources, where the Committee determines that such exceptions are necessary for basic expenses, including payments for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums, and public utility charges, or exclusively for payment of reasonable professional fees and reimbursement of incurred expenses associated with the provision of legal services, or fees or service charges for routine holding or maintenance of frozen funds or other financial assets or economic resources;

3. To register the removal of an individual from the scope of the measures in paragraph 3 (a) upon notification from the Commission or the Government of Lebanon that the individual is no longer suspected of involvement in this terrorist act, provided that within two working days of receipt of such designation no member of the Committee objects, in which case the Committee shall meet within fifteen days to determine the removal of an individual from the scope of the measures in paragraph 3 (a).

4. To inform all Member States as to which individuals are subject to the measures in paragraph 3 (a).

S/RES/1637 Extension of mandate of Iraq Multinational Force

Date: 8 November 2005 Meeting: 5300

Vote: Unanimous

The Security Council,

Welcoming the beginning of a new phase in Iraq’s transition and looking forward to the completion of the political transition process as well as to the day Iraqi forces assume full responsibility for the maintenance of security and stability in their country, thus allowing the completion of the multinational force mandate,

Recalling all of its previous relevant resolutions on Iraq,

Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq,

Reaffirming also the right of the Iraqi people freely to determine their own political future and control their own natural resources,

Welcoming the commitment of the Transitional Government of Iraq to work towards a federal, democratic, pluralistic, and unified Iraq, in which there is full respect for political and human rights,

Calling upon the international community, particularly countries in the region and Iraq’s neighbours, to support the Iraqi people in their pursuit of peace, stability, security, democracy, and prosperity, and noting the contribution that the successful implementation of this resolution will bring to regional stability,

Welcoming the assumption of full governmental authority by the Interim Government of Iraq on 28 June 2004, the direct democratic elections of the Transitional National Assembly on 30 January 2005, the drafting of a new constitution for Iraq and the recent approval of the draft constitution by the people of Iraq on 15 October 2005,

Noting that the Government of Iraq established as a result of the election scheduled to take place by 15 December 2005 will play a critical role in continuing to promote national dialogue and reconciliation and in shaping the democratic future of Iraq and reaffirming the willingness of the international community to work closely with the Government of Iraq with respect to efforts to assist the Iraqi people,

Calling upon those who use violence in an attempt to subvert the political process to lay down their arms and participate in the political process, including in the election scheduled for 15 December, and encouraging the Government of Iraq to engage with all those who renounce violence and to promote a political atmosphere conducive to national reconciliation and political competition through peaceful democratic means,

Reaffirming that acts of terrorism must not be allowed to disrupt Iraq’s political and economic transition, and further reaffirming the obligations of Member States under resolution 1618 (2005) of 4 August 2005 and other relevant resolutions and international obligations with respect, inter alia, to terrorist activities in and from Iraq or against its citizens,

Recognizing the request conveyed in the letter of 27 October 2005 from the Prime Minister of Iraq to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution, to retain the presence of the multinational force in Iraq, and further recognizing the importance of consent of the sovereign Government of Iraq for the presence of the multinational force and of close coordination between the multinational force and that government,

Welcoming the willingness of the multinational force to continue efforts to contribute to the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq, including participating in the provision of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, as described in the letter of 29 October 2005 from the United States Secretary of State to the President of the Council, which is annexed to this resolution,

Recognizing the tasks and arrangements set out in the letters annexed to resolution 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004 and the cooperative implementation by the Government of Iraq and the multinational force of those arrangements,

Affirming the importance for all forces promoting the maintenance of security and stability in Iraq to act in accordance with international law, including obligations under international humanitarian law, and to cooperate with relevant international organizations, and welcoming their commitments in this regard,

Recalling the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on 14 August 2003, underlining the particular importance of UNAMI assistance for the upcoming election by 15 December 2005 of a government pursuant to a newly adopted Constitution, and affirming that the United Nations should continue to play a leading role in assisting the Iraqi people and government with further political and economic development, including advising and supporting the Government of Iraq, as well as the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, contributing to coordination and delivery of reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance, and promoting the protection of human rights, national reconciliation, as well as judicial and legal reform in order to strengthen the rule of law in Iraq,

Recognizing that international support for security and stability is essential to the well-being of the people of Iraq as well as the ability of all concerned, including the United Nations, to carry out their work on behalf of the people of Iraq, and expressing appreciation for Member State contributions in this regard under resolution 1483 (2003) of 22 May 2003, resolution 1511 (2003) of 16 October 2003 and resolution 1546 (2004),

Recognizing that the Government of Iraq will continue to have the primary role in coordinating international assistance to Iraq and reaffirming the importance of international assistance and development of the Iraqi economy and the importance of coordinated donor assistance,

Recognizing the significant role of the Development Fund for Iraq and the International Advisory and Monitoring Board in helping the Government of Iraq to ensure that Iraq’s resources are being used transparently and equitably for the benefit of the people of Iraq,

Determining that the situation in Iraq continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Notes that the presence of the multinational force in Iraq is at the request of the Government of Iraq and, having regard to the letters annexed to this resolution, reaffirms the authorization for the multinational force as set forth in resolution 1546 (2004) and decides to extend the mandate of the multinational force as set forth in that resolution until 31 December 2006;

2. Decides further that the mandate for the multinational force shall be reviewed at the request of the Government of Iraq or no later than 15 June 2006, and declares that it will terminate this mandate earlier if requested by the Government of Iraq;

3. Decides to extend until 31 December 2006 the arrangements established in paragraph 20 of resolution 1483 (2003) for the depositing into the Development Fund for Iraq of proceeds from export sales of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas and the arrangements referred to in paragraph 12 of resolution 1483 (2003) and paragraph 24 of resolution 1546 (2004) for the monitoring of the Development Fund for Iraq by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board;

4. Decides further that the provisions in the above paragraph for the deposit of proceeds into the Development Fund for Iraq and for the role of the International Advisory and Monitoring Board shall be reviewed at the request of the Government of Iraq or no later than 15 June 2006;

5. Requests that the Secretary-General continue to report to the Council on UNAMI’s operations in Iraq on a quarterly basis;

6. Requests that the United States, on behalf of the multinational force, continue to report to the Council on the efforts and progress of this force on a quarterly basis;