COUNCIL, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1357 (2001), EXTENDS UNMIBH MANDATE TO 21 JUNE 2002
| Press Release SC/7080 |
Security Council
4333rd Meeting (AM)
COUNCIL, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1357 (2001),
EXTENDS UNMIBH MANDATE TO 21 JUNE 2002
The Security Council this morning extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) until 21 June 2002.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1357 (2001) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council also reiterated the primary responsibility of national authorities for the further successful implementation of the 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reaffirming its support for that accord, as well as for the Dayton Agreement on implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it called upon the parties to comply strictly with their obligations.
The Council reminded the parties of their commitment to cooperate fully with all entities involved in implementing the peace settlement described in the Peace Agreement, or which were otherwise authorized by the Council, including the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. It underlined the need for full cooperation with the Tribunal, including the surrender for trial by States and entities of all persons indicted by that body.
By further terms of the text, the Council authorized the continuation of the multinational stabilization force (SFOR) for a further 12 months. It expressed its intention to review the situation with a view to further extension as necessary, in the light of developments in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Authorizing Member States to take all necessary measures in defence of SFOR, or to help it carry out its mission, the Council recognized the right of the force to defend itself against attack or threat of attack.
The meeting began at 10:15 a.m. and adjourned at 10:23 a.m.
Background
When the Security Council met this morning, it had before it the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) (document S/2001/571), which details UNMIBH’s progress since 30 November 2000 and recommends that the Mission’s mandate be extended at an authorized strength of 1,850 police officers for a further 12-month period. It makes that recommendation in view of the progress achieved so far by UNMIBH and its plan to implement its core tasks by December 2002.
Addressing the situation in the country, the Secretary-General writes that the international community cannot afford to lessen its resolve or its commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as consequences for the people of the region and for international peace and security could be incalculable.
Recent political changes are beginning to have a positive impact, he writes. The new democratic Governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Republic of Croatia and in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have each pledged, and begun to act upon, commitments to constructive bilateral and regional relations based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each State. Those developments are to be welcomed and encouraged as a baseline investment in the stability and recovery of the region. But other measures are essential, including renouncing and ceasing political and other support to ultra-nationalist groups, and taking robust measures to combat cross-border smuggling, organized crime and money laundering.
Clearly, the Secretary-General continues, the legitimate political, legal and cultural rights of all citizens must be guaranteed. It should be recalled that the Dayton Accords not only ended the war, but also established a constitutional framework for the peaceful and democratic resolution of disputes. It is regrettable that decisions of the Constitutional Court on the equality of citizens throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet been implemented, and that agreement has not been reached on a permanent Law on Elections. Progress in those areas is an essential step towards developing a national political consensus and joining European institutions, he notes.
Despite the difficult political environment, UNMIBH continues to make measurable progress in the implementation of its mission to assist the parties in establishing the foundations for effective, democratic, multi-ethnic and sustainable law-enforcement agencies. In some areas, such as the establishment of the State Border Service and the development of domestic and external police cooperation, progress has been very rapid. In other areas, including police vetting to weed out personnel who are war or economic criminals, minority recruitment and the court police, progress is being made incrementally through highly resource-intensive projects. But there remain essential areas, such as the police commissioner project, where the mission has faced serious political obstruction.
The continued presence of indicted war criminals in Bosnia and Herzegovina impedes the speed of peace implementation, the report continues. As long as war criminals remain above the law, citizens do not have confidence in the political neutrality and professionalism of the local police and judiciary. The Secretary-General, therefore, calls on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and on neighbouring States, as well as all others concerned, to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
Establishment of the rule of law is a fundamental precondition for self-sustaining peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Secretary-General writes. The role of UNMIBH in police reform and restructuring is key to that endeavour. Recent events in the country have amply demonstrated the importance of the role the international community plays and will continue to play in the country. Increasing the efficiency and cohesion of the efforts of various international actors on the ground is an essential precondition for success.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 1357 (2001), contained in document S/2001/610, reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions concerning the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, including resolutions 1031 (1995) of 15 December 1995, 1035 (1995) of 21 December 1995, 1088 (1996) of 12 December 1996, 1144 (1997) of 19 December 1997, 1168 (1998) of 21 May 1998, 1174 (1998) of 15 June 1998, 1184 (1998) of 16 July 1998, 1247 (1999) of 18 June 1999, and 1305 (2000) of 21 June 2000,
“Reaffirming its commitment to the political settlement of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States there within their internationally recognized borders,
“Underlining its commitment to supporting implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes thereto (collectively the Peace Agreement, S/1995/999, annex),
“Emphasizing its appreciation to the High Representative, the Commander and personnel of the multinational stabilization force (SFOR), the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the personnel of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), including the Commissioner and personnel of the International Police Task Force (IPTF), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the personnel of other international organizations and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their contributions to the implementation of the Peace Agreement,
“Noting that the States in the region must play a constructive role in the successful development of the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and noting especially the obligations of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in this regard as signatories to the Peace Agreement,
“Welcoming, in this regard, the positive steps taken by the Governments of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to strengthen their bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as their increasing cooperation with all relevant international organizations in implementing the Peace Agreement,
“Emphasizing that a comprehensive and coordinated return of refugees and displaced persons throughout the region continues to be crucial to lasting peace,
“Recalling the declarations of the Ministerial meetings of the Peace Implementation Conference,
“Noting the reports of the High Representative, including his latest report of 13 March 2001 (S/2001/219),
“Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 7 June 2001 (S/2001/571), and welcoming the UNMIBH Mandate Implementation Plan,
“Determining that the situation in the region continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
“Determined to promote the peaceful resolution of the conflicts in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
“Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994 and the statement of its President of 10 February 2000 (S/PRST/2000/4),
“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,
“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
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“1. Reaffirms once again its support for the Peace Agreement, as well as for the Dayton Agreement on implementing the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 10 November 1995 (S/1995/1021, annex), calls upon the parties to comply strictly with their obligations under those Agreements, and expresses its intention to keep the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under review;
“2. Reiterates that the primary responsibility for the further successful implementation of the Peace Agreement lies with the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves and that the continued willingness of the international community and major donors to assume the political, military and economic burden of implementation and reconstruction efforts will be determined by the compliance and active participation by all the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Peace Agreement and rebuilding a civil society, in particular in full cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, in strengthening joint institutions and in facilitating returns of refugees and displaced persons;
“3. Reminds the parties once again that, in accordance with the Peace Agreement, they have committed themselves to cooperate fully with all entities involved in the implementation of this peace settlement, as described in the Peace Agreement, or which are otherwise authorized by the Security Council, including the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, as it carries out its responsibilities for dispensing justice impartially, and underlines that full cooperation by States and entities with the International Tribunal includes, inter alia, the surrender for trial of all persons indicted by the Tribunal and provision of information to assist in Tribunal investigations;
“4. Emphasizes its full support for the continued role of the High Representative in monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement and giving guidance to and coordinating the activities of the civilian organizations and agencies involved in assisting the parties to implement the Peace Agreement, and reaffirms that the High Representative is the final authority in theatre regarding the interpretation of Annex 10 on civilian implementation of the Peace Agreement and that in case of dispute he may give his interpretation and make recommendations, and make binding decisions as he judges necessary on issues as elaborated by the Peace Implementation Council in Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997;
“5. Expresses its support for the declarations of the Ministerial meetings of the Peace Implementation Conference;
“6. Recognizes that the parties have authorized the multinational force referred to in paragraph 10 below to take such actions as required, including the use of necessary force, to ensure compliance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement;
“7. Reaffirms its intention to keep the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina under close review, taking into account the reports submitted pursuant to paragraphs 18 and 25 below, and any recommendations those reports might include, and its readiness to consider the imposition of measures if any party fails significantly to meet its obligations under the Peace Agreement;
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“8. Pays tribute to those Member States which participated in the multinational stabilization force established in accordance with its resolution 1088 (1996), and welcomes their willingness to assist the parties to the Peace Agreement by continuing to deploy a multinational stabilization force;
“9. Notes the support of the parties to the Peace Agreement for the continuation of the multinational stabilization force, set out in the declaration of the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Madrid on 16 December 1998 (S/1999/139, annex);
“10. Authorizes the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the organization referred to in Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement to continue for a further planned period of 12 months the multinational stabilization force (SFOR) as established in accordance with its resolution 1088 (1996) under unified command and control in order to fulfil the role specified in Annex 1-A and Annex 2 of the Peace Agreement, and expresses its intention to review the situation with a view to extending this authorization further as necessary in the light of developments in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
“11. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above to take all necessary measures to effect the implementation of and to ensure compliance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, stresses that the parties shall continue to be held equally responsible for compliance with that Annex and shall be equally subject to such enforcement action by SFOR as may be necessary to ensure implementation of that Annex and the protection of SFOR, and takes note that the parties have consented to SFOR’s taking such measures;
“12. Authorizes Member States to take all necessary measures, at the request of SFOR, either in defence of SFOR or to assist the force in carrying out its mission, and recognizes the right of the force to take all necessary measures to defend itself from attack or threat of attack;
“13. Authorizes the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above, in accordance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the rules and procedures established by the Commander of SFOR, governing command and control of airspace over Bosnia and Herzegovina with respect to all civilian and military air traffic;
“14. Requests the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate with the Commander of SFOR to ensure the effective management of the airports of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the light of the responsibilities conferred on SFOR by Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement with regard to the airspace of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
“15. Demands that the parties respect the security and freedom of movement of SFOR and other international personnel;
“16. Invites all States, in particular those in the region, to continue to provide appropriate support and facilities, including transit facilities, for the Member States acting under paragraph 10 above;
“17. Recalls all the agreements concerning the status of forces as referred to in Appendix B to Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, and reminds the parties of their obligation to continue to comply therewith;
“18. Requests the Member States acting through or in cooperation with the organization referred to in Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement to continue to report to the Council, through the appropriate channels and at least at monthly intervals;
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“Reaffirming the legal basis in the Charter of the United Nations on which the IPTF was given its mandate in resolution 1035 (1995),
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“19. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMIBH, which includes the IPTF, for an additional period terminating on 21 June 2002, and also decides that the IPTF shall continue to be entrusted with the tasks set out in Annex 11 of the Peace Agreement, including the tasks referred to in the Conclusions of the London, Bonn, Luxembourg, Madrid and Brussels Conferences and agreed by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
“20. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed and to report at least every six months on the implementation of the mandate of UNMIBH as a whole;
“21. Reiterates that the successful implementation of the tasks of the IPTF rests on the quality, experience and professional skills of its personnel, and once again urges Member States, with the support of the Secretary-General, to ensure the provision of such qualified personnel;
“22. Reaffirms the responsibility of the parties to cooperate fully with, and to instruct their respective responsible officials and authorities to provide their full support to, the IPTF on all relevant matters;
“23. Reiterates its call upon all concerned to ensure the closest possible coordination between the High Representative, SFOR, UNMIBH and the relevant civilian organizations and agencies so as to ensure the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement and of the priority objectives of the civilian consolidation plan, as well as the security of IPTF personnel;
“24. Urges Member States, in response to demonstrable progress by the parties in restructuring their law enforcement institutions, to intensify their efforts to provide, on a voluntary-funded basis and in coordination with the IPTF, training, equipment and related assistance for local police forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
“25. Also requests the Secretary-General to continue to submit to the Council reports from the High Representative, in accordance with Annex 10 of the Peace Agreement and the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in London on 4 and 5 December 1996 (S/1996/1012), and later Peace Implementation Conferences, on the implementation of the Peace Agreement and in particular on compliance by the parties with their commitments under that Agreement;
“26. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”
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