United Nations

 NEW YORK, 21 June (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this morning, reaffirming its commitment to the political settlement of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States there within their internationally recognized borders, extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), which includes the International Police Task Force, until 19 June 2001.

 Adopting resolution 1305 (2000) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation), the Council also authorized the Member States to continue for a further period of 12 months the multinational stabilization force (SFOR), as established in accordance with its resolution 1088 (1996).

 By other terms of the text, the Council authorized the Member States, acting through or in cooperation with the organization referred to in Annex 1-A of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Annexes thereto (collectively the Peace Agreement, S/1995/999, annex) to take all necessary measures to effect the implementation of and to ensure compliance with Annex 1-A of the Peace Agreement, and stressed that the parties should continue to be held equally responsible for compliance with that Annex and should be equally subject to such enforcement action by SFOR.

 By the same terms, the Council authorized 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 recognized the right of the force to take all necessary measures to defend itself from attack or threat of attack.

 Demanding that the parties respect the security and freedom of movement of SFOR and other international personnel, the Council requested 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.

 Reiterating 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, the Council urged 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.

 The Council also requested the Secretary-General to report at least every six months on the implementation of the mandate of UNMIBH as a whole, and to continue to submit to the Council reports from the High Representative on the implementation of the Peace Agreement and in particular on compliance by the parties with their commitments under that Agreement.

 The Council, in its resolution, also expressed support for the declaration of the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Brussels on 23 and 24 May.

 Speaking before the vote, the representative of the Russian Federation explained his abstention by saying that Russian amendments had not been taken on board in the resolution.  His country had been compelled not to participate in the Brussels meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference because the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, one of the signatories to the peace accord, had not been admitted.

 Representatives from China, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States spoke after the vote.

 The meeting, which was called to order at 10:40 a.m., adjourned at 10:55 a.m.

Council Work Programme

The Security Council met this morning to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  It had before it a report from the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), which details the Mission's progress since 15 March and reviews activities conducted jointly by UNMIBH and other parts of the United Nations system in Bosnia and Herzegovina (document S/2000/529).  The report was discussed at a Council meeting on 13 June (see Press Release SC/6784).  The Mission's mandate is due to expire today.

The Secretary-General reports that there are now visible and encouraging signs that peace is taking root in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but still much work to be done.  The United Nations presence is helping establish the foundations of a modern democratic State.  He, therefore, recommends the Security Council extend the UNMIBH mandate for a further 12-month period, until 21 June 2001.

 On 21 December 1995, the Security Council established the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF) and a United Nations civilian office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the Peace Agreement signed by the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 14 December 1995.  The operation is now known as UNMIBH.

 In accordance with the Peace Agreement, the IPTF's main tasks include monitoring, observing and inspecting law enforcement activities and facilities, advising and training law enforcement personnel, assessing threats to public order and capabilities to deal with such threats, and accompanying law enforcement personnel as they carry out their responsibilities. 

 It was also to consider requests from parties or law enforcement agencies for assistance, with priority being given to ensuring conditions for free and fair elections. 

 In addition, UNMIBH has responsibilities in humanitarian relief and refugees, demining, human rights, elections and rehabilitation of infrastructure and economic reconstruction.  Additional tasks have been allocated to UNMIBH by the Security Council since its founding, such as investigating allegations of human rights abuses by law enforcement officials, specialized training to address key public security issues such as refugee returns, organized crime, drugs, corruption and terrorism, and monitoring and assessing the court system. 

 The Mission is led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of the United Nations Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jacques Paul Klein.  The IPTF is led by Commissioner Vincent Coeurderoy, who succeeded Detlef Buwitt on 5 April. 

 The Council also had before it a draft resolution (document S/2000/591), sponsored by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States, which 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, and 1247 (1999) of 18 June 1999,

 "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 recent positive steps taken by the Republic of Croatia to strengthen its bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its 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,

 "Taking note of the declaration of the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Brussels on 23 and 24 May 2000 (S/2000/586, annex) and the conclusions of its previous meetings,

 "Noting the reports of the High Representative, including his latest report of 4 May 2000 (S/2000/376),

 "Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 2 June 2000 (S/2000/529), and noting that the UNMIBH judicial system assessment programme will be concluded by December 2000,

 "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,

I

 "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 declaration of the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Brussels on 23 and 24 May 2000;

 "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;

II

 "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;

 "Reaffirming the legal basis in the Charter of the United Nations on which the IPTF was given its mandate in resolution 1035 (1995),

III

 "19. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMIBH, which includes the IPTF, for an additional period terminating on 19 June 2001, 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."

Statements

 SERGEY LAVROV (Russian Federation), speaking before the vote, said that his country had been one of the main participants in the Bosnia settlement.  While it was in the interest of the continuing peace process to pass the resolution, the Russian Federation could not do so because Russian amendments had not been taken on board.

 He said that his country had been compelled not to participate in the Brussels meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference because of the discriminatory approach adopted towards the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which had not been admitted although it was one of the signatories to the accord.

 The Brussels meeting had been conducted in violation of the Dayton Agreement, he said.  Further, the blockade and isolation of that country was counter-productive and could have very serious consequences for the entire Balkans region.

 The Security Council then adopted resolution 1305 (2000) by a recorded vote of 14 in favour to none against, with one abstention (Russian Federation).

Statements after Vote

 WANG YINFAN (China) said that his country had always supported the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  He noted, however, that the text of the resolution still contained elements supporting the Ministerial meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference in Brussels.  As a signatory of the Peace Agreement, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should have been invited to that meeting.

 Sir JEREMY GREENSTOCK (United Kingdom) said the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina had important work to do, and needed the support of the Security Council.  The resolution indicated such unanimous support and the vote should not detract from that.  The future work of the Mission should be seen as something the Council valued and would support with unanimity.

 ANDRAS VAMOS-GOLDMAN (Canada) said his country supported the decision not to invite the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the Brussels meeting of the Peace Implementation Conference.  Canada regretted that the Russian Federation had decided not to participate in that meeting.

 JAMES CUNNINGHAM (United States), while expressing regret that the resolution had not been adopted by consensus, said he was satisfied that support for the work of UNMIBH had been unanimous.  Since the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had done nothing since the Madrid ministerial peace meeting, it did not deserve to be invited to Brussels.