SC/8352
5 April 2005

Security Council Extends UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire until 4 May, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1594 (2005)

NEW YORK, 4 April (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council decided this afternoon to extend for one month, until 4 May 2005, the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and the French forces supporting it.

Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1594 (2005), by which it called upon all Ivorian parties immediately and actively to pursue a lasting and just solution to the crisis in their country, particularly through the African Union mediation led by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.

Prior to the vote, Council President Wang Guangya (China) expressed, on behalf of members, condolences at the passing of Pope John Paul II, quoting the Secretary-General’s description of the late pontiff as “a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical self-evaluation by the Church itself”.

Following the President’s request to Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Permanent Representative for the Holy See to the United Nations, to convey the Council’s condolences, Council members stood and observed a minute of silence in memory of, and tribute to, the Pope’s life and works.

The meeting began at 12:30 p.m. and ended at 12:35 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of Security Council resolution 1594 (2005) reads as follows:

“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,

“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),

“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 the report of the Secretary-General dated of 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.”

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