SC/8639
15 February 2006
Security Council Extends Haiti Stabilization Mission until 15 August, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1658 (2006)
NEW YORK, 14 February (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this morning decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), which was to expire tomorrow, until 15 August.
Unanimously adopting resolution 1658 (2006), as orally revised, and acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council also requested the Secretary-General to report as soon as possible after the conclusion of Haiti's electoral process on whether to restructure the Mission's mandate after the new Government took office.
According to the electoral calendar, the first round of national elections was held on 7 February, the second round will be held on 19 March, the new President will be sworn in on 29 March, and municipal and local elections will be held on 30 April. The Secretary-General's report on MINUSTAH (document S/2006/6 of 2 February) was summarized in Press Release SC/8633 of 9 February.
The meeting was called to order at 11:20 a.m. and was adjourned at 11:23 a.m.
Council Resolution
The full text of resolution 1658 (2006) reads, as follows:
"The Security Council,
"Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Haiti, in particular its resolutions 1608 (2005), 1576 (2004) and 1542 (2004), as well as relevant statements by its President,
"Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti,
"Congratulating the Haitian people on the successful holding of the first round of Haiti's elections on 7 February 2006 and commending the Haitian authorities, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Organization of the American States, and relevant international stakeholders for their efforts in this regard,
"Welcoming the progress achieved thus far in Haiti's political process and urging all Haitians to continue to participate in it, and to accept peacefully its outcome,
"Reaffirming the important role that MINUSTAH, with the support of the international community, including regional and sub-regional organizations, has in supporting Haiti's national elections, as well as municipal and local elections scheduled to take place on 30 April 2006,
"Looking forward to the early inauguration of the elected President, and emphasizing that, after that event, national reconciliation, inclusiveness and political dialogue will continue to be of fundamental importance for the long term political, social and economic stability of Haiti,
"Recognizing that the installation of the new Government will represent a major event that will mark a new chapter in the international community's efforts in Haiti,
"Emphasizing that security, rule of law, political reconciliation, and economic and social development remain key to the stability of Haiti,
"Underscoring that security remains an essential element for the completion of the electoral process, and calling on Haitians to renounce all forms of violence,
"Expressing its full support for MINUSTAH's efforts to continue to assist Haitian authorities to ensure a secure and stable environment after the elections,
"Stressing that the consolidation of Haitian democratic institutions will be crucial for achieving stability and development, and that MINUSTAH and the international community should continue to assist in building the capacity of national and local authorities and institutions,
"Recognizing that rule of law and respect for human rights are vital components of democratic societies, reaffirming the mandate of MINUSTAH in this respect, and calling on Haitian authorities to undertake a comprehensive reform in all areas of rule of law and to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms,
"Calling on MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police (HNP) to enhance coordination and to cooperate with other international stakeholders to effect the reform of the HNP and to finalize the overall reform plan requested in its resolution 1608 (2005) as soon as possible,
"Encouraging MINUSTAH to further explore possibilities for greater support to reform, modernize and strengthen the judiciary and correctional systems, including through the provision of targeted technical assistance to rule of law institutions,
"Stressing the importance of rapid progress on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration,
"Welcoming the extension of the Interim Cooperation Framework until December 2007, urging the Haitian authorities to continue to make progress in its implementation in close cooperation with all relevant international stakeholders, and reiterating the commitment of the international community to provide long-term support for the Haitian people, including to achieve and sustain stability and combat poverty,
"Recognizing the progress achieved thus far in the disbursement of pledged assistance, and encouraging the international financial institutions and donors to continue to disburse promptly the funds pledged,
"Noting that the Haitian people must take responsibility for achieving stability, social and economic development and law and order,
"Recalling paragraph 3 of its resolution 1608 (2005),
"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 resolutions 1608 (2005) and 1542 (2004), until 15 August 2006, with the intention to renew for further periods;
"2. Welcomes the Secretary-General's report S/2006/60 of 2 February 2006, and supports its recommendations;
"3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council, as soon as possible after the conclusion of Haiti's electoral process and, drawing as appropriate on consultations with the elected Government of Haiti, on whether to restructure MINUSTAH's mandate after the new Government takes office, including recommendations for ways in which MINUSTAH can support reform and strengthening of key institutions;
"4. Decides to remain seized of the matter."
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