SC/8774
14 July 2006

Security Council Increases Police, Reduces Military in Liberia Mission, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 1694 (2006)

NEW YORK, 13 July (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this afternoon decided to increase the authorized size of the police component of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) by 125 and reduce the military component by the same number.

Resolution 1694 (2006) was adopted unanimously.

The action on the text, which was sponsored by the United States, followed a recommendation in that regard in the Secretary-General's report on developments in that country (document S/2006/376).  As of 1 June, the authorized size of the Mission's police component was 1,115.  Its military component was authorized for 15,000.

The meeting began at 3:15 p.m. and was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

Council Resolution

The full text of resolution 1694 (2006) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Recalling its previous resolutions and statements of its President, including its resolution 1667 of 31 March 2006,

"Noting that the report of the Secretary-General of 14 March 2006 (S/2006/159) recommended, inter alia, changes to the configuration of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in view of the completion by the Mission of a number of tasks, and in the context of a review of the appropriate mandates for and composition of the Mission, and that his report of 9 June 2006 (S/2006/376) reiterated his recommendation for the addition of a formed police unit,

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

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

"1. Decides to increase the authorized size of UNMIL's civilian police component by 125, and to decrease the authorized size of UNMIL's military component by 125, from the current authorized levels;

"2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter."

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