The Security Council this evening extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) until 31 May, stressing that continued support for the Liberian peace process is contingent on the parties demonstrated commitment to achieving national reconciliation. It also asked the Secretary-General to provide it with a progress report by 31 March.

Through its unanimous adoption of resolution 1041 (1996), the Council called on all the Liberian parties to implement fully and speedily all the agreements which they have undertaken, in particular the provisions of the Abuja Agreement on the cease-fire, disarmament and demobilization of combatants, and national reconciliation.

Expressing grave concern at recent cease-fire violations and attacks on troops of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the Council condemned the attacks against ECOMOG personnel and civilians and demanded that such hostile acts cease forthwith.

The Council again demanded that all factions respect the status of ECOMOG and UNOMIL personnel, as well as humanitarian organizations and agencies, and that they facilitate humanitarian deliveries. It called on ECOMOG to intensify action to provide security for UNOMIL observers and civilian staff and stressed the need for enhanced coordination between the two bodies.

Member States were urged to continue supporting the Liberian peace process through contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for Liberia, and to provide financial, logistical and other assistance for ECOMOG. They were also reminded of their obligations to comply with the arms embargo imposed on Liberia and to bring all instances of violations before the relevant Committee of the Security Council.

By other terms of the resolution, the Council stressed the importance of respect for human rights in Liberia, as well as the need to rehabilitate promptly its penitentiary system. It also expressed its condolences for ECOMOG personnel who have lost their lives.

Addressing the Council at the outset of the meeting, Alhaji G.V. Kromah, a member of the Collective Presidency of Liberia's transitional government, said the peace process was irreversible. He stressed the need for ECOMOG, UNOMIL and the government itself to be properly equipped and cited the importance of technical assistance for capacity-building.

Statements were also made by the representatives of Italy (on behalf of the European Union), Botswana, Egypt, Indonesia, Honduras, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Korea, United States and Germany.

The meeting, which was called to order at 5:38 p.m., adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

For further details please see source:
MEETINGS COVERAGE

For further details please see official record:
S/PV.3624

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