Extension of observer mission endorsed by Council.

Security Council members on 6 March endorsed the Secretary-General's recommendation to extend the presence of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) until 26 April 1995.

In the interim, they urged the Tajik parties--the Government and the opposition--to "resolve the remaining difficulties in arranging the fourth round of inter-Tajik talks aimed at reaching a political settlement to the conflict".

An earlier extension, until 6 March--the first since UNMOT's establishment under Council resolution 968 (1994) on 16 December 1994--was endorsed by Council members on 6 February.

Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on 3 March informed (S/1995/179) the Council that the parties had agreed to extend their cease-fire, after negotiations conducted by Under-Secretary-General Aldo Ajello with the Russian Federation officials in Moscow (24-27 February), the Government of Tajikistan in Dushanbe (28 February-1 March) and the Tajik opposition in Islamabad, Pakistan (2-4 March).

The initial cease-fire agreement, signed on 17 September 1994 in Teheran, Iran was first extended until 6 February--during the third round of inter-Tajik talks on national reconciliation, held from 20 October to 1 November in Islamabad--and then until 6 March.

However, the situation in Tajikistan remained "tense, particularly on the border with Afghanistan", the Secretary-General reported (S/1995/105) on 4 February. The economic crisis had had a "serious negative impact on efforts to reach political stabilization in the country and in complete the repatriation of refugees", he said.

The activities of UNMOT were an "important stabilizing factor", and that was recognized by both parties, Mr. Boutros-Ghali stated. "Although the fourth round of inter-Tajik talks remains blocked, both sides still say they are determined to continue the political process" under the auspices of the UN, he stressed.

Also, UNMOT had continued to provide political liaison and coordination for humanitarian assistance, which was indispensable, especially for the most vulnerable elements of Tajik society, the Secretary-General went on. Unfortunately, the mission had not been able so far to arrange effective liaison with the opposition's field commanders in northern Afghanistan, he said.