PeaceWatch 2000.

The Year in Review

Renewed violence in the Middle East and developments in Africa were among the major issues the Security Council dealt with in 2000 as it pursued its mandate of establishing and maintaining global peace and security. As in 1999, the situations in Kosovo, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and East Timor were also dominant on the Council's agenda in 2000. The Council further considered the situations in Angola, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Israel/Lebanon, Israel/Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Afghanistan, Western Sahara, Georgia, Tajikistan, Haiti, Cyprus, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Continuing to demonstrate its willingness to discuss a variety of subjects related to international peace and security, the Council held open meetings on women and peacekeeping, and children in armed conflict, and adopted an unprecedented resolution on a health issue--HIV/AIDS. It also met on: the International Criminal Tribunals; conflict prevention; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants; exit strategies for peacekeeping operations; humanitarian aspects of peacekeeping; violence against humanitarian personnel; protection of civilians in conflict; terrorism; and United Nations sanctions.

The Council on 7 September held, for the second time In its history, a high-level meeting in the context of the Millennium Summit. It welcomed the 21 August report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations, chaired by Lakhdar Brahimi of Algeria. On 13 November, it unanimously adopted resolution 1327 (2000), resolving to give peacekeeping operations clear, credible and achievable mandates. On 10 November, the Council also heard a final briefing by the outgoing United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata.

The African continent demanded considerable attention from the Council during the year. January was referred to as the "month of Africa", with special interest paid to Africa-related issues. The Council's meetings concentrated on HIV/AIDS, arms, illicit trafficking in diamonds, intra-and inter-State conflicts, as well as refugees and internally displaced persons. Much of its deliberations on Africa focussed on two countries--Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council also devoted a number of meetings to the border conflict in Ethiopia and Eritrea, establishing the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) on 3l July.

After violence erupted between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli security forces--following a visit to Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem on 28 September by Ariel Sharon, leader of Israel's Likud Party--the Council met three times to discuss the situation in the Middle East. From 3 to 5 October, more than 40 speakers addressed the meetings. Following the debate on 7 October, the Council adopted resolution 1322 (2000) by 14 votes to none, with 1 abstention (United States). It deplored the provocation carried out at Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the subsequent violence there and throughout the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, which had resulted in more than 80 Palestinian deaths.

The year 2000 saw the solidification of the UN presence in Kosovo and East Timor. Despite continued ethnic violence and problems related to the return of refugees, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), headed by Bernard Kouchner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, successfully held municipal elections in Kosovo. The peaceful change in government in Belgrade and Yugoslavia's admittance as a Member of the United Nations on 1 November were among many positive developments in the region.

Although there were some setbacks in East Timor-- the continued militia-led violence, with the deaths of United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, and severe flooding that caused considerable destruction and displacement in refugee camps--Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Transitional Administrator, was able to report on 28 November that the security situation was stable and that the Territory was well advanced on the transition to independence.

The Council held a two-day open meeting on 24 and 25 October to consider the role of women in peace and security. An overwhelming number of speakers stressed the need to include women in every aspect of peace-building initiatives, specifically calling for their involvement in decision-making processes. At the 26 July debate, Olara Otunnu, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on children and armed conflict, said the international community needed to provide education to war-affected children and meet the special needs of the girl child and adolescents in the midst and aftermath of conflicts.

On l7 July, the Council adopted resolution 1308 (2000), urging Member States to consider voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and counselling for troops to be deployed in peacekeeping operations. The resolution, the first of its kind, also expressed concern at the potentially damaging impact of HTV/AIDS on the health of international peacekeeping personnel, including support personnel.

The Council recommended that Tuvalu and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 17 February and 31 October, respectively, be admitted as members of the United Nations. Both were subsequently approved for membership by the General Assembly, which makes the final decision in such cases.

Sierra Leone

On 7 February, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1289 (2000), expanding the military component of the United Nations Mission for Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to a maximum of 11,100, including 260 military observers. The Council extended the UNAMSIL mandate several times and it is now in force until 31 March 2001.

On 4 May, the Council issued a presidential statement condemning in the strongest terms the armed attacks perpetrated by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) against UNAMSIL forces and its continued detention of a large number of United Nations and other international personnel. The Council also expressed its outrage at the killing of a number of UN peacekeepers of the Kenyan battalion. On 11 May, Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the Council that UNAMSIL was configured as a peacekeeping force and not designed or equipped for an enforcement operation. It had been attacked by one of the parties that had pledged cooperation before it was properly deployed. On 19 May, the Council, unanimously adopting resolution 1299 (2000), once more expanded the military component of UNAMSIL to a maximum of 13,000 personnel, convinced that the deterioration in security conditions on the ground necessitated the Mission's rapid reinforcement.

Mr. Annan demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all United Nations personnel, warning that RUF leaders would be held accountable for the Force's actions and for the safety and well-being of all those detained. On l7 July, in a presidential statement, the Council expressed full support for the rescue ordered by the Secretary-General of more than 200 UNAMSIL peacekeepers at Kailahun, in the eastern part of Sierra Leone. On 4 August, the Council, unanimously adopting resolution 1313 (2000), expressed its intention to strengthen the Mission's mandate, structure and resources so that the peacekeepers could respond more decisively and robustly to attacks by the RUF.

On 5 July, the Council, concerned at the role played by the illicit trade in diamonds in fuelling the conflict in Sierra Leone, adopted resolution 1306 (2000) by a vote of 14 to none, with 1 abstention (Mali), and imposed a prohibition on the import of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone. It exempted imports of rough diamonds, whose origin was certified by the Government of Sierra Leone. The diamond industry was also called upon to cooperate with the ban. Following an 18-month review, the Council would decide whether to extend the prohibition for a further period and, if necessary, modify it or adopt further measures.

On 14 August, the Council asked the Secretary-General to negotiate an agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone to create an independent special court, consistent with resolution 1315 (2000) which it had unanimously adopted, jurisdiction of which includes crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, as well as crimes committed in Sierra Leone under its national law.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

In its first meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 24 January, seven African heads of State addressed the Council. Speakers stressed the need for resolute international support for the Lusaka peace process and for speedy establishment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in that country.

Following the Summit on 26 January, the Council in a presidential statement expressed its determination to support implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement.

On 24 February, the Council, by unanimously adopting resolution 1291 (2000), extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and authorized an expansion of up to 5,537 military personnel, including up to 500 observers.

On 5 May, in a presidential statement, the Council demanded the immediate cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic and unreservedly condemned the outbreak of military hostilities in Kisangani, which began on 5 May and threatened the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. On l6 June, it demanded that Ugandan and Rwandan forces, as well as those of the Congolese opposition and other armed groups, withdraw immediately and completely from the city of Kisangani.

The Council extended the MONUC mandate four times. Its current mandate, under resolution 1332 (2000) of 15 December, will expire on l5 June 2001.

Ethiopia and Eritrea

Fighting between Ethiopia and Eritrea erupted in May 1998 as a result of a border dispute. The Council, meeting on 12 May on the situation, unanimously adopted resolution 1297 (2000) demanding that the two countries immediately cease all military action. On 17 May, it unanimously adopted resolution 1298 (2000), which strongly condemned the continued fighting and demanded that both parties immediately cease all military action, refrain from the further use of force, withdraw their forces from military engagement, and take no action that would aggravate tensions. Further demanding the reconvening of substantive peace talks under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), it also decided to prevent the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as technical assistance and training related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms or related materiel.

On 18 June, the two countries signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, following proximity talks led by Algeria and the OAU. On 31 July, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1312 (2000) and established the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) in anticipation of a peacekeeping operation subject to future authorization.

The Mission's mandate is to: establish and maintain liaison with the parties; visit the parties' military headquarters and other units in all areas of the Mission operation deemed necessary by the Secretary-General; establish and put into operation the mechanism for verifying the cessation of hostilities; and prepare for the establishment of the Military Coordination Commission provided for in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

On 15 September, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1320 (2000), which extended the UNMEE mandate until March 2001. It authorized the deployment of up to 4,200 troops, including 220 military observers as well as necessary support staff.

In a presidential statement on 21 November, the Council emphasized that the deployment of UNMEE should contribute to a positive climate for negotiations and not replace the need for a final and comprehensive settlement. The Council also underlined the important role of confidence-building measures. In particular, it encouraged the parties to agree on the immediate release and voluntary return of interned civilians under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Angola

On 18 January, the Council held an open briefing on the situation in Angola. Most speakers blamed the protracted conflict in the country on the activities of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), which has been engaged in an intermittent, devastating civil war against the Government since the country's independence in 1975.

On 18 April, acting under the enforcement provisions of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council unanimously voted to tighten its sanctions against UNITA and undertook to consider additional measures--use of armed force not included--to make them more effective. By the terms of resolution 1295 (2000), it asked the Secretary-General to establish a monitoring mechanism which would be composed of five experts, for a period of six months. Its tasks would be to collect relevant information, investigate relevant leads and verify information provided by all sources concerning violations of the Council's three previous sanction resolutions on UNITA. The resolution covered such areas as the trade in arms, the trade in petroleum and related products, the trade in diamonds, funds and financial measures, and travel and representation.

On 15 October, the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA) for a further six months until 15 April 2001.

Rwanda

On 14 April, Ingvar Carlsson, Chairman of the Independent Inquiry into the actions of the United Nations during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, presented his report to the Security Council (S/1999/1257), saying the Council had the power to have prevented at least some of the Rwandan tragedy and could act to ensure that such a tragedy did not happen again. He described the lack of political will to act in the face of crises as the most dangerous obstacle to United Nations work for the maintenance of peace. The Council's decision to reduce the strength of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) after the genocide started, and despite its knowledge of the atrocities, was the cause of much bitterness in the country, he continued. In future, the Secretariat must tell the Council exactly what was needed, and the Council must ensure that short-term financial constraints did not prevent effective action. The Council must give missions the mandate they needed, mobilize the necessary troops and resource s, and accept its responsibility, irrespective of where problems occurred.

Burundi

On l9 January, the Council was briefed on the situation in Burundi by former South African President Nelson Mandela, Facilitator of the peace process in that country. Mr. Mandela said that the real challenge facing Burundians was that of creating a form of democracy that would provide for an accountable and responsive government and ensure security for the vulnerable. Following his briefing, the Council, unanimously adopting resolution 1286 (2000), reiterated its strong support for the renewed Arusha peace process and called on all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate with the new Facilitator--the successor to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere--and to build an internal political partnership in the country.

On 29 September, Mr. Mandela in another briefing said there could be no justification for continued violent attacks on the civilian population in Burundi when a comprehensive political agreement had been reached and the way had been opened for all to bring their concerns to the political table. He called on the rebel groups in Burundi to demonstrate the quality of their leadership, announce a ceasefire and halt the slaughter of innocents. Following the briefing, the Council condemned all attacks on civilian populations in the country. In a presidential statement, it expressed its concern at the continuing level of violence, in particular that perpetrated by rebel groups despite the call to them for direct negotiations with the Burundian Government.

Somalia

Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast told the Security Council that it must "not fall prey to cynicism and despair and give up on Somalia", during a briefing on 29 June on the political, security and humanitarian situation there. On the contrary, he added, it should give renewed support to the Somali National Peace Conference under way in Djibouti. Following the briefing, the Council in a presidential statement strongly condemned attacks by armed groups on innocent civilians and all humanitarian personnel in Somalia. It strongly urged the Somali factions to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, ensure the safety and freedom of movement of all humanitarian personnel, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian relief to all those in need.

Central African Republic

On 10 February, the Council welcomed the Secretary-General's decision to establish the United Nations Peace-Building Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA) for one year, beginning 15 February. In a presidential statement, it noted with satisfaction that the principal mission of BONUCA, headed by the Secretary-General's Representative, would be to support the Government's efforts to consolidate peace and national reconciliation, strengthen democratic institutions, and facilitate the mobilization at the international level of political support and resources for national reconstruction and economic recovery in the country. On 15 February, the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA), established on 15 April 1998 by Council resolution 1159 (1998), expired. MINURCA originally replaced an inter-African force founded on 31 January 1997 by the heads of State of Gabon, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali to monitor the implementation of the Bangui Agreements.

Guinea-Bissau

On 29 March, the Council issued a presidential statement expressing support for the country's newly elected Government and encouraging the new authorities to develop and implement programmes devised to consolidate peace and national reconciliation. The Council paid tribute to the people of Guinea-Bissau for the success of the transitional process, which had led to the organization of free, fair and transparent elections. Briefing the Council, Under-Secretary-General Prendergast noted the progress being made by the Government, which was formed on 19 February after the January elections, to promote the consolidation of democracy and depoliticize the military. The overall situation was peaceful and the humanitarian situation had noticeably improved but the economic situation remained worrying, and there were lingering difficulties redefining the relationship between the new Government and the military establishment in the post-electoral period.

Mozambique

Following devastating floods in Mozambique, the Council on 6 March issued a statement to the press extending its deepest sympathy to the people of that country for the tragic loss of lives and extensive material damage. It also expressed strong solidarity with the people and the Government of Mozambique in their resolve to meet the twin challenges of recovery and reconstruction, and noted with appreciation the determined efforts of the Government of President Joaquim Chissano in alleviating the suffering of his people.

Western Sahara

Despite the commitment of Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (POLISARIO Front) to the Settlement Plan, the continued presence in the region of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was deemed necessary. Consequently, the Council extended its mandate four times. The current mandate, renewed by resolution 1324 (2000) on 30 October, will expire on 28 February 2001.

Iraq

The Council met four times on the situation in Iraq. 24 March, Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the Council that the humanitarian situation in the country posed a serious moral dilemma for the United Nations. Even if the humanitarian assistance programme, known as the "oil-for-food" programme, was implemented perfectly, its efforts might still prove insufficient to satisfy the population's needs. Less than a week later, on 31 March, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1293 (2000), which increased to $600 million the amount that Iraq could use to purchase oil, spare parts and equipment under the programme. The Council twice extended the programme's mandate for 180-day periods, most recently on 5 December when it unanimously adopted resolution 1330 (2000). It also asked the Secretary-General to provide a comprehensive report on the resolution's implementation 90 days after its entry into force, including observations on whether Iraq had ensured the equitable distribution of medicine, health supplies, f oodstuffs, and materials and supplies for essential civilian needs. The Council also directed the Sanctions Committee on Iraq to approve lists of basic electricity and housing supplies consistent with the priority given to the most vulnerable groups in Iraq.

Afghanistan

On 19 December, the Security Council adopted resolution 1333 (2000) by a vote of 13 to none, with 2 abstentions (China, Malaysia), demanding that Afghanistan's Taliban authorities close all camps where terrorists are trained in the territory under their control and called for confirmation of such closures by the United Nations. It also demanded that the Taliban cease providing sanctuary and training for terrorists, and turn over alleged terrorist Usama bin Laden to appropriate authorities. It also enacted a series of embargoes on provision of goods and assistance to the territory under Taliban control.

On 7 April, John Renninger, Officer-in-Charge of the Asia and Pacific Division of the Department of Political Affairs, briefed the Council and said that an early ceasefire between the warring factions in Afghanistan was not in sight. Following that briefing, the Council in a presidential statement expressed concern at the continued Afghan conflict, calling it a serious and growing threat to regional and international peace and security.

Tajikistan

The Council's involvement with Tajikistan in 2000 capped the end of the United Nations Mission of Observers m Tajikistan (UNMOT). On the expiration of its mandate on 15 May, the Mission concluded.

On 12 May, the Council acknowledged the significant achievement of the Tajik parties, which had managed to overcome many obstacles and put their country on the path to peace, national reconciliation and democracy. On 21 November, it welcomed the decisive progress in the implementation of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan, achieved due to the sequential and persistent efforts of the President of the Republic and the leadership of the Commission on National Reconciliation.

Solomon Islands

On 16 November, the Council issued a presidential statement expressing its strong support for the peace agreement concluded on 15 October for the cessation of hostilities between two groups--the Malaita Eagle Force and the Isatabu Freedom Movement--in the Solomon Islands. The Council also expressed support for the restoration of peace and ethnic harmony in the country, and encouraged all parties to cooperate in promoting reconciliation, so that the objectives of the Townsville Peace Agreement could be met.

Papua New Guinea

Following a closed briefing by Assistant-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Danilo Turk on political developments regarding Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, the Council issued a statement on 29 March welcoming the signing of the Loloata Understanding by the Papua New Guinea Government and Bougainvillean leaders. The Council supported a role for the United Nations in ongoing peace talks, as acknowledged in the Understanding, and reiterated its commitment to support fully the Bougainville peace process.

East Timor

Despite setbacks during 2000, including continued militia-led violence, Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Transitional Administrator for East Timor, was able to report to the Council on 28 November that the security situation was stable and the territory was well advanced on the transition to independence. Speaking at the last of nine open briefings by the Council in 2000 on the territory, he said the availability of resources was a key constraint. The extent of East Timor's destruction meant that reconstruction would remain an urgent need well beyond independence. He expressed concern about the continued existence and impunity of violent militia, but said there had been progress in the repatriation of refugees and reconciliation. However, a United Nations peacekeeping presence would be required in some form until 2003.

Following the brutal murder on 6 September of three UN humanitarian staff by a militia-led mob in West Timor, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1319 (2000), which insisted Indonesia immediately disarm and disbands the militia, restore law and order in West Timor, and ensure the safety and security of refugees and humanitarian workers. In a presidential statement on 6 December, the Council called for a timetable and mechanisms for a constitution and elections for East Timor. It also stressed that urgent action was needed to resolve the problem of the refugees in West Timor.

On 20 April, a presidential statement welcomed Israel's notification of its intention to withdraw from Lebanon, in full accordance with Council resolutions 425 (1978) and (1978). On 27 July, the Council, by unanimously adopting resolution 1310 (2000), extended the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further six months, until 3l January 2001. It called on the Lebanese Government to ensure its effective authority in the south and to proceed with significant deployment of its armed forces as soon as possible. The mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was extended twice in 2000, on 31 May by resolution 1300 (2000), until 30 November, and on 27 November by resolution 1328 (2000), until 31 May 2001.

From 3 to 5 October after an outbreak of violence that followed a visit by Israel's Likud Party leader Ariel Sharon to Al-Haram Al-Sharif in Jerusalem on 28 September, the Council met three times to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. During an open debate, many speakers were highly critical of the level of force used by the Israeli Government in response to Palestinian protests. The Council on 7 October adopted resolution 1322 (2000) by 14 votes to none, with 1 abstention (United States), which deplored the provocation of 28 September and the subsequent violence which had resulted in more than 80 Palestinian deaths.

On 22 November, during an emergency Council meeting on the Middle East, the Observer for Palestine called for specific measures to end Israeli violations against the Palestinian people, while Israel's representative said that Palestinian leaders continued to call for an escalation of the current conflict. On 18 December, the Council met to consider a draft resolution to establish a United Nations force of military and police observers in the occupied Palestinian territories, but the draft did not receive the necessary nine-vote majority (8 to none, with 7 abstentions).

Kosovo

Briefing the Security Council on 9 June, the SecretaryGeneral's Special Representative and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)m Bernard Kouchner, told the Council that UNMIK would need years to complete its job and help build a society based on tolerance and democracy. After ethnic deansing, sanctions and bombing, there had been nothing left of Kosovo. The situation was still precarious for non-Albanian people and additional steps must be taken to protect minorities. Protection of returning refugees was still a major objective.

On 13 July, the Council was briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hedi Annabi, who described continuing violence against ethnic minorities, a persistent boycott of registration for municipal elections, and the lack of full participation in local administrative structures. On 24 August, Mr. Annabi said that following the completion of registration for municipal elections, the focus was shifting to the elections on 28 October. Of concern in the pre-election period was the rise in politically associated violence. The Mission was, therefore, readjusting police priorities to face that challenge.

At a 16 November Council briefing, Mr. Kouchner said the 28 October municipal elections had been recognized as a technical success and a victory for Kosovo's burgeoning democracy. However, the situation in the province had not radically changed with the coming of democracy in Belgrade. Kosovo remained a society in crisis. Kosovo Albanians welcomed the new regime in Belgrade but still desired independence.

The year's last open briefing on Kosovo was delivered on 19 December by Mr. Annabi. He said the municipal elections, with more than 80 per cent participation, was a most important event in the province. Political attacks had returned to the levels of mid-summer, although the international security presence known as KFOR and UNMIK continued to address these. He warned that thousands of families were at risk of overexposure during the winter if coal and firewood were not made available. Many speakers praised the work of Mr. Kouchner, who relinquished his duties and was succeeded by Hans Haekkerup in January 2001.

Following the open briefing, the Council issued a presidential statement strongly condemning violent action by ethnic Albanian extremist groups in southern Serbia and called for an immediate cessation of violence in the area, as well as the immediate withdrawal from the area of all nonresidents engaged in extremist activities.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council met nine times in 2000 on Bosnia and Herzegovina, including seven open briefings. On 21 June, it extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) for 12 months, until 2lJune 2001. At the briefing on 12 December, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of UNMIBH,Jacques Paul Klein, outlined three reasons for seizing what he called an historic opportunity to bring to a close a tragic decade in the Balkan region. These were the democratic changes in Croatia and Yugoslavia, the commitment by the European Union to South-East European integration, and the progress achieved, albeit slowly, in building infrastructure for the State to function.

Georgia

The year 2000 saw the continued failure to achieve a comprehensive political settlement regarding the political status of Abkhazia within the State of Georgia. In that light, the Council twice extended the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), most recently until 3lJanuary 2001. In a presidential statement on 14 November, the Council called on the parties, particularly the Abkhaz side, to undertake immediate efforts to move beyond the impasse and urged them to spare no efforts to achieve substantive progress without further delay.

Cyprus

Noting that the Government of Cyprus had agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions on the island the continued presence of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was necessary the Council twice, on l4 June and 13 December, extended the Force's mandate for further six-month periods. The current mandate will expire on 15 June 2001. Efforts continue under the Secretary-General's auspices to support talks aimed at a final solution to the problems in that country.

Briefings on the Balkans

The Council heard two briefings in 2000, on 28 February and 23 June, on the situation in the Balkans as a whole. Both briefings delivered by Carl Bildt, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Balkans, were held prior to the presidential elections in Serbia that led to Mr. Kostunica's election and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's admission as a Member of the United Nations. At the second briefing, Mr. Bildt said that paving the way for integration of the Balkans into Europe would be a vital means of achieving long-term stability there. The Federal Republic of Yugoshvia's future was the most pressing regional issue as there could be no regional stability without stability in that country.

United Nations Mission of Observers in Previaka

The Council met twice in 2000 to extend the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Previaka (UNMOP), most recently on l3July, when it authorized the Mission to continue monitoring the demilitarization of the peninsula for a further six months, until 15 January 2001, by resolution 1307 (2000). The Council also called on the parties to end violations of the United Nations designated zone and to take steps to reduce tension and improve safety and security in the area.

Haiti

On 15 March, the Council in a presidential statement commended the Secretary-General's representative and UN missions in Haiti for assisting the Government in supporting the professionalization of the Haitian National Police, consolidating Haiti's system of justice and other national institutions, and promoting human rights. The Council also expressed gratitude to the countries that had contributed to the success of the missions in Haiti. It stressed that timely, free and fair elections were crucial to democracy and all aspects of Haiti's development, and recognized that significant international assistance was indispensable for the sustainable development of that country.

                International civilian staff by mission
                as at 30 November 2000 (estimated data)
                     A total of approximately 3,500
                   international staff are currently
                  serving in peacekeeping operations.
MINURSO    277
MONUC      190
UNAMSIL    218
UNDOF       34
UNFICYP     41
UNIFIL      33
UNIKOM      52
UNMEE      105
UNMIBH     331
UNMIK    1,038
UNMOGIP     26
UNMOP       13
UNOMIG      87
UNTAET     865
UNTSO      100
[Note: Table made from bar graph]
              Total number of fatalities from 1991 to 2000
1991       16
1992       60
1993      252
1994      167
1995      123
1996       51
1997       48
1998       31
1999       25
2000 [*]   41
From 1991 to 2000, there were a total of 814 fatalities.
From 1948 to 1990, there were 844 fatalities.
(*.)Data as at 30 November 2000
[Note: Table made from bar graph]

[Graph omitted]