S/PV.3146 Security Council

The PRESIDENT: I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on thu Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. Tiere being no objection, it is so decided.

The PRESIDENT: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding seachea in its prior consultations. Members eg the Council have before them a letter dated 7 December 1992 from the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Hersegovina co the United Nations addressed to the Presidont of the Security Council, contained in document S/24916. been Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council is alarmed by the most recent reports that Serb militia in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina have renewed their offensive in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in particular against the city of Sarajevo, resulting in further loss of life and material damage as well as in endange:ing tl... security of UNPROFOR and international relief workers, thus threatening international peace and security. "The Security Council is particularly alarmed by reports that the Serb militia in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina are forcing the inhabitants of Sarajevo to evacuate the city. The Council warns that actions aimed at impeding the distribution of humanitarian assistance and at forcing the inhabitants of Sarajevo to leave the city, including the possibility of ethnic cleansing, would have grave consequences for the overall situation in that country. "The Security Council strongly condemns these attacks as violations of its relevant resolutions and of previous commitments, in particular with regard to the cessation of hostilities, the ban on military flights in the airspace of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, che safety of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and the restoration of power and water supplies. "The Security Council demands the immediate cessation of these attacks and of ail actions aimed at impeding the distribution of humanitarian assistance and at forcing the inhabitants of Sarajevo to leave the city. "If such attacks and actions continue, the Security Council will consider, as soon as possible, further measures against those who commit or support them, to ensure the security of UNPROFOR and of international relief workers, the ability of UNPROFOR to fulfil its mandate and compliance with the Council's relevant resolutions. "The Security Council will remain actively seized of the matter." The Security Council bas thus concluded the present stage of its considoration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.