S/PV.3176 Security Council

1 should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina in which he reguests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council's agenda. In accordance with the usual practice, T 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. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Sacirbev (Bosnia and Herzecovina) took a place at the Council table.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authoriaed to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council, having heard a report from the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, is concerned that the present opportunity to reach a negotiated settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina should not be allowed to slip. It endorses fully the statement by the President of the United States and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 23 February, calling on the leaders of the parties involved in the peace talks on Bosnia and Herzegovina to come to New York immediately to resume discussions with a view to the early conclusion of an agreement to end the conflict. The Council urges these leaders to respond quickly and positively to that call, and stands ready to give its full support to the efforts of the Co-Chairmen to bring the talks to a successful conclusion." The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter. The meetina rose at 4.20 P.m. (The President)