S/PV.3180 Security Council

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 the Council's agenda. In accordance 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. There being no objection, it is so decided, At the invitation of the President, Mr. Sacirbey (Bosnia and Herzeqovina) 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 response to the requests contained in letters dated 3 March 1993 from the Permanent Representatives of the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council, documents S/25353 and S/25358, respectively. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council, recalling all its relevant resolutions and statements, expresses its grave concern at and condemns the continuing unacceptable military attacks in eastern Bosnia and the resulting deterioration in the humanitarian situation in that region. It is appalled that even as peace talks are continuing attacks by Serb paramilitary units, including, reportedly, the killings of innocent civilians, continue in eastern Bosnia. In this connection, the Security Council is particularly concerned about the fall of the town of Cerska and the imminent fall of neighbouring villages. The Security Council demands that the killings and atrocities must stop and reaffirms that those guilty of crimes against international humanitarian law will be held individually responsible by the world community. "The Security Council demands that the leaders of all the parties to the conflict in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina remain fully engaged in New York in a sustained effort with the Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia to reach quickly a fair and workable settlement. In this connection, the Security Council also demands that all sides immediately cease all forms of military action throughout the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, cease acts of violence against civilians, comply with their previous commitments, including the cease-fire, and redouble their efforts to settle the conflict. "The Security Council further demands that the Bosnian Serb side, as well as all other parties, refrain from taking any action which might endanger the lives and weil-being of the inhabitants of eastern Bosnia, particularly in the areas near the town of Cerska, and that all concerned allow the unimpeded access of humanitarian relief supplies throughout the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially humanitarian access to the besieged cities of eastern Bosnia, and permit the evacuation of the wounded. "Having determined in the relevant resolutions that this situation constitutes a threat to international peace and security, the Security Council insists that these steps must be taken immediately. "The Security Council also requests the Secretary-General to take immediate steps to increase UNPROFOR's presence in eastern Bosnia. "The Security Council remains seized of the matter and is ready to meet at any moment to consider further action." * The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter, The meetins rose at 8.55 p.m.