S/PV.3213 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the fourth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, document S/25719; and the report of the Secretary-General in pursuance of paragraph 6 of Security Council resolution 810 (1993), document S/25784. Members of the Council also have before them document S/25803, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. I should like to draw the Council's attention to the following revision to be made to this draft resolution, in its provisional form: at the end of operative paragraph 14, the words "and to support subsequent efforts to promote national reconciliation and peacebuilding" should be added. I should like to draw the attention of members of the Council to the following other documents: 5125563, letter dated 7 April 1993 from the Permanent Representative 0l.f Denmark to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General: S/25658. letter dated 23 April 1993 from the representatives of France and Indonesia to the United Nations addressed to Secretary-General; S/25669, letter dated 26 April 1993 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council: and S/25794, letter dated 18 May 1993 from the Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall now put the draft resolution, as orally revised in its provisional form, to the vote. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken bv show of hands. In favour: Brazil, Cape Verde, China, Djibouti, France, Hungary, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States, Venezuela

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution, as orally revised in its provisional form, has therefore been adopted unanimously as resolution 826 (1993). I shall now call on those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting. Mr. HATANO (Japan): Japan would like to express its support for, and satisfaction with, the resolution that the Security Council has just adopted unanimously. Its :,doption, just three days before the election in Cambodia, is a clear expression of the Council's determination to pursue the peace process. This is a time when the commitment of the United Nations - indeed, of the entire international community - to the Cambodian peace process is being tested. Japan remains convinced that there is no alternative but to stay the course. The election should proceed as scheduled,, and we call on all political parties to respect the results once the United Nations has certified the election as free and fair. The selfless dedication with which the personnel of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) are discharging their tasks, often at great risk to their lives, has won the admiration and gratitude of the international community. The Government of Japan is concerned over the frequent attacks against UNTAC personnel and strongly condemns the parties or persons who have carried out these attacks, which have caused a number of injuries and deaths. While supporting the safety measures that have already been taken, Japan urges UNTAC to do its utmost further to tighten security and to ensure the safety of all United Nations personnel. The ultimate responsibility for building a peaceful Cambodia rests with the Cambodian people themselves. It is they and the respective Cambodian parties who can make the goal of peace and national reconciliation a reality by respecting their obligations under the Paris Agreements and extending their full cooperation to UNTAC. Japan stands ready to help Cambodia in this regard. Mrs. ALBRIGHT (United States of America): In adopting the resolution today, the Security Council has again expressed its support and appreciation for the determined efforts of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) to bring peace and democracy to Cambodia. In the face of great difficulties, UNTAC has persevered, and we are now on the eve of the election. The fact that over 95 per cent of the estimated eligible voters and 20 political parties have registered to participate is a clear demonstration of the Cambodian people's ardent desire to determine their own political future. Unfortunately, one party, the Party of Democratic Kampuchea, has obstinately refused to participate in the democratic process. This party has incurred the condemnation of the entire international community. It has 6' sought to disrupt or prevent the election from taking place. It has launched brutal attacks and murders of innocent civilians and UNTAC personnel, My Government honours those members of UNTAC who have been killed or wounded in these cowardly attacks, and offers its sincere condolences to the families and countries of the victims. The Security Council has made clear its determination to take strong and appropriate measures against those responsible if such attacks continue. The United States has also been deeply disturbed by the intimidation and violence committed by officials of the State of Cambodia against its political opponents. The resolution again deplores such acts of violence and intimidation, and calls for the punishment of those responsible. We wish to express our admiration and appreciation to those political parties that, despite the risks and sacrifices, despite the campaign of intimidation and violence waged against them, have persevered so that their people may have a true choice in the election. The election which begins in a few days' time represents the culmination of the process established by the Paris peace Agreements. The Council has expressed its determination to endorse the results once the United Nations has certified them and to support the Government that emerges from those elections. However, should any party attempt to interfere or overturn this democratic process, the resolution we have passed today makes it clear that the international community will not countenance or legitimate any attempt to take power by armed force, and will take appropriate measures against those who attempt to do so. We welcome the reports that President Sihanouk is returning to Cambodia during the election. His presence and his statements of support for the electoral process are further indications of the central role the election will play in the effort to bring the peace and democracy which the Cambodian people so deeply desire and deserve. Mr. MERIMEE (France) (interpretation from French): The resolution that the Security Council has just unanimously adopted attests once again to the international community's commitment to assisting the Cambodian people freely to decide its future. In a few days' time the Cambodian people, which has experienced years of tragedy, civil war and isolation, will be able to express its will through the holding of free and democratic elections organised by the United Nations. The determination of the Cambodian people in this regard is remarkable and commendable. The violence and acts of intimidation committed by those who reject democratic debate have not succeeded in deterring almost 5 million Cambodians from registering to vote or preventing the formation of 20 parties - 17 of which, it should be emphasised, have come into being thanks to the presence of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) - or preventing tens of thousands of people from participating daily in political meetings in almost every part of the country. That bears witness tc the restoration of political debate and political life in the country. It is an unprecedented event, which the serious difficulties encountered in implementing the Paris Agreements should not be allowed to obscure. On that point, the French Government wishes to pay tribute to the resolute action of the Secretary-General's Special Representative and the entire UNTAC team, who have permitted the holding of the electoral campaign and made possible the holding of the election, despite the difficult conditions in which it must take place. It is important for our Council to send a clear and unanimous message reaffirming its commitment to endorsing the results of the elections, provided that they are certified free and fair by the United Nations, and issuing a warning to any party that might be tempted to resort to violence in order to challenge the democratic process, Before this decisive election for the future of the Cambodian people begins, France appeals for respect for democratic principles, for reason, and for faith in the future of Cambodia. Mr. LI Zhaoxinq (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The comprehensive implementation of the Paris Agreements constitutes the foundation of ensuring a comprehensive political solution to the Cambodian question. We are therefore not in favour of any actions that run counter to the Paris Agreements. We always hold that the Cambodian parties concerned should remove the difficulties and differences that have occurred in the Cambodian peace process through consultation and dialogue so as to enable the Paris Agreements to be impl.emented comprehensively. The constituent assembly elections to be held in Cambodia in line with the Paris Agreements represent an important step in the Cambodian peace process, whereas the establishment of a neutral political environment forms a major factor to guarantee'free and fair elections for the Cambodian people. We have noted the positive efforts made by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) for the preparation of the elections in Cambodia. Meanwhile, we are also greatly concerned with the repeated acts of violence and intimidation in Cambodia, as mentioned in the Secretary-General's report. We condemn all violent acts, especially the attacks against UNTAC personnel. It is our hope that UNTAC will continue to take practical and effective measures in creating a neutral political environment and to ensure the safety of its personnel. We also wish that the various Cambodian parties will make positive efforts to this end. Cambodia is now at an important historic juncture. The entire international community is concerned with the issue of how to maintain peace in Cambodia after its constituent assembly elections. China neither wishes to see the flames of war rekindled in Cambodia nor supports any party in resorting to force. What we stand for is the realization of genuine national reconciliation embodying all the Cambodian parties so that Cambodia will embark on the road of building up an independent, sovereign, unified, peaceful and neutral State at an early date. Peace in Cambodia can be achieved only through the efforts of the Cambodian people themselves. Prince Sihanouk, as the widely recognized leader of the Cambodian people, will play an important role in realizing peace and national reconciliation in Cambodia. We hope that the endeavours of the international community will be conducive to this end. Sir David HANNAY (United Kingdom): I should like to begin by paying tribute to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), to all those who have worked in it and for it, particularly the Secretary-General's Special Representative, for whose work my Government has nothing but admiration and support, We think it is quite remarkable that such an enormous group of international servants of the United Nations have been prepared to work so long and in such arduous conditions, often at risk to their lives, in what is, in our view, a noble cause. We would also like to pay tribute to the Cambodian people who, heaven knows, have suffered more than most people in this world and who have now within their grasp a great prize, which is the possibility to develop peacefully and on the basis of free and fair elections. Of course, that great pxize is not simply going to drop into their hands without effort, but we do hopebthat it will not elude them again. Of course, we have to recognise in the Council that things may not go well after the elections. There are forces which would - I fear - take action which could prevent that. So the Council has to be ready to back up the outcome of these elections firmly and clearly. We must be ready to take action which will bring home to any party which tries to upset the OutCOme that it will have no friends, that it will have no support, that it will have no source of supply anywhere in the world. With those words I would simply say that I think in the Council it is, of course, easy to adopt resolutions; they are written on pieces of paper. But the one we have adopted today is probably one of the more important because it heralds an event which is unparalleled at the end of a civil war. I just hope that the work we have done here has made some modest contribution to the events that will unroll in Cambodia in the next few days. Mr. KHAN (Pakisttn): My delegation conveys deep appreciation to the Secretary-General for his personal involvement in the peace process in Cambodia and effective handling of a very difficult and delicate situation. We also commend the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) Personnel for their heroic dedication to a cause espoused by the United Nations and their efficient management of the entire operation in Cambodia under very trying circumstances. , The Secretary-General's reports of 3 and 15 May I.993 give a vivid picture of the conditions in Cambodia and provide an overview of the elaborate preparations made for the conduct of the elections and the measures undertaken to ensure the security of the UNTAC personnel and the Cambodians. We feel that despite heavy odds UNTAC has made consistent efforts to create and maintain a neutral political environmen t conducive to the holding of free and fair elections. Regrettably, the non-participation and non-cooperation of one of the parties has vitiated the overall atmosphere. We hope that the steps taken by UNTAC for the safety and security of its personnel and the Cambodians will prove effective during the elections, which are, unfortunately, likely to be marked by violence. We are deeply concerned at the unabated spiral of \.iolence, intimidation and harassment. Since the submission of the Secretary-General's report of 3 May 1993, more UNTAC personnel have lost their lives and several have been wounded, UNTAC's military component should take further measures to make sure that organized or random violence, does not plunge the country into a m&l&e during or after the elections. We have noted with satisfaction that, despite interfactional clashes and reprisals between the National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (NADK) and the Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF), the overwhelming majority of Cambodians have manifested their strong commitment to the election and have held scores of rallies and meetings, same of them organized by UNTAC itself, peacefully and without disruption, The primary and ultimate responsibility for the maintenance of security is that of the Cambodian parties, who are signatories to the Paris Agreements and who had explicitly expressed their desire to enlist United Nations support to help them get out of a tragic impasse and imbroglio. They should actively support UNTAC's efforts to hold free and fair elections, which would lay the basis for peace and stability in Cambodia. In our view, the Council's resolve to go ahead with the election in the face of mounting violence is a correct decision. We fully endorse the Secretary-General's recommendation to proceed with the election under prevailing imperfect conditions, because it would be an illusion to expect that postponement would lead to any improvement. Pakistan has contributed a contingent of some 1,400 personnel to UNTAC. We are fully behind the United Nations efforts aimed at the completion of the peace process and will be ready to render assistance in the post-electoral phase. The resolution we have just adopted corresponds with our views on the situation in Cambodia, We are therefore pleased to have joined in the consensus on it, Mr. ERDOS (Hungary) (interpretation from French): Resolution 826 (1993), which the Security Council has just adopted, underscores an undertaking which is to be decisive in the modern history of Cambodia: the preparation for and organization of the election of a constituent assembly in that country, the intention of which is to pave the way for the rebirth and democratic development of Cambodia. The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) has made tremendous efforts, which are indeed praiseworthy, to create conditions conducive to building a better future for the Khmer people. As the elections draw nearer, act of violence and intimidation, assassinations and the practice of "ethnic cleansing" are becoming more and more frequent, are spreading and, unfortunately, are increasing in scope. It must be admitted that one of the parties involved, the Party of Democratic Kampuchea, has progressively been giving up the entire peace process, has decided to boycott the elections and is currently doing everything it can, through violence, to prevent their being held. The international community is sure not to bow to the blackmail which is being practised by Cambodian parties, whichever they may be. The message sent by resolution 826 (1993) is unambiguous: in this crucial period, the Security Council gives its unreserved support to the decision of the Secretary-General to organize elections on the date planned. Therefore, there can be no question of any other alternative, even if we are aware of the fact that because of deliberate acts of sabotage the conditions in which these elections are being organized are not the best. To act any differently under present circumstances would be tantamount to condoning the triumph of terror and violence and admitting the failure of one of the largest collective efforts made by the United Nations. With this resolution, the Security Council is also sending out a warning to those who expect the international community to abandon Cambodia after the elections. The resolution reminds all Cambodian parties of their obligations to fully respect the outcome of these elections and warns of the consequences flowing from the failure by any of the parties to respect these obligations. In this connection, and in the light of recent United Nations experience, it might be timely to recall that there are not just winners in any popular consultation, but that the political forces that participate in good faith in such undertakings will be in a position to take an active part, in a pi?aCefUl and constructive manner, in the political process of the post-electoral period. The difficult and taxing circumstances in which UNTAC activities are now being performed have cost the international commurity a heavy toll in human life. Over and above the terrible suffering that has been visited on the Khmer people itself in recent decades, UNTAC personnel has also recently had its own dead and wounded. The relevant reports of the Secretary-General quite properly speak of measures taken or to be taken to strengthen the safety and security of the international staff on the ground. It is our expectation that the effective implementation of these measures can prevent any addition to the already long list of gloomy statistics. If this is to be done, it is essential that all the Cambodian parties without exception face up to the fact that it is up to them, first and foremost, to assume responsibility for forging the destiny of their country and to take all necessary steps to safeguard the security and safety of those who have come to Cambodia from the four corners of the world to help,that land - which has suffered so much bloodshed - to immediately get down to the task of constructing a peaceful, democratic and prosperous society. Mr. PEDAUYE (Spain) (interpretation from Spanish): Spain regards the resolution just adopted by the Security Council as very timely, and this is why my delegation voted in its favour. The adoption of this resolution represents an endorsement by the Council of the electoral process which is due to bring peace to the country of Cambodia after so many years of strife. It is more important today than ever support the efforts of the United Nations for the international community to (UNTAC) to discharge the mandate entrusted Transitional Authority in Cambodia to it. From 7 April onwards, when the electoral campaign officially began, 20 parties have been formed and have registered to participate in the elections, and they have been carrying out active campaigns. On a daily basis, there have been a large number of political encounters and meetings of a peaceful nature, in which, as the report of the Secretary-General indicates, tens of thousands have participated in virtually every part of Cambodia. This is a tribute to the courage of the Cambodian people, asd it is also largely thanks to the praiseworthy work dcne by UNTAC. Despite the intensive activities of UNTAC, it has not, however, been possible to establish a neutral political environment as provided for by the Paris Agreements. The attitude of certain parties to the conflict has made this impossible. This is the result, among other reasons, of the deplorable attitude of the Party of Democratic Kampuchea (PDK), which has gradually been undermining the peace process, beginning with a failure to comply with its military provisions and moving on to a boycott of the electoral process, striving to prevent it from taking place by means of violence. These activities are a blatant violation of obligations solemnly entered into and Agreements as well as with Security Council resolutions 668 (1990) and 810 (19931, and take whatever measures will be conducive to the proper holding of the elections, thus making the formation of a constituent assembly possible - an assembly that will prepare the basic text on which the political life of Cambodia will be built. My delegation trusts that the elections will take place in a free and fair manner, although we must bear in mind that it is inappropriate to apply to the case of Cambodia the same standards that should be applied to countries free from confrontation and strife. If UNTAC and the Secretary-General, implementing the measures outlined in the report of 15 May, certify the elections as free and fair, then the Security Council should endorse the results and continue resolutely to support the pacification process in Cambodia. Mr. FUJITA (Brazil): Brazil joined in supporting resolution 826 (1993), which the Security Council has just adopted. The situation in Cambodia has now reached a crucial stage, and it is indeed appropriate for the Security Council to voice its concerns and expectations, and also a word of warning, with regard to the forthcoming election in that country. Scheduled to begin in just three days, the election for the constituent assembly is poised to become a watershed event in the history of Cambodia. We express our recognition for the work of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) and for the remarkable success it has achieved in the conduct of the electoral process so far, often under very difficult conditions. The Secretary-General has recently issued two comprehensive, detailed and sobering reports on the pre-electoral situation in Cambodia. These documents provide us with enough reasons to be guarded and even apprehensive. We are disturbed by the continued cowardly attacks on UNTAC personnel and express our condolences for those officers who lost their lives. We are also disturbed by frequent reports of violent incidents based on ethnic and political grounds. The perpetrators of these vile acts of intimidation, which constitute clear violations of the Paris Agreements, have in many cases been clearly identified, and they should be held fully responsible for their actions. It is a well known fact that armed units from some of the Cambodian parties are still in place. That state of affairs justifies the taking of redoubled precautions, particularly bearing in mind that one of the parties to the Paris Agreements has refused to take part in the electoral process. Recent United Nations experience clearly demonstrates the risks posed by such circumstances, including the likelihood that the results of the elections might be challenged by losing or non-participating parties. With the elections drawing closer, it is essential that appropriate precautionary measures be taken in order to prevent, to the maximum extent possible, the recurrence of violence against United Nations personnel and against the civilian population. In that connection we take note of the information received from the Secretary-General on UNTAC's state of readiness to cope with the difficulties Of the situation prevailing in the country and on the specific measures being implemented for the safety of electoral observers. Doing the utmost to ensure safety throughout the election period must now be considered an absolute priority for the United Nations. Having decided to go ahead with the elections as scheduled, even under circumstances that are far from those that would have been desirable, the Security Council must now be ready to face possible challenges deriving from that decision. The definition of the role to be played by the United Nations after the election, in the interim period as well as after the inauguration of the elected Government, is a matter of great importance. We note with interest the comments and suggestions of the Secretary-General, and we remain prepared to consider this question with the care and attention it deserves, In Cambodia there is reason to be cautious, but there is also reason to be hopeful. It is our sincere hope that the prospect of trouble may prove to be overstated, and that the electoral process may be concluded successfully and in peace. Any other result would fail to do justice to the commitment of the United Nations and, most of all, to the efforts of the Cambodian people themselves. A people that has dedicated so much energy to reaching for peace is certainly entitled to see its aspirations for a better future finally materialise. Mr. O'BRIEN (New Zealand): New Zealand welcomes the adoption of this resolution. We especially welcome the important fact that the Council has given the full weight of unanimous support to the decision by the Secretary-General, and by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), under the admirable leadership of Mr, Akashi, that the elections should proceed despite recent despicable efforts to disrupt their preparation. New Zealand joins others here to deplore all recent incidents of political and ethnic violence in Cambodia. We condemn too attacks on UNTAC personnel, especially the volunteers and international polling-station observers, who, like those from New Zealand, are civilians from outside Government service and have made considerable personal sacrifice, despite manifest risks, to help the Cambodian authorities and people at this critically important time. The parties in Cambodia must bear closely in mind that they carry primary responsibility for the future of Cambodia, As a fellow country of the Asia and Pacific ,region, we encourage all political groups and all Cambodians to take the opportunity created through the forthcoming elections to build and v foster a new and peaceful era in Cambodia, The world will be watching closely in the week ahead. Mr. OLHAYE (Djibouti): The resolution we have just adopted underlines the resolve of the international community to see justice restored in Cambodia. My delegation would like strongly to commend the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and the personnel of the United Nations Transition Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) on the exemplary work they have been doing in the cause of peace in Cambodia, In that regard, my delegation appeals to all Cambodian parties to respect the mandate of UNTAC and to ensure the safety of its personnel. In this connection we also highly appreciate the invaluable and Continuing efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Sihanouk for his country. The United Nations-supervised election is oniy a few days away: there is Potent and growing harassment and intimidation by the Khmer Rouge aimed at aborting the long-awaited process. Holding the election is one of the pillars of Peace anticipated in the Parig Agreements. We are pleased that this crucial element is scheduled to be implemented from 23 to 28 May. The pre-election period was a resounding success for the Cambodian people, UNTAC and the international community at large, despite the acute constraints and the apparent shortcomings. Voter registration indicates that the overwhelming majority of the Cambodian people have opted to participate in the United Nations-sponsored election. The conduct of the election will be crucial. We agree with the criteria envisaged by the Special Representative, in coordination with the Supreme National Council; for determining the freeness and fairness of the election and the protection and secrecy of the ballots. My delegation deplores the ongoing politically motivated acts of violence, and urges all Cambodian parties to rely on reason during and after the election. All Cambodians should cooperate to ensure the creation of the neutral political atmosphere required for the election, which is essential. The democratic choice of the Cambodian people should be respected. The international community will endorse the result of the elections and support the emerging national constituent assembly, if the elections are certified as free and fair. Moreover, the international community will assist in maintaining political stability during the process of drafting a new constitution, and will extend every support to the Cambodian Government. We fully agree with the Secretary-General that it is for the Cambodian people themselves to bring peace to their country. Negotiations and dialogue among Cambodian parties should always be encouraged. However, scrupulous implementation of the Paric Agreements remains the only guarantee of a lasting peace in Cambodia. courage of the Cambodian people is highly commendable, and deserves our admiration. After 20 years of the greatest tragedy ever experienced by mankind, 95 per cent of the population - nearly 5 million - eligible to vote have registered to vote, and 20 political parties have been formed. That is the best possible response to the tremendous efforts of the international community, represented by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), and the best possible manifestation of a determination to live in peace and democracy. Those are reasons for which my delegation today voted in favour of resolution 826 (1993). The situation is all the more notable since these efforts are taking place in the face of intimidation and of the greatest obstacles and dangers: as we have heard from the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cambodia, Mr. Akashi, these have not yet ended. We have also been told that very few electoral processes, even in mature democracies, are required to meet the same standards of transparency. A tiny percentage of the population, estimated at 15,000 people, has tried to undermine the process of the Paris Agreements by violence. This criminal group, known by the terrible name of the Khmer Rouge, is today led by its greatest instigator of violence, whose only qualification is the great terror he exercises over the Cambodian people. This same group, responsible for the most abominable crimes of genocide - the terrible "killing fields" of the 1970s - is intent today, and surely also tomorrow, on destabilizing the peace process. ~ However, it should be clearly warned of the international community's unanimous condemnation of its actions. I must also draw attention to the fact that the forces of the Cambodian Government have not shown sufficient readiness to bring to trial the perpetrators of the many acts of violence that have been committed during this process. Such non-governmental groups as Asia Watch have voiced criticism in this respect and we believe that the Security Council should not ignore this kind of condemnation arising from organizations so dedicated to human interests, in this case in the Asian region. In this regard, we hope that the Cambodian Government will accept, as it has agreed to do, the results of the elections, which are certainly the most costly in history, in human and financial terms alike. The fact that the Party of Democratic Kampuchea, with its proven capacity to spread destruction, is not taking part in the electoral campaign has very serious implications which should be addressed in full. In this context, we should draw attention to the responsibility of certain neighbouring countries in the implementation of resolution 792 (1992) of 30 November 1992. If the Khmer Rouge continues to receive supplies and financing for its terrorist and criminal activities, the conflict could be perpetuated. The countries concerned must be clearly warned that such activities will be given serious consideration by the Security Council. Our delegation has no doubts about the tremendous efforts and achievements of the United Nations in Cambodia, and very especially of Mr. Akashi and Mrs, Ogata, whose actions do such honour to their native country, Japan, in all its cooperative efforts in this tremendous United Nations undertaking. However, after the elections there will be a need for other systematic action on the part of the international community in order genuinely to incorporate the entire Cambodian people in the process of peace and national reconciliation so as to prevent any repetition of the "killing fields". In conclusion, we are particularly pleased to express our gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Sihanouk, for his outstanding contribution to the process of peace and reconciliation in Cambodia. We also hope that in the coming months constitutional structures will be set up giving stability and permanence to the efforts made by His Royal Highness.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Russian Federation. The delegation of the Russian Federation is grateful for the Secretary-General's report on the conditions surrounding the preparations for and holding of elections in Cambodia. We greatly appreciate the actions of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) and its attempts to fulfil its mandate, particularly with respect '~0 the preparations for the elections, despite the considerable difficulties encountered by the United Nations principally through the stubborn reluctance of the Party of Democratic Kampuchea to cooperate with UNTAC and to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreements. Of particular concern is the growing number of attacks on UNTAC personnel, whose bravery and selflessness we commend. In our opinion, it was important for the Security Council to confirm in the resolution just adopted its determination successfully to conclude the development of the peace process in Cambodia and to bring to fruition the very critical component of holding the elections. In this context, we supported the actions of the Secretary-General towards ensuring that the Cambodian elections are held, in accordance with the timetable set out by the Supreme National Council, from 23 to 28 May. We believe that it is particularly important to note the provisions of the resolution reminding all the Cambodian parties of their obligations under the Paris Agreements fully to comply with the results of the election and warning that the Council will respond appropriately should any of the parties fail to honour its obligations under those Agreements. Also significant is the Council's reaffirmation of its readiness to support fully the constituent assembly and the process of drawing up a constitution and establishing a new government for all Cambodia. Of particular importance in the resolution are UNTAC's efforts to ensure the security of the electoral process, particularly for the international officers in the polling stations who have come from all over the world to Cambodia in order to help its people freely to determine its future State structure. We fully support these efforts and demand that all the Cambodian parties do all within their power to protect the life and safety of UNTAC personnel and fully to cooperate with UNTAC in the fulfilling of its mandate. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. (The President) There are no further speakers on my list. 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 meetins rose at 6.15 P.m.