S/PV.3214 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. 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 strongly condemns the shelling on 21 May 1993 of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), during which the Chinese engineering detachment suffered two deaths and seven wounded. It expresses its condolences to the Chinese Government and to the families of the victims; it pays tribute to the latter for their courage and dedication. "The Security Council takes note of the preliminary report by the Secretariat indicating that the shelling was carried out by the NADK. It requests the Secretary-General to investigate further and to report urgently to the Council. "The Security Council expresses its strong support for UNTAC in carrying out its mandate within the framework of the Paris Agreements, It strongly condemns'all attacks against UNTAC and demands that those responsible cease forthwith all hostile acts against UNTAC and take c immediate measures to safeguard the lives and the security of UNTAC personnel. "The Council recalls the warning contained in its resolution 826 (1993) that it would respond appropriately should any of the parties fail to honour its obligations. It further warns that it will not countenance the use of violence to interfere with or overturn the democratic process in Cambodia and will take further appropriate measures against any of the parties failing to honour its obligations. "The Security Council also expresses its determination that the election for the constituent assembly should be held on the dates.decided by the Supreme National Council and endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 810 (1993) and reaffirms its commitment to resolution 826 (1993). The Council calls upon the Cambodian people fully to exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming elections. In this respect, the Council stresses the importance of ensuring the cessation of acts of violence and of all threats and intimidation, as well as of ensuring a neutral political environment in Cambodia." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/25822. 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 3.25 p.m.