S/PV.3646 Security Council

I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Tajikistan, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the 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. There being no objection, it is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan, document S/1996/212. Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council has considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Tajikistan of 22 March 1996 (S/1996/212). “The Security Council regrets that insufficient progress has been achieved during the continual round of the inter-Tajik talks in Ashgabad towards the solution of fundamental political and institutional issues. It calls upon the Tajik parties to accelerate substantially their efforts to reach agreement on the basis of the Protocol on the fundamental principles for establishing peace and national accord in Tajikistan of “The Security Council is deeply concerned about the violations of the Tehran cease-fire agreement of 17 September 1994 (S/1994/1102, annex I), and in particular about the ongoing fighting in the Tavildara region. It appeals to the Tajik parties to comply strictly with all their obligations undertaken under this agreement. It reminds them that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) is subject to the proviso that the Tehran cease-fire agreement remains in force and the parties continue to be committed to an effective cease-fire, to national reconciliation and to the promotion of democracy. The Council notes with concern that the ongoing military operations and other violations of the cease-fire create doubt regarding the parties’ commitment to an effective cease-fire. “The Security Council acknowledges the extension of the cease-fire by the parties for a further three months until 26 May 1996. It is concerned, however, that the cease-fire has only been extended for this short period. The Council fully supports the appeal by the Secretary-General to the Tajik opposition contained in his report (S/1996/212) to agree to the extension of the cease- fire agreement for the duration of the inter-Tajik talks. “The Security Council reiterates the importance of direct political dialogue between the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the leader of the Islamic Revival Movement of Tajikistan (IRMT) for the peace process and encourages them to hold the next meeting as soon as possible. The Security Council welcomes the position of the Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan which at its special session on 11-12 March 1996 expressed its strong support for the efforts to achieve national reconciliation and for the search for compromise at the inter-Tajik talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. It regrets that the leaders of the IRMT declined to participate in the special session of the Majlisi Oli. “The Security Council expresses its deep concern over the kidnapping on 24 February 1996 of “The Security Council expresses its hope that the Agreement on social accord in Tajikistan signed on 9 March 1996 in Dushanbe by the leaders of Tajikistan and of political parties, social movements and ethnic communities (S/1996/187, annex) will contribute to national reconciliation. “The Security Council expresses its serious concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Tajikistan. It calls upon Member States and others concerned to respond promptly in support of the humanitarian relief efforts of the United Nations and other international organizations. “The Security Council welcomes the positive role played by UNMOT under difficult circumstances. The Council expresses deep concern over recent incidents in which UNMOT personnel were harassed and threatened and reiterates its call to the parties to cooperate fully with UNMOT and to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of the personnel of the United Nations and other international organizations. “The Security Council welcomes the creation of the office of an independent ombudsman for human rights in Tajikistan with the help of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and expresses the hope that his activities will contribute to a lessening of tensions. “The Security Council commends the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General’s former Special Envoy in Tajikistan, Mr. Piriz-Ballon. It understands that his successor will be appointed promptly and expresses the hope that the new Special Envoy will begin without delay the preparation of the next phase of the continual round of the inter-Tajik talks which should be convened as soon as possible.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/1996/14. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda.