S/PV.6321 Security Council

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 document S/2010/251, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by France. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2010/217, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad. I also wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2010/250, which contains a letter dated 21 May 2010 from the Permanent Representative of Chad to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided.

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1923 (2010). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting.

Austria voted in favour of the resolution although we would have preferred a more gradual approach to be taken in the drawdown of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT), as well as the continuation of a protection of civilians mandate for the Mission. At the same time, we note and underscore that MINURCAT has at least been authorized to respond to imminent threats of violence to civilians in its immediate vicinity. We respect the decision of the Government of Chad to assume full responsibility of the security and stability of the civilian population in eastern Chad, including refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities. We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the Chadian authorities to provide the Security Council with a better understanding of their plans and capabilities in this field. We trust that the Government of Chad will do its utmost to fulfil its responsibilities and use all available capabilities for the protection of the population in Eastern Chad. At the same time, it is of the greatest importance that the joint Government of Chad/United Nations high-level working group assume the key role provided for in the resolution and regularly assess the situation on the ground with respect to the protection of civilians and humanitarian access. We call upon the Government of Chad and the Secretariat to cooperate as closely as possible within the working group. There is a continued need for the Council to follow developments closely and to be regularly informed about the situation on the ground. Austria believes that the possibility of a further international engagement in eastern Chad should not be excluded if deemed necessary for humanitarian reasons. The President (spoke in Arabic): There are no further speakers on my list. The Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.