Security Council extends UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for one year

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) for 12 months, simultaneously authorizing the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) to continue operating in the country during the same period.

In a three-part resolution that was adopted unanimously, the Council reiterated that the primary responsibility for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina lies with the country's authorities. It noted that "the continued willingness of the international community and major donors to assume the political, military and economic burden of implementation and reconstruction efforts will be determined by the compliance and active participation by all the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Peace Agreement and rebuilding a civil society."

The resolution reminded the parties of their obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, including by surrendering all indicted persons.

In extending authorization for SFOR, the Council stressed that "the parties shall continue to be held equally responsible" for compliance with the 1995 Dayton Peace Accord's Annex I, which contains the Agreement on the Military Aspects of the Peace Settlement. The Council also recognized SFOR's right to defend itself using "all necessary measures."

With the one-year extension, the mandate of UNMIBH, which includes the International Police Task Force (IPTF), will run through 21 June 2002. During that period, the Council said, IPTF will continue to perform its tasks as outlined in the Peace Agreement and subsequent conferences in London, Bonn, Luxembourg, Madrid and Brussels. Those tasks, in part, include advising and training law enforcement personnel and forces and providing help in professionalizing a multi-ethnic police force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council also urged Member States to provide, on a voluntary basis and in coordination with IPTF, training, equipment and related assistance for local police forces in the country.