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Security Council authorizes UN observers to remain in Prevlaka through mid-July

Security Council authorizes UN observers to remain in Prevlaka through mid-July

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The Security Council today authorized United Nations military observers to continue monitoring through mid-July the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula – a strategic area disputed by Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

By a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council also reiterated its call on the parties to cease all violations of the demilitarized regime in the UN designated zones, to cooperate fully with the military observers, and to ensure their safety and unrestricted freedom of movement.

In addition, the 15-member body welcomed continuing progress in the normalization of relations between Zagreb and Belgrade and the establishment of an interstate Border Commission. The parties were urged to accelerate efforts towards a negotiated settlement on the disputed issue of Prevlaka.

The Council also requested the UN military observers in Prevlaka and the multinational stabilization force (SFOR) operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate fully with each other.

Today’s Council action came in response to recommendations put forward by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his latest report on the UN Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP). The report notes that despite the generally positive situation in the peninsula, violations of the agreed security regime have continued, with small numbers of both Croatian and Montenegrin police interfering with UN operations.