Annan recommends three-month extension for UN observer mission in Prevlaka

In an effort to maintain conditions that might help the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia resolve their dispute over the Prevlaka peninsula, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended that the mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers (UNMOP) be extended for three months, until 15 October.

“I am encouraged by the progress made by the parties towards resolving their dispute over Prevlaka through meetings of the Interstate Diplomatic Commission and its subordinate bodies,” the Secretary-General says in his latest report on UNMOP, released today at UN Headquarters in New York.

“The growing convergence of their positions is clearly shown in their letter of 10 April to the President of the Security Council,” Mr. Annan says. “I hope that the good progress achieved so far will continue and that the parties will be able to agree in the foreseeable future on a transitional border-crossing regime, which would allow UNMOP to withdraw.”

Nevertheless, during the period covered by the report the Secretary-General observes that a substantial number of violations of the security regime in the UN-controlled zone had to be recorded. While none of them gave rise to security concerns, “they show a disregard for the agreed security regime and undermine respect for mutual security agreements,” he says, noting that the violations result largely from a failure to enact appropriate control measures at the boundaries of the zone.

“All concerned should take steps to ensure that the security regime is respected fully,” the Secretary-General writes. “The manned checkpoints at Cape Kobila should be relocated to the boundaries of the zone or their operation legitimized by agreement between the parties.”