Americas 373

Chapter III Political and security questions Americas

During 2005, the United Nations continued to ceedings against Nicaragua in a dispute concern- advance the cause of lasting peace, human rights, ing navigational and related rights on the San sustainable development and the rule of law in Juan River. The General Assembly again called the Americas. With the ending of the mandate of on States to refrain from promulgating laws and the United Nations Verification Mission in Gua- measures, such as the ongoing embargo against temala at the end of 2004, the Guatemalan peace Cuba by the United States. The Assembly process had matured into a new phase in which granted observer status to the Ibero-American national actors had assumed fuller responsibility community of nations and the Latin American for monitoring and promoting the accords. A Integration Association. joint agreement in May between the Government of Guatemala and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights resulted in the establishment of an office for Central America monitoring and reporting on human rights in that country. Despite efforts by the United Nations Stabili- The situation in Central America zation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Hai- Report of Secretary-General. As requested tian National Police to ensure a secure and stable by the General Assembly in resolution 58/239 environment in Haiti, the security situation re- [YUN 2003, p. 276], the Secretary-General submitted mained precarious. Outbreaks of violence and an August report on the situation in Central illegal activities of armed groups continued to be America [A/60/218], which summarized progress a serious concern. The risk of retaliation against achieved by countries in building democratic, MINUSTAH and UN personnel increased, ham- equitable and peaceful societies. The report de- pering the Mission’s ability to carry out its man- scribed activities by the United Nations Develop- date, including preparations for elections. The ment Programme (UNDP) and other UN bodies Mission’s mandate was extended and its capacity to support the efforts of Central American coun- expanded to address the increased political and tries in achieving sustainable development. security challenges prior to and after the elec- The Secretary-General stated that the electoral tions. The Security Council sent a mission to processes in some countries highlighted the need Haiti, in conjunction with the Ad Hoc Advisory for further electoral reforms, particularly in the Group of the Economic and Social Council, to as- area of political parties and their financing sess the situation and to make recommendations mechanisms. El Salvador and Guatemala held on how the international community could help presidential elections in which former actors in Haiti restore good governance and economic the countries’ civil wars played a principal role. and social stability. The Transitional Govern- However, political parties in both countries were ment launched the electoral process, which was unable to garner citizen participation. The elec- to be completed in time for the installation of a toral campaign in El Salvador in March 2004, new President in February 2006, but political and had pitted the ruling Alianza Republicana technical difficulties caused delays. It also Nacionalista (ARENA) against the Frente Fara- launched a national dialogue and adopted a dis- bundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional armament, demobilization and reintegration (FMLN), with other political parties unable to programme, the success of which depended on pose a significant challenge. ARENA won its the willingness of armed groups to lay down their fourth consecutive term in office, an outcome weapons. that had significant repercussions on El Salva- In other developments in the region, the Ibero- dor’s political system and deepened its polariza- American Secretariat was established at the Fif- tion. In Guatemala’s second democratic transfer teenth Summit of the Heads of State and Govern- of government since 1966, Óscar Berger was ment of the Ibero-American community of sworn in as the country’s President on 15 January nations. Costa Rica filed an application with the 2004. In the first months of the new Govern- International Court of Justice instituting pro- ment, Congress approved electoral reforms

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 374 Political and security questions called for in the 1996 Agreement on a Firm and of Women and the Office of the Human Rights Lasting Peace [YUN 1996, p. 168]. Electoral reforms Procurator. in Honduras also progressed, with the imple- A joint agreement in May 2005 between the mentation of regulations on the issuance of sepa- Government of Guatemala and the Office of the rate lists for presidential, congressional and may- United Nations High Commissioner for Human oral elections; the participation of small political Rights (OHCHR) resulted in the establishment of parties; alliances among parties; and the dura- an OHCHR office for monitoring and reporting tion and financing of electoral campaigns. Voters on the national human rights situation. The of- elected Manuel Zelaya as President on 27 Novem- fice, which became operational in July, would ber 2004. In Nicaragua, the electoral system continue the work done by the United Nations needed profound transformation to ensure im- Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) partiality and transparency for the November (see p. 376), advise the Government on human 2006 elections. rights policies and assist national institutions. As violence in Central America had become The new administration also made efforts to ad- widespread, with the homicide rate in some dress discrimination against the indigenous pop- countries reaching epidemic levels, public ulation, support a reparation programme for vic- security was a central concern. Youth gangs were tims of human rights violations, and publicly a major security threat in the region, with an esti- recognize State responsibility for past human rights violations. mated 200 to 400 gangs in Guatemala, compris- ing some 150,000 to 200,000 members between Despite progress achieved in the area of judi- 10 and 17 years old. The youth-gang phenome- cial reform, marginalized sectors of Central non was due to widespread migration as a result America had limited access to justice, resulting of the breakdown in family structures, a young in widespread impunity. Lack of independence population, 74 per cent of which was under the from other State powers, deficient funding and age of 35 in 2000, the impact of poverty on ado- poor coordination were issues prevalent in sev- lescents’ prospects, and the availability of eral judiciaries. In Guatemala, while centres for weapons. Organized crime had also afflicted the the administration of justice had been opened in region, with some countries becoming transit isolated, indigenous areas and there were more points for illegal drug-trafficking. Efforts to ad- mediation centres, poor inter-institutional coor- dress the public security crisis included joint op- dination and unclear policies on hiring bilingual erations by the police and military in El Salvador, staff for Guatemala’s indigenous population, half of whom did not necessarily speak Spanish, Guatemala and Honduras. The Secretary- had affected their effectiveness. Although the General expressed concern about the potential Honduran judicial system had been modernized for blurring the line between security and na- since the 1990s, resulting in a lessening of cor- tional defence matters and urged that the distinc- ruption, improved access to justice was not in- tion between the two be upheld. cluded in the reform. In El Salvador, an agree- While the region had advanced in establishing ment between the Supreme Court of Justice and peace through the eradication of violence, dis- the National Council on the Judiciary to establish crimination, impunity and inequities, UN hu- a judicial training programme marked a positive man rights mechanisms continued to observe development towards resolving tension between deficits in those areas. Women and children in the two institutions. A climate of mistrust of the Central America were often the victims of vio- justice system prevailed in Nicaragua, especially lence, and human rights defenders and journal- concerning the lack of political independence. A ists had become the target of threats and persecu- 2004 judicial career law regulating the judi- tion. Many obstacles hampered efforts to bring ciary’s administrative and financial management perpetrators of human rights abuses to justice, granted the politicized Supreme Court discre- and cases of torture, disappearances and extraju- tionary power to name a number of judges. dicial executions continued to go unpunished. In the area of governance, the Secretary- Inadequate Government funding of national hu- General said that corruption was endemic in man rights institutions had also slowed progress. Central America, although unprecedented steps The Special Rapporteur on violence against had been taken to address it. Corruption scandals women, in visits to Guatemala and El Salvador in in Costa Rica involving three former Presidents; 2004, cited impunity as one of the most promi- the alleged misuse of some $16 million by the for- nent concerns in both countries. As recom- mer Guatemalan President during his tenure; mended by the Special Rapporteur, the Govern- and the sentencing of the former Nicaraguan ment of El Salvador increased the 2005 budgets President, Arnoldo Alemán, to 20 years in prison of the Salvadoran Institute for the Development for various corruption crimes exemplified the

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 375 situation. Encouraged that all countries in the re- General highlighted the need for the region to gion had signed the United Nations Convention strengthen national and local capacity to respond against Corruption, adopted by the Assembly in to emergencies and to promote policies that im- resolution 58/4 [YUN 2003, p. 1127], the Secretary- proved risk management. General urged countries that had not yet ratified Border disputes between Central American it to do so. In the light of Guatemala’s failure to countries continued their course in the Interna- ratify a 2004 agreement with the United Nations tional Court of Justice (ICJ) (see PART FOUR, to establish the Commission for the Investigation Chapter I). The Belize-Guatemala territorial dis- of Illegal Groups and Clandestine Security Or- pute was resolved with facilitation by the Organi- ganizations, he also urged that Government to zation of American States (OAS). In July, Belize address the issue of impunity, particularly as it and Guatemala adopted a new agreement on related to those aspects. confidence-building measures and a new frame- In institution-building, progress was achieved work for negotiations. The Secretary-General in the Central American integration process both emphasized that bringing closure to their territo- within and outside the region. The outward drive rial issues was a key step in creating long-term sta- stemmed from the signing of the Central Ameri- bility in the region. Concerning the Nicaraguan- can Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), and from Honduran disagreement, resulting from the the expectations of a possible agreement of asso- 1999 López-Ramírez Treaty between Honduras ciation between the European Union (EU) and and Colombia, an ICJ decision was expected by Central America, which could translate into a year’s end or in 2006. free trade agreement. At the Twenty-first Minis- Cooperation activities carried out by UNDP and terial Conference on Political Dialogue and Eco- other UN organizations and programmes to nomic Cooperation between the EU and the achieve sustainable development in Central Central American Integration System (SICA) American countries were focused on poverty (Luxembourg, 26 May), ministers reaffirmed eradication, agricultural development, health that such an agreement would give new impetus and nutrition, public finance and economic to the regional economic integration process. growth, environment, support for consensus- Efforts continued in the designing of regional building processes and the strengthening of strategies for integrating the region into the democratic institutions. world economy to ensure sustainable develop- The Secretary-General observed that the Alli- ment in all Central American countries. In that ance for Sustainable Development of Central regard, the Puebla-Panama Plan [YUN 2001, p. 240] America [YUN 1994, p. 389]—a regional strategy for had evolved into a mechanism for facilitating, cooperation and integration—had been falling coordinating and articulating eight regional ini- behind as an institutional basis for programme tiatives on tourism, transport, energy, telecom- development. He indicated that there was little munications, competitiveness and integration, interest in having a regional conceptual and stra- sustainable development, human development tegic framework for the development of Central and disaster prevention and migration. Further America and some bodies and leaders preferred progress had been achieved in regional integra- to harmonize the region’s institutions under the tion with the political commitment for the cre- aegis of CAFTA. He said that the UN system had ation of a customs union, and the decision by the made significant efforts to coordinate its work in leaders of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras Central America within the framework of the and Nicaragua at the SICA meeting in June to in- Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particu- troduce a regional arrest warrant, as well as a larly in strengthening the coordination and lead- Central American passport and common visa re- ership role of national Governments to ensure quirements. that foreign assistance responded to national pri- While Central America had not experienced a orities and needs. The Secretary-General em- large-scale disaster since Hurricane Mitch [YUN phasized the importance of international co- 1998, p. 876] and the earthquakes in El Salvador in operation for strengthening the integration of 2001 [YUN 2001, p. 858], those and past disasters had the Central American region within the context a long-term effect on development. Resources for of globalization. development had been absorbed by post-disaster On 31October [meeting 41], in a statement to the relief work and by investments required to re- Assembly, Nicaragua, on behalf of SICA, said that build stocks and infrastructure, but the recon- Central America was a changed region. The dec- struction processes had not restored conditions ades of armed violence and acute economic and to pre-disaster levels. Seasonal phenomena and social crises had been overcome and all Govern- climatic variations had also negatively affected ments enjoyed the legitimacy acquired through development in Central America. The Secretary- free elections. Their economies were growing

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 376 Political and security questions and their political systems had become more and extended in 1996to verify the Agreement on open and democratic. In the light of the progress a Firm and Lasting Peace [YUN 1996, p. 168], com- achieved, there was no longer a need to introduce pleted its operations on 31 December 2004 [YUN a draft resolution under the agenda item. 2004, p. 287]. The Assembly, by decision 60/508 of 31 Octo- The Secretary-General, in a March end-of- ber, decided that the item entitled “The situation mission report [A/59/746], submitted in response in Central America: progress in fashioning a re- to General Assembly resolution 58/238 [YUN 2003, gion of peace, freedom, democracy and develop- p. 283], described its work throughout the various ment” would remain on the agenda, for consider- stages of the Guatemalan peace process. The re- ation upon notification by a Member State, port also highlighted the innovative transition beginning with the sixty-first (2006) session. strategy implemented during the Mission’s last Communications. By a 21 October letter [A/60/ two years of operation to build national capacity 447], Spain transmitted to the Secretary-General to promote the peace accords agenda after the Salamanca Declaration, adopted by Heads of MINUGUA’s departure. State and Government of the Ibero-American The Secretary-General said that, operating in community of nations (Salamanca, 14-15 Octo- the multi-ethnic, multicultural and multilingual ber), as well as communiqués on the integration environment of Guatemala—with its deeply en- process in Latin America and the Caribbean and trenched racism and abandonment of Mayan, on support for negotiations between the EU and Xinca and Garifuna indigenous communities, Central America and the Andean Community. which comprised at least half the population— Nicaragua, on behalf of SICA, transmitted to had been one of the most difficult challenges for the Secretary-General the Declaration of León MINUGUA. Great cultural sensitivity on the part [A/60/613], adopted at the Twenty-seventh Ordi- of MINUGUA had been required to ensure effec- nary Meeting of Heads of State and Government tive operations. He indicated that MINUGUA staff, of SICA (León Santiago de los Caballeros, Nicara- representing dozens of nationalities and fields of gua, 2 December), which outlined measures for work, had performed admirably under difficult further consolidating SICA and for strengthening circumstances and that international and Guate- it as a region of peace, freedom, democracy and malan staff had worked side by side in innovative development. ways. With the departure of MINUGUA and the On 28 December [A/60/672], El Salvador trans- end of international verification, the Guatema- mitted the text of the Declaration of San Salva- lan peace process had matured into a new and dor, adopted by SICA on the occasion of the important phase in which national actors were Fourth Central American Congress on sexually assuming fuller responsibility for monitoring transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, the and promoting the goals of the peace accords. Fourth Central American Meeting of People Liv- He added that current and future UN opera- ing with HIV/AIDS and the Third Latin Ameri- tions could benefit from lessons learned from can and Caribbean Forum on STIs and HIV/AIDS MINUGUA, as a successful example of multi- (San Salvador, 11 November). dimensional peacebuilding.

Guatemala In 2005, Guatemala continued to consolidate Haiti peace and build upon the foundation developed in previous years, which had resulted in success- ful elections in 2003 [YUN 2003, p. 282] and the During 2005, Haiti continued to be beset by handover of power in January 2004 [YUN 2004, political, economic and social challenges, result- p. 286]. The departure of the United Nations Veri- ing from a combination of weak governance and fication Mission in Guatemala at the end of 2004 poverty. In the light of the violence that had marked the beginning of a new phase in the erupted in 2004 following the departure of for- country, with the opportunity for Guatemalans mer President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from the to shape their own destiny through further devel- country, tensions remained high between his opment of the peace process and nation-building. Fanmi Lavalas party and the Transitional Gov- ernment. Fanmi Lavalas had denounced the pact MINUGUA [YUN 2004, p. 293] signed by the Interim Govern- The United Nations Verification Mission in ment, civil society organizations and political Guatemala (MINUGUA), established in 1994 to groups on measures to be undertaken during the verify implementation of the Comprehensive transition period, including the holding of local Agreement on Human Rights [YUN 1994, p. 408] and national elections, and remained outside the

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 377 political process. Violence between the Haitian following the Transitional Government’s policy National Police (HNP) and former soldiers of the of making compensation and severance pay to disbanded armed forces continued. The Security former members of the Haitian armed forces. In Council decided to send a mission to Haiti, in addition, all the armed former soldiers who had conjunction with the Ad Hoc Advisory Group of participated in the 15 December 2004 [ibid.] at- the Economic and Social Council, to assess the tempt to illegally take possession of the aban- situation. The mandate of the United Nations doned private residence of former President Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), estab- Aristide had been disarmed and had agreed to lished by Security Council resolution 1542(2004) participate in reintegration programmes. [ibid., p. 294], was expanded to address the political Concerning the electoral process, the Special and security concerns related to the preparation Representative said that the basic technical ele- and holding of elections scheduled for the end of ments for proceeding with the 2005 electoral the year. In addition to providing security timetable were in place, including the swearing in support, MINUSTAH also focused on training and on 6 January of the new representative of the reforming HNP, monitoring the human rights sit- Catholic Church, thereby reinstating full mem- uation, providing humanitarian assistance, and bership of the Provisional Electoral Council, the coordinating with the OAS in election prepara- Transitional Government’s decision to allocate tions. additional funding and to establish a mechanism to disburse those funds through UNDP, and the Political and security situation disbursal of the financing pledges by Canada and Security Council consideration (January). On the EU. The Provisional Electoral Council com- 12 January [meeting 5110], the Security Council met pleted the preparation of the electoral law and to discuss the Secretary-General’s November the OAS, in cooperation with MINUSTAH, started 2004 report on MINUSTAH [YUN 2004, p. 298]. The voter registration in March. The release of some Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fanmi Lavalas leaders should be viewed as a step and Head of MINUSTAH, Mr. Juan Gabriel that could positively impact national dialogue Valdés, in his briefing before the Council, said and the elimination of violence. However, the that, although security threats and challenges re- Special Representative expressed concern over mained serious, the level of violence had been re- the imprisonment of former Prime Minister, duced and MINUSTAH’s ability to handle situa- Yvon Neptune, for nearly a year without trial, and tions that risked jeopardizing security had the fact that human rights violations and crimes improved substantially. Within its security con- were being committed with an apparent link to cept of legitimate use of force, balanced by a HNP. He reiterated the demands he had made at focus on the most urgent problems affecting the the Contact Group meeting in December 2004 more vulnerable people of Haiti, MINUSTAH em- that the Transitional Government should select barked on a new phase of its mission. It took steps a few projects for priority implementation and to stabilize the security situation, forcing groups the international community should simplify its of former soldiers who defied the authority of financing mechanisms to allow infrastructure the State and the Mission to back down, and caus- projects to be undertaken in 2005 so as to give ing other illegally armed groups to lose ground. hope to thousands of Haitians. He welcomed As a result of the success of “Operation Liberty” the World Bank’s decision to release $73 million, conducted in December 2004 [ibid., p. 300] in the following the repayment of arrears by the Transi- Cité Soleil district of Port-au-Prince, two police tional Government, the announcement by Can- stations were opened and the deployment of ada to fund the electoral process and the reitera- MINUSTAH patrols and the activities of the Hai- tion of the EU’s funding pledge. tian civil service created conditions for the initia- Haiti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yvon tion of a variety of quick-impact projects. The Siméon, said that the Secretary-General’s recom- Mission was convinced that gradual progress in mendation that the international community health, sanitation and education, as well as the should make a long-term commitment to Haiti prompt launching of the disarmament, demobi- was justified, as the DDR process was a long-term lization and reintegration (DDR) initiative would effort requiring resources in excess of the coun- qualitatively change the Cité Soleil area and try’s capacity. The security situation, particularly neighbourhood and help eliminate the armed in the working-class neighbourhoods, had deteri- bands active there. To that end, MINUSTAH had orated in recent months and the combined short- started planning and organizing the DDR pro- age of HNP personnelandthedelayeddeployment gramme and welcomed the creation of a disarma- of MINUSTAH troops had complicated efforts ment committee as announced by Prime Minis- to deal with gangs and restore order in dangerous ter Latortue. At the same time, it was closely areas. However, HNP,withMINUSTAH assistance,

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 378 Political and security questions

regained control of several illegally occupied po- national Donors Conference on Haiti, held in July lice stations and efforts to neutralize gang and 2004. It recognizes the need for the Mission, other criminal activity were being enhanced. The Gov- organs of the United Nations system, international ernment, in an effort to establish a stable and se- financial institutions and Member States to assist the Transitional Government in the preparation and im- cure environment through the disarmament of plementation of development projects in Haiti, as armed groups, had given special attention to de- well as quick-impact projects. The Council reiterates mobilized military personnel. The commission the need to assist the Transitional Government in es- responsible for those matters had been reorga- tablishing a long-term development strategy for nized with encouraging results. The first instal- Haiti, in accordance with the priorities set forth in ment of pension payments to members of Haiti’s the Interim Cooperation Framework. armedforceshadbeenmadeanditwashopedthat The Council welcomes recent steps taken by the the full amount due could be provided to all for- Transitional Government to release some individ- mer military personnel, thereby meeting one of uals being held without formal charge or trial, and their main demands. Efforts were also under way calls upon the Transitional Government to review all such cases in order to ensure full respect for due pro- to address human rights issues. cess and the rule of law. In this regard, the Council On elections, Mr. Siméon said that the Govern- calls upon the Mission to continue its support for the ment was making every effort to facilitate the provision of human rights training to Haitian judi- work of the Provisional Electoral Council and to cial, police and correctional authorities to ensure ad- fulfil its commitment to restore an elected Gov- herence to international norms and standards. ernment by 7 February 2006. Haiti needed the The Council encourages the Transitional Govern- support of its bilateral and multilateral partners ment to continue to take steps towards a comprehen- and he hoped that the international community’s sive and inclusive national dialogue and reconcilia- commitment would not be limited to the political tion process, and calls upon all political actors in Haiti to renounce violence and join this dialogue transition. without delay. The Council fully supports the Mis- sion’s continuing facilitation of this process. SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION The Council calls upon the Transitional Govern- On 12 January [meeting 5110], following consulta- ment, with the assistance of the Mission and the Or- tions among Security Council members, the Pres- ganization of American States, urgently to take the ident made statement S/PRST/2005/1 on be- necessary measures to ensure the holding of free half of the Council: and fair elections in 2005 and the subsequent trans- fer of power to elected authorities, and welcomes the The Security Council reaffirms the comprehen- recent decisions of the Provisional Electoral Council sive mandate of the United Nations Stabilization in its preparations. It encourages all political parties Mission in Haiti as set forth in resolutions 1542 that have rejected violence to participate in the elec- (2004) and 1576(2004), and expresses its support toral process. for a United Nations presence in Haiti as long as The Council expresses its intention to organize a necessary. mission to Haiti before 1 June 2005, possibly in con- The Council underlines the fact that national rec- junction with a mission of the Ad Hoc Advisory onciliation, security and economic development re- Group on Haiti of the Economic and Social Council. main key to stability in Haiti, and in that regard The Council expresses its gratitude to the coun- stresses that all Member States and international or- tries that have contributed personnel to the Mission. ganizations, especially those in the region, should It urges troop and police-contributing countries to support the Transitional Government of Haiti in complete the authorized strength of the Mission as those efforts. soon as possible, stressing that prompt completion of The Council underlines the important role of the this step is an essential requirement for the continu- Mission in ensuring a secure environment and com- ing success of the operation. mends the recent joint operations by the Mission and the Haitian National Police, in particular against all The Council expresses its full support for the Spe- illegal armed groups. It notes, however, that further cial Representative of the Secretary-General for urgent action is needed to continue to improve the Haiti, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés, and commends the security situation. The Council again calls upon all work done by the Mission and all of its personnel. parties in Haiti to respect human rights and to re- nounce the use of violence to advance their goals. Report of Secretary-General (February). In The Council encourages the Transitional Govern- his February report on MINUSTAH [S/2005/124], ment to create without delay the national commis- the Secretary-General indicated that, although sion on disarmament, demobilization and reintegra- the Mission’s troop level had increased signifi- tion to address all armed groups, particularly former cantly and its capacity to respond to threats had members of the military, in a comprehensive man- produced noticeable results, the security situa- ner. It notes that any compensation should be part of a comprehensive and durable solution. tion remained precarious. Illegal activities of The Council renews its appeal for the prompt dis- armed groups continued to be a serious concern bursement of the funds pledged by international fi- and the risk of retaliation against MINUSTAH and nancial institutions and donor countries at the Inter- UN personnel had increased due to the Mission’s

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 379 crackdown on gang members and former sol- the support of political parties in the transition diers. On 7 January, to thwart ongoing shooting, process. He specifically invited Fanmi Lavalas in including attacks against the Mission’s presence the election process. in Cité Soleil, MINUSTAH arrested 96 suspects An ad hoc group (Groupe de réflexion et de and placed them in HNP custody. MINUSTAH also promotion du dialogue national) on national dia- maintained a presence in Bel-Air, a poor district logue submitted a report to the Prime Minister affected by gang violence. In January,it launched on 31 December. Discussions among political ac- three clean-up operations in the area to remove tors and civil society continued on inclusiveness, accumulated waste that restricted security pa- structure and timing of the dialogue in its rela- trols. tion to the electoral process. MINUSTAH sub- The security situation was further compli- mitted to the interim President and Prime Minis- cated by the Transitional Government’s launch, ter a working paper on approaches relating to in 2004, of a $2.8 million compensation pro- national dialogue, based on consultations by the gramme for demobilized former military person- Secretary-General’s Special Representative with nel [YUN 2004, p. 301]. Despite their willingness to sectors throughout the country. On 14 February, accept the indemnity,the former soldiers refused the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH and to disarm, demanding the creation of an interim UNDP signed an agreement to launch a $1.7 mil- security force. MINUSTAH advised that any fur- lion project to support national dialogue. ther payments should be linked to disarmament The Secretary-General observed that the polit- and entry into the DDR process, but no official po- ical transition was at a sensitive phase and prepa- sition had been taken by the Haitian authorities. rations for the elections had to be accelerated. However, funding pledged for DDR activities re- Encouraged by the Prime Minister’s invitation to mained limited, and additional support from the Fanmi Lavalas to participate in the electoral pro- Transitional Government and the international cess and anticipating the official launch of the na- community was needed. tional dialogue, he called on all political parties Due to its increased strength, the MINUSTAH and Haitian voters to join the electoral process. civilian police component was able to focus on the The Secretary-General remained concerned training and capacity-building of HNP through a about the human rights situation in the country, co-location programme aimed at mentoring, ad- and called on the Haitian authorities to investi- vising and assisting the force at all levels. On 21 gate allegations of human rights abuses, includ- January, 200 newly trained officers graduated, ing those attributed to HNP officers and to take together with 193 former military who were to be appropriate action. He also called on the Transi- reintegrated into HNP. Training for 370 new re- tional Government to establish the national com- cruits began on 10 January, and for 96 inspectors mission on DDR. and 25 commissioners on 14 February. In January, the Provisional Electoral Council Security Council mission presented the proposed electoral calendar to the On 31 March [S/2005/220], the Security Council Transitional Government, which provided for President informed the Secretary-General that local elections on 9 October, parliamentary and the Council had decided to send a mission to presidential elections on 13November and 18De- Haiti from 13-16 April, in conjunction with the cember, instalment of Parliament on 9 January Economic and Social Council’s Ad Hoc Advisory 2006, and the swearing in of the new President on Group on Haiti (see p. 390). The mission, to be 7 February 2006. The presidential decree adopt- led by Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg (Brazil) ing the new electoral law was published by the [S/2005/235], would, among other things, assess Transitional Government on 11 February. On 10 the level of MINUSTAH coordination in each as- January, a global funding agreement totalling pect of its mandate and between the capital and $44.3 million was signed for conducting the elec- outlying regions of Haiti; review progress tions. On 4 February, a memorandum of under- achieved and determine the needs required in standing was signed between UNDP and the the areas of security, political transition, human United Nations Office for Project Services for the rights, development, institution-building and conduct of a security and logistical assessment the humanitarian situation; and convey to local mission, to be led by MINUSTAH. The mission, actors the Council’s message of support for launched on 9 February, evaluated the security MINUSTAH and the UN presence in Haiti, the and logistical conditions for the elections. In his long-term commitment of the international com- address to the nation, the interim Prime Minis- munity in Haiti, and the steps the Transitional ter, Mr. Gérard Latortue, invited all illegally Government and all the parties needed to take, armed groups to disarm and participate in the including rejecting violence and respecting hu- country’s reconstruction process and requested man rights, engaging fully in the electoral pro-

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 380 Political and security questions cess, and launching an inclusive national dia- The mission found that, while challenges re- logue. mained, a promising attitude towards DDR was Report of Security Council mission. The re- evolving, with an increased willingness by some port of the Security Council mission to Haiti (13- members of the former military to participate, al- though some were more interested in being reab- 16 April) was issued on 6 May [S/2005/302]. The mission, the first by the Council to Latin Amer- sorbed into public sector positions than accept ica, or the Caribbean, visited Port-au-Prince and the benefits offered in a DDR programme. The the cities of Cap-Haïtien and Gonaïves. The mis- mission was concerned that promises made by sion met with the Transitional Government, the the Transitional Government of indemnity pay- Provisional Electoral Council, representatives of ments, pensions and State employment to mem- bers of the former military were not linked to political parties and civil society, MINUSTAH, and DDR, particularly the need to disarm. Some of the members of the Core Group on Haiti [YUN 2004, promises had not been kept, which could destabi- p. 299]. lize the situation and exacerbate frustrations and The mission found that, while the security sit- alienation. The political situation presented uation had improved, it remained fragile and promises and challenges. It was dominated by had to be addressed to ensure a stable political such concerns as the insecurity in the capital, the transition process and socio-economic develop- debate over the imprisonment of former Prime ment. Some interlocutors believed that the inse- Minister Yvon Neptune and former Interior Min- curity stemmed from violence by supporters of ister Jocelerme Privert and controversial issues former President Aristide, former military per- surrounding the media. The situation was also sonnel and armed gangs with ties to criminal very complex, with some 90 registered parties activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal and a myriad of civil society organizations, which arms-dealing, and shifting affiliations, while oth- did not appear to have clearly identifiable politi- ers felt that it was less of a threat and had been cal platforms. The possible linkages between exaggerated by the media. Despite criticisms of some political parties and illegally armed groups its operation, it was agreed that the presence of remained a source of concern. The mission was MINUSTAH military and police forces was essen- reminded of the considerable challenges in con- tial to prevent the situation from deteriorating ducting elections, such as security, technical and assist in the stabilization process. However, issues, possible discrimination against indepen- those forces felt handicapped by the lack of reli- dent candidates, and the need for early adoption able tactical intelligence. Joint MINUSTAH/HNP of legislation to provide, among other things, for security operations had successfully undermined public funding for political parties and the adop- alliances between illegally armed groups and tion of a national identity card. The mission was gangs associated with former President concerned that many logistical aspects of organ- Aristide’s supporters and the former military izing elections, arising from the Provisional Elec- personnel. The security challenges to be faced in- toral Council’s lack of capacity, could complicate cluded retaliation against information sources, the timely preparation of the elections. collusion between illegal actors and some police The mission noted reports that a culture of im- officers, the urban environment in which illegal punity remained pervasive, as a result of which gangs operated and the need to enhance coordi- the population continued to view the national po- nation and cooperation. lice with fear and lack of respect, and that human The mission ascertained that HNP could not rights investigations were hampered by the insta- adequately exercise public security functions bility of the situation and the security concerns of over the entire country due to a lack of personnel, victims and witnesses. equipment and training, as well as a limited bud- The mission, in its recommendations, said that get and corruption, and called for its immediate the Haitian authorities and the international reform. Increased international assistance would community should continue to prepare for be required to implement the reforms of the Haiti’s medium- and long-term institution- force, the professionalization of which was a long- building and development, and Haitians them- term task. MINUSTAH, whose mandate was to selves, particularly the Transitional Government, assist in restructuring and reforming HNP,was should seize the opportunity to take full owner- hampered by the ambiguous attitude of the ship of their future. police toward serious reform, the diversion of It urged the Haitian authorities to prepare for MINUSTAH resources to more immediate elections and to ensure their smooth operation, security-related operational tasks, and the lack of and that sufficient funds were identified for that French-speaking civilian police and specialists in purpose. The elections should be open to all pol- MINUSTAH. itical parties that publicly renounced violence.

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MINUSTAH should provide donors with a budget tional Government with the support of and integrated timeline for all electoral activities, MINUSTAH and bilateral partners. while the Transitional Government should com- The international community should provide mence a broad-based civic education programme assistance for rebuilding Haiti’s institutions, to ensure the broadest possible participation of many of which were barely functioning, such as the Haitian population. An international coordi- the judicial and penal systems. The mission rec- nated presence, working with the Haitian au- ommended that additional measures to assist the thorities, should help to ensure that the registra- judicial system be examined with Haitian au- tion and voting processes conformed with thorities, and that MINUSTAH’s mandate be democratic standards, and that arrangements amended to allow international experts to parti- were established for international electoral ob- cipate and assist in that effort. servation. All actors had to abide by human rights stand- The mission requested the Department of ards, and combating impunity and promoting re- Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) to conduct a spect for human rights were urgently demanded comprehensive review of the security situation by both the Haitian people and the international and MINUSTAH resources, make recommenda- community. The Haitian authorities were urged tions on the need for additional police and mili- to address, as a matter of priority, the most fla- tary resources, and improve the rules of engage- grant, sensitive or visible cases, including by in- ment of the civilian police to provide, among vestigating alleged human rights violations by other things, for operational support to HNP,in HNP. order to increase global security and protection Stressing that there could be no genuine stabil- during the electoral period. ity in the country without strengthening its econ- MINUSTAH should continue to support the omy, the mission renewed its appeal for the accel- Transitional Government to ensure a secure and erated disbursement of the funds pledged by stable environment, including improving coordi- international financial institutions since the nation procedures with HNP. The mission 2004 International Donors Conference on Haiti stressed the need for better coordination between [YUN 2004, p. 301], and supported the Cayenne MINUSTAH civil police and military components, (French Guiana) follow-up donor conference to and for the MINUSTAH Joint Mission Analysis be held by July. The need to urgently implement Cell to become operational as soon as possible in highly visible quick-impact projects was empha- order to pool and better operationalize the infor- sized, and donors were called upon to resume full mation available to its military,police and civilian cooperation with Haiti, especially in supporting components. such priority areas as infrastructure, energy and the environment. The political dialogue initiated by the Transi- To improve the Haitian population’s under- tional Government should focus on the needs of standing of its mandate and role, the mission rec- the upcoming elections, and allow for broader ommended that MINUSTAH develop and imple- grass-roots participation. The mission supported ment a proactive communications and public a long-term dialogue aimed at developing a com- relations strategy. It also reaffirmed the Coun- mon vision for the country’s future, involving all cil’s view that a long-term UN presence in Haiti sectors of Haitian society. was required. The Haitian authorities should implement Security Council consideration (April/May). without delay the DDR programme proposed by On 20 April [meeting 5164], the Security Council MINUSTAH (p. 377) and clarify its intention vis-à- was provided with an oral report on the mission’s vis the status of former military personnel, and activities and findings by the head of the mission, payments to any groups should be made only as Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg. On 13 May [meeting part of a DDR programme. Concerned about the 5178 ] , the Council considered the mission’s final reported funding gap for DDR, the mission called report (see above). Mr. Sardenberg, in introduc- upon MINUSTAH and DPKO to provide detailed ing the report to the Council, said that, notwith- information to the Council on whether further standing the deep-seated root causes of unrest in international resources were required and upon Haiti, including poverty, the situation required a the donor community to provide the necessary long-term approach, while at the same time deal- resources. ing with a number of very serious issues in the The mission stressed the urgency of accelerat- short and medium term. The holding of elec- ing HNP reform so that they could establish the tions was the most pressing and visible challenge trust of Haitian citizens and be counted upon for Haitians and the international community in to provide public security in Haiti. That reform the short term. Free, fair and inclusive elections should be planned and executed by the Transi- had to take place in accordance with the estab-

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 382 Political and security questions lished timetable, as they were essential for the for- Interior Minister Jocelerme Privert. That party mation of a legitimate Government. However, itself was internally fractured, with hardliners additional resources would be required to cover calling for the return of former President an estimated $22 million funding gap so that Aristide; moderate elements of the party not rul- those elections could take place. ing out participation; and leaders participating Haiti’s representative told the Council that the in open discussions with the interim Prime Min- Interim Government’s priority remained the ister, the Secretary-General’s Special Represen- holding of free and democratic elections at the tative and other political parties at a March semi- end of 2005, and laying the foundation for the nar. country’s socio-economic development. He drew The 7 April launch of national dialogue by in- the Council’s attention to the measures the Gov- terim President Boniface Alexandre had sparked ernment intended to take in that regard, includ- mixed reactions. Outlined in a presidential de- ing conducting operations to gain control of cree, the dialogue aimed to create an environ- some armed gangs, restoring the State’s author- ment conducive to holding the elections; ensure ity throughout the country and regaining control the proper governance of the country after the of police stations. Moreover, the national dia- elections; develop a clear vision for national de- logue had been officially initiated and an offi- velopment; and reinforce mechanisms of good cial commission created to implement DDR pro- governance. A 12-member preparatory commis- grammes. However, the funds required to carry sion would assist the interim President in estab- out the latter exercise exceeded available govern- lishing institutions to lead the dialogue. How- ment funding and pledged contributions re- ever, differences remained on what the focus of mained limited. The Interim Government wanted the dialogue should be and whether a longer- to reaffirm its commitment to working for the re- term dialogue should begin before the upcoming spect of human rights and was responsive to the elections. Some civil society organizations and comments and criticisms of human rights organ- political parties were concerned by provisions in izations. It was working with the international the decree, which barred any changes to the community to rebuild and strengthen State insti- Transitional Government, the Consensus on the tutions and intended to carry out the reforms Political Transition Pact [YUN 2004, p. 293], the elec- of the judiciary and police. To accomplish toral calendar or the Constitution. MINUSTAH those things, the ongoing assistance of the inter- continued to meet with key political actors, in- national community and MINUSTAH would re- cluding factions of Fanmi Lavalas, to ensure that main essential. Accordingly, Haiti hoped that the dialogue served the long-term aim of na- MINUSTAH’s mandate would be renewed as rec- tional reconciliation and the holding of credible ommended by the mission. and inclusive elections. The electoral law, which was published on 11 National dialogue and election preparations February, provided for local elections to be held Report of Secretary-General (May). The on 9 October and the first round of parliamen- Secretary-General, in his May report on tary and presidential elections on 13 November, MINUSTAH activities [S/2005/313 & Add.1], stated with a second round on 18 December, if nec- that the two main processes of the political transi- essary. Voter registration began on 25 April, and tion—national dialogue and elections—were by 9 May, 15 of the 409 planned registration of- launched by the Transitional Government and fices had opened and more than 16,000 citizens the Provisional Electoral Council, respectively, had registered, out of approximately 4 million el- but internal divisions and limited capacity ham- igible voters. The deadline for completing the pered their ability to decisively move the transi- registration process was 9 August. MINUSTAH tion forward, putting into question the inclusive- was concerned about the constitutionality of cer- ness, transparency, credibility and legitimacy of tain provisions of the electoral law, which it had those processes. While the Transitional Govern- made known to the Transitional Government, ment had been in office for a year, it continued to and the fact that necessary decrees, such as those be criticized by leading political and civil society on the funding of political parties and on the of- groups. As the political discourse failed to offer a ficial status of the new national identification clear vision for Haiti’s future beyond the elec- card, had not yet been adopted. Other concerns tions, the political class remained polarized. included security, highlighted by the attacks on Fanmi Lavalas maintained its position to remain 24 and 29 March on the headquarters of the Pro- outside the transition process, as a result of, visional Electoral Council, and the shortfall of among other reasons, the 28 February fatal shoot- $22 million out of a total revised electoral budget ing of a demonstrator by HNP and the continued of $60.7 million. On 1 April, the Prime Minister detention of high-profile party figures, such as created an Electoral Security Commission to pre-

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 383 pare a comprehensive security plan for the elec- building of the police; supervision and assistance tions and to supervise its execution. The Provi- by MINUSTAH police advisers in the training of sional Electoral Council agreed to establish a new HNP recruits; and participation by corps of 3,600 local electoral assistants, to be MINUSTAH in the implementation of the joint armed with non-lethal weapons, to provide HNP vetting programme. security at registration and polling centres along- The Secretary-General recommended that the side MINUSTAH and HNP. Transitional Government do more to secure The security situation in Port-au-Prince re- broad participation in the electoral process and mained volatile with an increased number of vio- ensure that legislation conducive to such partici- lent acts by various armed groups. The 19 Febru- pation was in place. It should also address the ary incident at the National Penitentiary in Port- concerns raised regarding the electoral law, while au-Prince, where a group of unidentified armed the donor community should ensure that the men forced their way into the prison and enabled necessary financial means were available to 493 detainees to escape, was a public security set- support the electoral process. Although there back. Kidnappings reported in Port-au-Prince had been signs of improvement in the security had also increased. Outside the capital the situa- situation following successful MINUSTAH/HNP tion remained generally calm, with only a few in- operations to curb the activities of illegal armed cidents reported in Cap-Haïtien, Gonaïves, groups, those efforts had to be maintained to Hinche and Petit-Goâve. To ensure a stable and eliminate potential threats to the electoral pro- secure environment, MINUSTAH undertook a cess. Urging prompt implementation of a com- number of successful operations, including the prehensive DDR programme by the Transitional recovery of police stations in Petit-Goâve and Government, the Secretary-General expressed Terre-Rouge in March. However, the situation in concern that, unless progress could be achieved Cité Soleil presented severe challenges. A joint in that area, the security situation would remain HNP/MINUSTAH operation to restrict the move- fragile. He appealed to the Transitional Govern- ments of gang members and the circulation of ment to investigate human rights violations alleg- weapons and ammunition was met with strong edly committed by HNP officers, and to explore resistance. Three MINUSTAH soldiers were killed means by which the international community during the reporting period and there were other could assist in expediting some of the most sensi- instances where MINUSTAH personnel had been tive cases. He advised that reform of the justice targeted. The HNP Director-General said that 45 and penal systems be pursued in parallel to the police officers had been killed in the past year. efforts to professionalize HNP. In the area of po- MINUSTAH monitored public demonstrations lice reform, he urged the Transitional Govern- mostly organized by Fanmi Lavalas supporters. ment to ensure that the technical advice and rec- An encouraging development in the area of ommendations provided by MINUSTAH’s civilian DDR was the adoption by the Transitional Gov- police officers were implemented by HNP officers ernment of the national DDR programme, de- at all levels. veloped jointly by the Transitional Government, MINUSTAH, UNDP and other stakeholders Extension and expansion through the Interim Cooperation Framework of MINUSTAH mandate Sectoral Round Table on disarmament. How- In view of the expectation that security chal- ever, the programme was not operational and its lenges would increase in the months leading up legal status was still unclear. Other positive devel- to and following the elections, the Secretary- opments were the 13March surrender by 227 for- General indicated [S/2005/313] that a review by his mer soldiers in Cap-Haïtien of a symbolic num- Special Representative and MINUSTAH leader- ber of weapons, and their agreement to be ship had concluded that the Mission’s structure reintegrated into society. MINUSTAH continued would need to be enhanced. The proposals in- its sensitization campaign with other illegal cluded: the development of standard procedures armed groups on a community-by-community for the police and military components; enhance- basis and members of some urban gangs in Les ment of the Joint Operations Centre; develop- Cayes and Port-au-Prince had expressed an inter- ment of a mission-wide Joint Mission Analysis est in handing over their weapons in exchange Cell; addition of an infantry battalion of 750 for community development initiatives. troops to address gang violence in Cité Soleil; The report also highlighted the 15 March strengthening of the Mission’s “surge” capacity adoption of the HNP 2004-2008 strategic devel- to handle the potentially volatile security envi- opment plan by the Conseil supérieur de la police ronment in the eastern part of the Central Dis- nationale; implementation by MINUSTAH of a co- trict; and creation of a new sector headquarters location programme for training and capacity- for the military component for the Port-au-

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Prince region, which would require an additional ideas on how to better address the security situa- 50 staff officers. Further proposals focused on tion, particularly through cooperation between the need to reorient MINUSTAH resources to en- MINUSTAH and HNP [A/60/2]. hance coverage of the country with formed po- lice units; and to professionalize HNP by strength- SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ening its involvement in the vetting programme, On 22 June [meeting 5210], the Council unani- election-related activities and investigations of mously adopted resolution 1608(2005). The draft human rights abuses or other security incidents. [S/2005/402] was prepared in consultations among Those activities would require an additional Council members. 275 police personnel. Total proposed MINUSTAH requirements would raise from 6,700 to 7,500 The Security Council, Reaffirming resolutions 1542(2004) of 30 April 2004 troops and from 1,622 to 1,897 police officers. and 1576(2004) of 29 November 2004, and recalling MINUSTAH would also provide support to the resolution 1529(2004) of 29 February 2004, relevant judiciary to expedite judicial procedures for all statements by its President, as well as the report of the cases of prolonged pre-trial detention, including Security Council on its mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 through the establishment of ad hoc commis- April 2005, sions to review the cases of detainees, and to Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, help the Transitional Government overcome independence, territorial integrity and unity of Haiti, deficiencies in the justice and penal sectors. The Stressing that free and fair elections, open to all polit- Secretary-General recommended that the Se- ical parties that have renounced violence and with the broadest possible participation of the Haitian people, curity Council approve the adjustments to must take place in 2005 in accordance with the estab- MINUSTAH’s mandate and extended it for a fur- lished timetable, and that the democratically elected ther 12 months, until after the elections and the authorities must take office on 7 February 2006, establishment of the newly elected Government. Affirming its determination to ensure a secure and sta- Security Council consideration (23 May). The ble environment in which the electoral process can take Security Council, in a closed meeting on 23 May place, [meeting 5183] with the troop-contributing coun- Condemning all violations of human rights, includ- tries, heard a briefing by the Special Represen- ing lack of due process and prolonged pretrial tative of the Secretary-General and head of detentions, and urging the Transitional Government of Haiti to take all necessary measures to put an end MINUSTAH. to impunity and to ensure progress in the respect for the rule of law, including by pursuing reforms in the SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION Haitian National Police and in the justice and correc- On 31 May [meeting 5192], the Security Council tional systems, unanimously adopted resolution 1601(2005). Reaffirming the importance of appropriate expertise The draft [S/2005/354] was prepared in consulta- on issues relating to gender in peacekeeping opera- tions among Council members. tions and post-conflict peacebuilding in accordance with resolution 1325(2000) of 31 October 2000, recall- The Security Council, ing the need to address violence against women and Reaffirming resolutions 1542(2004) of 30 April 2004 children, and encouraging the United Nations Sta- and 1576(2004) of 29 November 2004, and recalling bilization Mission in Haiti, as well as the Transitional resolution 1529(2004) of 29 February 2004, relevant Government, to actively address these issues, statements by its President, as well as the report of the Underlining the fact that pervasive poverty is an Security Council on its mission to Haiti from 13 to 16 important root cause of unrest in Haiti, and stressing April 2005, that there can be no genuine stability without Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to strengthening its economy, including through a long- constitute a threat to international peace and security term strategy for sustainable development and the in the region, strengthening of Haitian institutions, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the Welcoming the approval of a national programme United Nations, as described in paragraph 7, section I, on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration by of resolution 1542(2004), the Transitional Government, the United Nations 1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Development Programme and the Mission, and em- Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, as contained in phasizing that its implementation is imperative for resolution 1542(2004), until 24 June 2005, with the in- broader stabilization efforts to succeed, tention to renew for further periods; Recalling that security, political reconciliation and 2. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General; economic reconstruction efforts remain key to the sta- 3. Decides to remain seized of the matter. bility of Haiti, Noting that the Haitian people must take responsi- The Security Council met on 7 June [meeting bility for achieving stability, social and economic devel- 5196] in a private meeting with Haiti’s interim opment and law and order, Prime Minister, Gérard Latortue, who described Determining that the situation in Haiti continues to the situation in the country and put forward constitute a threat to international peace and security,

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Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the personnel for service, and urges the Transitional Gov- United Nations, as described in paragraph 7, section I, ernment of Haiti to ensure that police personnel do of resolution 1542(2004), not serve unless certified and to ensure that technical 1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United advice and recommendations provided by the Mission Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, as contained in are fully implemented by Haitian authorities at all resolution 1542(2004), until 15 February 2006, with levels without delay; the intention to renew for further periods; 9. Calls upon the Mission to make the Joint Mission 2. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of Analysis Cell operational as soon as possible in order to 13 May 2005 on the Mission, and supports the recom- pool and better use the information available to the mendations of the Secretary-General as outlined in military, police and civilian components of the Mis- paragraphs 44 to 52 thereof, as follows: sion, and also calls for the use of the Mission’s aviation (a) A temporary increase, during the electoral pe- assets in an efficient and effective manner in support riod and subsequent political transition, of 750 person- of security operations; nel to the currently authorized military strength of the 10. Urges the Transitional Government to conduct Mission in order to create a rapid reaction force in thorough and transparent investigations into cases of Haiti to provide increased security, in particular in and human rights violations, particularly those allegedly around Port-au-Prince; involving Haitian National Police officers, and re- (b) An increase of 50 military personnel in order to quests that in order to support this effort the Mission create a sector headquarters in Port-au-Prince, with make the Joint Special Investigation Unit operational the understanding that the Mission will optimize at all as soon as possible; levels the coordination between military and police 11. Welcomes the launching on 7 April 2005 of the components to ensure efficient and better-integrated “national dialogue” by the Transitional Government operations, including by posting United Nations staff and stresses that such a dialogue should serve the long- civilian police officers in this headquarters; term aim of national reconciliation and, in the shorter (c) A temporary increase, during the electoral term, the holding of credible and inclusive elections, period and subsequent political transition, of 275 per- urges the Transitional Government to redouble its sonnel to the current strength of the Mission’s civilian efforts for this essential process, and invites all Hai- police component to provide increased security; tians to participate in this dialogue without delay; (d) An assessment of the Haitian judiciary and cor- 12. Urges the Transitional Government and the rectional systems, including to explore possibilities for Mission to begin immediately effective implementa- greater international community support, and a more tion of the disarmament, demobilization and reinte- active role of the Mission, to be submitted to the gration programme, and calls upon all Member States Security Council as soon as possible; to provide timely financial, human and technical re- 3. Decides that for a temporary period, the Mission sources in support of this programme; will consist of a military component of up to 13 . Renews its appeal for the accelerated disburse- 7,500 troops of all ranks and of up to 1,897 civilian po- ment of the funds pledged by international financial lice, and requests the Secretary-General to devise, in a institutions and donors at the International Donors timely manner, a progressive drawdown strategy of the Conference on Haiti on 19 and 20 July 2004, supports Mission force levels for the post-election period, in ac- the Cayenne follow-up donor conference held in Mon- cordance with the situation on the ground; treal, Canada, on 16 and 17 June 2005, and calls upon 4. Requests the Secretary-General to share with the all donors to continue to assist Haiti; Council the overall plan for the successful holding of 14 . Requests the Mission to strengthen its capacity elections in Haiti, including voter registration, to implement quick-impact projects, and calls for in- security, logistics, civic education, observation, and de- creased coordination between the various develop- tailed budget information, urges Haitian authorities to ment actors in Haiti in order to ensure greater effi- increase and accelerate efforts to prepare for and en- ciency in development efforts; sure the smooth conduct of the elections, and calls 15. Invites the Bretton Woods institutions to con- upon international donors to provide the necessary re- sider the issue of debt sustainability and the implica- sources to support the electoral process; tions of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative 5. Also requests the Secretary-General to share with for Haiti; the Council the reform plan for the Haitian National 16. Urges the Mission to urgently develop and im- Police, formulated by the Mission and the Haitian au- plement a proactive communications and public rela- thorities, that includes the anticipated size, standards, tions strategy, in order to improve the Haitian popula- implementation timetable and resources; tion’s understanding of the mandate of the Mission 6. Requests that the Mission concentrate the use of and its role in Haiti; its resources, including civilian police, towards in- 17. Welcomes efforts undertaken by the Mission to creasing security and protection during the electoral implement the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance pol- period, including a review, as appropriate, of the rules icy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full of engagement of the individual civilian police offi- compliance of its personnel with the United Nations cers; code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to 7. Also requests that the Mission and the Haitian continue to take all necessary action in this regard authorities take all necessary steps to achieve optimal and to keep the Council informed, and urges troop- coordination between the Mission’s civilian police and contributing countries to take appropriate preventive the Haitian National Police; and disciplinary action to ensure that such acts are 8. Reaffirms the authority of the Mission to vet properly investigated and punished in cases involving and certify new and existing Haitian National Police their personnel;

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18. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the President René Préval. Considerable progress Council on the effectiveness of the implementation of was made in voter registration, led by OAS.Asat the mandate of the Mission at least once every three 29 September, over 2.9 million people, more months, and requests that the Secretariat keep the Council members informed, on a regular basis, on the than 70 per cent of the estimated 4 million eligi- status of electoral preparations, including party and ble voters, had registered. The deadline for voter voter registration figures and other relevant data; registration was extended four times, the latest 19 . Decides to remain seized of the matter. until 30 September. A few setbacks had hindered progress in the election preparations. The Provi- Further political and security developments sional Electoral Council announced in Septem- Report of Secretary-General (October). In an ber a change in the dates for the legislative and October report [S/2005/631] on MINUSTAH, the presidential elections to 20 November and 3 Jan- Secretary-General said that the Transitional Gov- uary 2006, and local and municipal elections on ernment and MINUSTAH continued to be con- 11 December 2005. The calendar had not been fronted with serious political and security chal- promulgated by the Transitional Government lenges. To develop a strategy to combat armed and its feasibility was publicly contested. Prime gang violence and strengthen confidence in the Minister Latortue asked the Council to review the Transitional Government and the electoral pro- calendar in the light of the constitutional re- cess, Prime Minister Latortue organized closed quirement to swear in the President by 7 Febru- meetings with political leaders and the private ary 2006. As the Provisional Electoral Council sector. Other developments included the 14June continued to suffer from structural and opera- resignation of the Minister of Justice and Public tional shortcomings, its ability to organize and Security and the ensuing inauguration of a new administer the elections in a timely manner re- cabinet on 22 June; the appointment of a new mained an issue of concern. To support the pro- HNP Director General; and the 25 June presenta- cess, MINUSTAH and OAS identified 10 key deci- tion by the Council of Eminent Persons to the sions and actions to be urgently taken by the Transitional Government of a road map outlin- Haitian authorities, including providing the ing priorities for the successful continuation of Council with an effective executive structure and the transition process. staff; confirming the electoral calendar; revising Political tensions and security concerns the electoral decree; and determining the loca- peaked when a well-known journalist and poet, tion and number of polling sites. As no action Jacques Roche, who had been kidnapped four had been taken by the national authorities to im- days earlier, was found murdered on 14 July. plement the 10 priority measures, it was antici- Father Gérard Jean-Juste, a Lavalas activist, was pated that MINUSTAH might need to play a more taken into protective custody following his ap- active role in the electoral process than originally pearance at Mr. Roche’s funeral on 21 July and envisaged. was later arrested and charged with participating in the kidnapping and murder of Mr. Roche. On A marked rise in violence and criminality in 31 August, he was transferred to the National Port-au-Prince, including 59 kidnappings in Penitentiary. June and the killing of 17people in a 1 July arson MINUSTAH organized a series of meetings of attack against the main marketplace, had gener- political parties to create a positive environment ated serious public anxiety. On 6 July, in a large- for the electoral process. On 17 May, the leaders scale operation in Cité Soleil aimed at appre- of 34 political parties signed the “Port-au-Prince hending a prominent gang leader, Emmanuel declaration against corruption”, which called for Wilmer, MINUSTAH encountered heavy gunfire. the development of an ethical code of conduct for While it was believed that Mr. Wilmer and his as- political parties, and on 14 June, 17political par- sociates had been killed during the operation, ties, including sectors of Fanmi Lavalas, signed there was concern that, due to the densely popu- an electoral code of conduct barring the use of lated urban nature of the terrain and the violence in the pursuit of political power. On 27 strength of the armed response, civilians might September, 12 parties signed a “pacte de stabilité have been caught in the crossfire as MINUSTAH et de gouvernabilité” committing them to coop- troops were withdrawing. There were uncon- erating and collaborating before and after the firmed reports from HNP and other sources that elections. With UNDP, MINUSTAH and the Transi- gangs were seen killing civilians following the op- tional Government organized a workshop for eration. Security in other parts of the country re- some 60 political leaders to discuss key govern- mained fragile, but generally stable. Conditions ance issues. The Provisional Electoral Council in Bel-Air had improved significantly enough to approved the registration of 45 political parties allow the reopening of HNP community stations and 32 presidential candidates, including former in the area.

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MINUSTAH developed an electoral security Mr. Latortue reaffirmed the Transitional Gov- plan, defining responsibilities and security ar- ernment’s commitment to ensure the transfer of rangements for the election period, which in- power on 7 February 2006 and said that the polit- cluded increased military and police capacities. ical situation in Haiti had evolved in the right di- It also continued to persuade groups of former rection. He informed the Council that, although soldiers to disarm voluntarily, with no progress there were more than 40 political parties and being made. The National Commission on Dis- 30 presidential candidates, the political parties armament, with MINUSTAH assistance, devised a had been working well together and had signed modus operandi for negotiating eligibility crite- a governability pact to demonstrate their com- ria. In the area of the rule of law, the lack of mitment to working with whichever party was strong and professional institutions continued to elected and whosoever might become President. be a concern, particularly in relation to the al- He announced the installation of a new Director leged misconduct of HNP officers. Their alleged General of the Provisional Electoral Council, involvement in the execution of nine individuals who would oversee implementation of all the on 20 August at a football game in the Martissant major decisions of the Council, and his intention area of Port-au-Prince was under investigation to submit a new electoral timetable to guarantee by MINUSTAH. The release of Louis Jodel the handover of power by 7 February 2006. Mr. Chamblain, the second-in-command of a para- Latortue also indicated that the Government had military group who had been convicted of vari- observed that some gangs were working in com- ous crimes in 1993 and 1994, had further tar- plicity with HNP agents and warned that, despite nished the credibility of the justice system. the apparent calm, there were still forces op- posed to democracy and the transfer of power In his observations of prospects for a credible through transparent and free elections. He em- electoral process, the Secretary-General indi- phasized that the recent arrest of 15 corrupt po- cated that, although a significant number of vot- lice officers had demonstrated the HNP Director ers had registered and progress had been made General’s courage to clean house and the Gov- in dealing with urgent security threats, the gains ernment’s resolve to ensure respect for human attained were fragile and other issues needed to rights. He alerted the Security Council to the fact be addressed, such as the technical problems to that MINUSTAH’s mandate would expire on 15 the electoral process, the possibility of increased February 2006, only eight days after the installa- violence during the campaign period, and the tion of the new Government. Haiti would there- persisting impunity and disregard for human fore still require MINUSTAH’s assistance for a pe- rights. The Transitional Government should also riod of time. address concerns regarding the electoral law and take measures to facilitate inclusive and partici- SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION patory elections to avoid any perception that the On 18 October [meeting 5285], following consul- judicial process was being used to adversely affect tations among Security Council members, the political participation. The 10 priority actions President made statement S/PRST/2005/50 on identified by MINUSTAH and OAS to overcome behalf of the Council: technical and organizational challenges needed to be taken urgently, with a focus on strengthen- The Security Council expresses its full support ing the Provisional Electoral Council. He empha- for the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mis- sized that the international community should sion in Haiti and the Special Representative of the stand ready to play a greater role in organizing Secretary-General for Haiti, Mr. Juan Gabriel Valdés. the electoral process to ensure its success. The The Council stresses the primary importance of Secretary-General stated that, given the possible ensuring that Haiti benefits from transparent, inclu- increase in tension during the electoral process, a sive, free and fair elections, in accordance with inter- message of reassurance and deterrence could be national democratic standards and open to all politi- conveyed if one or more Member States were cal candidates that have renounced violence, thereby ready to back up MINUSTAH through the deploy- enabling legitimate leadership at the national and ment of an offshore presence. local levels. The Council conveys its concern regard- ing the risk of delays in the electoral process, and un- Security Council consideration (October). On derlines international expectations that the first 18October [meeting 5284], the Security Council met round of national elections should take place in to discuss the question concerning Haiti and 2005, and all efforts should be undertaken so that the democratically elected authorities take office on heard a briefing from interim Prime Minister 7 February 2006 in accordance with the Haitian Gérard Latortue. The Council had before it Constitution. The Council notes with appreciation the Secretary-General’s October report on that, so far, more than 3 million people have been MINUSTAH (see above). registered. The Council praises the Organization of

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American States and other relevant international cil also recognizes the need to maintain stability in stakeholders for their contribution to that process. the period immediately following the elections, in- The Council welcomes the representation of a broad cluding through a continued international presence, range of Haitian political opinion in the electoral and to ensure that key Haitian institutions can func- process and underlines the importance of a collabo- tion adequately,especially those institutions address- rative approach by political leaders. National recon- ing the rule of law and development. The Council ciliation and political dialogue should continue to be recognizes the importance of the upcoming donor promoted as a means to ensure long-term stability conference to be held in Brussels on 20 and 21 Octo- and good governance. ber 2005, and calls upon donors to continue to dis- The Council notes with concern that important burse the pledged funds. The Council recognizes challenges to the preparations for the elections further that this conference constitutes an important remain yet to be overcome. While welcoming the opportunity to further elaborate on short-, medium- recent steps taken by the Transitional Government and long-term strategies, within a unified frame- and the Provisional Electoral Council, the Security work, to ensure coordination and continuity in a co- Council urges them to perform the ten urgent tasks herent and well prioritized response to Haitian prob- required to ensure that elections will take place this lems. Haiti is at a critical juncture. While ultimately year, which were endorsed by the Transitional Gov- the responsibility for Haiti’s future lies with its Gov- ernment on 17September 2005 and reiterated by the ernment and people, the international community Core Group on Haiti on 18October 2005. The Coun- must continue to provide support. cil calls for effective and prompt decision-making in key areas by the relevant Haitian authorities, and Communication. On 21 October [A/60/447], urges the Haitian authorities to make full use of the Spain transmitted a communiqué adopted by the advice and assistance of the Mission in the organiza- tion of elections. The Council calls upon them to Heads of State and Government of the Ibero- work with the Mission to develop a phased electoral American community of nations (Salamanca, plan as a matter of priority,with a view to finalizing a Spain, 14-15 October), supporting the implemen- feasible electoral calendar. The Council also urges tation of MINUSTAH’s mandate and requesting the Haitian authorities to publish swiftly the final list the Ibero-American Secretary-General to carry of candidates for the elections, and to agree in con- out a mission to Haiti to assess the situation and, sultation with the Mission upon a list of voting cen- in conjunction with the United Nations and tres that ensures voter access and takes into account other international bodies, encourage the au- budgetary, security and logistical implications. thorities to hold the elections as planned. The Council strongly supports the Mission’s endeavours to ensure a secure and stable environ- Further developments. In a later report [S/ ment in Haiti, which is crucial for the country’s pro- 2006/60], the Secretary-General stated that the ac- gress, and to enable the electoral process to take tivities of the Haitian authorities and MINUSTAH place. The Council recognizes the contribution of continued to focus on ensuring the organization the Mission to the restoration and maintenance of the rule of law in the country, and underlines the of credible and timely elections. However, politi- need for strong and coordinated assistance to enable cal and technical difficulties in the decision- the reform and restructuring of Haiti’s rule-of-law making process caused more delays. Disputes institutions. To this end, the Council urges the Tran- arose from the creation of a “commission on na- sitional Government, working with the Mission, to tionalities”, which had recommended against put into effect the initiatives called for in resolution several candidacies, including that of Dumarsais 1608(2005) concerning the Haitian National Police Siméus, a presidential candidate of the “Tet reform and restructuring plan as well as the reform Ansanm” political party. On 8 December, the Su- of the judicial system, in order to end impunity and ensure due process. The Council welcomes the im- preme Court, which had previously indicated provements in the security situation, due to the that Mr. Siméus’ candidacy should be retained, resolve of the Mission to act in support of the Transi- refused a request by the Provisional Electoral tional Government. The Council expresses concern Council to reverse its decision. The decision by regarding reports of involvement of some officers of the interim President, on 9 December, to order the Haitian National Police in serious crimes and the retirement of five Supreme Court judges and human rights violations and stresses the need to in- nominate five others to replace them was consid- vestigate fully any allegations of serious crimes and human rights violations. The Council welcomes the ered a serious human rights concern. The deployment of the additional military and police United Nations High Commissioner for Human personnel of the Mission, in accordance with resolu- Rights stressed full respect for the separation of tion 1608(2005), and expresses its gratitude to troop- powers. and police-contributing countries. While voter registration had concluded at the The Council reiterates the need for the Transi- end of October, all technical and logistical tional Government and the Mission to begin imme- diately effective implementation of a disarmament, arrangements had not been completed. Presi- demobilization and reintegration programme. The dential elections were being contested by 33 can- Council stresses the need to implement high-visibil- didates approved by the Provisional Electoral ity,quick-impact projects that create jobs. The Coun- Council, following weeks of controversy over the

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 389 eligibility of presidential candidates holding lowing the 4 November arrest of two senior HNP dual nationality, and parliamentary seats by officers for alleged obstruction of the investiga- 1,409 candidates. Due to concerns over possible tion into the Martissant killings (see p. 387) in links between political parties and armed groups, August, illustrated the potential resistance to re- technical issues that could impede voter access form measures. and transparency of the voting and tabulation processes, and questions of the independence of MINUSTAH electoral workers, the Secretary-General stressed In 2005, the United Nations Stabilization Mis- the importance of the presence of international sion in Haiti (MINUSTAH), established by observers to ensure credible elections. By early Security Council resolution 1542(2004) [YUN December, observers of the International Mis- 2004, p. 294], continued to focus on ensuring a se- sion for Monitoring Haitian Elections had been cure and stable environment, supporting the pol- deployed to all 10 provinces. MINUSTAH main- itical process, and protecting and promoting hu- tained contact with observers around the country man rights. In June, pursuant to Security through regular meetings and briefings and pro- Council resolution 1608(2005), the structure of vided logistical and security assistance, in emer- the Mission was enhanced and its mandate ex- gency cases. tended to 15 February 2006 (see p. 384). The overall security environment remained relatively stable in most of the country and in areas of Port-au-Prince that had been problem- MINUSTAH activities atic, such as the Bel-Air district. However, the sit- During 2005, the Secretary-General reported uation deteriorated in Cité Soleil and the adja- to the Security Council on the activities of cent Route Nationale 1 during December, and MINUSTAH and developments in Haiti for the pe- gangs remained active in areas outside the capital riods 18 November 2004 to 24 February 2005 in Artibonite and Ouanaminthe. Kidnappings [S/2005/124], 25 February to 12 May [S/2005/313 & increased sharply during the final months of the Add.1], and 13 May to 5 October [S/2005/631]. Activ- year, with 56 in September, 63 in October, 74 in ities for the remainder of the year were contained November and 241 in December. A confrontation in a later report [S/2006/60]. In addition to the pol- in October between HNP and armed gangs in itical and security aspects, the reports summa- Gonaives led to arson, looting and the death of rized MINUSTAH activities dealing with human two people over the course of three days. Crimi- rights; child protection; the humanitarian situa- nal activities, such as illegal arms and drug traf- tion and development; gender; the prevention of ficking, persisted along Haiti’s porous land and HIV/AIDS; the implementation of the Interim sea borders. On 12 December, Haiti and the Cooperative Framework (ICF) and quick-impact Dominican Republic reached agreement on the projects; coordination with international organi- reactivation of the Haitian-Dominican mixed zations, such as the Caribbean Community commission in an effort to better manage security (CARICOM) and OAS; and Mission support. at the border. MINUSTAH continued to play a pi- Human rights. The human rights situation re- votal role in the security and stability of the mained alarming, with reported cases of sum- country,but it had also suffered five fatalities and mary executions, prolonged pre-trial detentions, injury to two military peacekeepers in a 16 De- arbitrary arrest, disregard for due process, rape cember ambush in Plaisance. Although condi- and the alleged torture of children in the deten- tions for a comprehensive DDR programme re- tion facilities of the Judicial Police. A hunger mained elusive, MINUSTAH, in conjunction with strike, which began in February, by Yvon Nep- the National Commission on Disarmament, es- tune and Jocelerme Privert, protesting their pro- tablished community violence reduction and de- longed pre-trial detentions, resulted in their hos- velopment committees in some of the more vola- pitalization. Although it was reported in May that tile districts. An initial group of 14 disarmed Mr. Neptune’s health had seriously deteriorated, gang members entered the Reintegration Orien- he and Mr. Privert remained in detention tation Centre on 11 November, followed by a through the end of the year. The independent group of 18 in December. Fifteen former mili- expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, tary personnel formally entered the disarma- Louis Joinet, who visited the country in March ment process on 20 October. and November, presented a report [E/CN.4/ Professional, logistical and technical short- 2006/115] covering those visits to the Commission comings of the HNP continued to inhibit its on Human Rights (see p. 740). effectiveness. However, staged demonstrations Child protection. MINUSTAH and the United against the HNP General Director and the spray- Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) continued to painting of MINUSTAH vehicles with slogans, fol- draw attention to violence against children. By

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May, another 50 had died from gang violence, ploitation and abuse; and required new staff while others had been victims of rape. The al- members to receive compulsory training on UN leged killing by HNP of two minors in Cité de policy regarding sexual abuse and exploitation. Dieu and a 4-year-old girl in Pétion-Ville were HIV/AIDS. The MINUSTAH HIV/AIDS Unit under investigation by MINUSTAH and UNICEF. provided HIV/AIDS awareness training to its Human rights organizations and the main hospi- personnel and that of HNP. The Joint United tal in Cité Soleil reported that 30 to 40 children Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and had died due to gang violence. To address viola- MINUSTAH developed an HIV/AIDS peer leader tions of children’s rights, MINUSTAH signed an training programme to engage MINUSTAH per- agreement with HNP for the provision of compre- sonnel in prevention, education and communica- hensive child-protection training for all new po- tion activities and to establish partnerships with lice recruits. It also organized focus groups to de- HIV/AIDS response organizations. MINUSTAH velop ways to reintegrate juvenile members of the continued to participate in the ICF Sectoral Round- armed groups into their communities. Ta b l e on HIV/AIDS and was involved in community outreach activities related to “World AIDS Day” on Humanitarian situation. MINUSTAH contin- 1 December, including the training of former ued to respond to the humanitarian situation in gang members and their families on HIV/AIDS Haiti. The effects of severe drought early in the prevention, awareness training for 481 Bel-Air year and the ensuing agricultural loss were fur- community members and the allocation of ther exacerbated by Hurricanes Dennis and television spots with a message on HIV/AIDS Emily, which killed 32 people and damaged 15 from MINUSTAH leaders and heads of UN agen- schools, 400 houses, 3 water-supply systems and cies. 1 bridge in the southern peninsula. Security Other activities. The reports also chronicled challenges, particularly in Port-au-Prince, had MINUSTAH activities and coordination efforts also hampered the work of humanitarian organi- with OAS and CARICOM.OAS assisted in election zations, requiring MINUSTAH and aid organiza- preparations, particularly in voter registration. tions to coordinate their activities. While CARICOM supported the dialogue initia- Development. Further implementation of the tives and humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti, it ICF [YUN 2004, p. 296] and quick-impact projects had not yet recognized the Transitional Govern- progressed. As at 9 May, 57 projects were being mentasalegitimaterepresentativeofHaitiwithin implemented in agriculture, education, health, the organization. The Special Representative at- HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation; five of those had tended a CARICOM conference (16-17 February, been implemented by MINUSTAH troops, mainly Paramaribo, Suriname), which discussed re- in infrastructure rehabilitation. By October, 40 gional issues, including Haiti. As MINUSTAH op- of the 98 projects approved by MINUSTAH for the erated from shared common offices and other 2004/05 fiscal year had been implemented. At a temporary premises at several locations since its ministerial meeting on assistance to Haiti (18 establishment, it experienced operational diffi- March, Cayenne, French Guiana), the donor culties. In early 2005,a siteforan integratedhead- community pledged to finance 380 ICF high- quarters was selected and by 27 June had been impact projects at an estimated cost of 750 mil- fullyestablished.Alaterreportindicatedthatren- lion euros. At a donor conference later in the year ovations of the Mission headquarters were com- (20-21 October, Brussels), it was decided that the pleted and MINUSTAH had erected facilities for the expanded force elements. time frame for ICF would be extended from September 2006 to the end of 2007. Programme of support for Haiti Gender. MINUSTAH supported women’s or- ganizations and their recommendations on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group. The Ad Hoc Advi- draft electoral law, including one granting a two- sory Group on Haiti, which had been mandated thirds reduction of the registration fee for candi- by resolution 2004/322 [YUN 2004, p. 939] to follow dates from a political party or coalition that had at and advise on the long-term development of the least 30 per cent female candidates. Following its country, submitted its May report [E/2005/66] to activities to promote women’s participation in the the Economic and Social Council. Acknowledg- electoral process, MINUSTAH, as a member of the ing that the new Government would face im- National Coordination Committee on the Preven- mense challenges when installed in February tion of Violence Against Women, intensified its 2006, the Group highlighted possible elements to work in that area. The Mission participated in the build on, such as progress in macroeconomic sta- development of the UN inter-agency national bility and economic governance. The report plan on sexual violence against women (see summarized the activities of the Group, includ- p. 1250); launched a poster campaign in all ing its April visit to Haiti in conjunction with the MINUSTAH offices on the prohibition of sexual ex- Security Council mission (see p. 379); the status

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 391 of the MDGs; an update on international support Financing of the United Nations Stabilization to Haiti; priority areas for action; and implica- Mission in Haiti tions for the long-term development of Haiti. B The Group also made recommendations ad- The General Assembly, dressed to the Council, MINUSTAH and the UN Having considered the report of the Secretary- country team, the Haitian authorities and the do- General on the financing of the United Nations Stabi- nor community. lization Mission in Haiti and the related reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Communication. On 27 June [E/2005/86], Haiti Questions, transmitted to the Economic and Social Council a Recalling Security Council resolution 1529(2004) of letter from the interim Prime Minister, Gérard 29 February 2004, by which the Council declared its Latortue, in which he supported the recommen- readiness to establish a United Nations stabilization dations of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group and re- force to support continuation of a peaceful and consti- quested that the Group’s mandate be renewed. tutional political process and the maintenance of a se- Mr. Latortue warned the Council not to underes- cure and stable environment in Haiti, timate the scope of the follow-up activities in the Recalling also Security Council resolution 1542 (2004) of 30 April 2004, by which the Council decided area of DDR. He announced the establishment of to establish the United Nations Stabilization Mission in a strategic “think tank” to work in collaboration Haiti for an initial period of six months, and the subse- with the Ad Hoc Advisory Group to prepare a quent resolution 1576(2004) of 29 November 2004, by programme of work and budget. which the Council extended the mandate of the Mis- On 27 July, the Council adopted resolution sion until 1 June 2005, 2005/46 on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti Recalling further its resolution 58/311 of 18 June 2004 on the financing of the Mission and its subse- (see p. 1012). quent resolution 59/17 A of 29 October 2004, Reaffirming the general principles underlying the Financing of missions financing of United Nations peacekeeping operations, as stated in General Assembly resolutions 1874 (S-IV) of 27 June 1963, 3101(XXVIII) of 11 December 1973 MINUSTAH and 55/235 of 23 December 2000, On 18 March [A/59/745], the Secretary-General Mindful of the fact that it is essential to provide the submitted to the General Assembly the budget Mission with the necessary financial resources to en- for MINUSTAH for the period from 1 July 2005 to able it to fulfil its responsibilities under the relevant 30 June 2006 and the expenditure report for the resolutions of the Security Council, Mission for the period 1 May to 30 June 2004. 1. Requests the Secretary-General to entrust the Head of Mission with the task of formulating future The budget, which amounted to $478,055,100, budget proposals in full accordance with the provi- provided for the deployment of 6,700 military sions of General Assembly resolution 59/296 of personnel, 1,622 civilian police officers, 489 in- 22 June 2005, as well as other relevant resolutions; ternational staff, 621 national staff and 179 2. Takes note of the status of contributions to the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs). Total ex- United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti as at penditure for the establishment of the Mission 15 April 2005, including the contributions outstanding for the period 1 May to 30 June 2004 amounted in the amount of 80.8 million United States dollars, to $34,556,100 gross. representing some 35 per cent of the total assessed contributions, notes with concern that only forty-eight ACABQ report (April). In a 19 April report Member States have paid their assessed contributions [A/59/736/Add.13], the Advisory Committee on Ad- in full, and urges all other Member States, in particu- ministrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) lar those in arrears, to ensure payment of their out- identified reductions totalling $7,947,000. It standing assessed contributions; therefore recommended that the General Assem- 3. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States bly appropriate $470,108,100for the period 1 July which have paid their assessed contributions in full, and urges all other Member States to make every possi- 2005 to 30 June 2006; and that the unencum- ble effort to ensure payment of their assessed contribu- bered balance of $14,703,700 for the period tions to the Mission in full; 1 May to 30 June 2004 be credited to Member 4. Expresses concern at the financial situation with States in a manner to be determined by the As- regard to peacekeeping activities, in particular as re- sembly. gards the reimbursements to troop contributors that bear additional burdens owing to overdue payments GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION by Member States of their assessments; 5. Also expresses concern at the delay experienced by On 22 June [meeting 104], the General Assembly, the Secretary-General in deploying and providing ade- on the recommendation of the Fifth (Administra- quate resources to some recent peacekeeping missions, tive and Budgetary) Committee [A/59/530/Add.1], in particular those in Africa; adopted resolution 59/17 B without vote [agenda 6. Emphasizes that all future and existing peace- item 155]. keeping missions shall be given equal and non-

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discriminatory treatment in respect of financial and 1955, there shall be set off against the apportionment administrative arrangements; among Member States, as provided for in paragraph 19 7. Also emphasizes that all peacekeeping missions above, their respective share in the Tax Equalization shall be provided with adequate resources for the ef- Fund of 13,303,300 dollars, comprising the estimated fective and efficient discharge of their respective man- staff assessment income of 10,069,500 dollars ap- dates; proved for the Mission, the prorated share of 2,867,900 8. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to dollars of the estimated staff assessment income ap- make the fullest possible use of facilities and equip- proved for the support account and the prorated share ment at the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, of 365,900 dollars of the estimated staff assessment in- Italy, in order to minimize the costs of procurement for come approved for the United Nations Logistics Base; the Mission; 21. Decides that, for Member States that have ful- 9. Endorses the conclusions and recommendations filled their financial obligations to the Mission, there contained in the report of the Advisory Committee on shall be set off against their apportionment, as pro- Administrative and Budgetary Questions, and requests vided for in paragraph 19 above, their respective share the Secretary-General to ensure their full implementa- of the unencumbered balance of 14,703,700 dollars in tion, subject to the provisions of the present resolution; respect of the financial period ended 30 June 2004, in 10. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the accordance with the levels updated in General Assem- full implementation of relevant provisions of its reso- bly resolution 58/256, taking into account the scale of lution 59/296; assessments for 2004 as set out in its resolution 58/1 B; 11. Notes paragraph 20 of the report of the Advisory 22. Decides also that, for Member States that have Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Ques- not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Mission, tions; there shall be set off against their outstanding obliga- 12. Requests the Secretary-General to address, as a tions their respective share of the unencumbered bal- matter of urgency, structural and management prob- ance of 14,703,700 dollars in respect of the financial lems that remain to be thoroughly resolved as pre- period ended 30 June 2004, in accordance with the viously determined by the General Assembly; scheme set out in paragraph 21 above; 13 . Decides that the protocol functions shall be 23. Decides further that the decrease of 326,300 dol- absorbed within the existing staff strength of the Mission; lars in the estimated staff assessment income in respect 14 . Requests the Secretary-General to utilize exper- of the financial period ended 30 June 2004 shall be set tise existing within the United Nations system that off against the credits from the amount of 14,703,700 could support the Mission in carrying out substantive dollars referred to in paragraphs 21 and 22 above; activities mandated by the Security Council; 24. Emphasizes that no peacekeeping mission shall 15. Also requests the Secretary-General to take all be financed by borrowing funds from other active necessary action to ensure that the Mission is adminis- peacekeeping missions; tered with a maximum of efficiency and economy; 25. Encourages the Secretary-General to continue to 16. Further requests the Secretary-General, in order take additional measures to ensure the safety and to reduce the cost of employing General Service staff, security of all personnel under the auspices of the to continue efforts to recruit local staff for the Mission United Nations participating in the Mission, bearing against General Service posts, commensurate with the in mind paragraphs 5 and 6 of Security Council reso- requirements of the Mission; lution 1502(2003) of 26 August 2003; Expenditure report for the period 26. Invites voluntary contributions to the Mission in from 1 May to 30 June 2004 cash and in the form of services and supplies accepta- 17. Takes note of the expenditure report for the Mis- ble to the Secretary-General, to be administered, as sion for the period from 1 May to 30 June 2004; appropriate, in accordance with the procedure and practices established by the General Assembly; Budget estimates for the period 27. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 its sixtieth session the item entitled “Financing of the 18. Decides to appropriate to the Special Account United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti”. for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti the amount of 494,887,000 dollars for the period from Report of Secretary General (August). In a 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006, inclusive of 470,073,600 dollars for the maintenance of the Mission, 20,289,800 1 August report [A/60/176 & Corr.1], the Secretary- dollars for the support account for peacekeeping oper- General submitted a revised budget for ations and 4,523,600 dollars for the United Nations MINUSTAH for the period 1 July 2005 to 30 June Logistics Base; 2006, in the amount of $518,828,500 gross, repre- Financing of the appropriation senting an increase of $48,754,900, which pro- 19 . Decides also to apportion among Member States vided for an additional 800 military contingent the amount of 494,887,000 dollars at a monthly rate of personnel, 275 civilian police officers and 17tem- 41,240,583 dollars, in accordance with the levels up- porary international staff, 30 national staff and dated in General Assembly resolution 58/256 of 23 De- 18 UNVs. cember 2003, taking into account the scale of assess- ACABQ report (September). In a September ments for 2005 and 2006 as set out in its resolution 58/1 B of 23 December 2003, subject to a decision of the report [A/60/386], ACABQ reviewed the revised SecurityCounciltoextendthemandateoftheMission; budget proposals and after identifying reduc- 20. Decides further that, in accordance with the tions totalling $2,340,000, recommended that provisions of its resolution 973(X) of 15 December the Assembly appropriate an additional amount

YUN05—5th proofs Dec. 19 2007 Americas 393 of $46,414,900 for the period 1 July 2005 to 30 ble effort to ensure payment of their assessed contribu- June 2006. tions to the Mission in full; 4. Expresses concern at the financial situation with GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION regard to peacekeeping activities, in particular as re- gards the reimbursements to troop contributors that On 23 November [meeting 53], the General As- bear additional burdens owing to overdue payments sembly, on the recommendation of the Fifth by Member States of their assessments; Committee [A/60/541], adopted resolution 60/18 5. Also expresses concern at the delay experienced without vote [agenda item 145]. by the Secretary-General in deploying and providing adequate resources to some recent peacekeeping mis- Financing of the United Nations Stabilization sions, in particular those in Africa; Mission in Haiti 6. Emphasizes that all future and existing peace- The General Assembly, keeping missions shall be given equal and non- Having considered the report of the Secretary- discriminatory treatment in respect of financial and General on the financing of the United Nations Stabi- administrative arrangements; lization Mission in Haiti and the related report of the 7. Also emphasizes that all peacekeeping missions shall Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary be provided with adequate resources for the effective Questions, and efficient discharge of their respective mandates; Recalling Security Council resolution 1529(2004) of 8. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to 29 February 2004, by which the Council declared its make the fullest possible use of facilities and equip- readiness to establish a United Nations stabilization ment at the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, force to support continuation of a peaceful and consti- Italy, in order to minimize the costs of procurement for tutional political process and the maintenance of a se- the Mission; cure and stable environment in Haiti, 9. Endorses the conclusions and recommendations Recalling also Security Council resolution 1542 contained in the report of the Advisory Committee on (2004) of 30 April 2004, by which the Council decided Administrative and Budgetary Questions, subject to the to establish the United Nations Stabilization Mission in provisions of the present resolution, and requests the Haiti for an initial period of six months, and the subse- Secretary-Generaltoensuretheirfullimplementation; quent resolutions by which the Council extended the 10. Decides not to endorse paragraph 22 of the re- mandate of the Mission, the latest of which was resolu- port of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and tion 1608(2005) of 22 June 2005, by which the Council Budgetary Questions; extended the mandate of the Mission until 15 February 11. Decides to reduce the overall level of operational 2006 and authorized an increase for a temporary pe- costs by 2,340,000 dollars, taking into account the re- riod in the military and civilian police components of ductions proposed in paragraphs 18 and 21 of the re- the Mission, port of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Recalling further its resolution 58/311 of 18 June Budgetary Questions; 2004 on the financing of the Mission and its subse- 12. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the quent resolutions thereon, the latest of which was reso- full implementation of relevant provisions of its reso- lution 59/17 B of 22 June 2005, lution 59/296; Reaffirming the general principles underlying the 13 . Also requests the Secretary-General to take all financing of United Nations peacekeeping operations, necessary action to ensure that the Mission is adminis- as stated in General Assembly resolutions 1874(S-IV) tered with a maximum of efficiency and economy; of 27 June 1963, 3101(XXVIII) of 11 December 1973 14 . Further requests the Secretary-General, in order and 55/235 of 23 December 2000, to reduce the cost of employing General Service staff, Mindful of the fact that it is essential to provide the to continue efforts to recruit local staff for the Mission Mission with the necessary financial resources to en- against General Service posts, commensurate with the able it to fulfil its responsibilities under the relevant requirements of the Mission; resolutions of the Security Council, 1. Requests the Secretary-General to entrust the Revised budget estimates for the period Head of Mission with the task of formulating future from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 budget proposals in full accordance with the provi- 15. Decides to appropriate to the Special Account sions of General Assembly resolution 59/296 of for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti 22 June 2005, as well as other relevant resolutions; the amount of 46,414,900 dollars for the maintenance 2. Takes note of the status of contributions to the of the Mission for the period from 1 July 2005 to United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti as at 30 June 2006, in addition to the amount of 31 August 2005, including the contributions outstand- 494,887,000 dollars already appropriated for the same ing in the amount of 190 million United States dollars, period under the terms of its resolution 59/17 B; representing some 34 per cent of the total assessed contributions, notes with concern that only twenty Financing of the appropriation Member States have paid their assessed contributions 16. Also decides, taking into account the amount of in full, and urges all other Member States, in particu- 494,887,000 dollars previously apportioned at a lar those in arrears, to ensure payment of their out- monthly rate of 41,240,583 dollars for the period from standing assessed contributions; 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 under the terms of its 3. Expresses its appreciation to those Member States resolution 59/17 B, to apportion among Member which have paid their assessed contributions in full States the additional amount of 29,147,500 dollars for and urges all other Member States to make every possi- the period from 1 July 2005 to 15 February 2006, in

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accordance with the levels updated in General Assem- resolve once and for all the only source of bly resolution 58/256 of 23 December 2003 and tak- disagreement with Nicaragua. ing into account the scale of assessments for 2005 and 2006, as set out in its resolution 58/1 B of 23 Decem- ber 2003; Cuba–United States 17. Further decides that, in accordance with the pro- visions of its resolution 973(X) of 15 December 1955, On 21 October [A/60/447], Spain transmitted a there shall be set off against the apportionment among communiqué protesting the implementation of Member States, as provided for in paragraph 16 above, the Helms-Burton Act and requesting the United their respective share in the Tax Equalization Fund of States to end the economic, commercial and fi- the additional amount of 104,100 dollars approved for nancial blockade against Cuba. the Mission for the period from 1 July 2005 to 15 Feb- ruary 2006; In a letter dated 1 November [A/60/531], Cuba 18. Decides to apportion among Member States the transmitted the declaration by organizations that additional amount of 17,267,400 dollars for the period had participated in the “Third Forum of Cuban from 16 February to 30 June 2006 at a monthly rate of civil society against the embargo and the annex- 3,867,900dollars, in accordance with the levels updated ation” (Havana, 31October), which indicated that in General Assembly resolution 58/256 and taking into the United States embargo against Cuba had ad- accountthe scale of assessments for 2006, as set out in its versely impacted the country’s economy, and if resolution 58/1 B, subject to a decision of the Security Council to extend the mandate of the Mission; not dismantled, would continue to be a funda- 19 . Also decides that, in accordance with the provi- mental obstacle to Cuba’s development. The dec- sions of its resolution 973(X), there shall be set off laration also demanded that the United States against the apportionment among Member States, as Government proceed with the immediate extra- provided for in paragraph 18 above, their respective dition of alleged terrorist Luis Clemente Posada share in the Tax Equalization Fund of the additional Carriles to Venezuela and the immediate release amount of 61,600 dollars approved for the Mission; of five imprisoned Cuban anti-terrorist fighters. 20. Emphasizes that no peacekeeping mission shall be financed by borrowing funds from other active Report of Secretary-General. On 10 August peacekeeping missions; [A/60/213], in response to General Assembly reso- 21. Encourages the Secretary-General to continue to lution 59/11 [YUN 2004, p. 305], the Secretary- take additional measures to ensure the safety and General forwarded information received by Gov- security of all personnel under the auspices of the ernments as at 15 July 2005 on the implementa- United Nations participating in the Mission, bearing tion of that resolution. That text had called on in mind paragraphs 5 and 6 of Security Council reso- States to refrain from unilateral application of lution 1502(2003) of 26 August 2003; economic and trade measures against other 22. Invites voluntary contributions to the Mission in cash and in the form of services and supplies accept- States, and urged them to repeal or invalidate able to the Secretary-General, to be administered, as such measures. In addition to the replies from appropriate, in accordance with the procedure and 84 States, the report included statements from practices established by the General Assembly; the EU and from 10 UN bodies and 10 specialized 23. Decides to keep under review during its sixtieth agencies. session the item entitled “Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti”. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION On 8 November [meeting 45], the General As- sembly adopted resolution 60/12 [draft: A/60/L.9], Other questions by recorded vote (182-4-1) [agenda item 18]. Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States Costa Rica–Nicaragua of America against Cuba The General Assembly, On 29 September [A/60/417-S/2005/632], Costa Determined to encourage strict compliance with the Rica transmitted to the Secretary-General a state- purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of ment relating to the filing before the Interna- the United Nations, tional Court of Justice (ICJ) by Costa Rica of a Reaffirming, among other principles, the sovereign case against Nicaragua concerning navigational equality of States, non-intervention and non- rights of Costa Rica on the San Juan River (see interference in their internal affairs and freedom of p. 1385). Costa Rica said that, despite the pro- international trade and navigation, which are also en- gress achieved as a result of the September 2002 shrined in many international legal instruments, Recalling the statements of the Heads of State or Agreement between the two countries, its rights Government at the Ibero-American Summits concern- with respect to the San Juan River remained in ing the need to eliminate the unilateral application of dispute and that it had brought the issue before economic and trade measures by one State against an- the highest international judicial body so as to other that affect the free flow of international trade,

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Concerned at the continued promulgation and appli- tan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, cation by Member States of laws and regulations, such Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Co- as that promulgated on 12 March 1996 known as the lombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cy- “Helms-Burton Act”, the extraterritorial effects of prus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Demo- cratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican which affect the sovereignty of other States, the legiti- Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, mate interests of entities or persons under their juris- Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, diction and the freedom of trade and navigation, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Taking note of declarations and resolutions of differ- Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s ent intergovernmental forums, bodies and Govern- Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab ments that express the rejection by the international Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Ma- communityandpublicopinionofthepromulgationand lawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, applicationofregulationsofthekindreferredtoabove, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Recalling its resolutions 47/19 of 24 November 1992, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portu- 48/16 of 3 November 1993, 49/9 of 26 October 1994, gal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian 50/10 of 2 November 1995, 51/17 of 12 November Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Ara- 1996, 52/10 of 5 November 1997, 53/4 of 14November bia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singa- 1998, 54/21 of 9 November 1999, 55/20 of 9 Novem- pore,Slovakia, Slovenia, SolomonIslands,Somalia, SouthAfrica,Spain, ber 2000, 56/9 of 27 November 2001, 57/11 of 12 No- Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of vember 2002, 58/7 of 4 November 2003 and 59/11 of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo,Tonga,Trinidadand Tobago,Tunisia,Tur- 28 October 2004, key, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Concerned that, since the adoption of its resolutions United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, 47/19, 48/16, 49/9, 50/10, 51/17, 52/10, 53/4, 54/21, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Israel, Marshall Islands, Palau, United States. 55/20, 56/9, 57/11, 58/7 and 59/11, further measures Abstaining: Micronesia. of that nature aimed at strengthening and extending the economic, commercial and financial embargo Communications. On 21 May [A/59/808-S/2005/330], against Cuba continue to be promulgated and applied, Cuba transmitted the text of a 20 May address and concerned also at the adverse effects of such meas- ures on the Cuban people and on Cuban nationals liv- by President Fidel Castro pertaining to alleged ing in other countries, terrorist acts that had taken place in the country. 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General Other letters from Cuba [A/59/812-S/2005/341, on the implementation of resolution 59/11; A/59/907-S/2005/565, A/60/408-S/2005/626] dealt with 2. Reiterates its call upon all States to refrain from the situation of alleged terrorist Luis Posada promulgating and applying laws and measures of the Carriles. Venezuela also transmitted letters on 15 kind referred to in the preamble to the present resolu- June [A/59/849-S/2005/394] and 29 September tion in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, [A/60/406-S/2005/624] in reference to Mr. Carriles. which, inter alia, reaffirm the freedom of trade and navigation; Ibero-American community 3. Once again urges States that have and continue to On21October [A/60/447],Spaintransmittedthe apply such laws and measures to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible in Salamanca Declaration, adopted on 15October by accordance with their legal regime; the Heads of State and Government of the Ibero- 4. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation American community of nations at its Fifteenth with the appropriate organs and agencies of the Summit (Salamanca, Spain, 14-15October),estab- United Nations system, to prepare a report on the im- lishingtheIbero-Americansecretariatasaperma- plementation of the present resolution in the light of nent organ to support the institutionalization of the purposes and principles of the Charter and inter- the Ibero-American Conference. national law and to submit it to the General Assembly at its sixty-first session; 5. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of Observer status its sixty-first session the item entitled “Necessity of end- On 23 November, the General Assembly ing the economic, commercial and financial embargo granted observer status to the Ibero-American imposedbytheUnitedStatesofAmericaagainstCuba”. Conference (resolution 60/28) (see p. 1543) and RECORDED VOTE ON RESOLUTION 60/12: to the Latin American Integration Association In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, (resolution 60/25) (see p. 1542)in the work of the Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhu- Assembly.

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