December 16, 1999
The United Nations top peacekeeping official today urged action to end the deteriorating situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting that an early start to the national dialogue would be an important step towards resolving the country's conflict.
In a briefing to a formal meeting of the Security Council, in which representatives from all 15 members made statements, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bernard Miyet warned that the military and security situation in the country had seriously deteriorated in the past month. There have been a number of recent clashes between Government and rebel forces in Equateur province and in the country's south-east, Mr. Miyet noted.
Mr. Miyet noted that the UN Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) had deployed 62 of the 90 military liaison officers authorized by the Council to help implement the ceasefire agreement that was signed in Lusaka, Zambia, earlier this year. However, Mr. Miyet stressed that until MONUC was guaranteed the full security and freedom of movement that it needed, it would not be able to complete its technical survey of the country or station liaison officers at the rear military headquarters of the parties. Under those circumstances, the UN would be prevented from submitting its assessment of security and freedom of movement throughout the country as well as the cooperation of the parties, Mr. Miyet said, or from developing a detailed comprehensive concept of operations for the Mission.
"The Government and the parties should reaffirm their full cooperation to MONUC in its efforts to implement the resolutions adopted by the Security Council," Mr. Miyet said. "In this context, strict adherence to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement is essential."
