UNdemocracy.com

Security Council meeting 5921

Date23 June 2008
Started19:50
Ended19:55
S-PV-5921 2008-06-23 19:50 23 June 2008 [[23 June]] [[2008]] /

Peace and security in Africa Letter dated 18 June 2008 from the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2008/407)

The meeting was called to order at 7.50 p.m.

Adoption of the agenda

The agenda was adopted.

Peace and security in Africa

Letter dated 18 June 2008 from the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2008/407)
The President

Pursuant to the decision taken at the 5919th meeting, I invite the representative of Zimbabwe to take a seat at the Council table.

At the invitation of the President, Mr. Chidyausiku (Zimbabwe) took a seat at the Council table.
The President

The Security Council will now continue its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in response to a letter dated 18 June 2008 from the Permanent Representative of Belgium addressed to the President of the Security Council and contained in document S/2008/407.

After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council.

“The Security Council condemns the campaign of violence against the political opposition ahead of the second round of the presidential elections scheduled for 27 June, which has resulted in the killing of scores of opposition activists and other Zimbabweans and the beating and displacement of thousands of people, including many women and children.

“The Security Council further condemns the actions of the Government of Zimbabwe that have denied its political opponents the right to campaign freely, and calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to stop the violence, to cease political intimidation, to end the restrictions on the right of assembly and to release the political leaders who have been detained. The Council urges the international monitors and observers to remain in Zimbabwe while the crisis continues.

“The Security Council regrets that the campaign of violence and the restrictions on the political opposition have made it impossible for a free and fair election to take place on 27 June. The Council further considers that, to be legitimate, any government of Zimbabwe must take account of the interests of all its citizens. The Council notes that the results of the 29 March 2008 elections must be respected.

“The Security Council expresses its concern over the impact of the situation in Zimbabwe on the wider region. The Council welcomes the recent international efforts, including those of SADC leaders and particularly President Mbeki. The Security Council calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to cooperate fully with all efforts, including through the United Nations, aimed at finding a peaceful way forward, through dialogue between the parties, that allows a legitimate government to be formed that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people.

“The Security Council further expresses its concern at the grave humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and condemns the suspension by the Government of Zimbabwe of the operations of humanitarian organizations, which has directly affected one and a half million people, including half a million children. The Council calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately allow humanitarian organizations to resume their services.

“The Security Council will continue to monitor closely the situation and requests the Secretary-General to report on ongoing regional and international efforts to resolve the crisis.”

This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/23.

The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.

The meeting rose at 7.55 p.m.
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