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Mandate of UN operation in DR of Congo extended by Security Council
23 August -- Calling on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other parties to lift all obstacles to the deployment of the United Nations mission in that country, the Security Council today decided to extend its mandate until 15 October 2000.

The Council emphasized that the technical extension of the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC) was designed to allow time for further diplomatic activities in support of the Ceasefire Agreement and for Council reflection on the future of the mandate and possible adjustments. It asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to report to it by 21 September on progress in the implementation of both its relevant resolutions and the Ceasefire Agreement.

The Council noted with concern that the lack of adequate conditions of access and security had restricted MONUC's ability to deploy its troops up to their authorized strength. Reaffirming its will to work with the Lusaka signatories and other interested parties -- including potential troop contributors -- to create the conditions necessary for the operation's extension throughout the territory, the Council expressed its appreciation to all States that have declared their willingness to provide military units required for the deployment of the second phase of MONUC.

In other developments, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, General Abdulsalami Abubakar of Nigeria, today met with DRC President Laurent Kabila in Kinshasa to discuss ways of proceeding with the peace process. After the meeting, the General told local media that the talks had been "useful," but that some points still needed to be clarified before MONUC could expand its deployment.

The Special Envoy then left Kinshasa for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is scheduled to consult with Secretary-General Salim A. Salim of the Organization of African Unity. General Abubakar is expected in New York early next week, when he will brief Secretary-General Kofi Annan on his mission to the subregion.