25 February 1999 Press Release SC/6648
SECURITY COUNCIL FAILS TO EXTEND MANDATE OF UNITED NATIONS PREVENTIVE DEPLOYMENT FORCE IN FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA Draft Resolution Supported by 13 Members; China Votes Against; Russian Federation Abstains A veto by China this afternoon prevented the Security Council from authorizing an extension of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for a further six months, until 31 August. By a vote of 13 in favour to 1 against (China), with 1 abstention (Russian Federation), the Council failed to adopt the eight-Power draft resolution. The Secretary-General had recently recommended to the Council the extension of UNPREDEP, saying it had so far contributed successfully to preventing the spillover of conflicts elsewhere in the region to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Force's mandate, set to expire on 28 February, has been in effect since March 1995, when the Council authorized it to monitor and report any developments in the border areas which could undermine confidence and stability in the territory; since last year, its mandate has been expanded to include monitoring and reporting on illicit arms flows and other related activities. | |
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