'Big Five' agree on UN role in Cambodia.

• Position: China, France, United Kingdom, USSR and United States

The "Big Five" permanent members of the Security Council-have agreed in principle on an "enhanced United Nations role in the resolution of the Cambodian problem", including the creation of a Namibia-style UN transition group. The ultimate goal: self determination for the Cambodian people.

These five States-China, France, United Kingdom, USSR and United States-held three meetings in early 1990, on 15-16 january and 12-13 March in Paris, and on 11-12 February in New York, on the future of the South-East Asian nation known in recent years as "Kampuchea".

Their common objective, they stated, was a comprehensive political settlement leading to an early restoration of peace, a neutral political environment for elections, and the preservation of unity of Cambodia during a transitional period and beyond.

They also suggested that during the period leading to elections, a Supreme National Council, agreed on by the four Cambodian parties, be established as a unique legitimate body in which "national sovereignty and unity should be enshrined". Its composition should be decided by the Cambodian parties themselves "and could include representatives of all shades of opinion" among Cambodians.

A UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) should be created, given the need for a neutral administration in the country during the transitional period. An effective UN presence would be required during that period "in order to assure internal security"'the Five stated.

UNTAC would be established by the UN Security Council under the direct responsibility of the UN Secretary-General, who might appoint a Special Representative to supervise UN activities during the transition, "culminating in the inauguration of a democratically elected government". The Five would commit themselves to honouring the results of the elections.

It was stressed that all Cambodians should enjoy the same rights, freedoms and opportunities to participate in an election process. UNTAC would assure the Cambodian people of freedom from intimidation and the threat of force and corruption; protect them from economic and social discrimination; and guarantee human and civil rights for all.

UN Secretary-General javier Perez de Cuellar on 17 january said the Big Five efforts were another sign of the growing confidence" in the Organization's capacity as a mechanism for the peaceful settlement of conflicts. A "well-defined, realistic and practicable" mandate for any UN role was needed, as were...