Border crisis recedes in face of Security Council demands.

• Position: Iraq-Kuwait

The Security Council on 15 October demanded that Iraq immediately complete the withdrawal of all its military units recently deployed in southern Iraq to their original positions and refrain from using its military or any other forces in a hostile or provocative manner to threaten either its neighbours or UN operations in Iraq.

Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council also demanded that Iraq not redeploy those units to the south or take any other action to enhance its military capacity in southern Iraq. The Council took that action by unanimously adopting resolution 949 (1994).

On 6 October, Kuwait had informed (S/1994/1137) the Council President that Iraq had broadcast a "clear and unequivocal threat" directed not only at Kuwait, but also at the relations between Iraq and the UN. Kuwait warned the international community that the Iraqi regime might be seeking to evade its legal responsibilities under Council resolution 687 (1991) and carry out another act of aggression against Kuwait.

On 8 October, in a presidential statement, the Council said it had received with grave concern reports that substantial numbers of Iraqi troops, including units of its Republican Guard, were being redeployed in the direction of the border with Kuwait. The Council requested the Secretary-General to ensure that the UN Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission (UNIKOM) redoubled its vigilance and reported immediately any violation of the demilitarized zone or any potentially hostile action.

It also emphasized the necessity of full implementation of all its relevant resolutions, including full cooperation by Iraq, without interference, with the UN Special Commission's vital mission.

Actions contrary to Charter

On 10 October, the Secretary-General expressed concern about the Iraqi attitude towards Kuwait, as reflected in recent statements and actions. He noted that those actions were contrary to the letter and spirit of Council resolutions governing the situation, and emphasized Iraq's obligation to comply fully with all resolutions for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Iraq's immediate and unqualified recognition of the Iraq-Kuwait border, as defined in resolution 833 (1993), and its full cooperation with the UN Special Commission would contribute to lessening tension in the region, as well as to reducing the suffering of the Iraqi people, he concluded.

Nizar Hamdoon of Iraq told reporters on 10 October that his Government had decided to move...