New commission to investigate possible destabilization efforts: arms embargo lifted.

PositionIncludes excerpts from a statement by UN Sec. Gen. Boutros Boutros-Ghali on genocide - Rwanda: Continuing Violence and Fear

Reports of continuing violence and fear of retribution against returning refugees, the arming of former government forces and alarming prison conditions provided a worrisome backdrop for intensified UN efforts in Rwanda during July, August and September.

Among important developments were the suspension of the arms embargo against Rwanda until at least 1 September 1996 and the creation of a new Commission of Inquiry to look into reports of arming and training of former government forces, with the aim of destabilizing the current Government.

On 16 August, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1011 (1995), allowing the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to Rwanda through points of entry to be designated by the Rwandan Government. The action was taken under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The embargo was originally imposed under Council resolution 918 (1994) of 17 May 1994. On 9 June 1995, by resolution 997 (1995), it further affirmed that those restrictions also applied to the sale or supply of arms to persons in neighbouring States, if this would be for use within Rwanda. Those States were asked to take steps to end "factors" contributing to Rwanda's destabilization and to ensure that such arms and materiel were not transferred to Rwandan camps within their territories.

In resolution 1011, the Council expressed great concern at reports of military preparations and increasing incursions into Rwanda by elements of the former regime, and underlined the need for effective measures to ensure that Rwandan nationals currently in neighbouring countries, including those in camps, "do not undertake military activities aimed at destabilizing Rwanda or receive arms supplies, in view of the great likelihood that such arms are intended for use within Rwanda". The uncontrolled circulation of arms, including to civilians and refugees, the Council warned, "is a major cause of destabilization in the Great Lakes subregion".

No reselling of arms

Resolution 1011 stipulates that no arms and related materiel supplied to the Rwandan Government may be resold to, transferred to, or made available for the use of any State neighbouring Rwanda, or any person not in the service of the Government. All States should prevent the sale or supply of arms to Rwanda, or to persons in neighbouring States, "if such sale or supply is for the purpose of the use of such arms or materiel within Rwanda", except to the Government.

Consultations with Governments of neighbouring States on the deployment of UN military observers in the airfields and other transportation points should continue, the Council recommended. Also, the Rwandan Government should continue its efforts to create "an atmosphere of trust and confidence for the safe return of refugees".

The Council also asked Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to look into establishing a Commission to address arms flow allegations.

After the vote, Rwanda said that in submitting the resolution, its current Government "does not want to inherit an embargo which was imposed upon the genocide Government".

Zaire, contending that the action would not contribute to easing tension, said it would be forced to refuse admittance to refugees at the border or to expel or deport to another State those refugees already on its territory. It underlined that it could not indefinitely sacrifice its own security for the sake of unilateral solidarity and humanitarianism which could be "suicidal" for Zaire.

Under resolution 1013 (1995), adopted unanimously on 7 September by the Security Council, an International Commission of Inquiry would be set up to look into allegations that former Rwandan Government Forces (RGF) were receiving military training in order to destabilize Rwanda. The Commission would be authorized to collect information and investigate reports about the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to the RGF in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

It would also identify parties "aiding and abetting" illegal arms acquisitions by those forces and recommend measures to end the illegal arms flow in the subregion, the Council declared. Governments of States where the Commission would carry...

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