Two major accords signed.

• Position: Conflict and refugee issues in the former Soviet republic of Georgia

The signing of two accords--"declaration on measures for a political settlement of the Georgian/Abkhaz conflict" and "Quadripartite Agreement on voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons"--on 4 April in Moscow by the Georgian and Abkhaz sides was called by the Security Council on 8 April an "encouraging event, laying the basis for further progress towards the settlement of the conflict".

In a statement by its President Colin Keating of New Zealand, the Council welcomed the conclusion of the third round of negotiations between the two sides on a comprehensive political settlement, under the aegis of the UN with the assistance of the Russian Federation as facilitator. Representatives of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees had also attended.

The Council urged both parties to observe strictly the cease-fire and other commitments under the accords, and "use the atmosphere of constructive cooperation", which had emerged to resolve other outstanding key issues.

The Council wanted "substantive progress towards a political settlement" during the next rounds of negotiations, so it could "adequately consider the possible establishment of a peace-keeping force in Abkhazia, Republic of Georgia". Support for the return of all refugees and displaced persons to their homes in secure conditions was also reaffirmed, as the Council expressed "hope for fruitful results" of the Quadripartite Commission's work on the issue.

Resolutions 906, 901, 896: UNOMIG extended

Urging the Georgian and Abkhaz sides to take all necessary steps to ensure the security of personnel of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and its "freedom of movement" throughout Georgia, the Security Council on 2 5 March extended the Mission's mandate for an additional interim period, until 30 June.

In unanimously adopting resolution 906 (1994), the Council asked the Secretary-General to report any progress in negotiations by no later than 21 June and on the situation on the ground, with "special attention to circumstances which might warrant a peace-keeping force and on the modalities for such a force".

All concerned were once again called upon to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the...