United Nations Security Council Resolution 1042

RESOLUTION 1042 (1996) Adopted by the Security Council at its 3625th meeting, on 31 January 1996

The Security Council,

Reaffirming all its previous resolutions on the question of Western Sahara, Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 January 1996 (S/1996/43 and Corr.1),

Welcoming in this context the visit to the region by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General from 2 to 9 January 1996,

Noting the views expressed by the Government of Morocco set out in the report of the Secretary-General,

Noting also the views expressed by the Polisario Front set out in the report of the Secretary-General,

Reconfirming its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just and lasting solution to the question of Western Sahara,

Reiterating the fact that, for progress to be achieved, the two parties must have a vision of the post-referendum period,

1. Reiterates its commitment to the holding, without further delay, of a free, fair and impartial referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with the Settlement Plan which has been accepted by the two parties referred to above;

2. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of 19 January 1996;

3. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 May 1996;

4. Expresses deep concern about the stalemate which has been hindering the identification process and the consequent lack of progress towards completion of the Settlement Plan;

5. Calls upon the two parties to cooperate with the Secretary-General and MINURSO in resuming the identification process, overcoming obstacles hindering completion of that process, and implementing all other aspects of the Settlement Plan, in accordance with the relevant resolutions;

6. Encourages the two parties to consider additional ways to create confidence between themselves and to facilitate the implementation of the Settlement Plan;

7. Supports the intention of the Secretary-General, in the absence of meaningful progress towards completion of the Settlement Plan, to bring the situation to the immediate attention of the Council, and invites the Secretary- General in this eventuality to submit for consideration a detailed programme for a phased withdrawal of MINURSO, in accordance with the second option contained in his report of 19 January 1996;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by 15 May 1996 on the implementation of the present resolution;

9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.