United Nations Security Council Resolution 1437

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 4622nd meeting, on 11 October 2002

The Security Council,

Recalling all its earlier relevant resolutions, including resolutions 779 (1992) of 6 October 1992, 981 (1995) of 31 March 1995, 1088 (1996) of 12 December 1996, 1147 (1998) of 13 January 1998, 1183 (1998) of 15 July 1998, 1222 (1999) of 15 January 1999, 1252 (1999) of 15 July 1999, 1285 (2000) of 13 January 2000, 1307 (2000) of 13 July 2000, 1335 (2001) of 12 January 2001, 1357 (2001) of 21 June 2001, 1362 (2001) of 11 July 2001, 1387 (2002) of 15 January 2002 and 1424 (2002) of 12 July 2002,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 2 October 2002 (S/2002/1101) on the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP),

Reaffirming once again its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia within its internationally recognized borders,

Noting once again the Joint Declaration signed at Geneva on 30 September 1992 by the Presidents of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in particular articles 1 and 3 thereof the latter reaffirming their agreement concerning the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula, and the Agreement on Normalization of Relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia of 23 August 1996 (S/1996/706, annex),

Noting with satisfaction that the overall situation in the UNMOP area of responsibility has remained stable and calm, and encouraged by the progress made by the parties in normalizing their bilateral relationship, in particular through negotiations aimed at finding a transitional arrangement for the Prevlaka peninsula,

Commending the role played by UNMOP, and noting also that the presence of the United Nations military observers continues to be important in maintaining conditions that are conducive to a negotiated settlement of the disputed issue of Prevlaka,

Recalling the relevant principles contained in the Convention of the Safety of the United Nations and Associated Personnel adopted on 9 December 1994 and the statement of its President of 10 February 2000 (S/PRST/2000/4),

1. Authorizes UNMOP to continue monitoring the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula, as a last extension of its mandate, until 15 December 2002;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to prepare for the termination of UNMOP's mandate on 15 December 2002 by gradually reducing the number of personnel and concentrating its activities in a way that reflects the stable and peaceful conditions in the area and the normalization of relations between the parties;

3. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the completion of UNMOP's mandate;

4. Reiterates its calls upon the parties to comply with the demilitarized regime in the United Nations designated zones, to cooperate fully with the United Nations military observers and to ensure their safety and full and unrestricted freedom of movement;

5. Welcomes continuing progress in the normalization of relations between the Governments of the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the establishment of an interstate Border Commission, and urges the parties to accelerate efforts towards a negotiated settlement on the disputed issue of Prevlaka in accordance with article 4 of the Agreement on Normalization of Relations;

6. Expresses its readiness to review the duration of the authority given in paragraph 1 above, with a view to shortening the time frame, if the parties so request;

7. Decides to remain seized of the matter.