United Nations Security Council Resolution 1561

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 5036th meeting, on 17 September 2004

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements by its President on Liberia, including its resolutions 1509 (2003) of 19 September 2003 and 1497 (2003) of 1 August 2003, and the 27 August 2003 Statement by its President (S/PRST/2003/14) and other relevant resolutions and statements,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s report of 10 September 2004 (S/2004/725) and its recommendations,

Recognizing the critical role the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) continues to play in the Liberian peace process and welcoming the support and continued engagement of the African Union (AU) and its close coordination with ECOWAS and the United Nations,

Noting the substantial progress made to date in the disarmament phase of the programme of disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants,

Recalling that its resolutions 1521 (2003) and 1532 (2004) provide for measures against any individuals engaged in activities aimed at undermining peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNMIL until 19 September 2005;

2. Calls on all Liberian parties to demonstrate their full commitment to the peace process and to work together to ensure that free, fair and transparent elections take place as planned no later than October 2005;

3. Calls on the international community to respond to the continuing need for funds for the critically important rehabilitation and reintegration phase and to fulfil pledges made at the International Reconstruction Conference on 5 and 6 February 2004;

4. Requests the Secretary-General through his Special Representative to continue to report periodically to the Council on UNMIL’s progress on the implementation of its mandate;

5. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.