United Nations Security Council Resolution 448

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2143rd meeting, by 12 votes to 0, with 3 abstentions (France, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America), on 30 April 1979

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions on the question of Southern Rhodesia, and in particular resolutions 253 (1968) of 29 May 1968, 403 (1977) of 14 January and 411 (1977) of 30 June 1977, 423 (1978) of 14 March and 437 (1978) of 10 October 1978 and 445 (1979) of 8 March 1979 reaffirming the illegality of the Smith regime,

Having heard the statement of the Chairman of the African Group, ([1])

Having also heard the statement of the representative of the Patriotic Front of Zimbabwe, ([1])

Reaffirming Security Council resolution 445 (1979), particularly its provision declaring that any elections held under the auspices of the illegal racist regime and the results thereof would be null and void and that no recognition would be accorded either by the United Nations or any Member State to any representatives or organ established by that process,

Gravely concerned that the illegal racist minority regime in Southern Rhodesia proceeded with the holding of sham elections in the territory in utter defiance of the United Nations,

Convinced that these so-called elections did not constitute a genuine exercise of the right of the people of Zimbabwe to self-determination and national independence and were designed to perpetuate white racist minority rule,

Bearing in mind the responsibility of every Member State to adhere scrupulously to Security Council resolutions and decisions, and their responsibility to ensure that institutions and citizens under their jurisdiction will observe the same,

1. Strongly condemns all attempts and manoeuvres by the illegal regime, including the so-called elections of April 1979, aimed at retaining and extending a racist minority rule and at preventing the accession of Zimbabwe to independence and genuine majority rule;

2. Reaffirms the so-called elections held under the auspices of the illegal racist regime and the results thereof to be null and void;

3. Reiterates its call to all States not to accord recognition to any representatives of or organ established by that process and to observe strictly the mandatory sanctions against Southern Rhodesia.

[1] Ibid., document S/13280.