The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions and in particular its resolutions 1046 (1996) of 13 February 1996 and 1058 (1996) of 30 May 1996,

Reaffirming its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Noting with appreciation the important role played by the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability and paying tribute to its personnel in the performance of their mandate,

Taking into consideration that the security situation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continues to improve, but that peace and stability in the broader region have not yet been fully achieved, and expressing the hope that developments in the region will contribute to increased confidence and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, permitting the further drawing down of UNPREDEP towards its conclusion,

Welcoming the improvement in the relations between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and its neighbouring States,

Reiterating its call on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to implement in full their Agreement of 8 April 1996 (S/1996/291, annex), in particular regarding the demarcation of their mutual border,

Welcoming the continued cooperation between UNPREDEP and the mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,

Taking note of the letter of 18 November 1996 from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the Secretary-General requesting the extension of the mandate of UNPREDEP (S/1996/983, annex),

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 19 November 1996 (S/1996/961) and noting his assessment of the composition, strength and mandate of UNPREDEP,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of UNPREDEP for a period terminating on 31 May 1997 with a reduction of its military component by 300 all ranks by 30 April 1997 with a view to concluding the mandate as and when circumstances permit;

2. Calls upon Member States to consider favourably requests by the Secretary-General for necessary assistance to UNPREDEP in the performance of this mandate;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Council regularly informed about any developments and to report to the Council by 15 April 1997 with his recommendations on a subsequent international presence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.