The Security Council,

Concerned by the grave crisis facing the Central African Republic,

Taking note with appreciation of the signing of the Bangui Agreements (S/1997/561, Appendixes III-VI) of 25 January 1997 and the creation of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreements (MISAB),

Concerned by the fact that, in the Central African Republic, former mutineers, members of militias and other persons continue to bear arms in contravention of the Bangui Agreements,

Taking note of the letter dated 4 July 1997 from the President of the Central African Republic to the Secretary-General (S/1997/561, annex),

Taking note also of the letter dated 7 July 1997 to the Secretary-General from the President of Gabon, on behalf of the members of the International Committee for the follow-up of the Bangui Agreements (S/1997/543),

Determining that the situation in the Central African Republic continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

1. Welcomes the efforts of the Member States which participate in MISAB and of those Member States which support them;

2. Approves the continued conduct by Member States participating in MISAB of the operation in a neutral and impartial way to achieve its objective to facilitate the return to peace and security by monitoring the implementation of the Bangui Agreements in the Central African Republic as stipulated in the mandate of MISAB (S/1997/561, Appendix I), including through the supervision of the surrendering of arms of former mutineers, militias and all other persons unlawfully bearing arms;

3. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, authorizes the Member States participating in MISAB and those States providing

logistical support to ensure the security and freedom of movement of their personnel;

4. Decides that the authorization referred to in paragraph 3 above will be limited to an initial period of three months from the adoption of this resolution, at which time the Council will assess the situation on the basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 6 below;

5. Stresses that the expenses and logistical support for the force will be borne on a voluntary basis in accordance with article 11 of the mandate of MISAB;

6. Requests the Member States participating in MISAB to provide periodic reports at least every two weeks through the Secretary-General, the first report to be made within 14 days after the adoption of this resolution;

7. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.