The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolution 1125 (1997) of 6 August 1997,

Taking note of the sixth report to the Council by the International Committee for the follow-up of the Bangui Agreements (S/1997/828, annex),

Taking note of the letter dated 17 October 1997 from the President of the Central African Republic to the Secretary-General (S/1997/840, annex),

Taking note further of the letter dated 23 October 1997 to the President of the Security Council from the President of Gabon, on behalf of the members of the International Committee for the follow-up of the Bangui Agreements (S/1997/821, annex),

Expressing appreciation for the neutral and impartial way in which the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of the Bangui Agreement (MISAB) has carried out its mandate, in close cooperation with the Central African authorities and noting with satisfaction that MISAB has contributed to stabilizing the situation in the Central African Republic, in particular through the supervision of the surrendering of arms,

Noting that the States participating in MISAB and the Central African Republic have decided to extend its mandate (S/1997/561, appendix I) in order to complete its mission,

Stressing the importance of regional stability and, in this context, fully supporting the efforts made by the Member States participating in the International Mediation Committee established by the Nineteenth Summit Meeting of Heads of State and Government of France and Africa, and by the members of the International Committee for the follow-up of the Bangui Agreements,

Stressing also the need for all signatories of the Bangui Agreements to continue to cooperate fully in respecting and implementing these Agreements,

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 made by the Member States which participate in MISAB and of those Member States which provide support to them, and their readiness to maintain these efforts;

2. Welcomes the support provided by the United Nations Development Programme to the International Committee for the follow-up of the Bangui Agreements and encourages it to continue this support;

3. Approves the continued conduct by Member States participating in MISAB of the operation in a neutral and impartial way to achieve its objective as set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 1125 (1997);

4. 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;

5. Decides that the authorization referred to in paragraph 4 above will be limited to a period of three months from the adoption of this resolution;

6. Recalls that the expenses and logistical support for MISAB will be borne on a voluntary basis in accordance with article 11 of the mandate of MISAB, requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to establish a Trust Fund for the Central African Republic which would assist in supporting the troops of States participating in MISAB and in providing logistical support to them, and encourages Member States to contribute to the Trust Fund;

7. Requests the Member States participating in MISAB to provide periodic reports to the Council at least every month through the Secretary-General, the next report to be made within one `month of the adoption of this resolution;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to provide a report before the end of the three-month period referred to in paragraph 5 above, on the implementation of this resolution, including recommendations on further international support for the Central African Republic;

9. Urges all States, international organizations and financial institutions to assist in post-conflict development in the Central African Republic;

10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.