The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on the question of Western Sahara, and in particular its resolution 1133 (1997) of 20 October 1997 in which it decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 20 April 1998 and to increase its size in accordance with the recommendation of the Secretary-General contained in his report of 25 September 1997 (S/1997/742 and Add.1),

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 13 November 1997 (S/1997/882 and Add.1) which contains a detailed plan, a timetable and financial implications for the increase in the strength of MINURSO,

Welcoming the letter of the Secretary-General of 12 December 1997 (S/1997/974) which inter alia records the resumption of the identification of eligible voters in accordance with the Settlement Plan and the agreements reached between the parties for its implementation, and the report of the Secretary-General of 15 January 1998 (S/1998/35) which inter alia records progress made since the resumption of the identification process,

Welcoming also the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara,

1. Approves the deployment of the engineering unit required for demining activities and of the additional administrative staff required to support the deployment of military personnel as proposed in annex II of the report of the Secretary-General of 13 November 1997;

2. Expresses its intention to consider positively the request for the remaining additional military and civilian police assets for MINURSO as proposed in annex II of the report of the Secretary-General of 13 November 1997, as soon as the Secretary-General reports that the identification process has reached a stage which makes the deployment of these assets essential;

3. Calls upon both parties to cooperate with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and to cooperate further with the Identification Commission established pursuant to the Settlement Plan in order that the identification process can be completed in a timely fashion in accordance with the Settlement Plan and the agreements reached between the parties for its implementation;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council fully informed of further developments in the implementation of the Settlement Plan;

5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.