The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on the question of the Western Sahara,

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 22 March 1999 (S/1999/307) and the observations and recommendations contained therein,

Welcoming also the agreement in principle to the Secretary-General's package by the Government of Morocco and recalling its acceptance by the POLISARIO Front,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 April 1999 to allow for an understanding to be reached among all concerned on detailed modalities for the implementation of the identification and appeals protocols, including a revised implementation schedule, in a manner that would preserve the integrity of the Secretary-General's package of measures;

2. Requests both parties to move ahead with the necessary discussions to reach an agreement on the refugee repatriation protocol, so that all aspects of the work needed to prepare the way for the repatriation of refugees may begin, including confidence-building measures, and in that regard welcomes the decision of the POLISARIO Front to allow the resumption of pre-registration activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Tindouf;

3. Welcomes the signature, by the Government of Morocco and the MINURSO Force Commander, of the agreement on mines and unexploded ordnance mentioned in paragraph 13 of the report of the Secretary-General, and urges the POLISARIO Front to engage in a similar effort;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council by 23 April 1999 on the implementation of this resolution;

5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.