informal consultations on 3 August that it was envisaged that the United Nations would in due course be formally requested to carry out a certain number of tasks relating to the monitoring of a cessation of armed confrontation, the verification of respect for human rights and the monitoring ofthe forthcoming electoral process. As a result ofthe most recent round of direct talks just concluded in Costa Rica, it emerged that the parties shared the wish that preparations for carrying out the responsibilities envisaged should be initiated at the earliest possible date. The Secretary-General stated further that his representative, Mr. Alvaro de Soto, who had been in El Salvador shortly before the last round, had ascertained in his consultations with a broad spectrum of representatives of Salvadorian society, as well as all political parties, that the wish of the Government and of the Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberaci6n Nacional was widely shared.
The Secretary-General added that while in the absence of a formal and verifiable cessation of combat there was no certainty that conditions existed for carrying out those tasks in a systematic fashion throughout El Salvador, he believed that the time had come to take steps which would put the United Nations in a position to assess the local situation and initiate preparations so as to undertake the monitoring tasks as soon as circumstances permitted. He was therefore at that time seeking the concurrence of the Council with his making the necessary arrangements, as soon as practicable, including the possible establishment of a small preparatory office in El Salvador, for the United Nations verification mission which was to be set up at the appropriate time. Verification per se would await further consultation with the members of the Council. The Secretary-General stated that he would appreciate hearing from the President of the Council on this matter at an early stage.
In a letter dated 6 September 1990,97 the President of the Security Council informed the Secretary-General as follows:
97 S/21718.

"I have the honour to inform you that your letter dated 29 August 1990 concerning preparatory arrangements for a United Nations verification mission in El Salvador96 has been brought to the attention of the members of the Council. They have considered the matter and concur with the proposal in your letter."
At its 2952nd meeting, on 5 November 1990, the Council discussed the item entitled "Central America: efforts towards peace-report of the Secretary-General (S/21909)" .98
Resolution 675 (1990)
of 5 November 1990
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolutions 637 (1989) of27 July 1989 and 644 (1989) of 7 November 1989, as well as the statement made by the President of the Council on its behalf on 7 November 1989,89
1. Approves the report of the Secretary-General of 26 October 1990;99
2. Decides to extend, under its authority, the mandate ofthe United Nations Observer Group in Central America, as defined in resolution 644 (1989), for a further period of six months, that is, until 7 May 1991, bearing in mind the report of the Secretary-General and the need to continue to monitor expenditures carefully during this period of increasing demands on peace-keeping resources;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council fully informed of further developments and to report on all aspects of the operations of the Observer Group before the expiry of the new mandate period.
Adopted unanimously at the 2952nd meeting.
98 See Official Records of the Security Council, Forty-fifth Year, Sufflementfor October, November and December 1990.
Ibid., document S/21909.

UNITED NATIONS PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS

Decisions
At its 2924th meeting, on 30 May 1990, the Council discussed the item entitled "United Nations peace-keeping operations".

become a valuable instrument facilitating the settlement of international disputes. Recent successful peace-keeping operations have, for their part, contributed to the enhanced standing and effectiveness of the United Nations.

At the same meeting, following consultations with the members of the Council, the President made the following statement on behalf of the Council:100
"The members of the Council note with satisfaction that the United Nations has in recent years played an increasingly important and active role in restoring and maintaining international peace and security. The peace-keeping operations of the United Nations have

100 S/21323.

17

"The members of the Council express their deep sat-
isfaction with the growing support of the international community for United Nations peace-keeping and, in particular, with the participation of a growing number of Member States in the operations. They pay tribute to the Secretary-General and his staff for their tireless efforts in the conduct of those operations. They also commend States which have provided resources for such operations. Furthermore, they commend the peacekeeping forces for their exemplary and dedicated service in the cause of international peace and security.