Members agreed on a Presidential Statement, welcoming signature of the Arusha Accord and urging groups outside the process to cease hostilities and participate fully. They voiced deep concern about the violence against civilians in Burundi, and the difficult economic, humanitarian and social conditions in the country. They noted their wish to support the peace process and asked the SG to make recommendations for specific action in this regard. On September 28, ASG Turk briefed the Council on progress in the Bougainville peace process. The parties have continued talks with a view to submitting a final peace agreement to the Parliament of Papua New Guinea for approval.
Concerns remain over the law and order situation and lack of progress in disarmament.
On September 28, USG Prendergast briefed the Council on ongoing tensions in and around Guinea, in advance of the SC's mission to Sierra Leone. Expressing concern at potential domino-style destabilization in the region, he noted that Liberia, Burkina Faso and the RUF rebels in Sierra Leone had denied allegations of involvement. Concern was expressed that refugee outflows from Guinea, which has one of the world's largest concentrations of refugees relative to its population, could further destabilize Liberia and Sierra Leone. At the outset of the public meeting with Mr. Mandela on September 29, the SC observed a minute of silence in honour of the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau. The Mali President extended the Council's condolences and saluted the former Canadian Prime Minister's deep dedication to the cause of international peace and firm support for the United Nations.