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Verification/Monitoring Mechanism: General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan

Implementations

Verification/Monitoring Mechanism – 1997

The U.N. Missions of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) was established in 1994 to monitor the ceasefire between the UTO and the government. After the 1997 general agreement had been reached, the mandate of UNMOT was expanded, via Security Council Resolution 1138 (1997), to include verification and monitoring of the implementation of the peace accord in general, with a particular emphases on the “reintegration, disarmament and disbandment of the armed units of the United Tajik Opposition as well as the reform of the governmental power structures.” UNMOT reports suggest that the organization was primarily focused on verifying the DDR process and the holding of parliamentary elections. The UNMOT mandate was extended to 15 November 1998, via Security Council Resolution 1128 (1997).¹

By the end of 1997, UNMOT was comprised of 44 military observers, and 67 civilian personnel. Per resolution 51/237 of June 1997, the budget for UNMOT was $8. 275 million (US).²

“Tajikistan — UNMOT Background,” accessed August 7, 2012, http://www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unmot/UnmotB.htm#general.
“Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Tajikistan,” United Nations (S/1997/859), November 5, 1997.

Verification/Monitoring Mechanism – 1998

In 1998, four members of UNMOT were murdered south of Labi Jar. UNMOT immediately suspended all field activities and kept a small team in Dushanbe. In May 1998, the Secretary-General reported that it was unlikely that elections could be held in 1998 and that the verification mission would require more time than was specified in the timeline of the peace agreement. He recommended an extension of UNMOT’s mandate for a further six-month period until 15 November 1998.

The UNMOT mandate was extended for six months until 15 November 1998.¹ As of October 1998, UNMOT comprised 33 military observers and 170 civilian staff. The cost of maintaining UNMOT for a 12-month period was estimated at $20 million dollars (US).³

“Tajikistan — UNMOT Background,” accessed August 7, 2012, http://www.un.org/Depts/DPKO/Missions/unmot/UnmotB.htm#general.
“Interim Report of The Secretary-General on the Situation in Tajikistan,” United Nations (S/1998/754), August 13, 1998.

Verification/Monitoring Mechanism – 1999

UNMOT reported significant progress in the peace process in Tajikistan in 1999. The Secretary General’s November 1999 Report to the Security Council highlighted two important milestones: a constitutional referendum and lifting of the ban on the UTO as a political party, which signaled an opening of the political party system. Parliamentary elections, another key provision of the 1997 accord, were due in February 2000.⁴ Resolution 1274 (1999) of 12 November 1999 extended the UNMOT mandate another six months (until 15 May 2000).

At the end of 1999, UNMOT comprised 167 civilian staff, and 37 military observers. The UN General Assembly appropriated $18.7 million dollars (US) for the maintenance of UNMOT for the period from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000.⁵

“Tajikistan — UNMOT Background.”
“Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Tajikistan,” United Nations (S/1999/1127), November 4, 1999.

Verification/Monitoring Mechanism – 2000

In 2000, UNMOT successfully oversaw an election (held on 27 February) concerning 63 available seats, of which 41 seats were single-member constituencies, and 22 seats were to be filled through a party list proportional system. A total of 331 candidates ran in the elections. Turnout was reported as 93.23% of voters casting a ballot. The ruling party (People’s Democracy Party) won 33 seats (18 by direct election and 15 by its list), the Communist Party won 7 seats (2 by direct and 5 through list), Islamic Revival party won 2 seats through list. Independent candidates won eight seats, two of which were declared invalid. In 12 constituencies, candidates did not receive majority votes and elections were announced for those constituencies.⁶ The election for the 33-seat National Assembly took place on 23 March. After completing these elections, the Commission on National Reconciliation was formally dissolved by presidential decree on 1 April 2000.⁷

UNMOT completed its verification mission was formally terminated on 15 May 2000.⁸

“Report of the Secretary General to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/2000/214), March 14, 2000.
“Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations (S/2000/387), May 5, 2000.
“Tajikistan — UNMOT Background.”