UNITED NATIONS, July 22 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to set up a three-member expert panel to gather information for six months on violations of the Somalia arms embargo.
The measure asks Secretary-General Kofi Annan to have the panel, within a month, seeking information on the arms embargo and pursuing all relevant sources, including nations, international law enforcement bodies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions and the business community.
The council enacted the embargo on Somalia in 1992, prohibiting the financing of all acquisitions and deliveries of weapons and military equipment, the supply of technical advice, financial and other assistance and training related to military activities.
The council also instructed the panel to carry out field research in Somalia and other countries, including a review of national customs and border control regimes, and to recommend measures to strengthen the weapons ban. The team should also have sufficient expertise in armaments and their financing, civil aviation, maritime transport and regional affairs.
The 15-member council asked that those contacted by the panel furnish all available information on arms violations and that countries should assist with visits, providing full access to government officials and records.
The panel was expected to submit to the council a final report at the end of the six-month period.
