My previous report included a number of challenges and recommendations to Governments and disabled persons' organizations.

In my previous annual report, I spoke of 2003 as a year of consolidation for the Department of Public Information.

As indicated in my previous report, the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission has suspended its activities in the area.

In my previous report (PBC.20 3) I raised various matters regarding the capacity and methodology of the group.

The report also provides an update on major developments in the peace consolidation process in Sierra Leone since my last report.

However, as I noted in my previous report, the lack of progress towards resolving the fundamental stalemate poses a threat to military stability.

As previously reported (S 2005 310, para. 19), 10 staff members were retained until 30 June for this purpose.

In my previous report (PBC.20 3) I welcomed the Office of the Comptroller General's comprehensive review of the organisation's field representation.

This report covers major developments since my previous report to the Council dated 2 August 2005 (S 2005 506).

The Security Council in resolution 1599 (2005) did not authorize the deployment of the 144 strong backup security force, as had been recommended in my previous report.

In my previous report (PBC.20 3) I alluded to the establishment of the Office of the Comptroller General (OCG) as being instrumental in strengthening the internal oversight function.

In my previous report (A 59 744 S 2005 183, paras. 4 14) a number of technical difficulties that jeopardized this time frame were mentioned.

The report also provides an assessment of the overall situation in the country since my previous report to the Council, dated 12 September 2005 (S 2005 579).

As noted in my previous report (S 2005 506), MONUC has a very high rate of attrition and difficulties in recruiting qualified staff.

As I stated in my last report, UNMIS has been engaged in active consultations with the parties on a status of forces agreement.

As indicated in my previous report to the Security Council (S 2005 310, para. 24), the additional 20 positions are being filled by police training advisers.

Since my last report, the Security Council has considered the issue of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration operations in Afghanistan, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

In the period since my last report, the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement gained some momentum despite the delays following the death of First Vice President John Garang on 30 July 2005.

As mentioned in my previous report, severe restrictions imposed by the Eritrean authorities on UNMEE military police in Asmara continued in spite of the Mission's protests, which went unheeded.

I reiterate the suggestion that I made in my previous report that the draft articles adopted be reconsidered by the Commission before the end of the first reading in the light of comments made by States and international organizations.

My previous monthly report on Darfur (S 2005 650) made reference to the commercial blockade by the Government of the Kalma camp for internally displaced persons in southern Darfur that has now been in place for five months.

In my last report (S 2005 99, para. 67), I indicated that the recommendation for 45 civilian adviser posts would be reviewed should additional offers of bilateral or multilateral assistance be forthcoming.

The Security Council in resolution 1599 (2005) also authorized the provision of up to 10 human rights officers, to provide training in observance of democratic governance and human rights, as recommended in my previous report.

As indicated in my last report, the Joint Implementation Mechanism subcommittee on protection and human rights had agreed on 29 May to provide further written clarification on the mechanism for gathering medical evidence, known as form 8.

My report contains the specifics of those initiatives.

I trust that you will read my report in full.

In transmitting my report I wish to advise that, in accordance with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Financial Regulations, I have given the Director General the opportunity to comment on my report.

(a) Consolidation of the reports of the Secretary General and the Executive Director of the Institute

The situation in the country since my last report has been calm and stable.

As noted in my previous report, UNMIL and the Transitional Government have established a joint task force to investigate and deter any attempt to recruit Liberians to participate in conflicts in Côte d'Ivoire or in the wider subregion.

Having considered the reports of the Secretary General on the financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and the related reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions,

Having considered the reports of the Secretary General on the financing of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor and the related reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions,

Consideration of Reports of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme

However, as noted in my previous report, the lack of progress in resolving the stalemate in the peace process means that the threat to military stability remains real, a situation which is not helped by the continuously hostile rhetoric between the parties.

A United Nations integrated office would provide the Government and people of Sierra Leone with much needed assistance in developing and implementing a strategy to address the complex set of issues outlined in my previous report (S 2005 273, paras.

As I indicated in my previous report, the redeployment of troops of the Ethiopian Armed Forces and their continued presence closer to the southern boundary of the Temporary Security Zone, coupled with the underlying tension in the area, have generated a need for greater surveillance and observation along the border.

However, as also indicated in my previous report on MONUC (S 2005 506), an enhancement of the Mission's military capacity will be required to address the threats posed by armed groups in Katanga and contribute to establishing the necessary security conditions for elections in that volatile province.

Since my last report, there have been no reports of arbitrary killings, extrajudicial executions or a pervasive pattern of gross human rights violations, except with regard to female genital mutilation, which is still widespread.

Following my previous report of 26 April, I have instructed my Special Representative to intensify his mediation efforts to assist both Governments in reaching a mutually acceptable solution before the closure of UNAMSIL, if possible.

As I noted in my last report, UNMEE is ready to carry out similar activities in Eritrea.

Having also considered the related reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions,

Thus, this is my first report to the Security Council pursuant to resolution 1534 (2004).

As I indicated in my previous report (S 2005 592, para. 20), the African Union (AU) Chief Mediator, Salim Ahmed Salim, held meetings with the parties to the Darfur peace talks in Dar es Salaam and with UNMIS in Khartoum at the end of August.

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Endorses the conclusions and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions contained in its reports 2