United Nations Security Council Resolution 1654

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1654, adopted unanimously on January 31, 2006, after recalling previous resolutions concerning the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including resolutions 1616 (2005) and 1649 (2005), the Council extended the mandate of an expert panel monitoring the arms embargo against the country until July 31, 2006.

Observations
Noting that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued to constitute a threat to international peace and security, the Council expressed its determination to monitor and enforce the provisions of Resolution 1493 (2003) which imposed the arms embargo, subsequently expanded by Resolution 1596 (2005).

Acts
Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council requested the Secretary-General Kofi Annan to re-establish the four-member expert panel monitoring the flow of weapons into and within the Democratic Republic of the Congo until July 31, 2006.

The resolution urged the panel to continue to fulfill its mandate and demanded that all states and parties co-operate with the panel, ensuring its safety and unhindered access.