Security Council resolution 445 (1979) [Southern Rhodesia]

Resolution 445 (1979) of 8 March 1979

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions on the question of Southern Rhodesia, and in particular resolutions 253 (1968), 403 (1977), 411 (1977), 423 (1978), 424 (1978) and 437 (1978),

Taking note of the statement of the African Group contained in document S/13084,^[1]

Having heard the statements of the representatives of Angola^[2] and Zambia,^[2]

Having also heard the statement of the representative of the Patriotic Front of Zimbabwe,^[3]

Gravely concerned over the indiscriminate military operations by the illegal régime and the extension of its premeditated and provocative acts of aggression not only against neighbouring independent countries, but also against non-contiguous States, resulting in wanton killings of refugees and civilian populations,

Indignant at the continued executions by the illegal régime in Southern Rhodesia of persons sentenced under repressive laws,

Reaffirming that the existence of the illegal racist minority régime in Southern Rhodesia and the continuance of its acts of aggression against neighbouring independent States constitute a threat to international peace and security,

Reaffirming the inalienable right of the people of Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) to self-determination and independence in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and the legitimacy of their struggle to secure the enjoyment of such rights as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations,

Gravely concerned over the moves within certain States to send missions to observe the so-called elections in April 1979 organized by the illegal racist minority régime in Southern Rhodesia for the purpose of according it some legitimacy and thereby eventually lifting sanctions,

Reaffirming Security Council resolution 423 (1978), particularly its provisions declaring as illegal and unacceptable any internal settlement under the auspices of the illegal régime and calling upon all States not to accord any recognition to such a settlement,

Bearing in mind the responsibility of every Member State to adhere scrupulously to Security Council resolutions and decisions, and their responsibility to ensure that institutions and citizens under their jurisdiction observe the same,

1. Strongly condemns the recent armed invasions perpetrated by the illegal racist minority régime in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia against the People's Republic of Angola, the People's Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Zambia, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries;

2. Commends the People's Republic of Angola, the People's Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Zambia and other front-line States for their support of the people of Zimbabwe in their just and legitimate struggle for the attainment of freedom and independence and for their scrupulous restraint in the face of serious provocations by the Southern Rhodesian rebels;

3. Requests all States to give immediate and substantial material assistance to enable the Governments of the front-line States to strengthen their defence capability in order to safeguard effectively their sovereignty and territorial integrity;

4. Requests the Administering Power to take necessary measures to prevent further illegal executions in Southern Rhodesia;

5. Condemns all attempts and manoeuvres by the illegal régime, including its so-called elections of April 1979, aimed at retaining and extending a racist minority rule and at preventing the accession of Zimbabwe to independence and genuine majority rule;

6. Declares any elections held under the auspices of the illegal racist régime and the results thereof null and void and that no recognition will be accorded either by the United Nations or any Member State to any representatives or organ established by that process;

7. Urges all States to refrain from sending observers to these elections and to take appropriate action to discourage organizations and institutions within their respective areas of jurisdiction from doing so;

8. Requests the Security Council Committee established in pursuance of resolution 253 (1968) concerning the question of Southern Rhodesia to meet immediately to consider measures for strengthening and widening the sanctions against Southern Rhodesia and to submit its proposals not later than 23 March 1979;

9. Decides to meet, not later than 27 March 1979, to consider the report envisaged in paragraph 8.

Adopted at the 2122nd meeting by 12 votes to none, with 3 abstentions (France, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. United States of America).

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1 See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-fourth Year, Supplement for January, February and March 1979.

2 Ibid., document S/13131.

3 Ibid., Thirty-fourth Year, 2119th meeting.