United Nations Security Council Resolution 1638 – Liberia

Resolution 1638 (2005)

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its Presidentconcerning Liberia, Sierra Leone, and West Africa,

Affirming its commitment to the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Liberia,

Expressing its appreciation to Nigeria and its President, Olusegun Obasanjo,for their contributions to restoring stability in Liberia and the West African subregion, and acknowledging that Nigeria acted with broad international support when it decided to provide for the temporary stay of former President CharlesTaylor in Nigeria,

Stressing that former President Taylor remains under indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone and determining that his return to Liberia would constitute an impediment to stability and a threat to the peace of Liberia and to international peace and security in the region,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL) shall include the following additional element: to apprehend and detainformer President Charles Taylor in the event of a return to Liberia and to transferhim or facilitate his transfer to Sierra Leone for prosecution before the Special court for Sierra Leone and to keep the Liberian Government, the Sierra LeoneanGovernment and the Council fully informed;

2. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted by the Security Council at its 5304th meeting,on 11 November 2005.