Security Council resolution 290 (1970) [Complaint by Guinea]

Resolution 290 (1970) of 8 December 1970

The Security Council,

Having considered with appreciation the report^[1] of the Security Council Special Mission to the Republic of Guinea established under resolution 289 (1970) of 23 November 1970,

Having heard further statements by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Guinea,

Gravely concerned that the invasion of the territory of the Republic of Guinea on 22 and 23 November 1970 from Guinea (Bissau) was carried out by naval and military units of the Portuguese armed forces, and by the armed attack against the Republic of Guinea on 27 and 28 November 1970,

Gravely concerned that such armed attacks directed against independent African States pose a serious threat to the peace and security of independent African States,

Mindful of its responsibility to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to international peace and security,

Recalling its resolutions 218 (1965) of 23 November 1965 and 275 (1969) of 22 December 1969 which condemned Portugal and affirmed that the situation resulting from the policies of Portugal both as regards the African population of its colonies and the neighbouring States adversely affects the peace and stability of the African continent,

Reaffirming the inalienable right of the people of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea (Bissau) to freedom and independence in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,

Grieved at the loss of life and extensive damage caused by the armed attack and invasion of the Republic of Guinea,

1. Endorses the conclusions of the report of the Special Mission to the Republic of Guinea;

2. Strongly condemns the Government of Portugal for its invasion of the Republic of Guinea;

3. Demands that full compensation by the Government of Portugal be paid to the Republic of Guinea for the extensive damage to life and property caused by the armed attack and invasion and requests the Secretary-General to assist the Government of the Republic of Guinea in the assessment of the extent of the damage involved;

4. Appeals to all States to render moral and material assistance to the Republic of Guinea to strengthen and defend its independence and territorial integrity;

5. Declares that the presence of Portuguese colonialism on the African continent is a serious threat to the peace and security of independent African States;

6. Urges all States to refrain from providing the Government of Portugal with any military and material assistance enabling it to continue its repressive actions against the peoples of the Territories under its domination and against independent African States;

7. Calls upon the Government of Portugal to apply without further delay to the peoples of the Territories under its domination the principles of self-determination and independence in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV);

8. Solemnly warns the Government of Portugal that in the event of any repetition of armed attacks against independent African States, the Security Council shall immediately consider appropriate effective steps or measures in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations;

9. Calls upon the Government of Portugal to comply fully with all the resolutions of the Security Council, in particular the present resolution, in accordance with its obligations under Article 25 of the Charter;

10. Requests all States, in particular Portugal's allies, to exert their influence on the Government of Portugal to ensure compliance with the provisions of the present resolution;

11. Requests the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General to follow closely the implementation of the present resolution;

12. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Adopted at the 1563rd meeting by 11 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (France, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America).

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1 Ibid., document S/10009 and Add.1.