The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on the question of Western Sahara, and in particular its resolution 1131 (1997) of 29 September 1997,

Reaffirming its welcome for the report of the Secretary-General of 25 September 1997 (S/1997/742 and Add.1) and the agreements for the implementation of the Settlement Plan reached between the parties recorded in that report,

Reaffirming also its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just and lasting solution to the question of Western Sahara,

Reiterating its commitment to the holding without further delay of a free, fair and impartial referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with the Settlement Plan, which has been accepted by the two parties,

Reiterating also its satisfaction at the extent to which the parties cooperated with the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General,

1. Calls upon the parties to continue their constructive cooperation with the United Nations by fully implementing the Settlement Plan and the agreements which they have reached for its implementation;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 20 April 1998, in order that MINURSO may proceed with its identification tasks, and to increase its size in accordance with the recommendation of the Secretary-General contained in his report;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to begin the identification of eligible voters in accordance with the Settlement Plan and the agreements reached between the parties with the aim of finishing the process by 31 May 1998;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the Council, no later than 15 November 1997, a comprehensive report, including a detailed plan, a timetable and financial implications, for the holding of the Referendum for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with the Settlement Plan and the agreements reached between the parties for its implementation;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every 60 days from the date of extension of the mandate of MINURSO on the progress of the implementation of the Settlement Plan and the agreements reached between the parties, and to keep the Council regularly informed of all significant developments in the interim period;

6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.