The situation in Georgia was in deadlock and there was no comprehensive settlement of the conflict, while the unacceptability of the Abkhaz position and the 1996 parliamentary election was underlined. In this regard, the intention of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the peace process was welcomed. Both parties were called upon to achieve progress in negotiations and the resumption of high-level talks between both sides was welcomed by the Security Council.