MINISTERS FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF SECURITY COUNCIL'S FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS, SECRETARY-GENERAL MEET, DISCUSS RANGE OF ISSUES

MINISTERS FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF SECURITY COUNCIL'S FIVE PERMANENT

MEMBERS, SECRETARY-GENERAL MEET, DISCUSS RANGE OF ISSUES

(Delayed in Transmission)

Following is the statement issued after the 13 September meeting between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the five permanent members of the Security Council:  Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China; Dominique de Villepin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, France; Igor Ivanov, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Russian Federation; Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, United Kingdom; Colin Powell, Secretary of State, United States; and Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.

During today’s meeting the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the five permanent members of the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, reaffirmed that the United Nations must continue to play an important role in facing the challenges of the contemporary world.  In this regard the main emphasis was laid on the need to strengthen global efforts for combating international terrorism, including through the full implementation by all States of Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and their close cooperation with the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee.

Together with the Secretary-General the Ministers warmly welcomed the dramatic changes in Afghanistan, in particular, the establishment of the Transitional Authority and encouraged full implementation of the Bonn Agreement. They underscored the urgent need for the international community to continue to assist Afghanistan in restoring the country.

The Ministers reiterated their determination to promote a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict on the basis of the Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002), the Madrid terms of reference, and the principle of land for peace.  They strongly support the goal of achieving a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement, and remain committed to implementing the vision of two States, Israel and an independent, viable and democratic Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.  They strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and terrorism.  The Ministers are increasingly concerned at the mounting humanitarian crisis in Palestinian areas and, while recognizing Israel’s legitimate security concerns, call on Israel to take the immediate measures necessary to alleviate humanitarian sufferings of the Palestinian people.  They expressed support for advancing Palestinian reforms.

The Ministers discussed the Iraqi issue.  They agreed that Iraqi non-compliance with the relevant Security Council resolutions is a serious matter and that Iraq must comply.  The Ministers have begun consultations on how the Security Council can deal with the issue to ensure implementation of its resolutions.

The Ministers reiterated their support to enhancing the conflict prevention capacity of the African Union, as well as subregional organizations in Africa. They stressed the importance of bringing lasting peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcomed the developing political dialogue in the region.  They commended the commitments taken by the Government of Angola and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola to resolve remaining issues under the Lusaka Protocol, to restore peaceful and secure conditions in the country.  On the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) the Ministers welcomed the pledge by African Leaders to the people of Africa to promote peace, security and development and to consolidate democracy and sound economic management.  They also welcomed the international community’s commitment to support Africa’s efforts in this regard.

The Ministers noted with satisfaction that the versatile Permanent five cooperation had borne further fruit on a range of issues in New York and elsewhere.  They continue to believe that such cooperation is in the interest of the Security Council and international community as a whole.

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