The UN system High-level Task Force on Food Security met today. Chaired by the Secretary-General, with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the Vice-Chair, it discussed food prices in the context of the current world food security situation, concluding that Governments and the international community have the opportunity to prevent rising food prices from creating additional hardship.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Security Council adopted a resolution this morning expressing its determination to work closely with the new institutions and offices of the Somali authorities, and encouraging the new President to appoint an inclusive, accountable Government. The Council reiterated its support for the African Union Mission in Somalia.
Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the Security Council this morning that the lack of progress between Israelis and Palestinians on the political track, and the continuing conflict and occupation put at risk the viability of the two-State solution. He said the financial and economic crisis affecting the Palestinian Authority is a sobering manifestation of that risk.
The Secretary-General says he is deeply disturbed by the recent violence in Libya and elsewhere in the Middle East. He condemns the hateful film that appears to have been deliberately designed to sow bigotry and bloodshed. He calls for calm and restraint, and stresses the need for dialogue, mutual respect and understanding. He echoed this message at the opening session of the General Assembly High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace.
This morning, the Secretary-General participated in a General Assembly meeting on mediation and conflict resolution where he presented to Member States his most recent report on the subject and the United Nations Guidance for Effective Mediation. He said he was pleased to report that the United Nations was making real progress.
The Security Council this morning was briefed on Libya by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, who condemned in the strongest terms the attack on the United States diplomatic presence in Benghazi yesterday and extended condolences to the families of those killed.
In a statement issued earlier today, the Secretary-General congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his selection as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following the vote of the New Federal Parliament in Mogadishu yesterday. The selection of the new President ends the eight-year political transition.
The Secretary-General is in Geneva today, where he addressed the Human Rights Council this morning. He commended the 47-member body for its quick action in responding to the crisis in Syria and said he is deeply troubled by the apparent choice of both sides to pursue a solution through force rather than dialogue.
Mokhtar Lamani of Canada has been appointed as Head of the Office of the UN-League of Arab States Joint Special Representative for Syria in Damascus. He brings a wealth of experience, having held a wide range of diplomatic positions, most notably as (what was then) the Organization of the Islamic Conference representative in New York.
The Secretary-General has appointed James Rawley of the United States as Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, at the level of Assistant Secretary-General. Mr. Rawley will also serve as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.