The Secretary-General told the Security Council today that collective efforts have disrupted terrorist attacks and disabled terrorist networks. In combating terrorism, the international community must work as one. This is why he hopes Member States will create a United Nations Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
On World Press Freedom Day, the Secretary-General said that defenders of a free press are safeguarding our rights and we must, in turn, ensure theirs. Noting that more than 60 journalists were killed worldwide last year, he said the attacks are outrageous, and he called on all concerned to prevent and prosecute such violence.
The Security Council today unanimously approved a resolution deciding that Sudan and South Sudan shall unconditionally resume negotiations under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. It also called on them to immediately cease all hostilities, including aerial bombardments, within 48 hours.
The Secretary-General travelled from Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw to the city of Yangon this morning. His first stop in Yangon was at the home of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Following their meeting, the Secretary-General spoke to the press. He congratulated her on her election to Parliament and on the great success of her party.
The Secretary-General is in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar, today. He held talks with President Thein Sein and the speakers of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Addressing the Joint Houses of Parliament, he told them that the dramatic changes sweeping Myanmar have inspired the world.
The Secretary-General is in New Delhi today, where he received an honorary doctorate degree from Jamia Islamia University. In his remarks there, he said that we are in a period of great transition, with people rising up to shape their own destiny, starting with the Arab Spring, and he noted that India is a beacon for the world, proving that democracy and development are one and the same patch.
The Secretary-General welcomes the verdict by the Sierra Leone Special Court against former Liberian President Charles Taylor as a milestone for international criminal justice. It is the first-ever conviction of a former Head of State by an international criminal tribunal for planning, aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Secretary-General remains concerned about the situation in Bahrain, particularly with regard to the continuing clashes between security forces and protesters, which have resulted in more casualties. He reiterates his appeal to all sides for utmost restraint and an immediate end to the violence.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous told the Security Council today that host Governments are ultimately responsible for the protection of their civilians. Our peacekeeping missions are not surrogates for State authority. We must do our best to strengthen frail State institutions.
This morning, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe told the Security Council that achieving a full and sustained cessation of violence and seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Syria is at the centre of our efforts in the Middle East. He also said that achieving peace for Israelis and Palestinians is an undiminished priority.