Said Djinnit, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa, briefed the Security Council this morning on the situation in that region, and warned of the threat posed by the food crisis, particularly in Niger. But he also noted signs of progress, including the peaceful first round of presidential elections in Guinea.
In progress at UNHQ
Noon Briefings
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the vicious bombings yesterday in Kampala that claimed the lives of dozens of people and left hundreds wounded among Ugandans and other nationalities at establishments where they were watching the World Cup final.
The Security Council this morning adopted a presidential statement in which it deplored the 26 March attack which led to the sinking of the Republic of Korea’s naval ship the Cheonan, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 lives.
Ad Melkert, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, has condemned in the strongest terms the series of bombings targeting innocent pilgrims during a religious commemoration, killing dozens of worshippers and wounding hundreds more.
The Secretary-General addressed the open debate of the Security Council on civilians and armed conflict this morning, telling them that the wilful targeting of civilians, disproportionate attacks, sexual violence, forced displacement and the denial of humanitarian access remain widespread in armed conflict.
Robert Serry, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, welcomed the measures announced on Gaza by the Government of Israel as important steps in the right direction.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide attack at the Data Ganj Baksh shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, which has reportedly claimed the lives of several dozen people and left many more injured.
The General Assembly President’s Chef de Cabinet announced that informal agreement has been reached on a resolution to create a new body for gender equality and empowerment of women.
The Secretary-General today attended the ceremony marking the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In an interview with Radio Okapi, he said that the celebration is a historic moment for the Congolese people and that the country has a major role to play in Africa and the world.
The Secretary-General has left New York and is on his way to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he will be attending the events tomorrow to commemorate the country’s fiftieth anniversary since independence. This evening, he is to attend a gala dinner hosted by President Joseph Kabila.