Security Council: No name

On 26 December 2017, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the entry below from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities after concluding its consideration of the de-listing request for this name submitted through the Office of the Ombudsperson established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1904 (2009), and after considering the Comprehensive Report of the Ombudsperson on this de-listing request.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Koro Bessho (Japan):

Condemning, in the strongest terms, the launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 28 November 2017, the Security Council today further tightened sanctions on the country, severely restricting fuel imports and other trade, as well as the ability of its citizens to work abroad.

The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the United Nations force that monitors the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Syria and Israel in the Golan Heights, for a period of six months, until 30 June 2018.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Koro Bessho (Japan):

Partnership and resources were key to ensuring that every peacekeeping mission was supported by properly‑trained, well‑equipped and motivated troops and police, a senior peacekeeping official told the Council today as it discussed how best to fill critical capability gaps.

After four decades of conflict in Afghanistan, a convincing peace process was still not assured, the top United Nations official for that country told the Security Council today, calling on the Taliban to express a clear willingness to begin negotiations.

The Security Council today reaffirmed its commitment to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing conflict at all stages, from prevention and settlement of disputes to post‑conflict peacebuilding, employing a context‑specific response and utilizing the full range of tools available.

Expressing grave concern over risks posed by foreign terrorist fighters returning from conflict zones, the Security Council today urged Member States to strengthen their efforts to stem the threat through measures on border control, criminal justice, information‑sharing and counter‑extremism.

The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the Counter‑Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the expert body that supports the Council’s counter-terrorism architecture until December 2021.