Security Council: Meetings Coverage

Condemning the recent resurgence in fighting in Somalia, the Security Council today authorized the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping force there to maintain its existing mandate until 31 January 2010.

The Security Council this afternoon condemned the recent renewal in fighting in Somalia led by Al-Shabaab and other extremists, which constituted an attempt to remove the legitimate Transitional Federal Government there, and demanded that opposition groups immediately end their offensive, put down their arms, renounce violence and join reconciliation efforts.

The international community had a “unique opportunity” to help the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia establish peace and security, speakers emphasized today as the Security Council heard a series of briefings on the situation in that country by senior United Nations officials.

The Security Council reiterated today its call for renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, would live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.

The Security Council today condemned the renewed military incursions in eastern Chad of Chadian armed groups, coming from outside, and demanded that rebel armed groups cease the violence immediately.

One year ago, exactly, Lebanon had been taken “to the brink of civil war and back”, Terje Roed-Larsen told the Security Council today, but, since then, thanks to an agreement between Lebanese political leaders brokered by the Emir of Qatar, the country’s domestic, political and security situation “has improved markedly”.

The Security Council today expressed its concern over the current political crisis in Nepal and underscored the urgent need for the Nepalese Government and all political parties to continue to work together in the spirit of compromise.

The Security Council today expressed its deep concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of Government in a few African countries, at the possible violence that might accompany such events, as well as at the negative impact on the economic and social welfare of the people and the development of affected countries.