Security Council

Security sector reform and speedy, credible elections in Guinea-Bissau were critical for national and international efforts to restore constitutional order following the death of President Malam Bacai Sanhá in January, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative told the Security Council this morning.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom):

The situation between the Palestinians and Israel remained “uncertain and difficult” amid dim prospects for the resumption of direct negotiations despite international urging that exploratory talks continue under Jordanian auspices, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today.

Strongly condemning the forcible seizure of power from the democratically elected Government of Mali by some elements of the Malian armed forces — which late last week took control of the country and announced the dissolution of the Government — the Security Council today called for a return to constitutional order and the holding of previously scheduled elections.

A successful transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in post-conflict countries required a clear determination of national priorities, delineation of roles of all partners and frequent review, not new responsibilities for peacekeeping missions, the United Nations top peacekeeping official told the Security Council this morning.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom):

To consolidate the “exceptional successes” that Sierra Leone had made in the ten years since its brutal civil war, it was critical that the international community continue its support, focusing in particular on this year’s all-important elections, the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General told the Security Council this morning.

The Security Council this morning extended the authorization of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year, until 23 March 2013, emphasizing that its renewed mandate took full account of the transition process and was in full support of the country’s full assumption of leadership and ownership in security, governance and development.

On 20 March 2012, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) approved the amendments specified with strikethrough and underline in the entries below on its Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 1989 (2011) adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom):