Meetings Coverage

Expressing its grave concern at the worsening security situation and political divisions in Libya, the Security Council today reiterated its support for the North African country’s people and elected political institutions, underlining the importance of a single, inclusive national dialogue that could forge consensus around priorities for securing a transition to democracy.

Resuming its substantive session today, the Economic and Social Council adopted a draft ministerial declaration of its 2013 high-level segment and two draft decisions, and filled a vacancy on its Peacebuilding Commission.

While 2013 had tested the international community’s commitment to breaking the deadlock between Israel and the Palestinians, 2014 could see a moment of truth regarding a two-State solution, the United Nations official responsible for coordinating the peace process told the Security Council today.

Underscoring the substantive work of the Sixth Committee (Legal) this year on the advancement of international law, the General Assembly stressed, through the adoption of 21 resolutions, 3 decisions and 2 procedural items in 23 reports today, the crucial role of international law in maintaining peace and security.

As the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) charted progress made in building new office space at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, delegates voiced serious concern over architectural and contracting mishandling that had significantly delayed its completion and given rise to extra costs.

Against a grim backdrop plagued by a rising frequency and severity of climate change impacts and continued bloodshed and violence in conflict-affected States, capacity-building efforts and enhanced cooperation must be priorities in shaping the world’s humanitarian response strategies, delegates heard today as the General Assembly unanimously adopted a package of five resolutions. Doing so, the Assembly concluded its joint debate on that subject and on assistance to Rwandan genocide survivors.

Iran’s attempted procurement of carbon fibre was a violation of its obligations under resolution 1929 (2010), as well as other resolutions, the Chair of Security Council Committee charged with monitoring sanctions on that country said today, as he briefed members on its latest report.

Recognizing the multitude of humanitarian crises that had occurred worldwide this year and the emergency responses they had sparked, the General Assembly considered a number of resolutions today, including one aimed at strengthening the coordination of United Nations assistance.

Considering the situation in the Sahel today, the Security Council reaffirmed its continued commitment to address the complex security and political challenges in that region, which were interrelated with humanitarian and developmental issues, as well as the adverse effects of climate and ecological changes.

Crimes in the Darfur region of Sudan would not stop unless the Security Council and parties to the Rome Statute showed robust determination to apprehend their authors, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said today, imploring the 15-member body to press Sudanese authorities to arrest and surrender persons against whom arrest warrants had been issued.