In progress at UNHQ

New Counter-Terrorism Office to Build Partnership with Member States on Countering Transnational Threats, Secretary-General Tells General Assembly

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Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarks to the General Assembly on the informal suggestion to create a new office for counter-terrorism, in New York today:

Press Conference by Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations Headquarters

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The following is the full transcript of the joint press conference on the humanitarian crises in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Stephen O’Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator; Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP); Carla Mucavi, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in New York; and Justin Forsyth, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held in New York today:

With War in Syria Entering Sixth Year, Genuine Commitment to Peace Required at Upcoming Geneva Talks, Humanitarian Affairs Chief Tells Security Council

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Genuine political commitment to peace in Syria would be needed if 2017 was to offer any prospect other than the death and destruction of the past six years, the head of United Nations humanitarian affairs told the Security Council today.

Open Dialogue Vital in Confronting Threats to Europe’s Peace, Security, Chair of Regional Oversight Body Tells Security Council

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Voicing deep concern over regional conflicts, radicalization and violent extremism, the Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) today stressed the need to foster open and constructive dialogue in seeking common solutions to threats.

Secretary-General Recounts Portugal’s ‘Totally Absurd’ Colonial Past, while Commending Efforts of Special Committee on Decolonization

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Opening its work this morning with a highly personal address by Secretary-General António Guterres, the Special Committee on Decolonization also voted to elect Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreño (Venezuela) as Chair of its 2017 session.

Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Four Names to Its Sanctions List

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On 22 February 2017, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida approved the addition of the entries specified below to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al‑Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 2 of Security Council resolution 2253 (2015) adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.

Delegates Underline Peaceful Dispute Settlement, Use of Sanctions, as Special Committee on Charter Continues Session

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Speakers in the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization today emphasized the body’s role in interpreting legal provisions related to sanctions use, peaceful dispute settlement — and more broadly — cooperation with regional organizations in working to maintain peace and security.

Somalia’s Leaders Must Rally behind New Government, Says Secretary-General, in Message for Presidential Inauguration Ceremony

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Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message, delivered by Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to the inaugural ceremony for Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo”, in Mogadishu today: