Security Council

Targeting actors derailing the peace process in Mali, the Security Council decided unanimously today to impose sanctions and create a new committee and panel of experts to examine alleged violations.

Strongly condemning the recent underground nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Security Council, during an emergency meeting today, discussed options that would promptly de-escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The Security Council on 20 September would hold a high-level open debate on United Nations peacekeeping reform to consider recommendations contained in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, Tekeda Alemu (Ethiopia), Council President for the month, said at a Headquarters press conference today.

Despite having briefed the Security Council more than two dozen times on the brutal conflict raging in Syria, the United Nations top humanitarian official today stressed that “none of us can escape a share in the shame” of not having ended the tragedy, as he addressed the 15-member body for the final time.

The Security Council today extended its authorization of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 May 2018, approving a reduction of its uniformed personnel to a maximum 21,626 by 31 December 2017 amid a transition of responsibilities to Somali security forces.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta (Egypt):

The Security Council decided this afternoon to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one year, authorizing it to take all necessary action to ensure that southern Lebanon was not used for hostile activities.

Contributing to the fight against terrorism and applying sanctions when needed were among tasks taken during August, Security Council President Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta (Egypt) told members of the 15-nation body in a monthly wrap-up meeting this afternoon.

The Security Council this evening strongly condemned as “outrageous” the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 28 August launch of a ballistic missile that flew over Japan, as well as multiple launches conducted on 25 August, expressing grave concern that the North-East Asian nation was deliberately undermining regional peace and stability and causing security concerns around the world.

A new “strategic compact” for sustaining peace, outlining the primary duties of host countries and the supportive role of the United Nations, would help to ensure the success of the Organization’s peacekeeping operations in the myriad context-sensitive situations they faced, the Security Council heard today.