The following Security Council press statement on Sri Lanka was read out today by Council President Vitaly Churkin (Russian Federation):

On 12 May 2009, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003) concerning Liberia approved the inclusion of additional information concerning two individuals: Victoria Refell (travel ban list only) and Edwin Snowe, Jr. (travel ban and assets freeze lists).

The ministerial meeting of the Security Council on the Middle East that took place today was critical in reaffirming a common position on the peace process after the Gaza crisis and Israeli elections, Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, said today at a Headquarters press conference.

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 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.

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.

During its May presidency, the Russian Federation would continue to pursue the policy of consolidating the Security Council’s prerogatives under the United Nations Charter and its main responsibility to maintain international peace and security, Vitaly Churkin, the country’s Permanent Representative, said today.

30 April 2009

Security CouncilSC/9649

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Security Council

6116^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SUDAN