Security Council

The Security Council today extended its previous authorizations concerning the arms embargo against Libya for six more months.

Rather than progress towards peace following direct negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in Istanbul earlier in May, the Security Council heard today that the month’s closing days have instead witnessed Moscow intensify attacks on its neighbour.

The two-State solution is on life support, the Security Council heard today from a senior United Nations official who called for urgent humanitarian assistance in Gaza while speakers for Israel and the State of Palestine accused each other of politicizing aid delivery.

The Security Council today elected Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud (Jordan) as a member of the International Court of Justice, voting with the General Assembly simultaneously but separately to do so.

United Nations officials and humanitarians alike warned that the international framework created to protect civilians during armed conflict is itself under attack during a day-long debate in the Security Council today on that topic, as many speakers stressed that civilians will continue to suffer if existing laws are not enforced.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Evangelos C. Sekeris (Greece):

The security and humanitarian situations in Syria remain precarious, top UN officials told the Security Council today, urging an end to sectarian violence —particularly involving Alawite and Druze communities — and warning of a deepening economic crisis and financing shortfall that is preventing vital humanitarian aid from reaching those in need.

The head of the United Nations told the Security Council today that the “basic condition” for preserving maritime security is that all States respect international law, following which speakers in a day-long debate urged cooperation to address common challenges in this domain.

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council high-level open debate on maritime security, in New York today:

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Evangelos C. Sekeris (Greece):