Security Council

During a debate on the situation in Afghanistan, the Security Council issued two presidential statements on recent elections, reiterating their importance to that country's transition and democratic development, and on the threat posed by rampant illicit opium cultivation.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire until 30 June 2015, adjusting it in line with progress on the ground, including the improved security situation.

Resolving past and present questions concerning the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme was a central element of the Security Council’s discussion today as it met to hear a briefing by the Chair of the Committee monitoring that sanctions regime.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, until 31 December 2014, requesting the Secretary-General to ensure that it had the required capacity and resources to fulfil its duties.

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2015, within the authorized troop ceiling of 11,200 military and 1,440 police personnel.

Although encouraging signs in Ukraine pointed to a de-escalation of the conflict, including a 15-point peace plan proposed by its newly elected President and a week-long unilateral ceasefire, quick action was needed to make the most of those gains, the Security Council heard today.

The security situation in the Central African Republic remained tense, with a series of deadly attacks and spontaneous demonstrations testing the local and international community’s ability to bring calm to that nation, the Security Council heard today.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly I. Churkin (Russian Federation):

Despite many unsettling developments in the Middle East, it was important not to lose sight of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the occupation which had scarred the lives of far too many for far too long, the Security Council heard today.

The recent deterioration of the political and security situation in the Sahel region was a cause for alarm, the senior official there told the Security Council today, emphasizing that implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy would require sustained political will on the part of neighbouring Governments, and profound transformations on all political, economic and social platforms.