Meetings Coverage and Press Releases

In progress at UNHQ

Security Council

SC/10566

In Wake of London Conference on Somalia, Security Council, in Statement, Affirms August Deadline for Ending Transition, Encourages More Permanent UN Footprint

Security Council members affirmed this morning that the period of political transition in Somalia must end in August and that, in order to meet that deadline, the country’s leaders, supported by the international community, must use the results of the 23 February London Conference to pursue a comprehensive strategy for peace, security and development.
SC/10565

Security Council 1988 Sanctions Committee Adds Abdul Samad Achekzai to Its Sanctions List

On 1 March 2012, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved the addition of the entry specified below to the Committee’s List (the 1988 Sanctions List) of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 1988 (2011).

Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for March

Challenges and opportunities in North Africa and the Middle East and the situations in Somalia, Haiti and Afghanistan would be highlighted at the Security Council in March, the permanent representative of the United Kingdom, which holds the body’s rotating presidency for the month, told correspondents this afternoon.
SC/10561

Security Council Appoints Hassan Bubacar Jallow Prosecutor of International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

The Security Council, recalling its decision of 22 December 2010 to establish an International Residual Mechanism to “continue the functions” of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in anticipation of completion of the courts’ work, this morning appointed the Prosecutor of the “Mechanism”, to begin his four-year term tomorrow, 1 March.
SC/10563

Anniversary of Revolution in Libya Celebrated Peacefully; Clear ‘People Are Eager to Move Forward with the Transition to Democracy’, Security Council Told

Reporting the peaceful celebration of the first anniversary of the start of Libya’s revolution and progress in the country on elections, security, human rights and humanitarian concerns, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya presented a hopeful picture of Libya’s future to the Security Council this morning.
SC/10562

Security Council Expresses Deep Concern at Piracy in Gulf of Guinea; Urges States of Region to Convene Summit to Develop Common Maritime Strategy against Threat

Expressing deep concern about piracy and armed robbery at sea in Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, the Security Council this morning urged States of the region to act with dispatch to counter the scourge at the national and regional levels, encouraging international partners to provide support for regional patrols, coordination centres and the implementation of a region-wide strategy.
SC/10560

Top UN Political Official Tells Security Council Talks Started between Israelis, Palestinians in Amman Have “Stalled”, Time Not on Side of Either Party

The United Nations top political official told the Security Council this morning that the talks that had started between Israelis and Palestinians in Amman, Jordan, on 3 January had, unfortunately, “stalled”. “So far, prospects for the resumption of direct bilateral negotiations remain dim,” B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said in his monthly briefing on the Middle East.
SC/10559

United States Briefs Security Council on Results of 13-16 February Haiti Mission, Says Members Felt Haitians' 'Deep Desire' to See Their Country Stand on Its Own

The Security Council mission to Haiti in February had felt Haitians’ “deep desire” to see their country stand on its own and rely less on international support, anticipating the eventual departure of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) with stronger Haitian institutions assuming their responsibility, the Permanent Representative of the United States said today.

SC/10558

Gulf of Guinea Piracy ‘Clear Threat’ to Security, Economic Development of Region; Countries Need United Front in Response, Top UN Official Tells Security Council

The international community must build on the Security Council’s resolution 2018 (2011) to counter the growing menace of piracy in West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea region through coordination and logistical support to regional security initiatives, the United Nations top political affairs official told Council members this morning.