Unveiling January’s Agenda: A Press Briefing with the Security Council President

The Security Council’s work agenda for January will include a prominent signature event focused on combating terrorism in Africa, alongside a ministerial-level conference concerning the circumstances in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian issue, as announced by its President during a press briefing at the Headquarters today.

“It is a privilege, but also a significant obligation as numerous challenges persist in regard to global peace and security,” stated Amar Bendjama of Algeria, which has taken on the rotating presidency of the 15-member body. “We aspire for this Algerian presidency to be effective, inclusive, and transparent,” he added.

He welcomed five newly elected nations: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, wishing them fruitful and successful two-year terms. He also acknowledged the contributions of the departing elected nations: Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.

The January work agenda encompasses meetings addressing matters related to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Regarding African matters, the Council will conduct a briefing on January 27 to hear from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding Darfur. On January 15, the Council will gather to discuss the renewal of the sanctions regime for Libya.

In terms of the Middle East, the Council will also hold its monthly sessions on Yemen and Syria. “The circumstances in Syria and the wider ramifications of the recent events there will be closely scrutinized by the Council,” Mr. Bendjama remarked.

A briefing concerning cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States (LAS) will take place on January 23. The January work agenda will also address the situation in Cyprus and the renewal of the mandate for the United Nations peacekeeping force in that area. With respect to the Americas, the Council plans to convene meetings concerning Colombia and the situation in Haiti.

The significant signature event targeting terrorism in Africa, scheduled for January 21, will be chaired by Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The quarterly open debate regarding the circumstances in the Middle East, encompassing the Palestinian question, will be raised to a ministerial level, he mentioned, adding that Mr. Attaf will lead that discussion.

“We will persist in bringing attention to the plight of Palestine,” he explained, emphasizing: “This remains one of Algeria’s utmost priorities.”

In response to inquiries, including one regarding the “hypocrisy of many nations” that hesitate to label the situation in Gaza as genocide, he stated that the discussion transcends terminology. Instances of mass killings, indiscriminate violence, and the destruction of hospitals have occurred. “Our view is that we should protect Palestinian lives,” he articulated.

When asked about the potential movement regarding the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and whether he would assist in that process, Mr. Bendjama remarked that it would depend on the members of the Council. He further added that the responsibility lies with the Syrian populace to reconstruct their country and their Government.

Inquiring about actions to safeguard the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), he expressed hope that the Council will unite to ensure that the Agency can continue its vital work on behalf of the United Nations and for the benefit of the Palestinian people. “UNRWA’s efforts are invaluable,” he reiterated.

When prompted about the troubling situation in neighboring Libya, he expressed that Algeria is “deeply concerned about the protracted nature of the crisis” there and its growing complexity. Algeria remains committed to supporting a peaceful solution through a Libyan-led process without foreign intervention.

Concerning Western Sahara, he stated that it is a crucial issue for Algeria, the broader African continent, and the United Nations. “It is fundamentally a matter of decolonization,” he remarked.

For the complete agenda of work, please refer to: www.un.org/securitycouncil/events/calendar.