Overview
There will be two high-level briefings during New Zealand’s September presidency: one on the Middle East, with a Syria focus, chaired by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and the other on counter-terrorism and aviation security, chaired by New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully.
Council members are expected to continue to hold straw polls to gauge the viability of candidates that have been nominated for the position of the next Secretary-General.
In September, members will be closely following developments in South Sudan and will undertake a visiting mission to Juba with possible stops in the region early in the month. Later in the month, the Council will consider the Secretary-General’s report on UNMISS, which is expected to include detailed information on the regional protection force authorised in resolution 2304 in August.
There will be discussion on several other African issues this month:
- Liberia, the renewal of UNMIL;
- Libya, discussion on UNSMIL and an update on the 1970 sanctions regime;
- Somalia, an update on UNSOM’s and AMISOM’s activities; and
- Sudan, the quarterly briefing by the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee.
Council members will continue to monitor developments on the Syria political, humanitarian and chemical weapons tracks. Other Middle East issues that will be considered this month are:
- Golan Heights, the quarterly briefing on UNDOF; and
- Israel/Palestine, the regular monthly meeting.
Regarding Asian issues, the Council will have its regular quarterly discussion on UNAMA in Afghanistan.
There will also be a briefing on the Secretary-General’s recommendations regarding measures to prevent attacks on health care in armed conflict.
It is possible that the Council will adopt a resolution proposed by the US marking the 20-year anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
The Council will also be closely following developments in Burundi, Guinea-Bissau and Yemen.
At the end of the month, the Council will have a “wrap-up” session on its work in September.
