Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
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Indonesia circulated on 9 January a draft presidential statement on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Initially it seemed the draft would meet the same fate as many other draft statements and resolutions on this subject. But there are signs that an important breakthrough is possible.
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Qatar will circulate a draft presidential statement in response to the debate setting out the Council's views on the steps that now should be taken. It is likely to emphasise the need to revive the peace process and implement the roadmap. At the time of writing it is far from clear whether consensus can be reached on a presidential statement. Numerous attempts have been made to reach agreement during 2006 on similar language.
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At press time a Qatar-sponsored draft resolution on the recent Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip is under discussion. It seems Qatar has accepted several amendments proposed in the morning by a wide range of Council members. The Council is currently holding consultations.
