Overview
China will hold the presidency in March.
In an effort to ensure a more strategic Council approach to the Somaliaissues, China is planning to organise an open debate on the situation. Statements by the Secretary-General are also likely. A presidential statement is expected. An open debate on Afghanistan is also planned in conjunction with adoption of an extension to the UNAMA mandate and by a briefing by the head of UNAMA, Staffan de Mistura
Several briefings are expected on:
- Iran, by the chair of the 1737 Sanctions Committee on Iran in March (this will be the first briefing by the current chair, Ambassador Néstor Osorio of Colombia);
- Liberia, by the head of UNMIL, Ellen Margrethe Løj, as well as by the chair of the Liberia configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, the permanent representative of Jordan, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein;
- Sierra Leone, by head of UNIPSIL Michael von der Schulenburg, as well as on the latest report of the Secretary-General;
- Sudan sanctions, by the new chair of the Sudan Sanctions Committee, Colombia’s Ambassador, Néstor Osorio;
- Cyprus and the Secretary-General’s good-offices report by Secretary-General’s special adviser on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, in consultations; and
- Lebanon, also in consultations, on the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 1701, most likely by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams.
Consultations are also likely on the ongoing events in Côte d’Ivoire.
