December 2005 Monthly Forecast

• Lebanon/Syria

  On 15 December, the next report of the UN International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafik Hariri, is due. Read more

• UNDOF (Golan)

  The Council is expected to follow its usual practice of renewing for an additional six months the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, which expires on 31 December 2005. Traditionally, the resolution calls also for implementation of resolution 338 of 22 October 1973. Read more

• Haiti

  The Council will be monitoring the situation in Haiti with concern as the electoral process unfolds, leading to the elections scheduled for 8 January 2006. A statement giving positive encouragement is a possibility. Any upsurge in political violence or suggestion that the elections might be further delayed is likely to trigger a firm response.  Read more

• Timor-Leste

  The Council expects the Secretary-General's progress report on the UN Office in Timor-Leste (UNOTIL) in December. It is also expecting a report from the Secretary-General on justice and reconciliation in Timor, but it is unclear when that will emerge. Read more

• Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

  The Council will hold an open briefing and is expected to adopt a third resolution on strengthening and enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflicts which will pick up the language approved by Heads of Government at the September World Summit on responsibility to protect civilians. A report of the Secretary-General is due 28 November. An Arria formula briefing was hosted by the UK on 22 November 2005. Read more

• Darfur

  The Council is expected to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts on sanctions; the resolution may also address the recent harassment of Panel members in Sudan. Read more

• Liberia

  The Council is expected to continue the sanctions regime for Liberia, but it may also want to signal a flexible approach to some relaxation relatively soon. It will have for consideration the report of the Panel of Experts on sanctions and the regular report of the Secretary-General. Read more

• Cyprus (UNFICYP)

  On 15 December 2005, the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) will expire, and the Council is expected to renew the mandate for an additional six months. Read more

• Counter-Terrorism Committee Issues

  The Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), which has been fully staffed as of 6 September 2005, has not yet been declared "operational" by the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Secretary-General. This is expected in the context of preparation by the CTC and the Secretary-General for the Council's comprehensive review of the CTED, which is due before 31 December 2005. Read more

• Sierra Leone

  The Council is expected to welcome the Secretary-General's report marking the end of mandate of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the commencement of the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) as of 1 January 2006. However, action to terminate the remaining elements of the sanctions regime seems unlikely at this stage. Read more

• Overview

  A short month beckons in December. Delegations will be looking forward to the end of 2005, after several months of particularly torrid Security Council activity. As the Council faces up to its work programme for December, there are some very... Read more