UN Security Council calls on Iraq to intensify efforts to clarify whereabouts of Kuwait’s archives; Mandate of UN panel of experts on Liberia extended; Security Council expands mandate of UN peacekeeping force in Abyei; Chad and Malawi referred to the UNS
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    • (December 12-18, 2011)

    The UN Security Council called on Iraq to intensify its efforts to clarify the whereabouts of Kuwait’s national archives that was lost during Iraq’s invasion of the country in 1990. At the same time, the Council welcomed the Iraqi Government’s approval of an inter-ministerial committee to lead and coordinate efforts regarding the archive. 1

    Meanwhile, the mandate of a UN panel of experts monitoring compliance with sanctions imposed on Liberia was extended for another 12 months. The panel will conduct two follow-up assessment missions to Liberia and neighbouring states to investigate and compile a mid-term and a final report on the implementation and any violations of the sanctions measures on arms. 2

    In another development, the UN Security Council expanded the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Abyei area (UNISFA) that is assisting Sudan and South Sudan to abide by and implement their agreements on the demilitarization of the area. It was also decided that UNISFA will support the two sides in the operational activities of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM), including carrying out verifications, investigations, monitoring, arbitrations, liaison coordinating, reporting, information exchange, patrols and security. 3

    According to reports, due to Chad not meeting its obligation to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by failing to arrest and surrender Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir during his visit to the country, the court referred the matter to the Security Council and the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statue. 4 Earlier, Malawi was also referred to the Council for failing to cooperate with court. 5

    According to reports, welcoming UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Somalia, the UNSC stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the political, security and humanitarian challenges in the country through collaborative efforts. In a press statement, the Council pointed out the problems that Somalia faces such as terrorism, piracy and hostage-taking. 6

    Reports noted that Russia backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council calling it ‘a strong candidate’ for a place on the international body’s high table. 7 The leaders of India and Russia, in a joint statement underscored that the UNSC reform should be carried out in way to make it ‘more representative and effective’ in countering the existing and new challenges. 8

    Meanwhile, at the UN Security Council, India said that the body should consider measures against the armed groups in Darfur that have refused to join the peace process in the Sudanese region. India’s representative, H S Puri said that all the parties in the region must join the political process ‘without preconditions’ or any further delay. 9

    In other developments, India asked the international community to take upon itself the commitment to prevent crimes such as transatlantic slave trade from being repeated again. 10

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