UN Secretary-General visits India; UN Security Council calls for ceasefire between Sudan and South Sudan; UNSC stresses on speedier deployment of UN Military observers in Syria; UNSC condemns attacks against peacekeepers in West Darfur; Indian Supreme Cou
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    • The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was on a three-day visit to India when he interacted with senior political leadership in Delhi and business leaders in Mumbai. Among other issues discussed, Mr. Ban Ki-moon welcomed the improving ties between India and Pakistan, wanted India to comply with the UNSC resolution 1887 but refrained from commenting on the expansion of the Security Council. 1 Mr. Ban also expected India to play a greater role in world affairs and lead by example in helping countries in the Arab world achieve democratic stability.2

    In Another development, members of the Security Council urged an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations for Sudan and South Sudan. The Council also demanded an immediate halt to aerial bombardment by the Sudanese Armed Forces and voices concern over the damage to Heglig’s oil infrastructure.3 Meanwhile, the Council expressed skepticism of the Syrian government’s intentions and stressed on the need for a quicker deployment of UN military observers to Syria.4

    According to reports, the UNSC strongly condemned the attack on African Union-UN peacekeepers in West Darfur Sudan. Council members also called on the Government of Sudan to bring the perpetrators to justice and demanded an end to impunity for those who attack peacekeepers. 5 In a simultaneous polling for a seat on the International Court of Justice in the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, India’s Supreme Court judge, Dalveer Bhandari was elected to serve on the ICJ.6

    In the interim, the UNSC welcomed the second round of presidential elections in Timor-Leste and called it ‘an important milestone for the consolidation of peace and stability’ in the country. The members also commended the support provided by the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) during the election process.7

    Meanwhile, the UNSC extended the sanctions imposed on Cote d’Ivoire for another year till April 30, 2012. However, the Council adjusted the arms embargo in light of the need for weapons and ammunition to train and equip the country’s security forces. The sanctions also include ban on rough diamonds and targeted measures on a individuals including former president Laurent Gbagbo.8

    In other developments, the guilty verdict handed down against former Liberian President Charles Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone was welcomed by the Security Council. Mr. Taylor is the first former head of State to be convicted by an international criminal tribunal since the Nuremberg trials in 1946.9

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