India to push for Security Council reforms in 67th General Assembly session; BASIC meets to discuss negotiating position for Doha climate talks; UN welcomes negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan; UNSC condemns bombings in Mogadishu
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    • According to reports, in the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, UN Security Council reform and a push for development agenda will be among the priority areas for India. India seeks more ‘tangible negotiations’ on UNSC reforms but also concedes that it would be difficult to set a deadline for the reforms. Poverty eradication will continue to be the central goal in India’s development agenda. 1 At the session, India is also expected to stress that UN peacekeeping operations should be commensurate with the available resources. 2

    Separately, the BASIC countries met in Brasilia to discuss their common negotiating position for the year-end talks in Doha on UN sponsored climate negotiations. The countries agree on the extension of the Kyoto Protocol after it comes to an end in December 2012. The quartet also agrees that the protocol will remain in force till 2020 when it is slated to be replaced by a new global regime. The countries also reiterated their concern over the emission reduction efforts by the developed countries. India and China are strongly opposed to the inclusion of aviation in the controversial cap-and-trade system by the EU. 3

    Meanwhile, the resumed negotiation between Sudan and South Sudan was welcomed by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and the UN Security Council. They also urged the two countries to resolve all remaining issues. The Council members also urged the Presidents to take responsibility to resolve their remaining differences by exercising constructive leadership and demonstrating the political will to ratify the progress made. 4

    In other developments, the recent bombings in Mogadishu in the wake of the gains made in Somalia’s transition, was strongly condemned by the UN Security Council. The Council members underlined their resolve to support Somalia’s efforts towards peace and reconciliation. 5

    Meanwhile, the UNSC expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in northern Mali. The rebel groups in the country were urged to cut off all ties to terrorist elements including Al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb and affiliated groups. The Council also called on the transitional authorities to continue efforts towards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the restoration of constitutional order in the country. 6

    In a meeting held on the issue of children and armed conflict, the UN Security Council demanded that parties to armed conflict that commit grave abuses against children, including those who recruit and use children, kill and maim, commit sexual violence, immediately halt such practices and take special measures to protect children. The Council also expressed deep concern that violations and abuses against children in situations of armed conflict continue in open disregard of UNSC resolutions on this matter. 7

    According to reports, the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) till September 2013. The military strength of the mission would be reduced in three phases over the next few years. 8

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