New York

29 September 2012

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Dr. Abdulateef Bin Rashed Al-Zayani, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, on the margins of the 67th United Nations General Assembly

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met with H.E Dr. Abdulateef Bin Rashed Al-Zayani, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
They discussed developments underway in the Arab world, in particular Syria and Yemen.
Regarding Syria, the Secretary-General emphasized the critical need for unity in the context of finding a solution to the on-going crisis.  He also noted that much more needs to be done to stem the flow of arms so as to prevent the further militarization of the conflict.
Both the UN and the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-Generals recognized the need to build on the efforts made to date with regard to Yemen’s transition process.
They also discussed the negative repercussions, including the tragic loss of life, following the recent on-line posting of a deplorable film.  The Secretary-General condemned the recent violence and both Secretary-Generals noted the important role of the international community in combating intolerance and incitement to violence against persons based on religion or belief.