Today, the Secretary-General hosted a working luncheon at the ministerial level, for the five permanent members of the Security Council. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi of China, Foreign Minister Hague of the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister Lavrov of the Russian Federation and Foreign Minister Fabius of France were in attendance as well as Ambassador Susan Rice representing Secretary of State Clinton of the United States.

The meeting opened with a discussion on the situation in Syria. All council members expressed their support for the efforts of newly appointed Joint Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi.

The council members also discussed the importance of rapidly reinvigorating the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and shared their serious concerns about the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, they discussed how the international community could improve the coordination of the various efforts underway to address the challenges in the Sahel, particularly northern Mali.

They welcomed news of the agreement signed today by Sudan and South Sudan borders, oil and other arrangements.

The Council members discussed the importance of the upcoming election in Afghanistan as well as further Afghan-led civilian efforts to ensure Afghan ownership of the reconciliation process.

Finally, the Secretary-General expressed his concern over the increasing reach of hate speech, which was shared by the Council members, as was his condemnation of excessive violent reactions to free speech.