Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

We have just had a very productive discussion with leaders of this region.

I thank all the regional leaders for putting such priority on this meeting.

They made time in their busy schedules to demonstrate how much they value the United Nations. They showed their shared commitment to our common efforts.

The United Nations highly values cooperation with regional organizations as envisioned in the Charter of the United Nations.

I briefed the leaders on unfolding events in the Arab world and North Africa, and especially on Libya.

Arab leaders must heed the voices of their people.

There is no place for violence. Excessive force against non-combatants, the civilian population, is a crime against humanity under international law. Those responsible will be held accountable.

We also spoke about Haiti. I thanked the leaders of the region for their response to the earthquake, and briefed them on our response.

The population of Haiti's camps is half what it was immediately after the crisis last year.

People are being fed, more than a million people a day.

There are signs that the cholera epidemic is finally coming under control.

And recovery and reconstruction efforts are gathering momentum.

The rubble is being reused, recycled or disposed of at an increasing rate.

I also expressed the hope and expectation that the run-off presidential and legislative elections will proceed smoothly in a credible, objective and democratic way.

We all want to assist in reconstruction and development in Haiti. For that, the country needs a stable and effective government.

The main part of our discussion was on how Central American governments are working to consolidate democracy.

We discussed the progress that has been achieved since the peace accords.

We also discussed the challenges facing the region, especially tackling organized crime and impunity.

The United Nations initiative against impunity in Guatemala has generated considerable interest from other countries who would are considering adopting the model.

Crime is not just a national issue. Organized crime is a regional phenomenon that needs a regional response alongside national efforts.

We look forward to the International Conference on the Regional Security Strategy for Central America and Mexico, which will be held here in June.

The region also faces the challenges of poverty and inequality. We discussed how fiscal reform and increased investment in state services can help.

Finally, we discussed climate change and sustainable development.

This region is among the world's most vulnerable.

Each hurricane season brings renewed suffering.

Each country needs national prevention and preparedness strategies to cope with inevitable impacts.

The United Nations stands ready to continue to assist all these issues: peace, justice and human rights poverty reduction education food and nutrition security women''s and children's health and increasing resilience to economic shocks and natural disasters.

Once again, I thank the regional leaders who came today for their engagement.

Thank you very much and muchas gracias.