Security Council – Work assessment under Spain presidency (Sept. 2004) – Note verbale from Spain (excerpts)

Note verbale dated 6 January 2005 from the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

  The Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations presents its compliments to the President of the Security Council and has the honour to submit herewith the assessment of the work of the Security Council during Spain’s presidency in September 2004 (see annex). The assessment was prepared under my responsibility following consultations with the other members of the Council.

  I should be grateful if you would have this letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council.

Annex to the note verbale dated 6 January 2005 from the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

[Original: English]

    Assessment of the work of the Security Council during Spain’s presidency (September 2004)

   Introduction

  The Security Council had a busy programme of work in September 2004, with African issues taking a prominent role during the month.

  On 22 September, the Security Council met at ministerial level to consider civilian aspects of conflict management and peacebuilding. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, Miguel Angel Moratinos.

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The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

  On 17 September, the Security Council was briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Kieran Prendergast, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

  The report included a bleak description of the situation in the region, characterized by more acts of violence and terrorism. It analysed such issues as Israel’s planned withdrawal from Gaza, the road map, the Israeli settlements on the occupied territories, and the reform of the Palestinian Authority. It looked forward to the forthcoming meeting of the Quartet on 22 September 2004.

    Lebanon

  The Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations addressed identical letters to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council on 30 August, regarding the Security Council draft resolution on Syrian-Lebanese relations (A/58/879-S/2004/699). The Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations also addressed identical letters to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council on 1 September, on the same Security Council draft resolution (A/58/883-S/2004/706).

  Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) was adopted on 2 September. Germany, France, the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland sponsored the resolution. The resolution was adopted by nine votes in favour and six abstentions. The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon addressed the Security Council before the vote and called upon the Member States of the Security Council to withdraw the draft. In resolution 1559 (2004) the Security Council reaffirmed the call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon, called upon all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon, calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, and requested the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council within 30 days on the implementation of the resolution.

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