SC Work Programme for June/Gaza flotilla investigation – Security Council President – Press Conference (Excerpts)

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Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for June

 

Children and armed conflict, justice and the rule of law, and the situation in Sudan were among the major areas to be considered by the Security Council during Mexico’s presidency in June, Claude Heller, that country’s Permanent Representative, said at a Headquarters press conference today.

Violence in the seas off Gaza and the Koreas, though not now on the agenda, were also likely to come up because of recent developments, Mr. Heller said, adding that new action on Iran’s nuclear programme was also probable.  Follow-up to the presidential statement on the violence involving the Gaza-bound flotilla (see Press Release SC/9940) was sure to come up at the monthly briefing on the Middle East, scheduled for the 15 June, as there was great concern about the situation, he said.  No special meeting on the issue had been requested, but the Secretary-General had been asked to follow up on the situation, he added.

Mr. Heller said he expected the nature of the proposed investigation to be the subject of much negotiation as there was much pressure for action.  An Israeli investigation or independent commission could result, but the leadership of the latter had not yet been discussed.  Those matters would have to be worked out in consultations and in a political process involving all interested parties, as well as the Secretary-General.

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Asked why the presidential statement on Gaza did not mention possible violations of international maritime law, he said several delegations had raised that point, but the first draft introduced by Turkey did not.  Some Council members had thought there was not yet sufficient information on the incident to go further, he added.

Responding to further questions on Gaza, he recalled that the presidential statement included clear reference to full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009), adding that the blockade and the humanitarian situation were of concern to all Council members.

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For information media • not an official record