SecCo work programme for November 2009/Goldstone report – SecCo President press conference (excerpts)

PRESS CONFERENCE ON SECURITY COUNCIL'S NOVEMBER WORK PROGRAMME

This month’s President of the Security Council, Thomas Mayr-Harting from Austria, today briefed correspondents on November’s programme of work, which will include a debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict chaired by Austria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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Asked if the “Goldstone report” on the events in Gaza would be taken up by the Council, Mr. Mayr-Harting said that, during consultations on the programme of work this morning, no Council member had asked to include that item in November’s agenda.  The issue might be addressed in a resolution to be considered by the General Assembly Wednesday, 4 November.  It might also come up during the monthly briefing on the Middle East and Member States might also take up the issue during the debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict.  Although he would like the debate to be a “forward-oriented” discussion on improving protection of civilians where United Nations missions were on the ground, any Member States could bring up issues regarding the subject.

Speaking in his national capacity, he said the priority of his country, the European Union and Arab States was to ensure that there would be follow-up to the report at the national level in Israel and by the Palestinian Authority.

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For information media • not an official record