Iran, Darfur and other hotspots to dominate Security Council in March: President

The Security Council expects to adopt a resolution on Iran’s nuclear programme early next week, while the continuing conflict in Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region, the role of women across the world, and possible visits to Nepal, Lebanon and other global hotspots will dominate the 15-member body’s work throughout March, its new president said today.

Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa, which this month holds the Council’s revolving presidency, also said the situation in Kosovo and a thematic debate on links with regional organizations, particularly the African Union (AU), will be key events discussed over the next four weeks.

“We expect that anytime starting on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, we would have a resolution on Iran. There is nothing in place now…[but] the political directors will speak again tomorrow…and then early next week there will be a document,” he told reporters at UN Headquarters.

Ambassador Kumalo said the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Darfur Jan Eliasson will brief the Council on 6 March following his recent visit to the region.

South Africa has also proposed a Presidential Statement on the global role of women in peace and security, which will coincide with International Women’s Day on Thursday.

“We want to look at the totality of women, women as legislators, women as business people and of course also women as victims of the tragedy,” the President said. “We think it’s time for the Security Council to focus on women in their totality.”

He said the Council would also discuss Lebanon, including a possible visit there by its members, as well as possible visits to Ethiopia, Nepal, Israel and Palestine, Timor-Leste, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Côte d’Ivoire.