Security Council

By Benedict Moran in Middle East on January 24th, 2012
Syrian protesters have called on Russia to changes its position in the Security Council [Reuters]

By Benedict Moran

Sunday’s Arab League proposal may breathe a gust of fresh air into the hallways of the UN Security Council, which has been long deadlocked on the issue of Syria.

Western countries in the 15-member body, including the UK, France, the US, and Germany, have long backed strong condemnation of what they perceive as a blatant violation of human rights in the country, and seek sanctions or an arms embargo as punitive action against Damascus.

Russia, and to various degrees China, India, and South Africa, have opposed involvement, saying the West is overstepping its bounds and is interfering in the sovereign affairs of a state.  They have continued to call for political dialogue.

In part, the deep divisions over the role of the international body stem from a degree of regret that some members feel since it mandated international intervention in Libya.  

By Imran Khan in Africa on December 15th, 2011
Photo by AFP

Friday will see a key development in Libya's bid to rebuild its war-torn country.

Diplomats have said the central bank of Libya and the Libyan foreign banks are free to do business again.

The Security Council at the United Nations has had both institutions on a sanctions list since February when the rebellion began.

The figures are mind boggling: Some $150bn has been frozen.

That money is desperately needed. Libya cannot function without it, and its oil revenues are not enough at the moment to run even the most basic services.

Those who used to work in the banking sector have had to find alternative work.

Sulieman El-Dressi used to work for one of the Libya's biggest banks. Since the revolution began he has not been able to go back.

He says the effect has been devastating for the vast majority of Libyans.

"The system just stopped, and that meant no money was flowing through.

By Kristen Saloomey in Americas on April 11th, 2011
Gerard Longuet, left, France's defence minister, briefs media in Paris on the Cote d'Ivoire crisis after Gbagbo's arrest [AFP]

Being sceptical is part of being a journalist.

Especially at the United Nations, where every action - and every failure to act - is influenced by the political interests of countries who sit on the Security Council.

By Kristen Saloomey in Americas on March 22nd, 2011
Photo by Reuters
It was an unusually undiplomatic moment outside the UN security council chamber, and a sign of tension within. 
The Council had just decided not to hold an emergency meeting on Libya.
 
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin was on his way out the door when he publically chastised the spokesperson of another country for speaking to a group of reporters. (I can't tell you which country because conversations at this stake-out are supposed to be off the record, but Western diplomats routinely brief reporters in this informal setting).
 
"Double check with your ambassador," Churkin shouted at the spokesperson. "It's really impolite and rude.
By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 24th, 2011
[Photo: Reuters]

As the uprising in Libya enters its eleventh day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 22nd, 2011
Protesters chant anti-government slogans in Tobruk [Reuters]

As the uprising in Libya enters its tenth day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

By Mohamed Vall in Africa on January 29th, 2011

The AU's Peace and Security Council has appointed Mauritania's former military coup leader and present 'elected', 'civilian' president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, as head of a special committee to try to mediate a solution to the Cote D'Ivoire electoral crisis.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Asia on November 23rd, 2010
Photo by AFP

19:03 GMT The US plans to consult with allies, including Chin,a to develop a "measured and unified" response to the artillery exchange, the US state department says.

"Everybody involved is stunned by North Korea's provocative actions," Mark Toner, a state department spokesman, said.

"We are working again within an established framework with our partners so we have a deliberate approach to this.

By Kristen Saloomey in Americas on June 8th, 2010
Photo by AFP

The United States and its allies have agreed upon the wording for a new round of United Nations sanctions against Iran.

They are pushing for a vote in the UN Security Council as soon as Wednesday, but efforts could stall over new demands by Brazil and Turkey, as well as the list of individuals and companies who will be the subjects of an asset freeze and travel ban.

On Tuesday morning, Security Council ambassadors will meet behind closed doors in New York after a request by Brazil and Turkey, who want an open debate on the draft resolution before it is put to a vote. 

Brazil and Turkey have been sitting out negotiations in protest, ever since the West refused to endorse the fuel swap deal they negotiated last month with Iran.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Turkish Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan have said the agreement, while not addressing all of the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, makes m

By Al Jazeera Staff in Middle East on June 1st, 2010
The Mavi Marmara nearing Ashdod Monday night. (Photo: AFP)

We'll once again be keeping tabs on the latest reaction to Israel's deadly attack on a flotilla of activists carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Yesterday's live coverage is here.

The death toll has been revised down to 10, according to the Israeli army, which also says seven Israeli soldiers were wounded in the attack. Those numbers have been impossible to confirm independently, because the Israeli army has restricted access to the ships, which have been towed to Ashdod port. (All times are GMT, except where noted.)

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