The Latest Breaking News from Security Council

UN Chief Urges Free, Transparent Elections in Lebanon on May 15

The UN chief called for Lebanon’s parliamentary elections on May 15 to be "free, fair transparent and inclusive" in a report circulated Wednesday and urged the quick formation of a government afterward that gives priority to implementing reforms addressing the country’s multiple crises. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the report…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 5, 2022

Russia to Boycott UN Security Council Meeting with EU Committee

In a rare move, Russia will boycott a UN Security Council meeting Wednesday with the EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC), diplomats said, a further sign of deteriorating relations between Moscow and its United Nations partners. According to a Russian diplomatic source speaking anonymously Tuesday, Moscow's decision is linked to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2022

Russia says it will open humanitarian corridors out of Mariupol plant

Russia said its forces would cease fire at the Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and open a humanitarian corridor for civilians for three days beginning Thursday. On the diplomatic front, US President Joe Biden said he would discuss slapping further sanctions on Moscow with G7…

France 24 · May 4, 2022

8,000 British troops will be deployed for exercises on Russia's borders as tensions rise

Around 8,000 soldiers will take part in European training missions alongside NATO and UK Joint Expeditionary Force allies this summer. Tensions are rising in countries sharing boundaries with Russia

Daily Mirror · Apr 28, 2022

Global Pledges of Justice for Ukraine War Crime Victims

Several countries and organizations, including the UN, pledged on Wednesday to bring to justice any perpetrators of war crimes committed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They were urged on by the Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney, who said she feared "politicians calling for justice but not delivering it," AFP reported. "My…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 28, 2022

Key players urge accountability for atrocities in Ukraine

For the first time, key players seeking accountability for atrocities during the Ukraine war have come together at an informal meeting of the U.N. Security Council to spur investigations into abuses that many Western countries blame on Russia

The Independent UK · Apr 28, 2022

Ukraine: UN takes a step towards addressing 'veto problem' which stopped it condemning Russia

The day after Russian troops crossed the border to begin their invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations Security Council drafted a resolution condemning the invasion and calling on Russia to withdraw unconditionally. What happened next was predictable enough: Russia vetoed the resolution.

The Conversation · Apr 27, 2022

UN Invites Syrian Opponents to Constitution Talks on May 28

The UN special envoy for Syria announced Tuesday that he has sent invitations to the Syrian government and the opposition for an eighth round of talks starting in late May, aimed at revising the constitution of the conflict-torn country. Geir Pedersen told the UN Security Council that agreement on a…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 27, 2022

UN Focuses on Al-Aqsa Mosque’s Sanctity amid Fears of Escalation

Israeli violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem were the key focus of the United Nations Security Council’s monthly session on Monday. Speakers called on the need to uphold the historic and legal status quo to avoid escalation. The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Apr 27, 2022

UN takes step to put UN veto users under global spotlight

The U.N. General Assembly has taken a first step to put the five permanent members of the Security Council under the spotlight when they use their veto power

The Independent UK · Apr 27, 2022