"PEACE AND SECURITY"

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen today said, “the political process is not as yet delivering real changes in Syrian’s lives nor a real vision for the future. Steps that could build confidence are not really being taken.” UNIFEED

Top official hails Charter drafters’ enshrinement of regional bodies as peace partners for United Nations, in briefing to Security Council.

UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo said, despite UN efforts, “heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region persist,” and urged “all concerned in the region and beyond to opt for dialogue to address their respective security concerns." UNIFEED

In the Central African Republic, two United Nations peacekeepers lost their lives today. This happened on the Bangassou-Gambo axis, after peacekeepers came under fire, said a UN Spokesperson. UNIFEED

A delegation of United Nations officials visited Somalia’s South West State on Thursday to discuss ways in which the world body can assist the Federal Member State in a range of areas in 2021. UNSOM

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said he is “extremely concerned about the impact of the decision from the United States to designate Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.” UNIFEED

Force Commander of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Gen. Daniel Sidiki Traore visited today the areas PK12 and PK13, in the commune of Begoua, where unidentified armed combatants attacked security forces and peacekeepers on Wednesday (13 Jan). MINUSCA

Following this morning’s attack, the UN Mission in the Central African Republic says that the overall situation remains under control, although tensions are continuing. UN peacekeepers have reinforced their posture in Bangui and in areas surrounding the capital, in coordination with Central African defense and security forces, as well as other security partners. MINUSCA

UN Special Representative for Mali Mahamat Saleh Annadif said the “lack of consensus in the establishment of transition institutions” in the country is “fueling the deterioration of the socio-economic situation.” UNIFEED

20 years after adopting landmark anti-terrorism resolution, Security Council resolves to strengthen international response against heinous acts, in Presidential Statement.