By KUNA,
UNITED NATIONS : Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Monday voiced “optimism” on Iraq, Security Council President Yuko Takasu of Japan told reporters following a council’s closed-door meeting during which the UN chief briefed the members on his recent trip to Africa, Asia, and Europe.
“He (Ban) expressed optimism and continued interest and support of the UN on this,” Takasu quoted Ban as telling the council during the informal meeting.
Ban gave council members a “rich” report on his contacts during his trip on a range of conflicts and issues from Somalia and Zimbabwe to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Gaza, Takasu said.
During his two-week trip, Ban made unannounced visits to Afghanistan and Iraq, where the UN is committed to help bring stability. He also visited India and Pakistan. In Africa, he attended the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and in Europe, he participated in the Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
Takasu confirmed that Ban mentioned to council members his intention to set up a four-member commission to investigate the Israeli attack last month on an UNRWA compound in Gaza, but denied that Ban mentioned to them the name of Ian Martin as the head of the Commission. KUNA reported the news late Monday.
He did, however, mention that Ban promised to present the council with the Commission’s report as soon as it is ready.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyadh Mansour told reporters that Ban did mention Martin’s name during his briefing to the council members and described Ban’s move as a “positive and responsive development, a step in the right direction of investigating crimes committed by Israel.” He was satisfied that Ban informed the council about his decision to establish the Commission and that he will present its findings to the council.
“This means that the Secretary-General is keeping the council engaged on the issue,” Mansour said.
While Takasu said Ban promised to provide the council with the Commission’s members and terms of reference in the “next few days,” Mansour said Ban will provide that information tonight in a letter to the council.
Ban is scheduled to hold a press conference later today.
The Israeli 23-day war on Gaza has killed some 1,300 people, mostly civilians, injured over 5,000, and caused the destruction of thousands of buildings, including schools, hospitals, mosques, and homes.(end) sj.wsa KUNA 100901 Feb 09NNNN