M’sia to chair UN Security Council

Country to focus on preventing spread of weapons of mass destruction

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, says the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

The presidency came into force on Monday (Aug 1).

This is the second time that Malaysia has become Security Council president since the country’s election to a nonpermanent membership of the Council for the 2015-2016 term.

Malaysia is currently the chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.

Malaysia also plans to convene a ministerial-level Security Council Open Debate on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) on Aug 23, with a particular focus on nonstate actors.

The Open Debate seeks to address new threats and challenges in preventing the proliferation of WMDs, related materials and technologies to non-state actors.

Other matters that will be deliberated by the Security Council under Malaysia’s chairmanship in August are the issues of Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Kosovo, Sudan/South Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.

As the Security Council president, Malaysia will also facilitate the selection process by the Security Council for the next UN secretary-general.

The current UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon is expected to end his second term by the end of December.

During the presidency, Malaysia will continue to highlight the peaceful resolution of conflict, moderation, the protection of civilians, and the rule of law.

As a Security Council member, Malaysia seeks to contribute constructively to the work of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. — Bernama