The UN Security Council started operation on a draft resolution co-authored by Tunisia and France pressing “enhanced coordination” and a general cessation of hostilities in conflicts on its agenda, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The three-page draft, acquired by AFP, was passed to the 15 members of the Security Council.
The draft “emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced coordination among all countries” and “demands a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all countries on its agenda.”
It further requests for “all parties to armed conflicts to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause for at least 30 consecutive days.”
But it spares military operations against ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Al-Nusra groups, and all “terrorist” entities listed by the Security Council.
Discussions will start soon after the members have given their first observations on the text, diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity.
“There will be no negotiations as such,” said one diplomat, adding that a vote could take place early next week.
A decisive push for the text could come at a videoconference of the leaders of the five permanent members that may be held on Friday, according to Russian media.
The Security Council has remained reticent since the start of the pandemic, silenced by strong divisions between its permanent members — notably, the United States, China and Russia.
It did not hold its first meeting devoted exclusively to the pandemic until April 9, after a push by Germany; and it did not adopt any strong stance then.
The current draft is the result of weeks-long negotiations between one side, consisting of the ten non-permanent members of the Council, led by Tunisia; and the permanent members, led by France.
“It’s very important that the Security Council speaks with one voice on the current crisis that is gripping the whole world,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated on Wednesday at his daily press conference.
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