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18 July 2013
The Voice of Russia reported that the Russian appeal to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee to probe alleged illegal weapons deliveries from Libya, through Turkey and Qatar, to the Syrian opposition, was not supported by the Committee.
Citing a UNHQ source, the report stated that there were doubts in the Sanctions Committee over the wisdom of such requests based solely on media reports. The Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin appealed to the Committee to request Libya, Qatar and Turkey to provide more information on the arms deliveries reported by the New York Times in June.
Source: Voice of Russia | UN did not support Russia’s initiative to investigate illegal arms deliveries to Syria
18 July 2013
The UNSG Special Representative for Iraq Martin Kobler warned the Security Council on Tuesday that the escalating violence in Iraq and the civil war in Syria are inseparable, as the battlefields of the neighbouring states are merging.
According to Kobler, the Syrian conflict is spilling over into Iraq and Iraqi armed groups are now reportedly taking arms against each other inside Syria. Kobler stated that the increasing violence during the past five months in the Shiite majority Iraq is attributable to the perceived marginalization by Sunnis in the region and Iraqis seeking to go fight in Syria. He stressed the need for urgent action to prevent violence in both countries from spiralling out of control.
Source: The Washington Post | UN envoy warns that battlefields in Iraq and Syria are merging
18 July 2013
In a statement delivered, the UN Security Council emphasised the importance of increased regional and international cooperation and coordination to combat security threats in the Sahel, West Africa and the Maghreb.
According to the statement, interregional cooperation, including information sharing, is needed to combat the threats posed by terrorist groups, transnational crime, and drug trafficking effectively and in an integrated manner. The Council moreover expressed its concerns over the alarming situation in the Sahel where armed conflict, proliferation of arms and drug trafficking with links to terrorist groups pose serious threats to peace and security.
Source: UN News Centre | Security Council calls for cooperation to combat terrorist threats in the Sahel
18 July 2013
It was reported on Tuesday that Panama has seized a North Korean cargo ship carrying weapons from Cuba. Cuba confirmed late on Tuesday that the arms were bound for North Korea but claimed that the missiles, fighter jets and other arms were obsolete defensive weaponry being sent away for repairs.
The seizure came after a violent stand-off between Panamanian marines and North Korean crew members. The vessel is currently held by Panamanian authorities over suspected breach of UN sanctions on North Korea, and Panama has asked UN investigators to inspect the shipment.
Source: The New York Times | Panama Seizes Korean Ship, and Sugar-Coated Arms Parts
Source: The Guardian | Cuba confirms arms bound for North Korea on ship seized in Panama
Source: Fox News | Panama says North Korean arms shipment a matter for the UN
18 July 2013
The Telegraph reported that the UK Prime Minister David Cameron had abandoned plans to arm the Syrian opposition due to warnings by military chiefs.
Senior military figures had reportedly warned the Prime Minister that sending small arms and missiles to the opposition would not have an impact on the turnout of the conflict. They moreover warned that the arms could end up in the hands of extremists thereby harming Britain’s long-term security, while a broader intervention could embroil Britain in a prolonged conflict. However, Foreign Secretary William Hague was reported stating that the UK could still arm the rebels and no option has been ruled out yet.
Source: The Telegraph | David Cameron warned arming Syrian rebels could embroil Britain in all-out war
Source: The Telegraph | Britain could still arm the Syrian rebels, William Hague says