Sierra Leone to highlight UN Security Council reform as it assumes term presidency

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Sierra Leone assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for August on Thursday as it pledged to use it to prioritize Security Council reform.

Sierra Leone's UN ambassador Michael Imran Kanu promised "efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and inclusivity" during their presidency at a news conference.

"We will foster a consensus-building approach, uphold the practices and principles of the Council, and certainly maintain the highest standard of diplomacy and cooperation with our women, peace and security commitments," he said.

He told reporters that their first focus will be a debate on UN Security Council reform, adding that "it will be the first time to have such a debate, and it will address historical injustice and enhancing Africa's effective representation in the Security Council."

In addition, the Council's agenda will cover discussions on the conflict in Palestine, the status of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), the adoption of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), the situation in Sudan, developments related to Libya and Yemen and other pertinent issues.