The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, on Monday called for reforms to the UN Security Council under which members would visit the Middle East more often and veto fewer decisions.
Dr Gargash told an online meeting of the council that Arabs should have a larger role in UN decisions involving their region.
The Security Council is often deadlocked by differences between its five permanent members, particularly over the war in Syria.
“It is important to unify the position on the Security Council on Arab issues, limiting the use of the veto, so that the position of the Security Council reflects the concerns of Arab countries on these crises,” he said.
Dr Gargash called for more co-operation between the UN and the Arab League, and for Arabs to be more involved in delivering solutions to conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Libya and the occupied Palestinian territories.
“It is important for more consultations and formal and informal meetings to be held with the Security Council and members of the Arab League so that we can exchange information and views on Arab issues,” he said, speaking on behalf of the League.
“The council could increase the number of visits it makes to the region because this would allow them to better understand and have a clear and deeper understanding of the council as to the nature of crises in the Arab world."
The UN’s 15-nation Security Council consists of 10 temporary members, who serve rotating two-year terms, and five permanent members – Britain, France, Russia, China and the US – who have the power to veto decisions.
China and Russia increased their use of the veto considerably since 2011, mostly in relation to the war in Syria.
The US has vetoed council resolutions that were critical of Israel or American policy towards it.
The UAE is running for a temporary UN Security Council seat for 2022-2023, saying its experience of helping to manage crises in the Middle East could help decision-makers in New York.
The council meets regularly on threats to international peace and security, and is the ultimate arbiter on resolutions imposing international sanctions, authorising the use of military force and sending peacekeeping operations.
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
