NEW YORK -

On 19 December, the members of the Security Council welcomed the briefing by Miroslav Jenča, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, on the work of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia over the past six months.

The Security Council commended the specific focus in the Centre's activities on the impact of trans-boundary threats facing the region, implications of national developments on regional stability, and the management of common resources and environmental degradation, and the benefits of increased counter-terrorism cooperation. In this regard, they appreciated the successful facilitation by UNRCCA of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia.

The Security Council acknowledged the UNRCCA's assistance during the recent presidential elections which have led to inauguration of a new president in Kyrgyzstan, which concluded the process of peaceful and democratic political transition in that country.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the role of the Regional Centre in facilitating the assistance by Central Asian states to normalizing the situation in Afghanistan and fostering broader regional integration and cooperation as a tool to boost stability and sustainable development in the region.

The Security Council further supported the efforts of the Regional Centre to promote dialogue on the management of common natural resources in Central Asia and to create conditions for durable solutions through enhanced cooperation.

The members of the Security Council recognized the growing interest in preventive diplomacy as a promising and cost-effective tool in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and therefore welcomed the role of UNRCCA, including through mediation and good offices, in identifying and working towards the resolution of crisis situations and developing regional cooperation.