NEW YORK –

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), Ambassador Miroslav Jenča, left for New York on 18 June to report to the UN Security Council.

SRSG met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who expressed appreciation of the Center's activities and initial achievements in addressing challenges in the Central Asian region through the implementation of its Programme of Action. He supported efforts by the Centre to find sustainable solutions based on enhanced dialogue and cooperation of all Central Asian countries. He also supported the Regional Center's cooperation with UNAMA on issues related to the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan. The Secretary General is considering visiting Central Asia in the fall.

In a briefing to the Security Council, SRSG informed about the activities of the Regional Centre in the previous six months. He stated that, following its establishment one year ago, the UNRCCA had become fully operational and started implementing activities to address regional security challenges identified in consultation with the governments of the region. Relying on preventive diplomacy, the Centre fostered dialogue and exchanges to mitigate tensions connected with the management of common natural resources, supported the countries of the region in dealing with cross-border threats through enhanced regional cooperation and international partnership, and advanced the potential contribution of Central Asian countries in the stabilization of Afghanistan.

A Press Statement issued by the Presidency of the Security Council following SRSG's briefing expressed appreciation for the efforts of the UNRCCA in addressing regional issues of common concern in consultations and cooperation with the Central Asian countries and regional organizations, and reaffirmed its support to the endeavors of the Regional Centre to facilitate dialogue and assist the governments of Central Asia in addressing multiple challenges facing the region.

SRSG attended an event organized by the International Peace Institute entitled "Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and UN Member States: Towards an Interactive Dialogue" and took part in panel discussions on risk assessment and safety, impartiality, peacekeeping concepts, and training of personnel.

Press Statement by the Presidency of the Security Council from 19 June 2009