Security Council holds open meeting on Middle East
After the recent upsurge in violence in the Middle East, following Monday's assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in
Gaza, the Security Council is holding a public debate on the issue today.
The Council's President, Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sablière of France, told reporters earlier Tuesday that the meeting,
open to all UN members, will be held at the request of Palestine and the Arab Group of States.
Asked why there was no Council statement on the matter, he said consensus was required. Despite "difficult" discussions
among experts which began yesterday, "it was not possible to reach a consensus," he said.
In response to another question, the Council President confirmed that the Israeli Foreign Minister was expected to
attend the meeting.