Source: United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H. E. Ramtane Lamamra, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

NEW YORK, United States of America, July 18, 2016/APO/ --

The Secretary-General met today with H. E. Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria.

Acknowledging the role of the African Union High-Level ad hoc Committee on South Sudan, of which Algeria is a member, the Secretary-General reiterated his grave concern regarding the situation in South Sudan. In this respect, he informed the Minister of the three suggestions he made to the Security Council: to implement an arms embargo on the country, impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for the latest fighting and ensure the reinforcement of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He praised the efforts being deployed by IGAD and the African Union to address the prevailing situation in South Sudan and facilitate the implementation of the peace agreement.

The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister also exchanged views on the United Nations efforts on several issues. On Western Sahara, the Secretary-General welcomed the progress being made towards a return to full functionality of MINURSO, as mandated by the Security Council. Regarding Libya, they underlined the importance of the Libya Political Agreement and the need for continued efforts to advance national reconciliation, and shared their concern regarding the presence of Da’esh in parts of the country.

The Secretary-General and Mr. Lamamra strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Nice, France, and agreed on the need for renewed international efforts to combat terrorism, as well as address the root causes of violent extremism.

Lastly, the Secretary-General hoped that Algeria would ratify the Paris Agreement on Climate Change before the end of the year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.