As Amos Blocked, UNSC "Agrees to Work on Statement," Sangqu Tells ICP, Churkin "Hopes" for One

By Matthew Russell Lee, Exclusive

UNITED NATIONS, February 29, updated -- After UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos issued a statement she has been blocked from entering Syria, the topic was immediately raising in a closed door UN Security Council meeting Wednesday morning. South African Permanent Representative Baso Sangqu told Inner City Press, "we have agreed to work on a statement" urging that the Assad governent let Amos in.

Meanwhile pro-Assad sources complained to Inner City Press that Amos was not blocked, but only asked for details about her visit. "We are not a banana republic" was a phrase used by sources described as diplomatic.

The chess game take place hours before incoming joint UN - Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is set to meet his successor as UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, and then the press on Wednesday evening at the UN. Watch this site.

Update: at 11:45 am, Inner City Press asked Vitaly Churkin of Russia, will there be an Amos statement. "I hope there will be" one, Churkin told Inner City Press.

Update of 1:20 pm -- After various Permanent Representatives left the Security Council, even a proponent of a statement expressing "disappointment" Amos has not entered Syria said it is unlikely in this session, "maybe" this afternoon when Sudan is on the agenda. Watch this site.