Wednesday, May 8, 2013

On Syria, Qatari Draft Gets Stalled, UN on Arab Group Letter, Downplays Golan Pull-back



By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, May 8 -- On the proposed Syria General Assembly resolution drafted by Qatar, the plan had been to circulate today to all member states the Fifth Revision draft Inner City Press published last night.
  But sources tell Inner City Press that it became clearer, particularly after a meeting with the African Group, that there were not as many co-sponsors or even "yes" votes at the proponents would want.
  As so, as of 6 pm on Wednesday, the draft has not been formally circulated, has not become an "L" document. The goal now is Thursday evening, or perhaps Friday.
  But will they revise it again, to gain more support? We'll see.
From: UN Spokesperson - Do Not Reply [at] un.org
Date: Wed, May 8, 2013 at 2:18 PM
Subject: Your questions on Syria
To: Matthew.Lee@innercitypress.com
Regarding your questions on troop contributors to the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), neither the Philippines nor India have indicated intention to pull out.
As for relocations, UNDOF from time to time in recent months has had to temporarily relocate from some positions and may have to do so again. These relocations are all of a temporary nature.
Regarding a letter by the Arab Group, we can confirm that the Secretary-General has received a letter from the Arab Group concerning Israeli overflights over Lebanon. That letter will be circulated as a Security Council document.
  Of the Troop Contributing Countries, a sign Wednesday afternoon outside Conference Room 7 in the UN's North Lawn building said the UNDOF TCC began meeting there at 3. But as of 4:15, no one came out. Call it a short meeting. 
  And on the letter, of it course it is not ONLY about "Israeli overflights over Lebanon," but also about Syria. But the above is what was sent. Watch this site.
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