Colombia has assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council with the reconstruction of Haiti topping the agenda.
The Colombian ambassador to the UN, Nestor Osorio, will chair the first meetings before President Juan Manuel Santos formally presides over the council on April 6.
The issue of Haiti’s reconstruction following the disastrous earthquake in January 2010 will take priority at the initial meetings under Colombia’s presidency.
“The aid has not been effective to take this country forward,” said Santos, stating that the purpose of the forthcoming meeting is to ensure that the UN is fully aware of the “enormous responsibility” it has towards improving the situation of Haiti.
The Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin arrived in Haiti this week, along with her Dominican Republic counterpart, to discuss the ongoing reconstruction with Haitian leaders.
Colombia is also expected to chair UN Security Council meetings about the various stages of the conflict in Libya, the demonstrations in Syria and Lebanon, as well as possible future rebellions in up to 20 African countries.
The mooted sanctions against Iran and Sudan for the failure to comply with UN resolutions will also be overseen by Colombia.
Colombia was elected to the UN Security Council in October 2010 and takes up one of the 10 non-permanent seats that work with the five permanent members (Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S.) until the end of this year.