In response to Osama Bin Laden’s demise, the UN Security Council adopted the following “Presidential Statement.” Presidential Statements do not have the power to effect as UN SC Resolutions. However, they are adopted by consensus, and thus presumably carry the full weight. Undoubtedly all 15 governments on the Security Council were satisfied that Bin Laden was finally found, captured and probably even that he was killed. No one looked forward to the potential troubles as well as complications that could arise with the imprisonment, trial and probable execution of Bin Laden. However, it is noteworthy that no State Representative on the Council apparently raised any consideration regarding the manner of Bin Laden’s killing by US special forces on Pakistani territory. Bin Laden was perhaps a special case, dangerous and despised, by most certainly sitting around the Security Council table. Still, was there an unauthorized incursion of Pakistani sovereign territory. In similar circumstances, at least a state like China (a permanent member) or India (a current elected member) may have been expected to raise if not condemn such alleged incursions. Both the Pakistan and the US governments have been obfuscating whether Pakistan had approved this specific action or such measures in general. Further, was Osama Bin Laden effectively executed in what some might consider an extra-judicial fashion? A paragraph in the Presidential Statement might prompt the question why did they throw this in? “The Security Council reaffirms that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. “ Part of the purpose behind the Presidential Statement may have been to provide after the fact diplomatic cover for the US action in intruding upon Pakistani territory (presumably without Pakistani Government authority) and the killing of Osama Bin Laden. The “Presidential Statement” could not have served as absolute legal cover, as it does not have the necessary standing of a UN Security Council Resolution. However, the above cited paragraph may have been intended to tell the US Government that even if we understand that you may have gone beyond international legal norms, we will say and make believe that you have acted in accordance, BUT only this one time. I’m not certain if the US Government is likely to heed any implied constraints to its “anti-terrorism” actions in the future. However, it served everyone’s purpose sitting around the UN Security Council table to have Osama Bin Laden physically eliminated, to welcome his departure from the scene, to give the US Government diplomatic cover and to make believe that this was a one-time situation. ----- Statement by the President of the Security Council At the 6526th meeting of the Security Council, held on 2 May 2011, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council recalls its resolutions regarding Osama Bin Laden, and its condemnation of the Al-Qaida network and other associated terrorist groups for the multiple criminal terrorist acts aimed at causing the deaths of numerous innocent civilians and the destruction of property. “The Security Council also recalls the heinous terrorist attacks which took place on 11 September 2001 in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania and the other numerous attacks perpetrated by the network throughout the world. “In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the news on 1 May 2011 that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism, and reaffirms that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group. “The Security Council recognizes this critical development and other accomplishments made in the fight against terrorism and urges all States to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism. “The Security Council expresses once again its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of terrorism and their families. “The Security Council reaffirms the importance of all its resolutions and statements on terrorism, in particular resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 1963 (2010) and 1904 (2009), as well as other applicable international counter-terrorism instruments, stresses the need for their full implementation, and calls for enhanced cooperation in this regard. “The Security Council further reaffirms its call on all States to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of terrorist attacks and its determination that those responsible for aiding, supporting or harbouring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable. “The Security Council reaffirms that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. “The Security Council stresses that no cause or grievance can justify the murder of innocent people and that terrorism will not be defeated by military force, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone, and can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States and relevant international and regional organizations and civil society to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat.” For more Related Reports: ---“Osama Bin Laden Killed: A Time for Celebration or Reflection?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/osama-bin-laden-killed-a-time-for-celebration-or-reflection-by-ambassador-mo/27682 ---“Osama Bin Laden-UN Reacts (Secretary General)” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/osama-bin-laden-un-reacts/26624 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book – “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - DiplomaticallyX