Though we support the comprehensive PRST that will be adopted in this debate....

Though we support the comprehensive PRST that will be adopted in this debate. I regret that because of the opposition of some, we were unable to unreservedly welcome the Secretary-General's report. The United Kingdom does whole-heartedly welcome that report. Women have a central role in building stability in countries at risk from conflict. Despite our collective efforts, they remain under-represented in peace processes, in work to detect early signs of conflict and in mediation between warring parties. Some progress has been made, but it is not until the participation of women is included throughout the conflict cycle that a durable and sustainable peace can be assured. This Council, of course, may not be the best body, with five distinguished female Permanent Representatives and Deputy Permanent Representatives, leaving the Council at the end of this year, there may be only two female PRs and DPRs next year around this table, both from the United States.