MARTIN IHOEGHIAN UHOMOIBHI, President of the Human Rights Council, in concluding remarks, said that what had taken place was good for the Council. It was in line with the mandate of the Council. He commended the delegation of Sri Lanka for being part of the discussion. From the discussion it was true there was no unanimous outcome, but it was important to have discussed it. Immediately when Member States began to select what should be discussed and what should not be discussed, it diminished the purpose of the Human Rights Council. He did not subscribe to the thinking that because consensus was not achieved it was a failure; it reflected the diversity and difference of opinion, which was good. He agreed with the delegation of Sri Lanka that this resolution was not a blank cheque. The draft resolution endorsed the joint statement made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Government of Sri Lanka. Every single text in that document had been endorsed, which should be a measure of satisfaction for the work done today. The Council met in line with the rules of procedure. Working towards full consensus was something that Member States should strive for, but this was a work in progress.
