The UN Security Council held an open session on the conditions of the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, headed by Germany. Riyadh Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, urged the international community to respect Nelson Mandela's struggle. Mandela once said, "Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians". He emphasized the Palestinians' victory in the annexation battle, and warned against the occupation's gradual or partial implementation of the plans.