AFGHANISTAN: BAN KI-MOON URGES RELEASE OF ABDUCTED PERSONS

AFGHANISTAN: BAN KI-MOON URGES RELEASE OF ABDUCTED PERSONS
New York, Jul 21 2007 9:00PM
Concerned at the abduction of a number of Koreans and Germans in Afghanistan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the country's Government to work to secure their release.

Mr. Ban made his appeal during a telephone conversation with President Hamid Karzai, according to a statement released by a UN spokesperson.

"He called on the Afghan Government to do its utmost to secure an early release of the abductees. In particular, Mr. Ban asked for President Karzai to be personally engaged so as to achieve a prompt resolution," the spokesperson said.

President Karzai "expressed profound concern" and said he he was directly engaged in attempts to resolve the incidents as soon as possible.

The Afghan Government has established a Task Force of intergovernmental experts to address the issue, and is in contact with the parties involved while keeping in close touch with the authorities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), according to the statement.
2007-07-21 00:00:00.000

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FRESH FIGHTING FORCES THOUSANDS MORE TO FLEE HOMES IN SOMALIA

FRESH FIGHTING FORCES THOUSANDS MORE TO FLEE HOMES IN SOMALIA
New York, Jul 20 2007 8:00PM
The United Nations refugee agency today reported that renewed violence has forced 10,000 people to flee Mogadishu over the last week, reversing a trend where those displaced from the conflict-torn Somali capital had been returning.

In the months of June and July, 20,000 people have returned to Mogadishu, but nearly 21,000 people have fled the daily violence during that period and the pace is rising, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46a0d3934.html">UNHCR) said in a news release.

There are now more people fleeing the capital daily than people arriving – 10,000 have left in the last week, the agency estimated.

Only 125,000 of the approximately 400,000 civilians who fled the heavy fighting that raged in Mogadishu between February and May have returned to the capital, according to figures compiled by UNHCR and its partners.

The opening of the National Reconciliation Congress on 14 July has been followed by a series of deadly attacks targeting locations where the conference, which was suspended for several days, is taking place. The attacks have wounded and killed innocent bystanders, including children, and prompted scores of others to flee.

"People are leaving the parts of the city where violence intensified in recent days, such as Suqa Hoolaha, Mogadishu Stadium and Ali Kamin, as well as around the industrial street," a UNHCR staff member reported from Mogadishu.

While some families have come back to Mogadishu over the past weeks, hoping the violence would diminish, many are considering leaving once more, the agency reported, pointing out that attacks launched by anti-Government elements wound and kill civilians daily, while the counter-attacks made by forces of the Ethiopian-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) often result in civilian deaths.

Some families cannot even afford to flee Mogadishu as they are too poor to pay for transportation. Such is the case for many of the 3,000 internally displaced persons who have been evicted by the authorities from public buildings where they used to live, sometimes for as long as 16 years.

The United Nations has asked the TFG to halt the evictions and to help provide basic services and find alternative solutions for these displaced people.

Last month, UNHCR airlifted relief items from its stockpile in Dubai to Mogadishu. This assistance, which includes blankets, plastic sheets, jerry cans, and kitchen sets, will be delivered to the most vulnerable people in the city.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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HAITI: ECOSOC TEAM URGES INVESTMENT IN KEY SECTORS, BOOSTING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

HAITI: ECOSOC TEAM URGES INVESTMENT IN KEY SECTORS, BOOSTING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
New York, Jul 20 2007 8:00PM
Aiming to strengthen the economy in Haiti and promote stability there, a team from the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is calling for investment in tourism, agriculture and the textile and assembly industry.

In a report presented to ECOSOC today, the Ad Hoc Advisory Group dispatched by the Council to Haiti in April also called for strengthening public institutions in order to enable Haiti to optimize the major contributions announced by donor countries in recent months.

The report provides recommendations to the Government and the international community on how to bolster development efforts in Haiti. The Group, headed by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, also includes the Permanent Representatives of Benin, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago.

"It is imperative that Haiti remains on the international agenda," the report says, urging continued international support to foster stability.

Poverty is endemic in Haiti, with 54 per cent of the population living in extreme poverty. The country also has the highest child and maternal mortality in the Western Hemisphere. Life expectancy is 52 years and women are in general more vulnerable than men.

Evidence in the report makes clear that Haiti will not reach any of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of antipoverty targets to be achieved by 2015.

At the same time, the Group cited progress since its last visit to Haiti two years ago, noting greater political stability and improved security. For example, the Group was able to visit the notoriously dangerous Cité Soleil neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, which would have been too dangerous in the past.

On the economic front, following a difficult period of negative growth and high inflation, reforms instituted by the Government have led to an expected growth rate of 2.5 per cent for fiscal year 2006 and a decrease in inflation from 38 per cent in 2003 to 8.6 per cent in February 2007.

These figures "testify to the capacity of political authorities and the civil service to set up and follow a sound economic policy," according to the report.

While urging investment in key sectors of the economy, the report acknowledges that economic growth alone is not enough, and calls for strengthening Haiti's State institutions. It also recommends that the adoption of a national poverty reduction strategy and calls for coordination mechanisms between donors and the Haitian Government as well as a system to track the disbursement of pledge funds.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN RIGHTS OFFICIAL WARNS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION IN WEST DARFUR

TOP UN RIGHTS OFFICIAL WARNS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION IN WEST DARFUR
New York, Jul 20 2007 8:00PM
The top United Nations human rights official today called on the Government of Sudan to take immediate action to protect civilians residing in the west Darfur village of Bir Dagig, where residents have faced human rights abuses and livestock theft.

The problem in the village started when a neighbouring Arab community accused villages of stealing their livestock, a charge Bir Dagig villagers have denied, according to a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Since the beginning of this month, a number of human rights abuses – mostly perpetrated by armed men in military uniform – were said to have been committed in the village, but the population of Bir Dagig has complained of ill-treatment, especially against women and girls, since this January.

Although the Government had sent extra police to the area, they were withdrawn in April. OHCHR spokesperson José-Luis Diaz said in Geneva today that the Government pledged to the UN that it would investigate both the livestock theft and human rights abuses, as well as redeploying police to Bir Dagig.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour urged the Sudanese Government to re-establish a police presence in the village and to meet its responsibility and commitment to complete investigations and bring the guilty to justice.

In a related development, the UN and the African Union (AU) will hold consultations from 30 July to 2 August in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson, the two organizations will finalize joint deployment plans, accountability structures and personnel generation for the hybrid operation.

Two UNHCR Representatives – for Chad and for Sudan – today highlighted the massive humanitarian challenges faced by both internally and externally displaced refugees.

Chris Ache, UNHCR Representative in Sudan, stressed that the Darfur region is only one of five in the East African country, and each as "special populations."

For example, there are 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the Khartoum region, while in the west there is an additional 2 million – and UNHCR can reach only half a million of them.

The Darfur conflict has spilled over into neighbouring Chad, which is facing its own refugee problem. Since 2003, over 200,000 Darfurian refugees have crossed the border into Chad.

"The solution in Darfur is the solution that is needed in order for these people to be able to go back home," Serge Malé, Representative in Chad for UNHCR, told reporters at UN Headquarters.

Another situation related to the Darfur crisis is a relatively new phenomenon – 170,000 Chadians have been internally displaced since early last year and both their numbers and needs are increasing.

In the face of increased violence against humanitarian workers – some have been held hostage while others have been carjacked – Mr. Malé stressed that 1,000 of these IDPs have been violently killed, with over 100 villages having been wiped out.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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UN BODY URGES END TO USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN UGANDA AND SOMALIA

UN BODY URGES END TO USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS IN UGANDA AND SOMALIA
New York, Jul 20 2007 7:00PM
The Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict today adopted recommendations regarding children in armed conflict in Uganda and Somalia, as well as examining recent reports by the Secretary-General on the situation in Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Working Group called on the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda to unconditionally release children used in their ranks.

"The LRA has ignored the repeated calls from the international community for too long and we hope that they will now immediately undertake actions for the sake of these children," said Radhika Coomaraswamy, UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.

On Somalia, the Working Group appealed to the Government to ensure improved child protection, and called on all parties to stop recruiting children and demobilize those serving as soldiers.

Mr. Ban's report on children in the DRC observed that while significant progress has been made by the Government to tackle the violation of children's rights, impunity for crimes committed against children are cause for great concern.

"Children continue to be recruited and subjected to sexual violence," Ms. Coomaraswamy noted. "Those who commit grave violations against the civilian population in open defiance of the national and international authorities must be held accountable."

Regarding Chad, the Secretary-General's report emphasizes the grave violations against children – who are recruited by all factions, killed and maimed by landmines and unexploded ordnances and subject to sexual violence – at the centre of humanitarian disasters.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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MIGIRO SEES PROGRESS IN IRAQ COMPACT BUT URGES MORE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

MIGIRO SEES PROGRESS IN IRAQ COMPACT BUT URGES MORE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
New York, Jul 20 2007 7:00PM
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today said a five-year peace and development plan for Iraq has achieved progress but urged more global action in support of its goals.

Ms. Migiro made her <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/dsgsm331.doc.htm">remarks in New York at a meeting on the International Compact with Iraq convened to review its first progress report.

The report "provides a good record of achievements over the past 12 months," Ms. Migiro said, adding that it contains a "very useful account of the situation in Iraq, showing both progress and constraints."

She acknowledged that the security situation remains the key factor. "Given the context of relentless violence in Iraq, the progress achieved thus far under the Compact initiative is remarkable," said Ms. Migiro.

The Deputy Secretary-General pointed to a number of achievements, including progress towards establishing security forces dedicated to serving the country as a whole, legislative actions and the UN-supported constitutional review process.

"While much has been achieved, much more needs to be done to bring Iraq closer to the vision underpinning the Compact," Ms. Migiro cautioned.

"The Compact partnership stems from the commitment of the Government of Iraq to carry out a comprehensive programme of reforms and investments over the next five years. To do so, the Government and people of Iraq require the sustained support of the international community in every way possible," she said.

In a foreword to the report, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki urges the donor community to make good on announced commitments of financial and technical support and debt forgiveness.

"Forgiving Iraqi debt will have an immense impact on the lives of Iraqi citizens," he writes. "It will also strengthen the economy and contribute to the establishment of stability in the country and region."
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR EFFORTS TO BREAK ETHIOPIA-ERITREA PEACE PROCESS STALEMATE

BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR EFFORTS TO BREAK ETHIOPIA-ERITREA PEACE PROCESS STALEMATE
New York, Jul 20 2007 7:00PM
Pledging the support of the United Nations in efforts to resolve the stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the two countries to uphold their commitment signed agreements.

They must "respect the ceasefire and the integrity of the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), and refrain from any action that could undermine it or lead to an escalation of tensions between the two countries," Mr. Ban wrote in a new <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/440">report to the Security Council made public today.

He voiced deep concern regarding the "continuing serious violations" of the TSZ along the border between the Ethiopia and Eritrea.

While calling on Eritrea to withdraw its troops and heavily military equipment from the TSZ, he urged Ethiopia to de-escalate the situation by withdrawing forces it has recently stationed near the border.

Reiterating appeals from previous reports, the Secretary-General asked Eritrea to lift restrictions it has imposed on the UN peacekeeping mission deployed – known as UNMEE – deployed in the TSZ.

Mr. Ban also voiced concern for the continued impasse in the boundary demarcation process between the two countries. The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission handed down a final and binding decision in 2002.

"I strongly urge both countries to take advantage of the Commission's advice and assistance before it takes action to conclude its work at the end of November," he noted.

Pledging his intention to "do everything possible" for the implementation of the Algiers Agreements – which ended the bloody war between the two countries – the Secretary-General pointed out that Ethiopia and Eritrea "bear the primary responsibility for a successful resolution of their border dispute and the establishment of lasting peace between themselves."

In the report, Mr. Ban recommended that UNMEE's mandate, set to expire at the end of this month, to be extended for six months until next January.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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NEPAL: SECOND STAGE OF MONITORING OF MAOIST ARMY PERSONNEL TO RESUME - UN

NEPAL: SECOND STAGE OF MONITORING OF MAOIST ARMY PERSONNEL TO RESUME – UN
New York, Jul 20 2007 7:00PM
The senior United Nations envoy to Nepal and the leader of the Maoists today agreed on the resumption of the second phase of registration and verification of Maoist army personnel – to ensure that no minors are serving – as soon as possible.

Both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Ian Martin, who also heads the UN Mission in Nepal (<"http://www.un.org.np/unmin.php">UNMIN), and Maoist Chairman Prachanda were accompanied by political and military colleagues at their meeting in the Himalayan country.

Military representatives will commence meetings to confer on lessons learned from the verification at the Ilam cantonment site and will also talk about possibility reviewing disputed cases, UNMIN said in a press statement.

The mission stressed that the review of a handful of cases could be based solely on criteria in the Agreement on Monitoring the Management of Arms and Armies.

The mission said it expects the discharge of those found to be ineligible, and anticipated that the Special Committee established by the Interim Government will give the process priority.

UNMIN teams completed the first phase of registering weapons and personnel in mid-February, when more than 30,850 Maoist personnel were registered and 2,855 weapons were stored under 24-hour UN monitoring. An equivalent number of weapons of the Nepal Army was also stored under UN-monitoring as part of this process.

In a related development, the first-ever report of the UN Electoral Expert Monitoring Team (EEMT), which cited the security situation as posing the largest threat to the Constituent Assembly elections slated to take place later this year, was submitted this week to the Nepalese Government.

The report of the EEMT – which operates independently of UNMIN – recommended that political leaders reach agreement, including signing codes of conduct which will be distributed widely among party activists, on security long before the elections take place.

EEMT was established by a Security Council resolution and comprises five members appointed by the Secretary-General.

It is tasked with regularly assessing the electoral process to determine whether it will lead to a result accurately reflecting the Nepalese people's will. The team visited the country from 11 to 23 June.

Its report sets benchmarks, based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to assess the election's preparations. They include periodic elections, universal and equal suffrage, the right to stand for public office and the right to vote.

EEMT noted that the upcoming election's representation formula meets democratic standards and ensures both universal suffrage and the right to contest elections.

At the same time, the report expressed concern that the control of the political elites could be bolstered and the free choice of voters thwarted by Article 7 of the Constituency Assembly Members Election Act, which stipulates that once results are issues, the central party committee will allocate winning seats from the proportional representation ballot to individual candidates.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN ACTS SUSPENDS CONTINGENT SUSPECTED OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN ACTS SUSPENDS CONTINGENT SUSPECTED OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
New York, Jul 20 2007 6:00PM
Acting on the findings of an internal investigation conducted by the United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unoci/index.html">UNOCI) which revealed serious allegations of widespread sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers there, the world body has suspended the contingent concerned, a spokesperson announced today.

The UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is currently conducting a full investigation, but the UN has decided to suspend the contingent's activities and has cantoned the unit within its base, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

"The United Nations reiterates its zero tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse and stresses its determination to work with our troop and police contributing countries to ensure that all UN personnel are held accountable to the highest standards of behaviour," she said.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR JULIA ORMOND SPOTLIGHTS PROBLEM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR JULIA ORMOND SPOTLIGHTS PROBLEM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
New York, Jul 20 2007 6:00PM
United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and renowned actress Julia Ormond has called for global efforts to combat human trafficking, highlighting the need to address the root causes that drive the problem.

A Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (<"http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/news_and_publications.html">UNODC), Ms. Ormond told a <"http://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs/2007/070719_Trafficking.doc.htm">press briefing on Thursday that the problem is not widely understood.

Although trafficking is chronic in South East Asia, much of Africa and the Indo-European areas, human trafficking is "something that is in all countries and in most trades [and] is the largest growing global crime," said Ms. Ormond.

"The problem is bigger, is more widely spread and is more violent than commonly thought," echoed Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of UNODC.

In response, legislation needs to be carried out not only by developing countries from where victims originate, but also by developed countries from where a majority of demand stems, he said.

Ms. Ormond urged UN Member States to devote more resources to addressing the scourge, which she said is linked to the problem of terrorism.

Because "it's enormously profitable... terrorists are using trafficking as a financial resource…the same people who do trafficking in drugs and weapons do trafficking in people," she said.

Pointing out that human trafficking "undermines States and transcends national situations," British Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry said countries have a "moral imperative" to fight it.

All three participants at the briefing called for measures improving education, fighting poverty, and striving to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to deal with the root causes of trafficking.

There must be solidarity and avoidance of shaming particular countries, Ms. Ormond emphasized. "None of us have done enough."

Although more and more governments are acknowledging the reality of the situation in their own countries, Dr. Costa added that "we can all do more."
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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NEW HARRY POTTER BOOK TO SET POSTAL RECORD, UN AGENCY SAYS

NEW HARRY POTTER BOOK TO SET POSTAL RECORD, UN AGENCY SAYS
New York, Jul 20 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations Universal Postal Union (<"http://www.upu.int/">UPU) announced today that tomorrow's release of the last book in the Harry Potter series will result in the largest-ever delivery of identical books on the same day worldwide.

Over 2.4 million copies of the latest Harry Potter book will be distributed tomorrow in the United States, Canada and Great Britain, with additional copies of the German version to be delivered when released in Germany and Switzerland in October.

The agency based this estimate on surveys conducted in its Member States, emphasizing that postmen and women are the ones who deliver copies of the final novel in the Harry Potter series, entitled "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which goes on sale on 21 July.

In the US, 1.8 million Harry Potter books will be delivered, 80,000 by Canada Post in Canada, while in the UK, the Royal Mail will distribute 600,000 copies, with approximately one in 43 households receiving the book.

E-commerce and the postal sector have partnered up, as most books ordered online will be shipped by post, the UPU said in a news release.

Since the release of the first of the seven-book series in 1997, e-commerce has blossomed, with the postal sector becoming increasingly prominent in the distribution chain. Globally, the number of ordinary packages sent surged 11 per cent, representing a total of 6 billion parcels, or 16 million package delivers per day.

To fulfil all deliveries, postal operators have adopted innovative solutions. The German and Swiss postal services began distributing books shortly after midnight in 2003 and 2005, and plan to do the same this year. Employees of the Swiss Post observed that many people who had forgotten that they had ordered the book were extremely surprised to see the postman making a delivery in the middle of the night.

In addition to setting a record in deliveries around the world, the fictional wizard has been immortalized in postage stamps in France, Australia and the UK.

The UPU, based in Berne, Switzerland, is the world's second-oldest international organization, created in 1874. The agency acts as the primary forum for cooperation between postal systems worldwide.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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IAEA WELCOMES EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION FOR AFRICAN NUCLEAR SECURITY

IAEA WELCOMES EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION FOR AFRICAN NUCLEAR SECURITY
New York, Jul 20 2007 2:00PM
Africa's nuclear and radiological safety will be reinforced thanks to a €7 million contribution form the European Union (EU) to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/nuclsecafrica.html">IAEA), the Vienna-based body said today.

The donation is the largest ever made to the IAEA's Nuclear Security Fund, established to bolster nuclear security globally in the wake of the September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

"Nuclear science and technology offers great benefits but must be guarded against misuse," IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said, thanking the EU for its contribution which "allows the Agency to continue to work with its African Member States to improve nuclear security in the region and beyond."

The recently received funding will support nuclear activities in 35 countries, including 27 in Africa, helping to upgrade the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, secure vulnerable radioactive sources and combat illicit trafficking in nuclear and radioactive materials.

The IAEA will work with Ghana, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria, among other countries, to secure nuclear and radioactive materials and sites at risk of sabotage. South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and others will receive IAEA assistance in boosting their capabilities to detect and respond to illicit trafficking. Azerbaijan, Cape Verde, Comoros, Croatia, Swaziland, and the Former Yugoslavia Republic of Macedonia are among the countries to which the agency will provide support to strengthen national legislation and regulatory infrastructures related to nuclear and radioactive material.

The latest contribution brings the total received to $53 million, but Mr. ElBaradei noted that "the IAEA's nuclear security programme remained 90 per cent funded through unpredictable and heavily conditioned voluntary contributions."
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR ACTION TO RESOLVE CRISIS IN EASTERN DR CONGO

BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR ACTION TO RESOLVE CRISIS IN EASTERN DR CONGO
New York, Jul 20 2007 2:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for action to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) volatile eastern region, where some 700,000 people have been internally displaced.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation in the South and North Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo," his spokesperson said in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2678">statement, pointing to the "dire humanitarian consequences" there.

The statement called on all key players to use political measures to resolve the crisis, including by carrying out a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the extension of State authority and the promotion of reconciliation, recovery and development in North and South Kivu.

"The Secretary-General urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all concerned to pursue an inclusive dialogue in the Kivus," spokesperson Michele Montas said.

Mr. Ban also called on regional and international partners to support efforts to ease tensions in the area, and encouraged the Governments of Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda to fully cooperate in addressing the root causes of instability.
2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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EDUCATION FOR IRAQI CHILDREN KEY TO THEIR COUNTRY'S FUTURE, UN OFFICIAL SAYS

EDUCATION FOR IRAQI CHILDREN KEY TO THEIR COUNTRY'S FUTURE, UN OFFICIAL SAYS
New York, Jul 20 2007 8:00AM
A senior United Nations official traveling in Damascus has called for Iraqi refugee parents to send their children to public schools in Syria, pointing out that these young people hold the key to Iraq's future.

Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees L. Craig Johnstone made his comments on Thursday as he continued his first visit to the Middle East for UNHCR.

"The Syrian government allows your children to register in public schools. Make the most of this opportunity; send your children to school," Mr. Johnstone told a gathering of more than 400 Iraqi refugees at the UNHCR Registration Centre in Damascus.

"The education of your children will secure the future of Iraq and the future of your families. Spread the word -- we want all Iraqi families in Syria to know that they have the right to send their children to school," added Mr. Johnstone, who arrived from Jordan on the second leg of his first visit to the region since joining UNHCR in June.

His visit to main host countries Syria and Jordan coincides with the launch of a joint campaign by the UN refugee agency and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) to increase the number of Iraqi children in schools in Syria from the current 33,000 to 100,000 by the end of the 2007-08 school year.

An appeal last week for extra funds for UNHCR's Iraq-linked programmes noted that most Iraqi children were not attending school. Outside Iraq, the agency plans to focus on education, health, food, social and legal counseling and shelter for the refugees. A recent survey in Damascus indicated that a significant number of children were not yet enrolled in school.

Mr. Johnstone voiced UNHCR's gratitude to the Damascus Government for offering refuge to the estimated 1.4 million Iraqi refugees living in Syria.

The UN refugee agency has been appealing for increased international support for the Governments of both Syria and Jordan as they struggle to cope with the influx of refugees.
revised budget of $123 million for its programmes, up from US$60 million in January.

"UNHCR has already registered more than 150,000 Iraqis in the region and many of them have special needs, including help in getting their children in school and serious medical problems. The needs are enormous and these governments should not have to cope alone," said Mr. Johnstone.

Meanwhile, the displacement of Iraqis in the face of extreme violence continues unabated, with a significant impact on the surrounding region. To date, over 4 million Iraqis have been uprooted, according to UNHCR. The more than 2 million refugees in surrounding countries include some who fled their country during the pre-2003 regime of Saddam Hussein. The outflow has escalated in the past eighteen months.

The displacement continues at a rate of about 100,000 a month, the UN estimates.

2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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TIMORESE PRESIDENT LAUDS UN VOLUNTEERS FOR ELECTION SUPPORT

TIMORESE PRESIDENT LAUDS UN VOLUNTEERS FOR ELECTION SUPPORT
New York, Jul 20 2007 8:00AM
The President of Timor-Leste has congratulated the more than 250 United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) from 70 countries who supported the country's elections this year.

José Ramos-Horta told a ceremony on 18 July that the commitment of the UNVs, who helped the electoral process as it unfolded in recent months, "is a true testament of the ideas and ideals of the United Nations."

The UNVs working with the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) served as elections advisers supporting logistics, voter registration, voter education and training. On Election Day, the volunteers were on the ground throughout the country to help facilitate the process.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative for Timor-Leste, Atul Khare, said the UNVs "were the backbone of this operation."

UNMIT was tasked by the Security Council with supporting Timor-Leste in all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process.

2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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UN HARIRI ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION MAKING PROGRESS, COMMISSIONER SAYS

UN HARIRI ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION MAKING PROGRESS, COMMISSIONER SAYS
New York, Jul 19 2007 8:00PM
The head of the United Nations Independent International Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) probing the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri today reported progress in identifying persons suspected of involvement in the attack.

"The consolidation of the Commission's findings across several areas of the Hariri case and in some other cases has helped identify a number of persons who may have been involved in some aspects of the crime," UNIIC Commissioner Serge Brammertz told an <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9082.doc.htm">open meeting of the Security Council.

"A number of commonalities across cases have also been brought to light," he said.

Mr. Brammertz also warned the Council that the security situation in Lebanon has deteriorated, and stressed that the security of witnesses and people who cooperate with the Commission needs to be guaranteed. "This remains a priority for the Commission and will also have to be addressed by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in a timely manner," he said.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Mr. Brammertz said the Commission is ready to hand over its work to a Tribunal when it begins to function. He added that more work needs to be done to complete the investigation before indictments can be made.

In addition to looking into the assassination of Mr. Hariri, who died in a massive car bombing in Beirut in February 2005 that took the lives of 22 other people, the UNIIIC is probing 17 other cases.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN OFFICIAL URGES POLITICAL SOLUTION TO MITIGATE TENSIONS IN EAST

DR CONGO: UN OFFICIAL URGES POLITICAL SOLUTION TO MITIGATE TENSIONS IN EAST
New York, Jul 19 2007 8:00PM
The United Nations top peacekeeping official today appealed for a political – and not a military – solution to diffuse tensions in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Security Council today met to discuss the situation, which Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno characterised as having the "potential to really jeopardize the enormous investment that the international community has made" in the vast Central African nation.

The concentration of armed forces – those of the Government and those of rebels led by General Nkunda – in a "very volatile area where there are a number of unresolved issues" has resulted in a "very dangerous situation," Mr. Guéhenno said, speaking to reporters after briefing the Council.

His message, he told the 15-member body, to the Congolese parties is to "move away from the brink; don't play with fire."

Responding to reporters' questions, Mr. Guéhenno noted that Mr. Nkunda's forces pose "the single most serious threat to the stabilization of the DRC at this stage."

UN agencies this month have been assisting over 10,000 people who have fled fighting, pillaging, rape and other atrocities in North Kivu province in north-eastern DRC, and warned that the situation could deteriorate amid military manoeuvres threatening even greater instability.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has described conditions in North Kivu as the worst displacement situation in three years, with 163,000 people newly displaced since January – bringing to a total 650,000 people internally displaced in the province.

"We are increasingly concerned by the spiralling displacement and atrocities in eastern DRC," Jennifer Pagonis, the agency's spokesperson, said last week in Geneva. "With heightened tensions and the build-up of military forces, the situation risks turning into humanitarian and human rights disaster."

Last year, the DRC held its first democratic elections in more than four decades, the largest and most complex polls that the UN has ever helped to organize. The process crowned a seven-year UN effort to bring peace and democracy to the vast country after a brutal six-year civil war that cost 4 million lives through fighting and attendant hunger and disease, widely considered the most lethal conflict anywhere since the Second World War.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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MIDDLE EAST 'QUARTET' SUPPORTS US PRESIDENT'S CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL MEETING

MIDDLE EAST 'QUARTET' SUPPORTS US PRESIDENT'S CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL MEETING
New York, Jul 19 2007 7:00PM
The diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East – comprising the United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation and the United States – today supported US President Bush's call for an international meeting in the fall.

The Quartet's backing came in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sg2130.doc.htm">communiqué released following a meeting in Lisbon that was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, High Representative for European Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado, and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner. They were joined by Quartet Representative Tony Blair.

"The Quartet welcomed President Bush's July 16 statement renewing US commitment to a negotiated two-State solution, and supported President Bush's call for an international meeting in the fall," stated the communiqué.

The Quartet agreed that "such a meeting should provide diplomatic support for the parties in their bilateral discussions and negotiations in order to move forward on a successful path to a Palestinian State.

The Quartet welcomed Mr. Blair's agreement to be its Representative and discussed with him "the urgent work that lies ahead," according to the communiqué.

Noting the centrality of reform, economic development, and institutional capacity building to the establishment of a stable and prosperous Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza that will unite all Palestinians, and live in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours, the Quartet urged the parties and all states in the region to work closely with Mr. Blair, and encouraged robust international support for his efforts.

The Quartet expressed support for the Palestinian Authority Government headed by Salam Fayyad, which is committed to the political platform of President Abbas. It also "encouraged direct and rapid financial assistance and other aid to the Palestinian Authority government to help reform, preserve, and strengthen vital Palestinian institutions and infrastructure, and to support the rule of law."

The Quartet welcomed the resumption of bilateral talks between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas, and expressed support for steps taken by the Israeli Government, including the resumption of tax and customs revenue transfers and the decision to release Palestinian prisoners.

The communiqué also encouraged continued bilateral dialogue and further cooperation and urged both parties to work without delay to fulfil their previous commitments and to build confidence.

Recognizing the continuing importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet looked forward to the planned visit to Israel by representatives of the Arab League to discuss the Initiative.

"The Quartet emphasized the need to find ways to sustain Palestinian economic activity and the importance of creating circumstances that would allow for full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access, particularly in view of the impact of crossings on the Palestinian economy and daily life," the communiqué said, encouraging parties to address their obligations under the Roadmap – an outline plan envisaging a two-State solution – including an end to settlement expansion and the removal of unauthorized outposts, and an end to violence and terror.

The Quartet expressed its deep concern over the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and agreed on the importance of continued emergency and humanitarian assistance.

The communiqué also reaffirmed the Quartet's its commitment to bring about an end to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and to work to lay the foundation for the establishment of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security, as a step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, consistent with the Roadmap and UN Security Council resolutions.

The next meeting of the Quartet will take place in September, the communiqué says, noting that members will continue to consult regularly on developments in the meantime.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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GAZA: UN AGENCIES SAY CLOSURES OF CROSSINGS COME AT A HUMANITARIAN COST

GAZA: UN AGENCIES SAY CLOSURES OF CROSSINGS COME AT A HUMANITARIAN COST
New York, Jul 19 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations today said that the closures of crossing points into Gaza are coming at a terrible cost to people living there.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) noted that the layoff of 65,000 workers by companies in Gaza, following the lack of supplies there, could affect as many as 450,000 dependents.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (<"http://www.un.org/unrwa/english.html">UNRWA), which has identified $30 million worth of emergency projects for Gaza, said that it will provide employment projects worth some 640,000 days of work for unemployed refugees there.

UNRWA further endorsed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's call for Karni crossing to be open to Palestinian commercial imports and exports.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES OUTCOME OF INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON DARFUR SITUATION

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES OUTCOME OF INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON DARFUR SITUATION
New York, Jul 19 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11097.doc.htm">welcomed the "constructive outcome" of a well-attended international meeting on the situation in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region.

The Special Envoys tasked with re-energizing the Darfur peace process – Salim Ahmed Salim of the African Union (AU) and Jan Eliasson of the UN – convened the two-day meeting in Tripoli, Libya, from 15 to 16 July.

"The meeting reconfirmed the strong international support for the AU/UN leadership role in negotiations towards a comprehensive political solution to the conflict in Darfur," Mr. Ban said through his spokesperson.

The participants at the gathering – attended by 18 nations and organizations, including Chad, China, Libya, Norway, Russia, Sudan, the United States, the European Union and the League of Arab States – pledged their unequivocal support and commitment to the AU/UN-led Darfur peace process, in partnership with regional leaders.

Next month, the two Special Envoys will convene another meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, after which invitations will be issued to the parties to commence political negotiations later in August.

Expressing his determination to "move forward expeditiously" with carrying out the Darfur political process roadmap, Mr. Ban strongly called on "all parties to engage in good faith in forthcoming political negotiations in order to achieve lasting peace and bring this terrible tragedy to an end."

Mr. Eliasson has just wrapped up a visit to Sudan, where he met with Government authorities, representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society groups, as well as with UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local authorities.

He told reporters in Khartoum today that he has been assured by the Government and a "great majority" of the non-signatories – with the exception of "one dissenting voice" – that they are prepared to enter negotiations.

"This is the hope for change among the population and we hope that this opportunity will not be missed," the Special Envoy said at the headquarters of the UN Mission in Sudan, known as UNMIS.

"We will keep the door open for those who may not want to enter this process, but we hope that they will understand that time is of essence and we need to move soon," he added.

Mr. Eliasson stressed that he and his AU counterpart, Mr. Salim, have made great effort to bolster ties with civil society and representatives of IDP camps, as the two do not want this to be a "process that is driven from the top to the bottom."

He also noted that at the upcoming Arusha meeting in August, he and Mr. Salim will "require from all a cessation of hostilities, as we have already from the Government and… begin normalization of the situation and preparations for the negotiations."
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED COURT IN SIERRA LEONE SENTENCES FORMER REBEL LEADERS

UN-BACKED COURT IN SIERRA LEONE SENTENCES FORMER REBEL LEADERS
New York, Jul 19 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (<"http://www.sc-sl.org/">SCSL) handed down its first <"http://www.sc-sl.org/Documents/AFRC_19JUL07_SEN.pdf">sentences today, imposing lengthy prison terms on three former rebel leaders convicted of multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war in the 1990s.

Alex Tamba Brima, Brima Bazzy Kamara and Santigie Borbor Kanu were each found guilty on 20 June on 11 charges, including committing acts of terrorism, murder, rape and enslavement and conscripting children under the age of 15 into armed groups.

The three men, former leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), a group of Sierra Leonean soldiers who allied themselves with the notorious rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) during the civil war, were each acquitted on three other charges, including sexual slavery and forced marriage.

The Court imposed sentences of 50 years for Mr. Brima, 45 years for Mr. Kamara and 50 years for Mr. Kanu. They will be given credit for time served since their arrests in 2003.

The Court ordered that the three men begin serving their sentences immediately.
The SCSL – the second international war crimes tribunal established in Africa – was mandated to try those bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian and Sierra Leonean law within the country's borders since 30 November 1996.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN LAW OF THE SEA TRIBUNAL HEARS CASE OF JAPANESE FISHING VESSELS

UN LAW OF THE SEA TRIBUNAL HEARS CASE OF JAPANESE FISHING VESSELS
New York, Jul 19 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea today commenced a hearing on cases involving two Japanese fishing vessels.

According to a Tribunal press release, Japan said in submitted applications that the ships – the Hoshinmaru and the Tomimaru – were boarded by Russian officials from a coastguard patrol boat in the Russian exclusive economic zone for allegedly violating the country's fisheries legislation.

The Tomimaru was boarded last 31 October and its crew has been allowed to leave, while the crew of the Hoshinmaru, boarded this year on 1 June, remains in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskii where both vessels are currently detained.

There are currently 155 States Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which entered into force in 1994 and established the independent 21-member Tribunal based in Hamburg, Germany.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG AGENCY OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE

UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG AGENCY OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE
New York, Jul 19 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has offered assistance to Japan after a powerful earthquake rocked the Asian island nation on 16 July.

The <"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressReleases/2007/prn200713.html">IAEA has been closely monitoring the situation at the Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant – on the northern coast of Japan's largest island Honshu – since the earthquake.

Early data shows the tremors may have exceeded the plant's seismic design assumption, according to a press release issued by the Agency.

Noting that a thorough and transparent investigation of the earthquake's impact on the facility is essential, the IAEA has suggested sending a team of international experts to join the country's efforts in assessing the consequences of the tremors.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN CONGRATULATES TIMORESE POLICE FOR RECAPTURING ESCAPED PRISONER

UN CONGRATULATES TIMORESE POLICE FOR RECAPTURING ESCAPED PRISONER
New York, Jul 19 2007 2:00PM
The head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) today congratulated the police force of the small Asian country for recapturing an escaped prisoner who has been at large since escaping from custody on 17 February.

Jose Da Silva, who was apprehended by the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in Lusatia earlier this week, had been charged with murder and arson on 6 January.

"This is a very important arrest," said Atul Khare, head of <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/index.html">UNMIT. "The rule of law must prevail in Timor-Leste, and criminals must learn that they cannot act with impunity."

Yesterday, UN Police and PNTL held a joint seminar on the reform, restructuring and reconstitution of the police force of the nation which the world body shepherded to independence in 2002.

"An effective PNTL are a key part of this new chapter in the story of Timor-Leste," Mr. Khare noted.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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FILM STAR JUDE LAW KICKS OFF UN PEACE DAY COUNTDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN

FILM STAR JUDE LAW KICKS OFF UN PEACE DAY COUNTDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN
New York, Jul 19 2007 1:00PM
International film star Jude Law today helped kick off a campaign to bring about a day without conflict in war-torn Afghanistan as part of efforts to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace, celebrated each year on 21 September.

"I think the message of peace is for everyone," Mr. Law said at a press conference in Kabul, where he was joined by the founder of the "Peace One Day" project, filmmaker Jeremy Gilley. "The message has always been the same… to recognize and celebrate Peace Day, a single day. Obviously, the hope is that this will affect the other 364 days of the year."

Mr. Law, who is also an ambassador for Peace One Day, and Mr. Gilley are in Afghanistan to film a documentary as part of the annual observance of Peace Day, an initiative of the world body to promote one day of ceasefire and non-violence throughout the world.
Mr. Gilley, who for eight years now has been working in conjunction with the UN and a host of other organizations and individuals to promote Peace Day, said the film is meant to inspire and empower individuals to mark the Day and to become "the driving force behind the vision of a united world."

"So in order to inspire people, we need to see action and we have come to Afghanistan to ask organizations and individuals to carry out that action so that what happens in Afghanistan inspires the world, gives them hope," he stated.

The film will focus on some of the life-saving activities carried out by UN agencies working in Afghanistan, "where the people are full of pride and courage, where there is hope, where there is beauty," Mr. Gilley added.

Welcoming the Peace One Day team to Afghanistan, Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative and Tom Koenigs, head of the UN Assistance Mission in the country known as <"http://www.unama-afg.org/Index.htm">UNAMA, noted that for too many Afghans, who suffer under a climate of fear and insecurity, "the gift of peace remains elusive."

"It is for these people that today we call on everybody to work with us over the coming weeks to demonstrate their commitment, their desire and the need for peace over violence in Afghanistan," he said.

In recent weeks, the country has witnessed numerous attacks against innocent civilians including children, constituting some of the worst violence since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.
2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN FOOD AGENCY AND CHINA BOOST PARTNERSHIP AGAINST GLOBAL HUNGER

UN FOOD AGENCY AND CHINA BOOST PARTNERSHIP AGAINST GLOBAL HUNGER
New York, Jul 19 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Beijing Government have boosted their partnership aimed at helping China and the world to address hunger.

"While the world has changed since WFP and China first began to collaborate almost 30 years ago, our goals remain: poverty reduction and the eradication of hunger," said John Powell, WFP Deputy Executive Director.

"Putting China's knowledge, personnel, experience, and resources at the service of the UN's largest humanitarian organization offers an opportunity for China to improve the lives of even more people and countries," said Niu Dun, Vice Minister of Agriculture.

WFP concluded its traditional, large-scale food assistance programmes to China at the end of 2005 in recognition of the country's rapid progress in achieving food security.

New projects include efforts to increase the participation of Chinese suppliers in WFP's international tenders for food, goods and services aiming to save costs by procuring more goods directly in China, cutting out traders and import fees.

Later this month, a mission from WFP headquarters will visit Beijing to discuss how to do this better while maintaining the high standards of quality its operations require.

"Just as WFP can offer China some of its best technology and expertise tested in other countries, so can China's assistance be spread even further by entrusting it to a multilateral institution. " Mr. Powell pointed out.

Since 2000 the Chinese Government has committed nearly $13.5 million for WFP's work elsewhere in the world, the bulk of the funding going to Africa.

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN-HABITAT SIGNS PACT WITH ARAB AGENCY TO BUILD PALESTINIAN MEDICAL CENTRE

UN-HABITAT SIGNS PACT WITH ARAB AGENCY TO BUILD PALESTINIAN MEDICAL CENTRE
New York, Jul 19 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development have signed an agreement paving the way for the establishment of a Medical and Rehabilitation Centre in the West Bank.

"The Centre will provide medical services to more than 30,000 people living in Taqua and its 12 villages surrounding Bethlehem," UN-HABITAT said in a news release. These will include emergency medical services to poor women, children, the elderly and persons with chronic diseases.

The Arab Authority will provide $354,000 to finance the first phase, including the construction of the first two floors of the proposed six-floor facility.

The land for the Medical Centre was provided by the Medical Charitable Society of Taqua at a total cost of $60,000. The total cost of the remaining phases is estimated at $1.35 million.

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES URGE VIGILANCE ON FOOD SAFETY

UN AGENCIES URGE VIGILANCE ON FOOD SAFETY
New York, Jul 19 2007 8:00AM
Pointing to weaknesses in food safety systems around the world, two United Nations agencies today urged all countries to be vigilant when dealing with traders and producers that affect the supply line.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) cited the discovery of the industrial chemical melamine in animal and fish feed and the unauthorized use of certain veterinary drugs in intensive aquaculture as examples of how a lack of vigilance can affect health and international trade.

The agencies blamed a lack of knowledge of food safety requirements as well as "the illegal or fraudulent use of ingredients including unauthorized food additives or veterinary drugs," according to a news release.

During the last 12 months, an average of up to 200 food safety incidents per month have been investigated by WHO and FAO to determine their public health impact.

"Food safety is an issue for every country and ultimately every food consumer. All countries can benefit from taking stronger measures to fill safety gaps in the sometimes considerable journey food takes from the farm to the table," said Jørgen Schlundt, Director of WHO's Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases.

"Countries are only able to keep their shares in globalized food markets and the trust of consumers if they apply internationally agreed food quality and safety standards," said Ezzeddine Boutrif, Director of FAO's Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division. "Consumers have a right to be informed about potential hazards in food and to be protected against them."

The agencies said both developed and developing countries can have fragmented food safety systems that often do not include or cover primary production where many problems originate. They noted for example the spread in recent years of new Salmonella strains in poultry originated in developed countries and was spread globally through trade.

FAO and WHO are supp
institutional set up and the performance of food inspection, enforcement, laboratory analysis and diagnosis, certification, food-borne disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response. They also provide scientific advice on many food safety issues such as food additives, chemical and microbiological contaminants, and agro-chemical residues.

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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DARFUR: UN ENVOY CONTINUES HOLDING MEETINGS IN SUDAN

DARFUR: UN ENVOY CONTINUES HOLDING MEETINGS IN SUDAN
New York, Jul 18 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy for Darfur, Jan Eliasson, today left Sudan's capital, Khartoum, where he met with senior Government official, and travelled Nyala for further talks with other groups.

The Special Envoy will be meeting with representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and civil society groups, as well as with UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local authorities, Mr. Ban's spokesperson Michele Montas said at a press briefing in New York today.

Prior to arriving in Sudan, Mr. Eliasson and his African Union (AU) counterpart, Salim Ahmed Salim, chaired a two-day meeting in Tripoli, Libya, on fostering a peace settlement in strife-torn Darfur.

The UN Mission in Sudan, known as UNMIS, reported that harassment by the military continues to displace many people in Darfur. IDPs now number over 35,000 in Al Salam camp in South Darfur, and they are also flowing into Zam Zam camp from the Dobo area.

Meanwhile, this week, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) assisted the return of 150 refugees from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, bringing to the total number of those repatriated to Southern Sudan and Blue Nile State to 150,000.

IDPs are also being repatriated by air, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that approximately 300 people have been flown back to Yambio and Tambura in Western Equatoria from Khartoum, with 1,300 additional IDPs expected to benefit from air operations.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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DECLINE IN 2007 CROP YIELD COULD LEAD TO FOOD SHORTAGES FOR 28 COUNTRIES - UN

DECLINE IN 2007 CROP YIELD COULD LEAD TO FOOD SHORTAGES FOR 28 COUNTRIES – UN
New York, Jul 18 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that a predicted decline in the rate of cereal production this year in many low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs) could lead to a tighter food supply situation as 28 countries to suffer serious food shortages.

After four successive years of relatively strong growth, cereal production in many LIFDCs is expected to rise by just over 1 per cent in 2007, which exceeds the rate of population growth, says the latest FAO Crop Prospects and Food Situation report. Moreover, if the largest producers – China and India – are excluded, overall cereal output of the rest of LIFDCs is forecasted to decline slightly from last year.

Continued high international prices are also exacerbating the problem, the agency notes.

Countries which have experienced harsh droughts or irregular periods of rain are facing reduced crop yields. Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho have reported their worst main season harvests ever; compared to last year, the production of maize – the main staple crop in these countries – will drop by 50 per cent on average. Meanwhile in Morocco, the cereal crop is estimated at just one-quarter of what it was last year.

On the other hand, the prospects for this year's crop yields are favourable in other areas, according to the report.

In Asia, forecasts for coarse grain and rice crops are reported to be generally favourable thanks to the onset of seasonal rains. Several Southern African countries are reporting record or above-average harvests, and apart from Somalia, most East African countries estimate increased output.

The report classifies 28 countries as requiring external assistance to overcome food shortages.

In one of these countries, Nepal, a major obstacle in the face of providing relief for providing food assistance is the limited access to vulnerable populations. A total of 42 out of the Himalayan country's 75 districts are estimated to be food deficient, with chronic and widespread food insecurity prevailing in some mountain regions.

Violence and subsequent security problems – in such countries as Sudan, Somalia and Iraq – have adversely impacted food security. In Iraq, over 1.8 million people have been internally displaced while more than two million have fled the country, according to humanitarian agencies.

The other countries on the FAO's list include Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Afghanistan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Bolivia.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON ENCOURAGES INCLUSIVE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN MYANMAR

BAN KI-MOON ENCOURAGES INCLUSIVE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN MYANMAR
New York, Jul 18 2007 6:00PM
As Myanmar resumed its National Convention today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for the Government to foster an inclusive process.

Through his spokesperson, Mr. Ban encouraged the Government "to seize this opportunity to ensure that this and subsequent steps in Myanmar's political roadmap are as inclusive, participatory and transparent as possible."

This should be carried out with "a view to allowing all the relevant parties to Myanmar's national reconciliation process to fully contribute to defining their country's future," spokesperson Michele Montas said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11095.doc.htm">statement.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Adviser on Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, held a round of consultations on the issue in key Asian capitals earlier this month.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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PROSECUTORS SUBMIT INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS FOR UN-BACKED KHMER ROUGE TRIALS

PROSECUTORS SUBMIT INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS FOR UN-BACKED KHMER ROUGE TRIALS
New York, Jul 18 2007 6:00PM
Prosecutors working on the United Nations-backed trials of Cambodia's former Khmer Rouge leaders, accused of mass killings and other horrific crimes during the late 1970s, today filed documents on cases of murder, torture and other serious crimes.

The Co-Prosecutors of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), which is composed of national and international judges, filed their first Introductory Submission – a text containing facts that may constitute crimes, identifying people suspected to be responsible for those crimes and requesting the Co-Investigating Judges to probe those crimes and suspects.

Based on their preliminary investigations, the Co-Prosecutors have identified and submitted for investigation 25 distinct factual situations of murder, torture, forcible transfer, unlawful detention, forced labour and religious, political and ethnic persecution, as evidence of the crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea, according to a press release from the ECCC.

In support of their factual submissions, the Co-Prosecutors have transmitted more than 1,000 documents constituting more than 14,000 pages, including documents from over 350 witnesses, thousands of pages of documentation from the era of Democratic Kampuchea and the locations of more than 40 undisturbed mass graves.

Under an agreement signed by the UN and Cambodia, the trial court and a Supreme Court within the Cambodian legal system will investigate those most responsible for crimes and serious violations of Cambodian and international law between 17 April 1975 and 6 January 1979.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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ASIAN-PACIFIC COUNTRIES DISCUSS RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AT UN-BACKED MEETING

ASIAN-PACIFIC COUNTRIES DISCUSS RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AT UN-BACKED MEETING
New York, Jul 18 2007 5:00PM
A United Nations-backed meeting on how Asian-Pacific countries can mitigate the impacts of climate change began today in Seoul, where participants called for action to foster sustainable growth.

"Asia and the Pacific region has to urgently identify an effective strategy to pursue economic growth while controlling its carbon dioxide emissions," Han Seung-soo, one of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's three Special Envoys for Climate Change, told participants.

The two-day conference brings together government policymakers, private sector leaders, academics and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the region, and focuses on developing business and financial frameworks promoting clean energy and reducing the impact of global warming.

"Large investment is required for the mitigation and adaptation to climate change, which could provide us with an opportunity to promote new technologies and to create new market in return," Mr. Han noted. "The challenge of climate change could be transformed into an opportunity for cleaner and ecologically efficient economic growth."

Issues to be discusses include the need for a shirt towards a low-carbon society and how to bolster responses to changes in climate.

The meeting was organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (<"http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2007/jul/g29.asp">UNESCAP); the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for International Development of the Government of the United Kingdom; the Korean Environment Institute; and 136 Environment CEO Forum.

Running parallel to this conference is a civil society dialogue running parallel organized by Chatham House and Energeia Institute.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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UN REFORM DISCUSSED IN BAN KI-MOON'S MEETING WITH US CONGRESS MEMBERS

UN REFORM DISCUSSED IN BAN KI-MOON'S MEETING WITH US CONGRESS MEMBERS
New York, Jul 18 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met yesterday with the foreign affairs committees of the United States Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, DC, discussing an array of issues from United Nations reform to the situation of Iraqi refugees.

Mr. Ban had a working breakfast with the members of the House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee chaired by Congressman Tom Lantos, and he later met with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee led by Senator Bill Nelson.

"In both meetings, the Secretary-General discussed United Nations reform, stressing his efforts towards greater transparency and accountability," Michele Montas, the Secretary-General's spokesperson, told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York today.

Mr. Ban also conferred with both groups on the UN's reform agenda on peacekeeping, disarmament and political affairs.

On Iraq, he expressed his determination to increase the world body's role in the war-torn country, but noted that UN staff need to receive proper protection.

Ms. Montas said that in both meetings, Mr. Ban also talked about border monitoring between Syria and Lebanon; the unity of command for the joint UN-African Union hybrid force to be deployed in Sudan's Darfur region; the UN Human Rights Council; perspectives on Kosovo; and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The Secretary-General thanked the House for passing a bill – submitted by the House Appropriations Committee – to lift the cap on peacekeeping funding. The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a similar bill and is now subject to a full Senate vote before going before President George W. Bush.

Also yesterday, in an hour-long <"http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23264&Cr=climate&Cr1=change">meeting, Mr. Ban invited President Bush to a high-level UN debate on climate change to be held this fall.

Tomorrow, the Secretary-General is expected in Lisbon, Portugal, for a meeting of the Middle East Quartet.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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UN INSPECTORS VERIFY SHUTDOWN OF DPR KOREA NUCLEAR FACILITIES

UN INSPECTORS VERIFY SHUTDOWN OF DPR KOREA NUCLEAR FACILITIES
New York, Jul 18 2007 3:00PM
A team of inspectors from the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has confirmed that five nuclear facilities in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have been shut down.

Experts from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressReleases/2007/prn200712.html">IAEA) arrived at the Yongbyon nuclear site on 14 July to verify its closure.

The agency team was told that the DPRK had shut down – that day – the Yongbyon Experimental Nuclear Power Plant No. 1, the Radiochemical Laboratory, the Yongbyon Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Plant, the Yongbyon Nuclear Power Plant No. 2 and the Nuclear Power Plant at Taechon.

After verifying the closure, IAEA experts applied the necessary seals and took other appropriate measures, and they will complete the installation of surveillance and monitoring equipment in the next few weeks.

"The IAEA's verification activities are going smoothly with good cooperation from the DPRK," said Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei. "This is an important step in the right direction but only the first in a long journey."

Earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the news and encouraged all parties to further efforts for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

"This is just one step, but I think that it is a very important and encouraging step," Mr. Ban said.

Eventually, the DPRK will "have to dismantle and destroy all nuclear weapons and related programmes in return for economic assistance as well as the security assurance and political horizons, diplomatic horizons," he added.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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UN LAUNCHES $38 MILLION APPEAL TO HELP FLOOD-RAVAGED PAKISTANIS

UN LAUNCHES $38 MILLION APPEAL TO HELP FLOOD-RAVAGED PAKISTANIS
New York, Jul 18 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations today launched a $38 million Flash Appeal to aid hundreds of thousands of people in south-west Pakistan after last month's cyclone Yemyin left widespread flooding in its wake.

Almost 300 people have lost their lives, nearly 200 are missing, 377,000 people have been displaced and a total of 2.5 million people have been impacted by four days of heavy rains drenching Balochistan and Sindh, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA).

"United Nations agencies and NGOs are working closely with the Pakistan authorities to bring urgent assistance to those affected by this disaster," said John Holmes, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, speaking at the launch of the appeal in Geneva.

"I urge the world to respond urgently and generously to this appeal. If we don't act quickly their plight is likely to deteriorate further."

This Appeal is a collaboration among the UN, Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority and both local and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The funds for urgent assistance will be mobilized over three months for projects involving shelter, water and sanitation, health, food security and early recovery. Assessments to determine needs were jointly conducted by the Government and humanitarian community earlier this month.

"The humanitarian community is relying on international donors to fund this Flash Appeal to ensure that the impact of this disaster is contained, and that the most vulnerable receive the assistance they need," said Jan Vandemoortele, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan. "The cyclone has hit one of the poorest parts of Pakistan. The needs and challenges are immense."

While some people have been taken in by relatives and friends, others are living in schools and other public buildings, makeshift settlements and camps. As a result, procuring emergency shelter materials to reconstruct homes is crucial.

There is an acute shortage of safe drinking water due to as water systems have been damaged and contaminated, OCHA warned, pointing out that by supplying access to sanitation and hygiene, outbreaks of water-borne diseases will be prevented.
2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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CÔTE D'IVOIRE: JORDANIAN UN BLUE HELMETS DONATE MEDICINES TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

CÔTE D'IVOIRE: JORDANIAN UN BLUE HELMETS DONATE MEDICINES TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
New York, Jul 18 2007 9:00AM
Peacekeepers from the Jordanian battalion serving with the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) have contributed medicines to an educational institute in Cocody as part of their broader humanitarian efforts to help the divided country.

"Our soldiers, messengers of peace, offer all that they are able with the sole goal of helping Côte d'Ivoire achieve stability and tranquility," said Colonel Ali Bairat, who commands the battalion.

He said the gift, aimed at helping to fight malaria and provide aid, comes as part of humanitarian activities carried out by the mission in order to help alleviate the suffering of the local population.

Emile Bih, director of the Institut Pédagogique National de l'Enseignement Technique et Professionnel which received the donation, thanked the Jordanian battalion and ONUCI at a ceremony on Monday, saying that the medicine would help the health of the students so that the could better develop.

UNOCI is working to assist the parties in Côte d'Ivoire -- which has been divided between the rebel-held north and Government-controlled south since 2002 -- to implement the Ouagadougou peace agreement signed earlier this year.

2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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UN EMERGENCY FUND PROVIDED OVER $200 MILLION IN FIRST HALF OF 2007

UN EMERGENCY FUND PROVIDED OVER $200 MILLION IN FIRST HALF OF 2007
New York, Jul 17 2007 7:00PM
A landmark United Nations humanitarian aid fund has provided over $200 million in the first half of this year for live-saving activities ranging from supplying medical treatment, building material and food to Afghan refugees to distributing much-needed food in Sudan, the world body's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) announced today.

The largest amounts of rapid response funding form the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (<"http://ochaonline2.un.org/Default.aspx?alias=ochaonline2.un.org/cerf">CERF) during this six-month period have gone to Mozambique, which received $11.2 million; Guinea, receiving $9.8 million; and Chad, receiving $7.2 million.

During the second quarter of this year, nearly $7 million was made available to Somalia to alleviate the suffering brought about by drought, floods, political violence and insecurity.

Since the beginning of 2007, the CERF – which is managed by John Holmes, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator – has committed over $115 million for rapid response in new and or rapidly deteriorating emergencies in 31 countries, including Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Yemen.

Additionally, more than $80 million has been provided for underfunded operations in 15 countries, such as Angola, Burundi, Eritrea, Haiti and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Since its launch last March, the CERF has allocated $460 million to over 530 projects in nearly 50 countries.

The CERF was approved by the General Assembly in December 2005, and was created to speed up relief operations for emergencies, make funds available quickly after a disaster and finance underfunded emergencies. Its funds are also made available to address the existing imbalance in global aid distribution which result in millions of people in so-called neglected or forgotten crises remaining in need.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON INVITES US PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND UN CLIMATE CHANGE DEBATE

BAN KI-MOON INVITES US PRESIDENT BUSH TO ATTEND UN CLIMATE CHANGE DEBATE
New York, Jul 17 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today invited United States President George W. Bush to attend a high-level United Nations debate on climate change to be held this fall.

"On climate change, which is a very important issue for all humankind, I appreciate President Bush's initiative, during the Heiligendamm G-8 Summit meeting," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1050">told reporters after his meeting with the US leader in Washington, DC.

The two men discussed a number of global hotspots, including Sudan's Darfur region and the Middle East.

Regarding the situation in Iraq, which the Secretary-General characterized as "the problem of the whole world," he pledged the UN's continued support to the country's Government and people.

"We are going to help with political facilitation as well as economic and social reconstruction," he said.

The International Compact process – a five-year plan for peace and development – as well as the expanded foreign ministers meeting will "provide a good opportunity for the Iraqi people and the international community to work together for peace and security in Iraq," he noted.

The Secretary-General welcomed the developments in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), where this weekend UN inspectors verified the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor.

"I hope that the parties concerned, including DPRK, will take necessary measures to implement this joint statement to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as soon as possible," he said.

Mr. Ban held his first-ever meeting with <"http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,pagePK:34382~piPK:34439~theSitePK:4607,00.html">World Bank President Robert Zoellick, and conferred on the importance of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), a series of targets to slash social ills by 2015.

He also met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, with whom he discussed the work of the Middle East Quartet, whose principal members – the UN, US, European Union and Russian Federation – are meeting in Lisbon later this week.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES RECENT INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT AFGHANISTAN

SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES RECENT INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT AFGHANISTAN
New York, Jul 17 2007 6:00PM
Condemning recent attacks against civilians in Afghanistan, the Security Council today affirmed its support for recent initiatives aimed at enhancing security, stability and development in the war-torn nation.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9080.doc.htm">statement read out by Ambassador Wang Guangya of China, which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month, the 15-member body referred to a recent rule of law conference held in Rome as well as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's visit to Kabul, saying these developments "reinforce the progress made in pursuing a comprehensive approach to the security, governance and development of Afghanistan."

The Council's action followed a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hédi Annabi on recent developments on the ground, as well as the Rome conference.

In today's statement, the Council also reiterated its support for the continuing endeavours by the Afghan Government, with the assistance of the international community, to further improve the security situation and to continue to address the threat posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups.

In addition, Council members condemned "in the strongest terms" all suicide attacks against civilians and Afghan and international forces and their destabilizing effects on the country's security and stability, as well as the use by the Taliban and other extremist groups of civilians as human shields.

Expressing its concern about all civilian casualties, the Council reiterated its call "for all feasible steps to be taken to ensure the protection of civilian life and for international humanitarian and human rights law to be upheld."
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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DARFUR: UN ENVOY ARRIVES IN KHARTOUM FOR TALKS WITH SUDANESE OFFICIALS

DARFUR: UN ENVOY ARRIVES IN KHARTOUM FOR TALKS WITH SUDANESE OFFICIALS
New York, Jul 17 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations senior envoy for Darfur and his African Union (AU) counterpart have arrived in Khartoum from the Libyan capital Tripoli, where they co-chaired two days of talks on fostering a settlement in the strife-torn region of Sudan.

During his three-day visit, Jan Eliasson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy for Darfur, will meet with senior Government officials in Khartoum, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said today in New York.

Along with AU Envoy Salim Ahmed Salim, Mr. Eliasson will also meet with representatives of internally displaced persons and civil society groups, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as local authorities in Darfur.

The two men convened an international meeting in Tripoli on 15 and 16 July to assess the progress over the past months towards holding peace talks in Darfur, where more than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes amid brutal fighting since 2003.

Participants at the meeting adopted a communiqué reconfirming "the AU-UN leadership of the political process in partnership with regional actors," Ms. Okabe stated.

The meeting marked the conclusion of the first phase of the joint UN-AU road map for the Darfur peace process, which calls on all parties to cease hostilities and prepare for forthcoming negotiations. It also launched the second – or pre-negotiation – phase, which involves "shuttle diplomacy" to both the Government in the capital Khartoum and to non-signatories to last year's Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

Participants endorsed the proposal of the two envoys to convene a meeting from 3 to 5 August in the Tanzanian capital, Arusha, with "leading personalities" of the non-signatory movements with a view to holding a first round of negotiations before the end of August.

They also agreed that invitations for the new round of negotiations should be issued by the AU Chairperson and the UN Secretary-General, before the end of August 2007.

Convened by the UN and the AU, the Tripoli meeting was also attended by officials from Sudan, Canada, Chad, China, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Italy, Libya, the Netherlands, Norway, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States, the European Union and the League of Arab States.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON URGES BANGLADESH TO RESPECT UN EXPERT'S HUMAN RIGHTS

BAN KI-MOON URGES BANGLADESH TO RESPECT UN EXPERT'S HUMAN RIGHTS
New York, Jul 17 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Bangladesh to respect the "full range of human rights" – including the right to a fair trial and rights relating to detention conditions during the trial – of a United Nations independent expert who is facing a criminal trial in the South-East Asian country on corruption charges.

Sigma Huda, a Bangladeshi national, was appointed as Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons in April 2004.

The 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations states that Special Rapporteurs "enjoy the privileges and immunities necessary for the independent exercise of their functions as experts on mission," Mr. Ban said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11093.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson.

The Convention stipulates that States must alert the Secretary-General if they wish to initiate legal proceedings against these experts.

"Regrettably, the Government of Bangladesh did not do so in this case," Mr. Ban said.

After requesting and receiving information from Bangladesh on the nature of the charges brought against Ms. Huda and their linkages to her functions as Special Rapporteur, the Secretary-General has concluded that she is not being tried on charges related to her work as a UN independent expert.

Therefore, "no immunity under the Convention is applicable in the present case," he said.

Mr. Ban noted the UN's firm commitment to aid countries in thwarting corruption, but urged the Government to act consistently with its international human rights obligations in conducting the trial against Ms. Huda.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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MIDDLE EAST: BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES US PRESIDENT'S PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL MEETING

MIDDLE EAST: BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES US PRESIDENT'S PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL MEETING
New York, Jul 17 2007 3:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed United States President George W. Bush's proposal for an international meeting on the Middle East this autumn.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11092.doc.htm">statement made by US President George W. Bush on the Middle East peace process," a spokesperson for Mr. Ban, who is scheduled to meet the President today in Washington, DC, said in a statement.

"He is encouraged by the President's renewed commitment to a two-State solution, entailing the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side with a secure Israel."

The Secretary-General also welcomed the President's proposal for an international meeting this autumn. "He looks forward to discussing these ideas with his partners in the Quartet in Lisbon on 19 July," spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters in New York. The diplomatic Quartet is comprised of the UN, US, European Union and the Russian Federation.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMANITARIAN CHIEF CITES $2.5 BILLION GLOBAL SHORTFALL IN AID FOR 2007

UN HUMANITARIAN CHIEF CITES $2.5 BILLION GLOBAL SHORTFALL IN AID FOR 2007
New York, Jul 17 2007 11:00AM
The top United Nations humanitarian official said today that, six months after the launch of an <" http://ochaonline.un.org/humanitarianappeal/webpage.asp?Site=pub07&Lang=en">appeal to meet the most urgent needs of 27 million people in nearly 30 countries, the world body and its partners still require $2.5 billion to respond to the world's most severe crises.

"Despite some improvement, funding continues to be inadequate, delayed and poorly coordinated, which hampers the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in the world," said John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), $1.8 billion has been mobilised through the 2007 Humanitarian Appeal, equalling 43 per cent of funding requirements – a slight improvement on the mid-point of previous years (36 per cent in 2006).

In the occupied Palestinian territories, for example, low donor response to the Appeal meant that a number of urgent humanitarian programmes had to be suspended, OCHA said.

In regions emerging from conflict, such as the Great Lakes and West Africa, money is often not available to build emergency preparedness capacity and to undertake other recovery actions critical to support the transition to peace and development.

OCHA also noted that significant funding disparities persist among appeals. Of the 19 appeals, five have received less than 33 per cent of requirements at mid-year: Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, the occupied Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo. Funding in relation to requirements is highest for Burundi (62 per cent) and Chad (60 per cent).

Overall, the gap between best-funded and least-funded crises is not narrowing, and the funding disparities bear no relation to the severity of the various crises, the Office added. This means that the international community is still far from realising its agreed objective of funding humanitarian assistance in proportion to need.
2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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UN FOOD AGENCY SEEKS URGENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONTINUE AID FLOW TO SOMALIA

UN FOOD AGENCY SEEKS URGENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONTINUE AID FLOW TO SOMALIA
New York, Jul 17 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that its aid programmes for hungry people in Somalia could be jeopardized without fresh contributions allowing the flow of relief to continue.

WFP Country Director for Somalia Peter Goossens said the agency needs $19.5 million or 26,500 metric tons of food by the end of the year to feed 1 million people in Somalia. Without new contributions, WFP will be short 8,500 tons by October and the accumulated deficit will grow to 70,000 tons worth $53 million by next May.

"We are calling for immediate contributions because the needs of the weakest Somalis -- mainly women and children -- are growing for reasons entirely beyond their control and it can take up to three or four months to get food assistance into Somalia," Mr. Goossens said.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned last month of a crop failure or below average production in July to August in much of southern and central Somalia because of poor rainfall.

So far this year, more than 924,000 people have received WFP food in Somalia.

Aid supply lines to Somalia by sea are under threat from a plague of piracy off the coast. Nearly 80 per cent of WFP's assistance to Somalia is shipped by sea but increased pirates attacks this year has cut by half the availability of vessels able to carry food to Somali ports.

2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY WELCOMES US HOUSE RESOLUTION ON COLOMBIA'S DISPLACED

UN REFUGEE AGENCY WELCOMES US HOUSE RESOLUTION ON COLOMBIA'S DISPLACED
New York, Jul 17 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed a resolution recently passed by the United States House of Representatives calling for an increase in aid from Washington for millions of displaced people in Colombia.

"The resolution -- which received widespread backing -- recognizes 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Displaced People in Colombia and offers support to help the victims rebuild their lives," said Ron Redmond, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

"It is the first time the US Congress has singled out forced displacement in Colombia as one of the worst humanitarian crises on the American continent," he noted.

An average of 18,000 Colombians are uprooted by violence every month, with more than 1 million forced to flee in the past five years alone, according to UNHCR. The resolution, which next goes to the Senate for approval, calls on the Colombian Government and the international community to prioritize discussion of the humanitarian consequences and internal displacement and recommends that the US increase aid for emergency and long-term assistance to the victims.

Non-governmental organizations say the total number of internally displaced people in Colombia is as high as 3.8 million.

2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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UN, AFGHAN GOVERNMENT RAISE FUNDS FOR NEW MATERNITY WARD IN BAMIYAN

UN, AFGHAN GOVERNMENT RAISE FUNDS FOR NEW MATERNITY WARD IN BAMIYAN
New York, Jul 17 2007 9:00AM
Aiming to help reduce maternal mortality in Afghanistan, the United Nations has joined forces with the provincial government in Bamiyan to donate $10,000 for a new ward that will be annexed to the area's main hospital.

The money is being used to purchase land for a new maternity waiting home which will provide essential healthcare for expectant mothers in Bamyan, reducing the risk of both maternal and child mortality, the UN said in a news release.

Expectant mothers from rural areas where health facilities are scarce will receive accommodation and skilled assistance at the new facility.

The maternal waiting home is part of a wider project being carried out by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) which will see maternity homes being built in five of Afghanistan's northern provinces.

"While huge progress has been made in maternal healthcare in recent years, far too many Afghan women continue to die from preventable causes during child birth," said Heran Song, who heads the UN Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) office in Bamyan.

"Bamyan's new maternity waiting home will play a vital role in helping hundreds of expectant mothers from across the province, providing them and their children with the healthy start in life that they deserve."

The Bamyan facility had been on hold because of a lack of Government funds to buy suitable land when staff from UN agencies and the Provincial Government in Bamyan joined to raise nearly $7,000. With further donations from staff at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Provincial Reconstruction Team, $10,000 was raised, enabling the local authorities to buy suitable land for the UNICEF project to commence.

2007-07-17 00:00:00.000

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INTERPOL LENDS AID IN ARRESTING REMAINING FUGITIVES OF UN TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDAN GENOCIDE

INTERPOL LENDS AID IN ARRESTING REMAINING FUGITIVES OF UN TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDAN GENOCIDE
New York, Jul 16 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) will receive assistance from Interpol to apprehend the 18 individuals still wanted.

The call to support the <"http://69.94.11.53/ENGLISH/PRESSREL/2007/9-3-20.htm">ICTR came as Interpol wrapped up its 19th African Regional Conference last Friday in Arusha, Tanzania.

"It is our duty as police officers to do everything within our power to identify and apprehend those fugitives who are wanted in connection with such serious crimes," said Interpol President Jackie Selebi. "I urge all of our member countries, not only those in the African region, to work together to bring these people to justice."

This comes on the heels of Rwandan genocide fugitive Isaac Kamali's arrest – with Interpol's support – in France.

The ICTR is scheduled to close next December.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UN POLICE VEHICLE INVOLVED IN EXPLOSION IN LEBANON

UN POLICE VEHICLE INVOLVED IN EXPLOSION IN LEBANON
New York, Jul 16 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today confirmed that one of its military police vehicles was involved in an explosion.

The <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/index.html">UNIFIL vehicle was conducting its regular activity near Qasmieyah Bridge when the explosion occurred. None of the vehicle's occupants were injured.

A UNIFIL investigation team has been dispatched to the location, and the Lebanese Army was at the scene as well.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON SAYS CLIMATE CHANGE WILL BE KEY TOPIC IN TALKS WITH US PRESIDENT

BAN KI-MOON SAYS CLIMATE CHANGE WILL BE KEY TOPIC IN TALKS WITH US PRESIDENT
New York, Jul 16 2007 7:00PM
On the eve of his meeting in Washington, D.C. with United States President George W. Bush, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said the two will discuss climate change ahead of a special session on the issue planned for September in New York and a global conference to be held two months later in Bali.

At a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2672">press conference in New York today, Mr. Ban said he was encouraged by the expectations surrounding the high-level meeting on climate change which he will convene on 24 September at UN Headquarters, adding that he intends to use that opportunity to generate necessary political will "to give strong political impact and guidelines to the forthcoming Bali meeting."

Stating that US participation in the upcoming meetings is "crucial," Mr. Ban said he was encouraged by the initiative taken by President Bush on the subject of global warming, particularly at the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Germany last month.

In addition to climate change, the two leaders are also expected to discuss UN reform, the continuing crisis in the Sudanese region of Darfur, as well as UN-US relations and other pressing geopolitical concerns.

While in Washington, Mr. Ban is also scheduled to meet with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.

Upon his arrival in Washington this evening, he will attend a private dinner with political leaders and experts on climate change.

Mr. Ban will continue his discussions on climate change, which he described as an issue "close to my heart" when he makes an official visit on 26 and 27 July to San Francisco – the birthplace of the UN.

Together with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Ban will tour local businesses in the Bay Area that are using 'green' technologies. "I look forward to seeing first-hand how California leads the world on this issue of supreme importance," he stated.

Mr. Ban said San Francisco has held special memories for him since he was a young foreign exchange student there in 1962. When he returns next week, he plans to meet a woman he knew as Mrs. Patterson when she opened her home to the young Korean student.

The two have stayed in touch and Mr. Ban is looking forward to the visit. "I cannot wait to see her," he said.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN ENVOY CALLS ON NEPALESE TO RESIST VIOLENCE IN LEAD-UP TO ELECTIONS

TOP UN ENVOY CALLS ON NEPALESE TO RESIST VIOLENCE IN LEAD-UP TO ELECTIONS
New York, Jul 16 2007 7:00PM
The top United Nations envoy to Nepal today urged the country's people to resist violence as preparations continue for the holding of elections later this year – a critical step forward in the peace process.

"It is sickening for those of us who wish to see a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Nepal to read daily of killings, assaults, threats of violence and destruction of public and private property," Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Ian Martin said at a press conference today in Kathmandu.

"When the opportunity beckons for all issues to be resolved through dialogue and a democratic process, no group will advance its cause, however legitimate, by such violent methods; and certainly they stand only to forfeit the sympathy of the international community," stated Mr. Martin, who is also head of the UN Mission in Nepal (<"http://www.un.org.np/unmin.php">UNMIN).

Constituent Assembly elections are scheduled for 22 November in Nepal, where a decade-long armed conflict that killed some 13,000 people came to a formal end when the Government and the Maoists signed a peace accord last November.

The polls were to have been held in mid-June but had to be postponed because regulations governing the process were not ready. November was the next earliest available date because of the monsoon season and several major national holidays.

Mr. Martin said the holding of the election in a "conducive climate still faces major challenges," and stressed the importance of dialogue to reach out to historically marginalized groups such as Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits, women and others.
"Such dialogue is also essential to the challenge of assuring public security," he stated, adding that UNMIN looks forward to being briefed on the Government's plans for election security in the coming days.

In addition to electoral support, UNMIN is also mandated with monitoring the arms and armed personnel of the Maoists to ensure that no minors are serving – a crucial part of the implementation of the Agreement on the Monitoring of Arms and Armies.

UNMIN, with assistance from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), are individually verifying the details of each registered Maoist army member to ensure that they were over the age of 18 before 25 May 2006 and that they joined the Maoist army before this cut-off date.

In this regard, Mr. Martin reported that the second stage of registration and verification was carried out in Ilam in the country's east from 19 to 26 June, and the findings were presented on 27 June to the Maoist leadership.

UNMIN is ready to begin registration at a second site at Sindhuli, while at the same time cooperating with the Maoist army and the Interim Government regarding arrangements for discharging those found ineligible at Ilam.

At the same time, he noted that Maoist Chairman Prachanda wanted further discussions – including on issues beyond verification – with the Government and with UNMIN before proceeding.

Mr. Martin emphasized that UNMIN recognizes the importance of such discussions, which must lead to eventual decisions regarding the future of Maoist combatants within the context of the future of the security sector. "However, the important issue of security sector reform is primarily relevant to the future of those who remain in the cantonments after verification: it should not be a pre-condition to verification itself."

He stressed that "In accordance with the Agreement, the international community expects in particular that those who have been found to be under 18 on the relevant date must be discharged promptly."
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2007 LITERACY PRIZE

UNESCO ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2007 LITERACY PRIZE
New York, Jul 16 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=38843&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) today announced five winners – from China, the United States, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania – of this year's Literacy Prizes.

The honours are awarded yearly to recognize particularly effective efforts made in the fight against illiteracy, one of UNESCO's priorities, and raise awareness of the work of thousands worldwide promoting the cause of literacy for all.

The laureates were proclaimed by UNESCO's Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura on the recommendation of an international jury.

This theme for this year's Prize was "Literacy and Health," especially literacy pertaining to general health care, nutrition, family and reproductive health and health-related community development.

A literacy centre – the Community Education Administration Centre – in Longsheng Ethnic Minority Autonomous County in a remote, rural and mountainous region of China with a high illiteracy rate among women, received the UNESCO International Reading Association Literacy Prize.

Two organizations received the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prizes, which were established in 1989 by the Government of the Republic of Korea. One honouree is the Tanzanian non-governmental organization (NGO) the Children's Book Project, which works to develop a solid reading culture. Through production of books in Kiswahili and the training of teachers, writers, publishers and illustrators, it promotes a reading culture among young people and adults.

The other recipient of the UNESCO King Sejong Literary Prize is Tostan, an organization in Senegal working with rural communities in the West African country. Seeking to empower women and communities, the project also deals with reproductive health, female genital mutilations and human rights.

In 2005, the Government of China established the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, and this year's two recipients are from the US and Nigeria.

Reach out and Read is a US organization working in concert with health care in areas such as urban health centres, neighbourhood clinics, hospitals and public health departments. It aims to reach low-income children most at risk of school failure by encouraging reading by offering literacy guidance to their families.

The Family Re-orientation Education and Empowerment (FREE) from Nigeria also received the Confucius Prize. It is an NGO furthering community development through programmes aimed especially at women and girls.

The CODEF Adult Education Centre, a Spanish NGO, was awarded an Honourable Mention of the UNESCO International Reading Association Literacy Prize for its encouragement of critical thinking and its promotion of relationships through dialogue through its Education of Disadvantaged Groups initiative which also addressing migrants.

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony on 10 September in Bamako, Mali, during the African Regional Conference in Support of Global Literacy.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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COUNTRIES MAKING STRIDES TO STOP INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AND ITS EFFECTS - UN STUDY

COUNTRIES MAKING STRIDES TO STOP INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AND ITS EFFECTS – UN STUDY
New York, Jul 16 2007 5:00PM
A new study by the United Nations World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2007/pr40/en/index.html">WHO) showed that worldwide, countries are scaling up efforts to halt interpersonal violence and its health consequences.

Documenting advancements made since 2002, the report – entitled "Third Milestones of a Global Campaign for Violence Prevention 2007" – spotlights the accomplishments of numerous countries.

According to the study, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom have all published their first-ever national reports on violence and health, while Mozambique has developed systems to record details of violence-related deaths and injuries as well as assess the quality and availability of medical and legal services for sexual violence victims.

"Globally, the greatest challenge to scaling up violence prevention efforts remains a lack of investment in scientific, large-scale outcome evaluation studies, especially from low- and middle-income countries, where both the burden of violence and the cost of failure to invest in effective prevention are highest," noted Etienne Krug, Director of WHO's Department of Violence and Injury Prevention. "With those studies in hand, we would be well placed to scale up and globalize prevention."

The report also illustrated the impact of violence worldwide, noting that in 2002 – the latest year for which global estimates are available – roughly 1.6 million people died as a result of violence, with over 90 per cent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

The report also observed that physical, sexual and psychological abuse threatens the health and well-being of millions of people globally on a daily basis. For people ages 15 to 44, suicide and homicide are the fifth and sixth leading causes of death, and between three and seven million adolescents and young adults receive hospital treatment yearly for violence-related injuries.

Evidence reflects that a majority of cases of violence-related death and suffering is avoidable through such measures as parent training; home visitation services; reducing alcohol availability and access to firearms; helping high-risk adolescents complete their schooling; and changing cultural norms condoning the use of violence.

At the three-day WHO "Milestones 2007" meeting kicking off tomorrow in Scotland, 200 top global experts will consider the progress made and how to face remaining challenges.

"With an improved understanding about what works to prevent violence in families and communities, the violence prevention field has reached a critical turning point," said Catherine Le Galès-Camus, WHO Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "Milestones 2007 is an opportunity to draw lessons from the good work being done in many countries and define ways to scale up implementation in countries around the world."
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY CALLS FOR URGENT AID TO GAZA AMID FEARS OF HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

UN AGENCY CALLS FOR URGENT AID TO GAZA AMID FEARS OF HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
New York, Jul 16 2007 5:00PM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with aiding Palestinian refugees has called for urgent international assistance to the Gaza Strip, amid mounting fears of a humanitarian crisis there.

"The violence in Gaza, coupled with the tight closures imposed by Israel has led to a desperate humanitarian situation," Karen AbuZayd, Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), <"http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2007/jer_15jul07.pdf">said during a meeting yesterday in Cairo with Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa.

Ms. AbuZayd said the economic deterioration manifests itself amongst the population in Gaza in the form of unemployment, which is running at around 36 per cent, and poverty, which is already affecting an estimated two-thirds of households.

"We have identified nearly $30 million worth of emergency projects for which we need urgent funding and I make a special appeal to Arab donors to contribute," she said. Nearly half the funds will be spent on job creation schemes while the remainder will be used for cash assistance programmes and shelter repair and reconstruction.

<"http://www.un.org/unrwa/english.html">UNRWA also appealed for nearly $8 million for emergency cash assistance to help refugees meet basic needs and as a complement to food aid. In addition, the agency called on donors to fund nearly $9 million for shelter repair and reconstruction.

"People are living in dire conditions," stated Ms. AbuZayd. "The recent violence has damaged or destroyed thousands of buildings and there is an urgent need to have these repaired."

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline3.un.org/">OCHA), almost no raw materials were imported into Gaza in the week ending last Monday, halting $370 million worth of construction. Due to the lack of supplies, only one-fifth of the Gaza companies that were open two years ago are still operating, and some 65,000 workers have been laid off.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN

BAN KI-MOON CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN
New York, Jul 16 2007 2:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

"I am especially concerned about the situation in Pakistan and the loss of life and destruction of property there over the past week," Mr. Ban told a news conference in New York, condemning the terrorist attacks over the weekend that claimed the lives of a large number of security forces and innocent civilians.

Noting that President Pervez Musharraf "has taken a strong stand against extremism," Mr. Ban said, "While I am in favour of firm action against extremism, I am conscious that the Government faces a delicate balance in ensuring the safety of its citizens."
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL RENEWS UN MISSION IN COTE D'IVOIRE TO ASSIST WITH ELECTIONS

SECURITY COUNCIL RENEWS UN MISSION IN COTE D'IVOIRE TO ASSIST WITH ELECTIONS
New York, Jul 16 2007 1:00PM
The Security Council today extended until mid-January 2008 the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and French forces supporting it to support the holding of free and fair elections in the West African country.

By a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council terminated the mandate of the UN envoy for the elections in Cote d'Ivoire, Gerard Stoudmann, and tasked Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative in the country with certifying all stages of the electoral process.

Deployed since April 2004, <" http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unoci"
>UNOCI has been helping the parties in Côte d'Ivoire – which has been divided between the rebel-held north and Government-controlled south since 2002 – to implement the Ouagadougou peace agreement signed in January 2003.

The agreement, struck in the capital of neighbouring Burkina Faso with the help of that country's President and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Blaise Compaoré, sets out a series of measures to deal with the political divide, including creating a new transitional Government and organizing free and fair presidential elections.

Under today's resolution, UNOCI will continue to facilitate the full implementation of the Ouagadougou agreement, including by supporting the identification and voter registration process, the electoral process, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the economic recovery of Côte d'Ivoire.

In his latest report on UNOCI's activities, Mr. Ban wrote that "the ultimate test for the Ouagadougou agreement" will be its ability to resolve the key issues between the parties, citing the reunification of the country, the identification of the population, the disarmament of combatants, and the re-establishment of State authority throughout Côte d'Ivoire.

Failure to effectively deal with these problems could lead to a breakdown of the peace process, with "dire consequences" for the rest of West Africa as well as Côte d'Ivoire itself, he added.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SHUTDOWN OF DPR KOREA NUCLEAR REACTOR

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SHUTDOWN OF DPR KOREA NUCLEAR REACTOR
New York, Jul 16 2007 1:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the verification by experts from the world body's nuclear watchdog that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has closed its Yongbyon reactor.

At the invitation of the DPRK's Government, a team from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/Focus/IaeaDprk/index.shtml">IAEA) visited the Asian country this weekend to implement agreements to monitor the shutdown and eventual abandonment of the Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

"As Secretary-General of the United Nations, and as a former foreign minister of the Republic of Korea, I encourage the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and other parties to continue to implement their commitments to realize the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula as soon as possible," Mr. Ban told reporters at a Headquarters press conference in New York today.

Late last month, IAEA inspectors visited Pyongyang and reached agreement with authorities regarding arrangements for the Agency's monitoring and verification of the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility and the reactor under construction in Taechon.

"This is just one step, but I think that it is a very important and encouraging step," Mr. said today.

Eventually, the DPRK will "have to dismantle and destroy all nuclear weapons and related programmes in return for economic assistance as well as the security assurance and political horizons, diplomatic horizons," he added.
2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO CHIEF AGAIN DEPLORES KILLING OF IRAQI JOURNALIST

UNESCO CHIEF AGAIN DEPLORES KILLING OF IRAQI JOURNALIST
New York, Jul 16 2007 9:00AM
Continuing his effort to cast a spotlight on the unprecedented number of Iraqi journalists who have been killed since 2003, the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today deplored the deaths last week of Reuters photographer Namir Nour-Eldine and his driver Said Chmagh.

"These brave professionals have added their names to the all too long list of journalists and media workers killed in the exercise of their profession in Iraq," said Koïchiro Matsuura of the deaths that occurred in the east of Baghdad on 12 July.

"No other conflict has levied such a heavy toll on the press as the one in Iraq," said the UNESCO chief, calling for "all authorities concerned (to) take measures to reinforce the safety of media professionals so as to halt this bloodletting and protect the basic human right of freedom of expression."

The two Reuters employees were killed in fighting between United States forces and insurgents. The circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. Iraqi police reported an explosion in the sector but did not say whether it was caused by a US air-strike or by a mortar attack, UNESCO said.

The 22-year old Mr. Nour-Eldine worked as a photographer. Forty-year old Said Chmagh, the driver, was the father of four.

Since March 2003, the Reuters news agency lost six employees in Iraq . According to Reporters without Borders, a total of 191 journalists and their collaborators have been killed in Iraq since the start of the conflict in 2003.

2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO CHIEF AGAIN DEPLORES KILLING OF IRAQI JOURNALIST

UNESCO CHIEF AGAIN DEPLORES KILLING OF IRAQI JOURNALIST
New York, Jul 16 2007 9:00AM
Continuing his effort to cast a spotlight on the unprecedented number of Iraqi journalists who have been killed since 2003, the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today deplored the deaths last week of Reuters photographer Namir Nour-Eldine and his driver Said Chmagh.

"These brave professionals have added their names to the all too long list of journalists and media workers killed in the exercise of their profession in Iraq," said Koïchiro Matsuura of the deaths that occurred in the east of Baghdad on 12 July.

"No other conflict has levied such a heavy toll on the press as the one in Iraq," said the UNESCO chief, calling for "all authorities concerned (to) take measures to reinforce the safety of media professionals so as to halt this bloodletting and protect the basic human right of freedom of expression."

The two Reuters employees were killed in fighting between United States forces and insurgents. The circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. Iraqi police reported an explosion in the sector but did not say whether it was caused by a US air-strike or by a mortar attack, UNESCO said.

The 22-year old Mr. Nour-Eldine worked as a photographer. Forty-year old Said Chmagh, the driver, was the father of four.

Since March 2003, the Reuters news agency lost six employees in Iraq . According to Reporters without Borders, a total of 191 journalists and their collaborators have been killed in Iraq since the start of the conflict in 2003.

2007-07-16 00:00:00.000

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UN'S AFGHANISTAN MISSION OPENS NEW OFFICE IN CENTRAL PROVINCE OF GHOR

UN'S AFGHANISTAN MISSION OPENS NEW OFFICE IN CENTRAL PROVINCE OF GHOR
New York, Jul 15 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has opened a new office in the central province of Ghor, where staff will help local communities with development, humanitarian efforts, human rights, good governance and the rule of law.

"UNAMA is well aware that Ghor has suffered greatly from its isolation and it continues to struggle to gain the attention it deserves. It is our hope that the days of Ghor being overlooked are slowly drawing to a close," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative, Tom Koenigs, at a launch ceremony in Chaghcharan on Saturday.

"We believe that our presence can help secure peace, stability and progress for the people of Ghor. With our new office we will encourage more organizations to deliver much needed development and humanitarian assistance," he added.

Mr. Koenigs acknowledged the "vast but not insurmountable" challenges facing Ghor. The region's people, he said, "should have no illusions that the scale of the problems facing this province can be solved quickly and easily."

He called for concerted and sustained efforts by the Government, the donor community and the Afghan people, pledging UNAMA's full support for this endeavour.

With this new office, the mission has nearly doubled its presence across Afghanistan over the last year.

2007-07-15 00:00:00.000

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UN ENVOY ON DARFUR PEACE PROCESS HOLDS CONSULTATIONS BEFORE KEY MEETING

UN ENVOY ON DARFUR PEACE PROCESS HOLDS CONSULTATIONS BEFORE KEY MEETING
New York, Jul 13 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations envoy tasked with re-energizing the peace process in Darfur is holding talks today in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, ahead of a key meeting to assess recent progress towards finding peace in the war-torn Sudanese region.

Jan Eliasson, the UN Special Envoy for Darfur, is having consultations with Darfur rebel groups and Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters.

Then Mr. Eliasson heads to Tripoli, Libya, for a two-day meeting starting on Sunday that he will be jointly chairing with his African Union counterpart Salim Ahmed Salim.

The Tripoli gathering has been convened to take stock of the progress made over the past months towards holding peace talks in Darfur, where more than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes amid brutal fighting since 2003.

The meeting will focus on the roadmap, the joint plan of the UN and the AU to solve the conflict between the Government, allied Janjaweed militias and Darfur's many rebel groups. Negotiations between the warring parties mark the roadmap's third phase.

Ms. Okabe said invitations to the Tripoli meeting have been sent to representatives of Sudan, Chad, Egypt, the Arab League, the Security Council's five permanent members and key donors, including Canada, the Netherlands, Norway and the European Union.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES START OF SOMALI RECONCILIATION MEETING

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES START OF SOMALI RECONCILIATION MEETING
New York, Jul 13 2007 3:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he wishes a "successful beginning" to the National Reconciliation Congress set to begin this weekend in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Urging that efforts are continued to ensure the broadest participation possible in the process, he "commends the determination of the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee and the Somali delegates to proceed with this important event in the face of many obstacles," according to a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11088.doc.htm">statement released by his spokesperson.

Mr. Ban also condemned the recent violent incidents and threats intended to thwart the Congress, and called on opposition groups – both within and outside Somalia – to renounce violence and participate in the Congress to further the cause of reconciliation.

Stressing that this Congress is the beginning of the consensus-rebuilding process, he pledged the UN's support for continuing "all-inclusive efforts at national reconciliation and greater international assistance to help bring peace and stability to Somalia."
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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CLOSURE OF GAZA CROSSINGS DRAWS CONCERN FROM BAN KI-MOON

CLOSURE OF GAZA CROSSINGS DRAWS CONCERN FROM BAN KI-MOON
New York, Jul 13 2007 4:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for all crossings into the Gaza Strip to be re-opened to allow humanitarian supplies, relief workers and commercial goods to pass through, voicing increasing concern over the territory's deteriorating economic situation.

"The continued restrictions on Gaza will have a severe humanitarian impact and can only cause further suffering to the people there," Mr. Ban said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11086.doc.htm">statement released by his spokesperson.

Israel has closed or restricted the handful of border crossings with the Gaza Strip since deadly intra-Palestinian violence – which has since subsided – erupted early last month. UN humanitarian officials warned earlier this week that the restrictions are threatening the economically sustainability of the territory, where more than 1.4 million live in a 360-square-kilometre area.

In today's statement, Mr. Ban's spokesperson cited new World Bank figures showing that, in the last month alone, the closing of nearly 3,200 businesses in Gaza has left over 65,000 people unemployed.

"If what is left of Gaza's economy is allowed to collapse, poverty levels, already affecting an estimated two-thirds of households, will rise further and the people of Gaza will become near totally aid-dependent," the statement added.

Mr. Ban is calling for the Karni crossing to be opened immediately to allow commercial imports and exports to pass through, as well as the Rafah crossing, so that over 4,000 Palestinians stranded in Egypt can re-enter Gaza.

In a related development, the UN Relief and Works Agency (<"http://www.un.org/unrwa/english.html">UNRWA) working for Palestine refugees called today for aid to be rushed to Gaza.

"The violence in Gaza, coupled with the tight closures imposed by Israel, has led to a deteriorating humanitarian situation," the agency's Commissioner General Karen AbuZayd said at a meeting in Cairo with Amr Musa, the Arab League's Secretary General.

"We have identified nearly $30 million worth of emergency projects for which we need urgent funding and I make a special appeal to Arab donors to contribute," she said, adding that almost half of the money will be put towards job creation initiatives while the rest will fund assistance programmes and shelter repair and reconstruction.

Ms. AbuZayd noted that high unemployment and poverty rates – 36 per cent and nearly 90 per cent, respectively – reflect Gaza's economic deterioration.

UNRWA will provide employment opportunities, creating approximately 640,000 days of work in the agency's facilities as well as with community-based organizations and the private sector, to assist the most needy refugee families in the area.

The agency also appealed for almost $8 million for emergency cash assistance to allow refugees to meet basic needs and to bolster food aid, as well as for $9 million for shelter repair and reconstruction.

"People are living in dire conditions," the Commissioner General said. "The recent violence has damaged or destroyed thousands of buildings and there is an urgent need to have these repaired."
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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SRI LANKA'S DISPLACED NEED GREATER ASSISTANCE, SAYS UN REFUGEE OFFICIAL

SRI LANKA'S DISPLACED NEED GREATER ASSISTANCE, SAYS UN REFUGEE OFFICIAL
New York, Jul 13 2007 4:00PM
A senior United Nations refugee agency official today urged the Sri Lankan Government to step up its efforts to aid the displaced by allocating land and allowing them to move out of welfare centres they have been living in for over two decades.

Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/469789cd4.html">UNHCR), met with top Sri Lankan officials this week to discuss the Government's return programme in the east of the South Asian country.

While visiting Vavuniya in the country's north, Ms. Cheng-Hopkins reviewed UNHCR programmes to provide assistance in relocation and local integration. She travelled to the Thattankulam relocation site, where the agency has helped 130 families settle after years of residing in welfare centres, as well as Kalmadu, where another site is being prepared.

She urged the Government to provide more land for such relocation sites to be built, stressing that 312,000 people have been similarly displaced for decades and need assistance.

In the last three months, nearly 100,000 people have returned to their homes in Batticaloa district after fleeing earlier this year from heavy fighting between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

After visiting returnees in Batticaloa, Ms. Cheng-Hopkins called on the Government to ensure the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and that returns are voluntary and sustainable.

Improvements in health care, education and employment opportunities in areas to where IDPs return is crucial, she added.

According to the UN, clashes in Sri Lanka between Government forces and the LTTE have now affected 3 million people. Over the past year and a half, some 4,000 people are estimated to have died in the fighting.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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IRAN AGREES TO NEW UN NUCLEAR INSPECTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS

IRAN AGREES TO NEW UN NUCLEAR INSPECTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS
New York, Jul 13 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations nuclear watchdog announced today that it has reached agreement with Iranian authorities to allow new inspections and safeguards at some of its key facilities.

International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/index.html">IAEA) inspectors will visit the heavy water research reactor at Arak by the end of this month and will also finalize the safeguards approach at the fuel enrichment plant in Natanz early next month, the IAEA said in a <"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressReleases/2007/prn200711.html">press statement issued at its headquarters in Vienna.

Iran and the IAEA also agreed on the designation of new agency inspectors, according to the statement.

The deal follows a two-day visit to Iran by a team of IAEA experts – lead by Olli Heinonen, the agency's Deputy Director General for Safeguards – that ended yesterday.

The visit follows last month's meeting between IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei and Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

The IAEA and Iran have also agreed to hold another meeting in early August on steps to resolve remaining issues pertaining to the country's past plutonium experiments.

Tehran has stated that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but other countries contend that it is driven by military ambitions.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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UNITED KINGDOM SIGNS SENTENCING DEAL WITH UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL IN SIERRA LEONE

UNITED KINGDOM SIGNS SENTENCING DEAL WITH UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL IN SIERRA LEONE
New York, Jul 13 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (<"http://www.sc-sl.org/">SCSL) has reached an agreement with the United Kingdom that will mean the notorious former Liberian president Charles Taylor will be imprisoned in the UK if he is convicted on war crimes charges.

The SCSL's Acting Registrar Herman von Hebel signed the sentence enforcement agreement earlier this week, the Court said in a press release issued yesterday from Freetown. The SCSL has already signed similar pacts with Sweden and Austria.

Mark Malloch Brown, the Minister for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British Government and a former UN Deputy Secretary-General, signed the accord on behalf of the UK.

"I pay tribute to the Court's work in bringing to justice those accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war," he said. "This is making a major contribution to the cause of international justice and is an essential part of the process of restoring and maintaining stability in Sierra Leone."

Mr. Taylor is facing 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, including mass murder, mutilations, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers, for his role in the decade-long civil war that engulfed Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia.

The trial, which began last month, is expected to run until December 2008, with a judgement likely by mid-2009. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call up to 139 core witnesses.

A year ago the Security Council authorized the staging of Mr. Taylor's trial at The Hague in the Netherlands, citing reasons of security and expediency. Although the trial will be held at the premises of the International Criminal Court (<"http://www.icc-cpi.int/home.html&l=en">ICC), it will remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the SCSL.

Mr. Malloch Brown called on the international community to maintain its support, "financial and otherwise," for the Court so that it can "continue to make clear that there can be no impunity for those would commit these most serious crimes."

The Court was established in January 2002 by an agreement between the Sierra Leonean Government and the UN and is mandated to try "those who bear greatest responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against community committed in the country after 30 November 1996.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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UN SENDS TEAM TO DR CONGO TO PROBE ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT BY PEACEKEEPERS

UN SENDS TEAM TO DR CONGO TO PROBE ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT BY PEACEKEEPERS
New York, Jul 13 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations announced today that it is sending a management audit team to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this weekend in response to allegations of misconduct by troops serving with the world body's peacekeeping operation there.

Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno told reporters that an investigation by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has not found evidence of gun smuggling by blue helmets serving with the UN mission in the DRC, which is known by its French acronym <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC, but added that "it points to the possibility that one individual may have facilitated gold smuggling."

The results of that probe are being shared with the concerned troop contributing country "and we expect that action will be taken," he added in response to press questions.

Mr. Guéhenno said there was an ongoing investigation of allegations concerning Indian troops, adding that given the "very serious concerns," the UN decided to dispatch immediately a management audit team to the DRC capital, Kinshasa, to examine the issue.

"We want to react fast. We think that problems are better addressed when they are addressed quickly," he said. "The purpose of the team is to work very cooperatively with our mission so that we address the issue together and we come to a good resolution."

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11089.doc.htm">said the team, which is to be led by a senior official, "will work with all levels of the UN mission to obtain a full picture of various recent allegations of serious misconduct against UN personnel serving with MONUC."

The team "will also evaluate management processes related to the maintenance of good order and discipline in the mission," she added.

The team will report to UN Headquarters with recommendations aimed at strengthening mission management on this issue, according to the spokesperson.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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BURUNDIAN RETURNEES TO RECEIVE BIGGER AID PACKAGE FROM UN AGENCY

BURUNDIAN RETURNEES TO RECEIVE BIGGER AID PACKAGE FROM UN AGENCY
New York, Jul 13 2007 6:00PM
United Nations aid agencies are offering cash grants and bigger food packages to help ease the reintegration of the anticipated surge of Burundians returning home from refugee camps in the northwest of neighbouring Tanzania.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expects to be able to help about 60,000 of the estimated 150,000 Burundians who are likely to return before the end of this year now that the security situation in their homeland has improved.

Nearly 5,000 people have returned so far this year, taking the total number of returnees to Burundi since 2002 to some 300,000 as a series of power-sharing agreements and ceasefires between the Government and various rebel groups help to bring peace to the impoverished African country.

Returns will be voluntary, <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46964d034.html">UNHCR stressed in a media statement yesterday, saying that at a meeting last month with agency staff and Burundian officials, the Tanzanian Government discounted media reports that it plans to repatriate all 350,000 Burundians still living in its territory.

As of this week, each returnee to Burundi will receive a cash grant of 50,000 Burundian francs, or $50, to help them get started once they are back in their homeland. The money, which will be paid via a network of local cooperatives, is being provided on top of UN assistance with repatriation transport and basic household and farming items.

Since April, the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) has also started giving returnees four months of food rations instead of three months, while the Burundian Commission on Land is setting up a presence in all provinces to solve any land or property disputes.

As a further incentive, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offering secondary school education at the Tanzanian refugee camps are being encouraged to shift their programmes to the areas in Burundi where people are returning. Secondary school fees have also been waived in these areas.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES GREATER PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN IN CHAD, DR CONGO

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES GREATER PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN IN CHAD, DR CONGO
New York, Jul 13 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for greater protection for children caught up in armed conflict in the African nations of Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in two reports made public today.

Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/400">voiced his deep concern in one report over the grave violations of both children's rights and international humanitarian law in Chad, including recruitment of children as soldiers with the Chadian Government forces, armed opposition groups, self-defence militias and Sudanese rebel groups operating in the neighbouring country.

"I appeal to these armed forces and groups to immediately cease such practices and identify, release and reintegrate into their communities all children associated with their forces with the support of the United Nations and other child protection actors," he said.

His report highlights how the convergence of three distinct yet interrelated dimensions of the conflict in Chad – violence in the east between Government forces and armed opposition groups, ethnic and intercommunal strife in the east, and the Darfur conflict – have "led to a significant increase in grave child rights violations and impunity for crimes against children."

But the Secretary-General welcomed the May agreement between Chad and the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) for the demobilization of child soldiers. Based on this accord, he requested that the Government create a plan to ensure the prevention of child recruitment and that transparent steps be taken to release and verify children in its forces.

Mr. Ban also expressed alarm over the increasing militarization in Chad's east, and its implications for the civilian population, especially the most vulnerable groups such as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He called on Chad to bolster its child protection capacity, criminalize the recruitment and use of child soldiers under domestic laws, and thoroughly investigate and prosecute all crimes – such as rape, sexual violence, unlawful killing and abduction – against children. He also asked Chad to step up to its responsibilities under international humanitarian law by ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and assets.

Meanwhile, in the DRC, the Secretary-General noted that while progress has been made by the Government, the UN mission (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC) and other partners to improve the situation of children affected by armed conflict, major obstacles remain, especially in the Ituri district and the North and South Kivu provinces in the north-east of the vast nation.

The <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/391">report noted that 30 per cent of abducted children in these areas were recruited as soldiers, 13 per cent were raped and 2 per cent used as forced labour.

The report called for the arrest of Laurent Nkunda, who it said had used Congolese and Rwandan children as soldiers in North Kivu, as well as the re-arrest of Jean-Pierre Biyoyo, who was sentenced by a tribunal in the city of Bukavu in March last year to five years' imprisonment for the de facto recruitment and use of child soldiers.

"I encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and donors to devote greater resources to developing the national judicial and penitentiary systems in an effort to promote accountability for violations of children's rights," Mr. Ban wrote.

He also urged the Rwandan Government, in concert with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news">UNHCR) and other child protection partners, to work to immediately end the recruitment of Congolese children from refugee camps in Rwanda, as well as of Rwandan children in the DRC.
2007-07-13 00:00:00.000

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