LIBERIA: UN MISSION HANDS REHABILITATED SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM OVER TO COMMUNITY

LIBERIA: UN MISSION HANDS REHABILITATED SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM OVER TO COMMUNITY
New York, Sep 29 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia (UNMIL) handed over a school it rehabilitated for some 1,500 Christian and Muslin children to a community on the outskirts of the capital Monrovia.

"This school is a symbol of the progress that Liberia is making and of UNMIL's engagement to support the Government in meeting the needs of its citizens," the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Recovery and Governance Jordan Ryan said at the hand-over ceremony in Sawebeh.

Stressing the significance of education for the development of Liberia, he said that "it is now time for the Ministry of Education takes the responsibility to make sure the school works well."

Liberian Education Minister Joseph Korto stressed that ensuring young people go to school is one of his Government's top priorities as the West African nation seeks to recover from a civil war that killed almost 150,000 people and sent 850,000 more fleeing across its borders.

"Access to educational opportunities is a right and not a privilege," he noted. "Whenever UNMIL and our development partners assist in providing additional classrooms, it is a joyful day for the Ministry of Education, the Government and villages like Sawegbeh."

He underscored the uniqueness of the Sawegbeh English and Arabic Grammar School project because it is the first with additional amenities to meet the Islamic community's needs. "The Muslim community is an integral part of Liberia and deserves to be educated like any other," he stated.

Thanking the Mission for its efforts, Elder John Mills of Sawegbeh, where former internally displaced persons (IDPs) have resettled, said that his people "will always remember the good work UNMIL has done in our community."

As part of UNMIL's Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) initiative, the project aims to assist both Christian and Muslim children in the community. The Mission's Pakistani engineers supervised the
while the community provided labour.

Over the past four years, UNMIL, through its QIPs, has spent more than $1.5 million on nearly 120 educational institutions across Liberia with the objective of providing improved facilities for the countryâ??s young people.

UNMIL was established in September 2003 to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the peace process; protect UN staff, facilities and civilians; bolster humanitarian and human rights activities; and assist in national security reform, including national police training and formation of a new, restructured military.

2007-09-29 00:00:00.000

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AFGHANISTAN: TOP UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY ARMY BUS ATTACK IN KABUL

AFGHANISTAN: TOP UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY ARMY BUS ATTACK IN KABUL
New York, Sep 29 2007 12:00PM
The top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan expressed his outrage over the terrible loss of life from morning;s army bus attack in capital Kabul, which is among deadliest the city has seen.

"We don't at this stage know the final numbers for dead and wounded but it is clear this attack is among the worst that Kabul has seen," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Tom Koenigs said in a statement.

The attack, which took place on a busy city street, was undoubtedly aimed at terrorizing the population, he noted.

"Those responsible are evidently incapable of offering anything beyond savagery and murder. They must be made to know they will not prevail."
2007-09-29 00:00:00.000

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AT UN DEBATE, SINGAPORE CALLS FOR 'GRADUAL EVOLUTION' OF KEY GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS

AT UN DEBATE, SINGAPORE CALLS FOR 'GRADUAL EVOLUTION' OF KEY GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS
New York, Sep 28 2007 11:00PM
A gradual evolution in global governance is necessary to make the world's leading institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, mirror today's "multi-polar reality," <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/singapore-eng.pdf">Singapore's Foreign Minister has told the General Assembly.

Addressing the annual high-level debate, George Yeo said it was time for the key institutions to reflect the world of the current era and not that prevailing at the end of World War II, when so many were established.

"The reform of the UN, including the UN Security Council, should take into account the weight of India, Japan, Germany and Brazil, and the growing importance of regional organizations," Mr. Yeo said.

"Selection for heads of the IMF [International Monetary Fund] and the World Bank should be widened. Membership of the G8 should be enlarged to include countries like China and India."

At the same time, Mr. Yeo stressed that it was important to still work with these institutions as they are, as not as States might wish them to be.

"Unless there is another global conflagration, the improvement of global governance can only be achieved through gradual evolution, not revolution."

Brunei's Foreign Minister, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, said civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), also deserved a much greater say in world affairs.

"This means giving ordinary people a place in the consensus," he said, adding he was encouraged by the statements so far of General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim regarding the need for multilateral solutions to the world's most intractable problems.

"We certainly agree with the need for the United Nations to strengthen its central position in the multilateral system."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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ROMANIA SAYS UN BEST PLACED TO OVERCOME CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDES

ROMANIA SAYS UN BEST PLACED TO OVERCOME CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDES
New York, Sep 28 2007 10:00PM
No other organization is better placed than the United Nations to overcome differences between peoples, cultures and religions, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/romania-eng-fr.pdf">Romania's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly tonight, calling for greater dialogue to overcome what divides humankind.

Adrian Mihai Cioroianu said the Alliance of Civilizations – launched by the UN in 2005 at the initiative of Spain and Turkey to reduce tensions between religions and cultures – "had the great potential to construct a real dialogue between the West and Islam."

The Alliance brings together leaders, institutions and civil society to try to reduce fear and suspicion and overcome prejudices and polarizations that have emerged between Islam and the West, especially in recent years.

In April, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Jorge Sampaio, a former president of Portugal, as the first UN High Representative for the Alliance.

Mr. Cioroianu told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that "Romania attaches particular importance to dialogue between cultures and religions. We believe this is essential to meeting today's global challenges."

Echoing that call, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/sanmarino-eng.pdf">San Marino's Foreign Minister and Head of Government Fiorenzo Stolfi described intercultural and interreligious dialogue as a "fundamental instrument to prevent tensions and conflicts arising from intolerance and to promote peace based on the principles of respect for fundamental human rights, justice and international cooperation."

Mr. Stolfi said San Marino had used its recent six-month chairmanship of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers to organize a series of high-level debates and meetings on promoting tolerance.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/spain-eng.pdf">Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos said the "Group of Friends" network – a growing community of over 70 States and international organizations that support the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations – has already helped set up a trust fund for voluntary contributions, while Dr. Sampaio has also presented a programme of work to further the Alliance's goals.

Turning to the wider issue of international relations, Mr. Moratinos added that there was a small but distinct trend towards greater cooperation within regional groups and other organizations and an enhanced appreciation of the value of political consensus.

"There exists a global political consciousness regarding the challenges that affect demography, sustainable human and economic development, as well as its link with climate change," Mr. Moratinos said.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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JAPAN URGES 'TOTAL ELIMINATION' OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, TOP OFFICIAL TELLS UN

JAPAN URGES 'TOTAL ELIMINATION' OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, TOP OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Sep 28 2007 10:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/japan-eng.pdf">Japan is committed to bolstering global efforts for the elimination of nuclear weapons, the country's newly-appointed foreign minister told the United Nations General Assembly's annual high-level debate today.

Japan, as the only country ever to suffer nuclear devastation, "will again submit a draft resolution at this session of the General Assembly to map out concrete measures toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons," said Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura.

He welcomed the Security Council's adoption by consensus of several resolutions regarding the nuclear programmes of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran.

"It is up to all of us to translate the will of the international community into concrete action through full implementation of the relevant resolutions," Mr. Koumura said, adding that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction "requires the undivided attention of humankind."

Japan will continue its efforts both to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks and to appeal to Iran to "heed the international community and suspend its enrichment-related activities," he noted.

Mr. Koumura also pledged Japan's ongoing support for African development, since "without peace in Africa, the world at large will not enjoy peace and prosperity."

In Darfur, the scene of the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the country has to date provided assistance worth $85 million. The Foreign Minister voiced hope that the new African Union-UN hybrid peacekeeping mission, or UNAMID, will be deployed as soon as possible.

Elsewhere, Japan is dedicated to assisting other countries consolidate peace and stability, he said.

In Iraq, Japan has been aiding reconstruction efforts through is provision of $5 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and through its dispatching of Self-Defence Forces.

In concert with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Japan has played a leading role in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and in disbanding illegal armed groups in the war-torn South Asian nation.

As Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) – established last year to help prevent countries emerging from conflict from slipping back into violence – Japan "is resolved to make a significant contribution to international efforts" through such means as the launch of the Hiroshima Peacebuilders Centre to increase Asian civilian experts' abilities to respond to events on the ground.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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PLANNED SUMMIT OFFERS CHANCE FOR PROGRESS ON KOREAN PENINSULA, OFFICIAL TELLS UN

PLANNED SUMMIT OFFERS CHANCE FOR PROGRESS ON KOREAN PENINSULA, OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Sep 28 2007 10:00PM
A planned summit meeting next week bringing together leaders of the two Koreas offers the chance to take relations between them to a new level and consolidate peace on their shared peninsula, the Foreign Minister of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/korea-eng.pdf">Republic of Korea told the United Nations General Assembly today.

Addressing the Assembly's annual high-level debate, Song Min-soon said the leaders "will explore ways to increase mutual trust through political and military confidence-building measures, as well as ways to lay the groundwork for an eventual Inter-Korean Economic Community."

Anticipating progress in the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), he said this would lead to a new peace regime replacing the half-century-old armistice on the peninsula.

He pointed out that this would have a beneficial effect far beyond the two countries. "A peace process on the Korean Peninsula will open the path to a regional security dialogue, and the resultant improvement in North-East Asian security will further strengthen regional and global cooperation for peace and security," he said.

The ongoing Six-Party Talks, which bring together the two Koreas, the United States, the Russian Federation, China and Japan, offer "a real opportunity for change," he added.

"We hope that our partners in this process will help us transform today's uncertainty into tomorrow's stability and prosperity."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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EUROPEAN NATIONS SPOTLIGHT VALUE OF PARTNERSHIPS DURING GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE

EUROPEAN NATIONS SPOTLIGHT VALUE OF PARTNERSHIPS DURING GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE
New York, Sep 28 2007 10:00PM
European countries addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today stressed the value of multilateralism and called for international relations to be based more on partnerships, whether among individual States or with regional groups or the United Nations and other organizations.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/austria-en.pdf">Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Ursula Plassnik said the major global problems and challenges of the current era are so complex that partnerships are the only feasible option.

"In the age of globalization, unilateralism and nationalism are dead-end streets," she said. "They simply do not achieve effective and durable results."

Ms. Plassnik said effective partnerships starts with regional cooperation, citing the closer relationship between the European Union and the African Union and the example of a conference on sustainable peace that Austria and Burkina Faso are co-hosting in Ouagadougou in November.

"Austria believes in the power of partnership where equality, mutual trust and respect for diversity overcome the crude logic of power," she said.

Calling on nations to work more closely together, Sergei Martynov, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/belarus-en.pdf">Belarus, questioned the "imposed myths" of a clash of civilizations or a confrontation between North and South.

"The international community should through its actions today build a practical partnership that will form the foundation of a new world order," he said.

Mr. Martynov said problems such as human trafficking, the search for renewable energy sources and climate change transcended borders and required coordinated international efforts, with countries and regional groups and the UN teaming up to devise common strategies and actions.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/bulgaria-eng-fr.pdf">Bulgaria's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ivaïlo Kalfin hailed the recent efforts of the UN to work more closely with the EU, the AU and NATO.

Mr. Kalfin said the planned hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force (to be known as UNAMID) in the war-wracked Sudanese region of Darfur indicated how multilateralism can be made even more effective.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir said prosperous nations had a duty to work in partnership with poorer States to help the latter achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the set of anti-poverty goals which world leaders agreed at a UN summit in 2000 to strive to achieve by 2015.

"Donors need to deliver on their promises and accelerate their efforts in increasing development assistance," she said, adding that increased aid "is, of course, not a panacea. We need to make progress in international trade negotiations."

The Foreign Minister said <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/iceland-eng.pdf">Iceland's own example, transforming within living memory from one of Europe's poorest members to one of its richest, testified "to the fact that it through civilized coexistence with the community of nations that societies prosper."

Željko Šturanovi &#263;, Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/montenegro-en.pdf">Montenegro, the newest UN Member State, was one of several European speakers today to also emphasize the need for the Organization to continue its programme of reform.

The General Assembly must remain the primary decision-making organ of the world body, he said, while any change to the composition of Security Council membership should not be at the expense of the "equitable representation of the Eastern European Group," to which it is a member.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn warned that failure to maintain the pace of reform could marginalize the UN system in the long-term.

"The choice before us is clear," Mr. Asselborn said, adding that system-wide coherence is particularly crucial to ensuring the success of development operations in poor nations.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UNREST IN MYANMAR COULD BLOCK FOOD AID FOR 500,000 PEOPLE, UN FOOD AGENCY WARNS

UNREST IN MYANMAR COULD BLOCK FOOD AID FOR 500,000 PEOPLE, UN FOOD AGENCY WARNS
New York, Sep 28 2007 9:00PM
The restrictions Myanmar has placed on the movement of food due to the current unrest are an obstacle to feeding half a million people, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today.

"We appeal to the authorities for access to all parts of the country," <"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said. "We have to protect the most vulnerable people in the country," most of whom are young children and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis patients in desperate need of assistance.

Buddhist monks have been leading civil protests in the South-East Asian nation for 11 consecutive days. While the unrest has been concentrated mostly in the main cities of Yangon and Mandalay, the demonstrators' stand-off with the Government and its response are having consequences in other areas where WFP distributes food assistance.

All movements of food out of the Mandalay Division have been halted by local authorities, and this will impede WFP operations in northern Shan and the Central Dry Zone, both of which depend on food deliveries from Mandalay.

Disturbances in the port town of Sittwe have also thwarted food movement to the agency's operational areas in north Rakhine State.

Over a three-year period, WFP, which partners on the ground in Myanmar with nearly two dozen UN and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aims to feed 1.6 million people at a cost of over $50 million. Its operations rely on the Government to facilitate the movement of both food supplies and personnel.

However, the agency currently faces funding shortages – to date, it has only received $12.5 million or just under one quarter of its needs – and thus must scale back its planned assistance to primary school students and vulnerable families.

In its operational areas, WFP's food assistance is crucial to sustain lives and livelihoods, and without the agency's support, it is expected that vulnerable families will face acute food shortages while food prices could potentially soar, especially in the post-monsoon season.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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WORLD LEADERS REALIZE URGENCY OF COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE - BAN KI-MOON

WORLD LEADERS REALIZE URGENCY OF COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Sep 28 2007 8:00PM
This week's historic high-level meeting on climate change has galvanized world leaders to take urgent action to stem global warning, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

The discussion convened by Mr. Ban at UN Headquarters in New York drew more than 80 heads of State or government, making it the largest-ever gathering on the issue, which he has identified as one of his top priorities.

"I sensed something remarkable happening, something transformative – a sea-change, whereby leaders showed themselves willing to put aside blame for the past and pose to themselves more forward-looking questions," he wrote in an <"http://www.un.org/sg/press_article_climate2.shtml">op-ed published in yesterday's <i>International Herald Tribune</i>. "Where do we go from here? What can we do, together, in the future?"

As it stands today, climate change has two main facets, the Secretary-General noted. On the one hand, science has proven that human activity is at the root of the increased severity of extreme weather, while on the other, the world has realized the magnitude of the problem and has finally taken a firm stand to fight it.

With climate change expected to be responsible for devastation ranging from dramatic water shortages for half a billion people to the desertification of most of northern China, Mr. Ban noted the fear voiced by the Micronesian leader that his country will sink under the rising seas.

"How do we explain this to our people, to future generations, that we have nothing for them," President Emanuel Mori asked.

Looking on the bright side, the Secretary-General pointed out that Brazil told participants at the meeting in New York that it has slashed Amazon basin deforestation by half, that India is dedicating two per cent of its annual GDP to controlling floods and food security programmes and that California is blazing the trail in both the political and business realms to tackle climate change.

Countries will seek their own methods to combat climate change, but "the important thing is that all agree: national policies should be coordinated within the United Nations, so that our work together is complimentary and mutually enforcing," he said.

Additionally, Mr. Ban said there is a shared sense of the necessity to address climate change now. It is no longer purely an environmental concern, but a political one. "This represents a turning point, with enormous implications," he noted.

The gathering has generated international momentum for the major climate change summit to be held in December in Bali, Indonesia, the Secretary-General said.

That meeting seeks to determine future action on mitigation, adaptation, the global carbon market and financing responses to climate change for the period after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol – the current global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – in 2012.

"We need a breakthrough – an agreement to launch negotiations for a comprehensive climate change deal that all nations can embrace. It will be difficult but I am optimistic. We are in a different place, today, than yesterday," Mr. Ban stated.

"Our job is to translate the spirit of New York into deeds in Bali."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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GLOBAL PACT NEEDED AGAINST DEPLOYING WEAPONS IN SPACE, RUSSIA SAYS AT UN DEBATE

GLOBAL PACT NEEDED AGAINST DEPLOYING WEAPONS IN SPACE, RUSSIA SAYS AT UN DEBATE
New York, Sep 28 2007 7:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/russia-eng.pdf">Russia's Foreign Minister told national leaders attending the General Assembly today that it is time to establish a global agreement outlawing the deployment of weapons in space, warning they endanger the existence of all States.

Sergey Lavrov said urgent steps are needed to strengthen the overall non-proliferation regime, ranging from nuclear weapons to strategic missile defence.

"The possibility of deploying weapons in space brings about a serious threat," he told the Assembly's annual high-level debate. "Its threat is determined by the global coverage, which can endanger all States without exception. We are consistently opposing deploying in space weapons of any type and call upon the international community to conclude an agreement to that effect."

Peace must be based on a collective approach, Mr. Lavrov said, criticizing "unilateral plans in the area of missile defence" and praising the "constructive alternative" of Russian President Vladimir Putin on this issue.

"Such work could lead to a genuinely strategic alliance within the entire Euro-Atlantic region, which would allow [us] to move forward in setting up an open system of collective security."

Turning to the wider context, Mr. Lavrov said "the developments over the past year provide convincing proof that an essentially new geopolitical situation has been developing in the world, one that is primarily defined by emerging multi-polarity."

No one nation can cope with global challenges on its own, he added.

"What is needed is collective leadership of major States that should represent the geographical and civilizational dimensions. The basis for such an informal mechanism can only be provided by the United Nations with its unique legitimacy."

The Foreign Minister called for the UN system to be strengthened to meet these changing realities, and stressed that decisions must be based on the broadest possible consensus of Member States.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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DEVELOPING COUNTRIES MERIT INCREASED REPRESENTATION ON SECURITY COUNCIL - CHINA

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES MERIT INCREASED REPRESENTATION ON SECURITY COUNCIL – CHINA
New York, Sep 28 2007 7:00PM
Developing countries deserve greater representation on the United Nations Security Council, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/china-eng.pdf">China, one of five permanent members on that body, said today.

Yang Jiechi told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate that reform proposals should be based on the widest possible consensus.

"Security Council reform should prioritize increasing the representation of developing countries and give small- and medium-sized countries more opportunities to participate in decision-making," he said.

He also called for the UN Human Rights Council to build on its recent reforms "and become a platform for dialogue and cooperation rather than an arena of political confrontation."

On the issue of climate change, he said China is "adopting a series of laws and regulations and setting goals of reducing energy intensity and increasing forest cover."

He pledged that China would "take an active part in international cooperation in climate change and play its part in protecting the global climate."

The Foreign Minister also said China is committed to "a proper settlement of the Darfur issue" and would send a military engineering unit to join the peacekeeping effort there.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED SUMMIT SUPPORTS GREATER INVESTMENTS TO STAMP OUT CERVICAL CANCER

UN-BACKED SUMMIT SUPPORTS GREATER INVESTMENTS TO STAMP OUT CERVICAL CANCER
New York, Sep 28 2007 7:00PM
Participants at a United Nations-sponsored conference in Brussels have called for increased investment in vaccination, screening and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer, a preventable disease that kills 250,000 women annually – 80 per cent of them in developing countries.

The International Conference on the Fight against Cervical Cancer, convened by the UN Development Fund for Women (<"http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=631">UNIFEM) and the European Commission, brought together women leaders, policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, private sector representatives and health professionals to discuss the prevention of cervical cancer.

Participants at the two-day meeting called on the pharmaceutical industry, donors and Governments to explore innovative partnerships to increase investment in vaccines and screening programmes.

Vaccine manufacturers at the conference committed to tiered pricing schemes, aimed at making vaccines affordable and available in developing countries.

"The low priority accorded the health of women and girls is a manifestation of gender inequality," Acting UNIFEM Executive Director Joanne Sandler said. "We have a huge chance here, to demonstrate that the health of women and girls matters."

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Pappillioma Virus (HPV) – a common sexually transmitted disease – and primarily strikes women between the ages of 35 and 50.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF PANEL OF EXPERTS ON DARFUR ARMS EMBARGO

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF PANEL OF EXPERTS ON DARFUR ARMS EMBARGO
New York, Sep 28 2007 7:00PM
The Security Council today decided to <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9131.doc.htm">extend the mandate of the panel of experts set up to monitor an arms embargo in the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan.

The 15-member body unanimously adopted a resolution to lengthen until 15 October 2008 the mandate of the group, which was established in March 2005 to help monitor the implementation of the arms embargo imposed by Council resolutions, and inform the sanctions committee about individuals who impede the peace process, violate international law or are responsible for offensive military overflights.

The panel was also tasked with monitoring the implementation of targeted individual financial and travel sanctions, and developing new recommendations to present to the Council.

Today's resolution requested that the panel coordinate its activities with the UN–African Union (AU) hybrid peacekeeping force – to be known as UNAMID – scheduled to take over from the existing AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) by the end of this year. At full deployment, UNAMID will be the world's largest peacekeeping operation, with some 26,000 troops and police officers.

Since fighting erupted between rebel groups, Government forces and allied Janjaweed militias in 2003, UN officials have repeatedly described Darfur as the scene of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. More than 200,000 people have been killed and the conflict has spilled into neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Also today, Council members were <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9132.doc.htm">briefed by the chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, who underscored the importance of the ties between his organization and the UN.

He pointed out that the OSCE and the UN work together in such areas as conflict prevention, crisis management, reconstruction, the fight against terrorism, protection of minorities and environmental security.

"The United Nations and the OSCE are linked by their determination to strengthen a rules-based international order based on the respect for human rights and on cooperation on matters pertaining to security among States," Mr. Moratinos noted.

Regarding Kosovo, he said that the OSCE has remained neutral regarding the future status of the Serbian province which has been administered by the UN since 1999.

"Impartiality, however, does not mean being non-committal," he stated. Despite the fact that the OSCE is not directly participating in the status negotiations, it does contribute in the field "in order to create necessary conditions for the implementation" of the coming settlement.

He also lauded the UN Alliance of Civilizations – created to bridge the divide between Islam and the West – as a "good instrument for managing and addressing diversity in the areas of youth, education, migration and the media," as the OSCE is also dedicated to promoting "diverse and pluralistic societies" as part of its commitment to bolster democracy in all societies and States.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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USE OF FORCE, NOT RELIGION, AT ROOT OF CONFLICTS, MALAYSIAN LEADER TELLS UN

USE OF FORCE, NOT RELIGION, AT ROOT OF CONFLICTS, MALAYSIAN LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 28 2007 6:00PM
The use of force, and not religious difference, lies at the root of conflicts between Islamic and Western countries, the Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/malaysia-eng.pdf">Malaysia told the United Nations General Assembly today, emphasizing that all genuine religions advocate peace.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi rejected those who would blame religion for disputes between nations. "All genuine religions advocate peace and harmony among peoples as well as acceptance of others," he said.

"This is certainly the case with Islam, which teaches its believers to practice tolerance, forgiveness, peace, fraternity and coexistence."

He said the cause of conflicts between Islamic and Western countries "is the repeated use of force by the powerful over the weak to secure strategic or territorial gains."

Voicing support for efforts to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue, he said these initiatives can help to "establish the truth that Islam is a religion which espouses universalism, not exclusivity; tolerance, not bigotry."

Malaysia, he said, has adopted a successful approach called "Islam Hadhari," whereby the Government "uses the progressive teachings of Islam as the basis for good governance to deliver benefits to all sectors of its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society without discrimination."

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the President of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/philippines-en.pdf">Philippines, spoke about the UN's role in interfaith dialogue. "I have personally advanced the process of peace in Muslim and Christian Mindanao to a new level of engagement, focused on interfaith dialogue, economic development and mutual security," she said.

"We have done so with the largest possible international involvement, including the UN," she said.

Emphasizing the link between peace and respect for rights, she expressed support for efforts to focus the work of the UN in the field of human rights.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL SESSION ON MYANMAR NEXT WEEK

UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL SESSION ON MYANMAR NEXT WEEK
New York, Sep 28 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Human Rights Council has announced it will hold a special meeting on 2 October to discuss the situation in Myanmar, amid growing calls for authorities in the Southeast Asian nation to exercise restraint in dealing with ongoing protests.

Myanmar has recently witnessed a wave of peaceful demonstrations, which began last month in protest against a surge in fuel prices and more recently have included many of the country's monks.

The 47-member Council, which today suspended its sixth session until 10 December, decided to hold the emergency meeting following a request by a number of countries.

This will be the fifth special session convened by the Geneva-based Council since it was set up in June 2006 to replace the former Commission on Human Rights.

The deteriorating situation in the country prompted Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to dispatch his Special Envoy to the region earlier this week. Ibrahim Gambari held meetings at Singapore's Foreign Ministry today and is expected to arrive in Myanmar tomorrow.

Mr. Ban's call for restraint by Myanmar authorities in responding to the demonstrations has been echoed by a number of the world body's officials.

Today the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=39566&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) condemned the killing of Japanese photojournalist Kenji Nagai, who was shot dead on 27 September while covering a demonstration in Rangoon.

Decrying the use of violence against journalists and protesters in Myanmar, Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura called on the authorities to respect the professional work of reporters regardless of their country of origin.

"Freedom of expression and press freedom are basic human rights and allowing the media to express different views can only help achieve the national reconciliation we all wish for Myanmar," he stated.

Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) said today it was deeply concerned about the situation in the country, especially the effects of the violence on women and children.

UNICEF's Veronique Taveau told reporters in Geneva today that with much of the Myanmar's population already struggling to survive – with a significant number of children malnourished – the current violence could only lead to a further deterioration and restrictions on UNICEF's ability to reach the most vulnerable.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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MIGIRO URGES BOOST IN DONOR FUNDING TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

MIGIRO URGES BOOST IN DONOR FUNDING TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
New York, Sep 28 2007 6:00PM
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro has called on donor nations to keep their development aid promises, citing the lack of funding as a major reason for the slow progress in reducing maternal and child mortality.

"That in the last two decades little progress has been made on maternal and newborn health in many developing countries is a sombre commentary on the global village we live in," Ms. Migiro <"http://www.un.org/apps/dsg/dsgstats.asp?nid=49">told a gathering in New York on Wednesday in support of a new global push to achieve the internationally agreed development targets related to health.

Noting that 300 children and 5 mothers in labour will die in the time it took her to address the event, she stressed that achieving Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 – which call for a reduction in child deaths of two thirds compared to 1990 and a reduction in maternal mortality of three quarters, both by 2015 – "is without any doubts one of the most urgent tasks before us."

Lack of funding, along with inadequate health systems, is a main reason for the slow progress in improving maternal and child health, she said. "It is a simple fact that the poorest countries, especially African and least developed countries, are not in a position to pay for their healthcare costs."

While using existing resources more efficiently and improving health delivery systems are important, she stressed increased donor funding and improved aid effectiveness as key to successfully fighting maternal and child mortality.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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TURKISH LEADER SAYS UN OFFERS SOLE PLATFORM FOR ENDING CYPRUS PROBLEM

TURKISH LEADER SAYS UN OFFERS SOLE PLATFORM FOR ENDING CYPRUS PROBLEM
New York, Sep 28 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations remains the only platform for resolving the Cyprus problem, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/turkey-eng.pdf">Turkey's Prime Minister told the General Assembly today as he called on the members of the international community to remove all of their restrictions on Turkish Cypriots as soon as possible.

Recep Tayyíp Erdogan said there has been no recent progress towards a settlement of the Cyprus problem "due to the intransigence of the Greek Cypriot side. This clearly attests to the need to urgently resume comprehensive negotiations under an expedited process within a given timeframe."

Mr. Erdogan said that at a meeting on 5 September, "President Talat of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proposed to resume without further delay substantial negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement by the end of 2008. This proposal, however, was rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. Should a solution be genuinely sought on the island, this proposal merits serious consideration.

"The international community should not only support the will displayed by the Turkish side to reach a comprehensive settlement, but also encourage the Greek Cypriot side to be more forthcoming in this regard."

The Prime Minister said a comprehensive settlement is only possible "under the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General on the basis of the well established UN parameters."

On 8 July last year, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities signed an accord setting out the necessary framework for a political process designed to lead to the resumption of full-fledged negotiations under the auspices of the Secretary-General's good offices, but the negotiations have not yet begun.

Mr. Erdogan also noted that, in a May 2004 report, the previous UN Secretary-General called for the lifting of all restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, and that the current UN chief, Ban Ki-moon, has since stood by those conclusions.

Yet, "the unjust restrictions… which have no legal or moral premise continue with no end in sight," he said, calling for their immediate removal.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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PALESTINIANS READY FOR UPCOMING MIDDLE EAST PEACE MEETING, LEADER TELLS UN

PALESTINIANS READY FOR UPCOMING MIDDLE EAST PEACE MEETING, LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 28 2007 5:00PM
The Palestinian Authority is committed to the success of an upcoming Middle East peace meeting, its President, Mahmoud Abbas, told the United Nations General Assembly today.

"There is not the slightest obstacle to promoting the holding of a peace meeting, which will take place shortly," President Abbas said as the Assembly continued its annual high-level debate.

He voiced hope that all parties would be able to negotiate, and declared that the basis for a solution lies with the many UN resolutions and decisions that have been taken on the matter.

President Abbas said he had recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to discuss pressing issues, adding that the upcoming conference offers an opportunity to be able to settle all matters, including those having to do with Jerusalem, the return of refugees, water and security.

"I reaffirm the full readiness of our people to truly come on board a peace process which will lead to a comprehensive full agreement with respect to all of the issues related to a final settlement," he said.

He said the Palestinian Authority would put the proposals to a popular referendum "involving the entire Palestinian people so that they can give their view with respect to the outcomes of the conference."

Experience showed that the policy of trying "half-solutions" only further complicates matters to the point where today the threat is a real one: "there could be an explosion of civil war, of regional war, and the creation of a climate conducive to terrorism," he said.

He also spoke about Islam, saying it is a humane religion and objecting to any attempt to portray Islam in an unfair manner. "Islam is a religion that opposes killing, terrorism and murder. It is against extremism; it is against closing inward. Attempts to create a conflict among religions is one of the methods of terrorists today."

To counteract this trend, he emphasized the importance of the dialogue among civilizations.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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AT UN, FIJIAN LEADER DEFENDS COUP AND VOWS TO OVERHAUL 'RACE-BASED' POLITICS

AT UN, FIJIAN LEADER DEFENDS COUP AND VOWS TO OVERHAUL 'RACE-BASED' POLITICS
New York, Sep 28 2007 5:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/fiji-en.pdf">Fiji needs the help of the international community to become a nation with a truly democratic, non-racial and equitable governing system, its interim Prime Minister told the General Assembly today, defending his decision to launch a coup last year and promising to stage free and fair elections as soon as possible.

Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, who is also commander of Fiji's military forces, said the Pacific island chain faces deep-rooted, structural problems that will not be solved quickly or easily.

"The country now is at a very critical crossroad; its situation could escalate into more serious deterioration and instability," he told the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York. "It is imperative that any such greater disaster or civil strife is disaster."

Noting that some countries, "including the closest of our neighbours in the Pacific," have introduced punitive measures following the coup last December, the Prime Minister said it was important to realize that many Fijians, especially in villages and rural areas, "live in a democracy with a mentality that belongs to the chiefly system," voting for candidates selected by their chiefs, provincial councils and church ministers.

"This leads me to ask the question whether or not the countries which are demanding Fiji to immediately return to democracy really understand how distorted and unfair our system is both legally and culturally.

"This must change: every person will be given the right to vote for only one candidate, irrespective or race or religion. This will send a message out to our people that Fiji's leadership no longer tolerates racial divisions and race-based politics."

Mr. Bainimarama said the interim Government is preparing to launch the Peoples Charter for Change and Progress to engage and involve the population in the planned reforms and to promote better relations between the country's indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities.

He said he undertook the coup last year "with extreme reluctance," but that his country had suffered setback after setback, particularly after a brief coup in May 2000, and is now "in a deep rut."

"In the past years, Fiji's overall governance took a dramatic turn for the worse. In particular this was characterized by the politicization of the prison services and the criminal justice system," the Prime Minister said.

"There was also a significant weakening of the key institutions of governance; a pervasive increase in corruption; serious economic decline combined with fiscal mismanagement; a sharp deterioration in the law and order situation; and a deepening of the racial divide in the country.

"The convicted coup perpetrators [from May 2000] were prematurely discharged from prison, and certain coup perpetrators and sympathizers were appointed as senior Government ministers and officials. There were also a series of legislations that were deeply divisive and overtly racist.

"The 2006 general election was not credible. It was characterized by massive rigging of votes with the incumbent government using the State's resources to buy support."

As head of the military forces, Mr. Bainimarama said he was responsible for Fiji's "national security, defence and also the well-being of Fiji's people" and therefore had no choice but to step in. He said he had also made fruitless attempts to engage with the previous government.

Promising to convene free and fair elections "as soon as practically possible," he said steady progress has already been made into strengthening the independence of the judiciary and investigating allegations of human rights abuses, both as preparation for an eventual return to parliamentary democracy.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UNAIDS PLEDGES TO 'MAKE THE MONEY WORK' FOR GLOBAL FUND TO COMBAT DISEASE

UNAIDS PLEDGES TO 'MAKE THE MONEY WORK' FOR GLOBAL FUND TO COMBAT DISEASE
New York, Sep 28 2007 4:00PM
Stressing the world body's commitment to "make the money work" to ensure the <"http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/">Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is as effective and beneficial as possible, the head of the lead United Nations agency tasked with responding to the pandemic called for a large-scale AIDS response now.

"There are so many challenges facing the developing world that some may ask why fighting HIV is a priority," Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (<"http://www.unaids.org/en/MediaCentre/PressMaterials/FeatureStory/20070927_UNAIDS_pledges_help_make_money_work_for_GF.asp">UNAIDS) said at the Fund's pledging conference in Berlin, Germany, where world leaders have announced their contributions for the next three years.

The answer is three-fold, he said. "The cost in lives has been tremendous, the cost of saving lives will only increase as time goes on without an adequate response, and, finally, responding to AIDS is essential in order to address every other development issue worldwide."

He drew attention to the role the Organization can play in the fight against AIDS. "The United Nations' technical expertise, its experience coordinating with countries, and its understanding of working with civil society are key contributors to the work of the Global Fund."

At the meeting, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan praised the past efforts of the Global Fund, which has received contributions of over $11 billion from more than 60 Governments, private foundations, corporations and individuals.

After five years, "we have a fund that is highly successful in spending money to save lives," he said, adding that "money channelled through the Global Fund is money invested wisely."

Also addressing participants, German Chancellor Angela Merkel appealed to countries worldwide to make the battle against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria a priority, underscoring the need to boost coordination between bilateral and multilateral programmes.

The Fund needs between $12 billion to 18 billion for the period 2008-2010 to support existing grants and finance urgently needed programmes to tackle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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ISLAND NATIONS TELL UN POWERFUL STATES MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE CHANGE

ISLAND NATIONS TELL UN POWERFUL STATES MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE CHANGE
New York, Sep 28 2007 4:00PM
The greatest burden in the global fight against climate change should be borne by the world's powerful countries, which are also often the leading producers of greenhouse gas emissions, the leaders of several island nations told the General Assembly today.

Addressing the Assembly's annual high-level debate, the representatives also called on affluent nations to increase their level of spending towards an adaptation fund to help the most vulnerable States adjust their economies and infrastructure to cope with the impact of global warming.

"Obviously we have failed badly as custodians of the planet and its future," <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/samoa-eng.pdf">Samoa's Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi said, adding it was imperative that a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions be devised "that is effective, binding, capable of swift implementation and universally owned and respected by the 192 UN Member States."

Mr. Malielegaoi called on "those Member States of our Organization in position of world leadership to lead the charge in finding and implementing solutions."

Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/barbuda-en.pdf">Antigua and Barbuda, said the collective response to climate change "represents a monumental test of the political will and courage of humanity in general, but especially of the political leaders of the most powerful countries."

He also urged greater spending on the adaptation fund, noting that small island States were among the most vulnerable in the world – to natural disasters as much as climate change.

"Because of our size and the nature of our primary economic activity, the infrastructure of an entire country can be destroyed by, for example, the passage of a single hurricane," he said.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/marshallislands-en.pdf">Marshall Islands' President Kessai H. Note echoed the call for increased spending to help small and poor nations adapt.

"While we are committed to playing our part, strong leadership is required by the major industrialized countries," the President of the Pacific island nation said.

Mr. Note called on the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases to ratify the Kyoto Protocol immediately, warning that his country faced dire consequences unless urgent action was taken.

"I find no pride in having coined the term 'ecological refugee' – it is my deepest hope that no one – and certainly no one in the Marshall Islands, will have to bear that title," he added.

Stephenson King, Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/saintlucia-en.pdf">Saint Lucia, said it was important to work within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) when devising solutions.

Mr. King stressed "that the large producers of greenhouse gases must bear the responsibility for the damage being caused to the global environment, and in particular to the vulnerable countries whose sustainability and very existence are increasingly threatened by their actions."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES AND PARTNERS DISTRIBUTE VITAL AID TO UGANDAN FLOOD VICTIMS

UN AGENCIES AND PARTNERS DISTRIBUTE VITAL AID TO UGANDAN FLOOD VICTIMS
New York, Sep 28 2007 3:00PM
United Nations agencies and their partners are providing food and health care to tens of thousands of people in Uganda, one of several African countries reeling from the aftermath of the worst flooding the Continent has seen in decades.

The UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2654">WFP) and its partners have distributed more than 1,000 metric tons of food to nearly 82,000 Ugandans, with plans to provide food to an additional 25,000 people.

The agency has warned that a major crisis could develop in Uganda, where widespread flooding is worsening road access to key regions in the north and in some places air deliveries are WFP's only option.

Last week the UN launched a $41 million flash appeal for Uganda, of which WFP needs $26.3 million to feed 300,000 flood victims, as well as provide for helicopters, boats and road and bridge repairs.

Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) has distributed emergency health kits to treat 11,000 people for three months, and is providing health care for 48,000 children for one month.

The agency is also providing measles and polio vaccines, as well as insecticide-treated nets and water purification tablets. In addition, it has cholera supplies standing by for up to 10,000 cases.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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SUSPICIOUS MATERIAL FOUND IN UN OFFICE NOT HARMFUL, US AUTHORITIES CONCLUDE

SUSPICIOUS MATERIAL FOUND IN UN OFFICE NOT HARMFUL, US AUTHORITIES CONCLUDE
New York, Sep 28 2007 3:00PM
United States authorities have determined that the potentially hazardous substances removed from the New York office of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) last month pose no threat.

They have concluded the analysis of substances removed from the UNMOVIC premises and determined that these "did not contain any harmful materials," UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

The UN handed the materials – two small plastic packages with metal and glass containers, ranging in size from small vials to tubes the length of a pen holding liquid substances – to US authorities after they were discovered by UNMOVIC staff who were archiving their offices as the Commission was winding down after the Security Council terminated its mandate in June.

"The United Nations would like to thank the host country authorities for resolving this issue," Mr. Haq added.

The world body earlier this month appointed a three-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery and report to the Secretary-General by the end of October.

The panel is tasked with ascertaining the circumstances under which the substances were brought to UN Headquarters, the reasons why the items were discovered only recently and safety procedures in place and the extent to which they were followed.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN ACTIONS TO END DARFUR 'GENOCIDE' TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE - SAINT VINCENT LEADER

UN ACTIONS TO END DARFUR 'GENOCIDE' TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE – SAINT VINCENT LEADER
New York, Sep 28 2007 3:00PM
The killings and violence that have engulfed the Sudanese region of Darfur for the past four years constitute genocide, the Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/saintvincent-en.pdf">Saint Vincent and the Grenadines told the General Assembly today, calling the planned hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force insufficient and too late.

Ralph Gonsalves told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that the actions of the UN in recent years "have caused the world to wonder about the relative worth of a Sudanese or Rwandan life, versus an Israeli, Chinese, American or European life."

He accused the UN of showing "heartless neglect, in practical terms, of the genocidal campaign being waged in Darfur."

More than 200,000 people have been killed across Darfur, and at least 2.2 million others forced to flee their homes, since rebels began fighting Government forces and allied Janjaweed militia in 2003.

Mr. Gonsalves said today that "what is happening in Darfur is genocide – let us call it what it is. The United Nations must remain committed to alleviating the suffering of the men, women and children of Darfur."

A commission of inquiry appointed by the UN found in early 2005 that the Sudanese Government had not pursued a policy of genocide, but that its forces and the Janjaweed had "conducted indiscriminate attacks, including killing of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, destruction of villages, rape and other forms of sexual violence, pillaging and forced displacement."

The commission also found credible evidence that rebel forces were responsible for possible war crimes, including murder of civilians and pillage.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two suspects: Ahmad Muhammad Harun, who is currently Sudan's Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (also known as Ali Kushayb). But Sudan has not moved to arrest the two men, who are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mr. Gonsalves said recent developments, particularly the authorization of the hybrid peacekeeping force (to be known as UNAMID), and the appointment of its civilian and military leaders, were "somewhat encouraging, let us not delude ourselves: the force on the ground is still insufficient, its mandate ambiguous, and its emerging presence is years too late."

At full deployment UNAMID will have about 26,000 troops and civilian police officers and some 5,000 civilian staff.

The mission is tasked with acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to support the "early and effective implementation" of last year's Darfur Peace Agreement between the Government and the rebels, and it is also mandated to protect civilians, prevent armed attacks and ensure the security of aid workers and its own personnel and facilities.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN LAUNCHES NEW 'E-AGRICULTURE' PLATFORM TO SUPPORT RURAL DEVELOPMENT

UN LAUNCHES NEW 'E-AGRICULTURE' PLATFORM TO SUPPORT RURAL DEVELOPMENT
New York, Sep 28 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000668/index.html">FAO) today launched a new interactive web-based site, underscoring the important role information and communication technology (ICT) can play in promoting agriculture and rural development.

Users can exchange experiences, opinions and good practices on the platform, <"http://www.e-agriculture.org/">www.e-agriculture.org, which was developed by the FAO and its partners.

The platform is part of the Community of Expertise – a global initiative to boost sustainable agricultural development and food security through increased use of ICT –that includes policymakers, rural service providers, development practitioners, farmers, researchers and ICT specialists.

"We are confident that the e-agriculture Community of Expertise will help facilitate further global discussions and decisions facing farmers, Governments and the international community at large related to the role that ICT can have in agriculture and rural development," said the Director of FAO's Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building Division, Anton Mangstl.

More than 3,400 people from 135 countries participated in an online survey and in virtual forums to help develop the platform.

Although the digital divide is shrinking, only 18 per cent of the global population has access to the Internet. The UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that one billion people worldwide – most of whom depend in some way on agriculture for their livelihoods – still lack connection of any kind to ICT.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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GLOBAL SEAFOOD INDUSTRY MUST ADAPT TO DEMAND FOR 'GREENER' FISH, UN OFFICIAL SAYS

GLOBAL SEAFOOD INDUSTRY MUST ADAPT TO DEMAND FOR 'GREENER' FISH, UN OFFICIAL SAYS
New York, Sep 28 2007 2:00PM
The $400-billion global seafood industry has no choice but to adapt to intensifying demand from retailers and consumers for environmentally friendly 'greener' fish that are not taken from overexploited stocks, farmed in ponds where mangroves once stood or caught in nets that also snag endangered turtles, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

"The push towards sustainable fisheries is not just coming from government or environmental groups, but from the market itself," <"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000663/index.html">FAO Fishing Industries Division Director Grimur Valdimarsson told a three-day Seafood Industry Congress which ended in Dublin, Ireland, yesterday, noting that major seafood retailers like Unilever, Tesco, Walmart and Asda have already committed to putting on their shelves only fish that was harvested or raised sustainably.

"In recent years the seafood industry has been uncertain as to whether these trends represent a momentary fad. Today, there's no question: it's real, it's a sea change, and it's the way of the future," he said.

In broad terms, this means that producers will need to be able to assure retailers and consumers that their catch complies with the demands of sustainable development and doing so requires monitoring fishing activities via tracking systems, labels and similar mechanisms.

Resource-strapped developing countries will have a particularly hard time making the transition to fully certifying their fisheries. "They've already been struggling mightily to comply with health and safety regulations on fish imports put into place by importing countries in the developed world," Mr. Valdimarsson explained.

Helping resolve this problem is an issue of particular importance to FAO and retailers shaping market trends have a responsibility to help suppliers in the developing world cope, he said, adding that FAO and other international development organizations working on fisheries and aquaculture will need new resources to help the developing world's fisheries sector adapt.

This year's Congress was co-organized by FAO, the UN Industrial Development Organization (<"http://www.unido.org/">UNIDO), the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en/">WHO), the International Food Quality Certification Group, and Ireland's Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in collaboration with the International Association of Fish Inspectors and with the support of the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, Enterprise Ireland, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

The congress has traditionally focused on seafood safety and quality issues, but environmental concerns have risen higher on its agenda in recent years.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN BOLSTERS TIES WITH EUROPEAN NETWORK TO PROTECT REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

UN BOLSTERS TIES WITH EUROPEAN NETWORK TO PROTECT REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS
New York, Sep 28 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), a network of 76 organizations in 31 countries, agreed to enhance their collaboration to promote better treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.

The memorandum of understanding signed between UNHCR and ECRE earlier this week "establishes an important strategic partnership in support of efforts to ensure fair and humane policies for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe," UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told reporters in Geneva.

The new partnership aims to enhance existing cooperation in the fields of advocacy, monitoring and capacity-building initiatives between the two organizations, as well as efforts to increase Europe's role in sharing responsibility for protecting refugees worldwide, she added.

UNHCR seeks to encourage civil society to increase its participation in shaping and implementing protection principles in Europe. "In this respect, ECRE is a trusted partner serving as an independent monitor of protections systems," Ms. Pagonis noted.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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ADDRESSING UN, LEBANESE PRESIDENT URGES OPEN HEARING ON PLANNED HARIRI TRIBUNAL

ADDRESSING UN, LEBANESE PRESIDENT URGES OPEN HEARING ON PLANNED HARIRI TRIBUNAL
New York, Sep 28 2007 1:00PM
Open hearings on the proposed Special Tribunal to try those suspected of involvement in the February 2005 assassination of Lebanon's Prime Minister Rafik Hariri could help quell controversy, the country's President told the United Nations General Assembly today.

"To enable all to overcome the controversy caused by the international tribunal, I believe the best way would be by having an impartial, transparent and just hearing that seeks to determine the whole truth," said Emile Lahoud. "Only then would the Lebanese be assured that this tribunal is just."

The President said since the adoption of resolution <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/res/1701(2006)
">1701 which ended last year's war in Lebanon, "we are still in the phase of cessation of hostilities and have not yet moved to the phase of a ceasefire."

He said Israel continues "up to this very moment" to violate Lebanon's territory, with 500 breaches of the resolution having been recorded.

"I call upon the world community to remain vigilant against any malignant intent harboured by Israel towards Lebanon as this could lead to another conflagration in the area," he said.

Full implementation of resolution 1701, he said, requires that Lebanon "regains its occupied Shebaa Farms, the Kfarshouba Hills and some northern parts of the Ghajar village." It would also require the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails, a restoration of Lebanon's legitimate rights over its water resources, and a handover to Lebanon of maps of landmines and sites of cluster bombs, he added.

Looking to Lebanon's upcoming presidential elections, he spoke out against outside interference. "Unfortunately there have been attempts by international parties to intervene in Lebanon's domestic affairs in a way that contradicts international norms," he said. "Such interference could instigate hatred and increase tension on the Lebanese scene – a thing which not only might have negative repercussions on upcoming presidential elections but on the safety of Lebanese as well," he said.

He urged the international community to stop foreign intervention in domestic matters. "Consecutive events in Lebanon showed that the Lebanese are capable of making their own decisions and their own choices, and could live side by side and interact peacefully within institutional framework set by their civic bodies and protected by their security institutions, namely their national army."

The army, he said, had recently confronted "an extremely dangerous terrorist organization that was equipped with updated weapons and believed in destructive objectives that target Lebanon and many other States in the region as well."

He also called for greater assistance to the Lebanese army to enable it to confront and curb terrorism.

President Lahoud cautioned against allowing Lebanon to fail, warning that this "would mean a collapse of moderation and a victory for those who favour the use of force."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN EXPERT VOICES DEEP CONCERN AT EXTREME VIOLENCE IN SOMALIA

UN EXPERT VOICES DEEP CONCERN AT EXTREME VIOLENCE IN SOMALIA
New York, Sep 28 2007 1:00PM
Extreme violence in Somalia, attacks and threats against the media and a lack of humanitarian access in the strife-torn country, where more than 700,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes, remain matters of deep concern, <" http://www.unog.ch/unog/website/news_media.nsf/(httpNewsByYear_en)/E7FF00DB2F380BA2C12573630055BFCB?OpenDocument">according to an independent United Nations expert.

Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia Ghanim Alnajjar, who visited the Horn of Africa country last week, said his meetings UN staff, representatives of the international community, Somali civil society, clan and tribal leaders, and senior officials of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) underscored the continued deterioration in the human rights situation.

Civilians faced severe violations by all parties to the conflict including of the right to life, disappearance, torture, recruitment as child combatants and sexual and gender-based violence, as well as continued obstacles to the right to food, health and education.

Mr. Alnajjar discussed the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, including the more than 700,000 internally displaced persons (<" http://www.unhcr.org/protect/3b84c7e23.html">IDPs), and threats and attacks on aid workers, underlining once again the importance of preserving "humanitarian space."

Journalists and human rights defenders continue to live in an increasing climate of fear and intimidation, he noted. Since January, seven journalists have been killed and dozens more threatened into silence for their work. Several have fled Mogadishu, the capital, he said.

Citing the lack of separation of powers in the TFI, he condemned the arrest of the President of the Supreme Court, Yusuf Ali Harun, and another judge as well as the dismissals of Attorney-General Abdullahi Dahir and his deputy, saying these steps disregarded rules and procedures and clearly violated the independence of the judiciary.

Mr. Alnajjar also voiced concern at the potential negative effects of a conflict between neighbouring countries and highlighted new calls for the Security Council to establish a UN peacekeeping operation to further stabilize the country and allow for a phased withdrawal of Ethiopian forces.

He was briefed about the intense violence and allegations of serious violations of human rights in Mogadishu over the past nine months since the TFI, backed by Ethiopian troops, expelled Islamist groups from the capital.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR reported today that it had begun distributing much-needed relief supplies 24,000 people in Afgooye, 30 kilometres west of Mogadishu, many of whom had fled intensified violence over the last two weeks. Plastic sheeting, blankets and jerry cans are being distributed over a three-day period.

Nearly 65,000 people have fled the volatile capital since the beginning of June, 11,000 of them in September. Although the TFI said in May insurgents had been ousted after three months of fighting which uprooted almost 400,000 civilians, ongoing violence sparked a second wave in June. Only 125,000 people have returned to Mogadishu.

More than 40,000 residents of Mogadishu have been displaced in Afgooye since February, and the 22 IDP settlements are feeling the pressure of the new arrivals.

"Our staff report that families are still fleeing Mogadishu every day due to an increase in violence," UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis <" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46fcd95b4.html">told a news briefing in Geneva today, reporting a new exodus after the TFI ordered residents of three northern districts to vacate their homes, claiming that they were backing insurgents after several soldiers and their commander were killed in a fight with insurgents there.

Mogadishu is now divided into two parts, she said. The northern part is becoming deserted as residents flee clashes between the Ethiopian-backed TFI forces and insurgents, whereas the southern part is calm.

The streets of northern Mogadishu are so empty during the day that only a handful of people can be seen, a UNHCR staff member reported. The Bakara market, once one of the biggest in East Africa, is barely functioning as it is regularly closed to vehicles because of insecurity such as fighting, assassinations and killings linked to robbery.

"People are scared to walk close to the market with only the most desperate still going, risking their lives to sell a few vegetables as they have no other way of keeping their children from starving," the staffer said.

Somalia has been riven by factional fighting and has had no functioning central government since Muhammad Siad Barre's regime was toppled in 1991.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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MULTILATERALISM ONLY VIABLE WAY TO TACKLE TODAY'S GLOBAL CONCERNS - BAN KI-MOON

MULTILATERALISM ONLY VIABLE WAY TO TACKLE TODAY'S GLOBAL CONCERNS – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Sep 28 2007 1:00PM
Whether it is resolving conflicts, protecting human rights, achieving development goals or safeguarding the environment, the only viable way to effectively tackle today's complex global challenges is through multilateral cooperation, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon <" http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2768">said today.

"To effectively tackle the full range of challenges coming our way, we need to all work together – Member States, the UN system, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders," Mr. Ban said in his address to the annual meeting of foreign ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which comprises 118 UN Member States.

He called for strengthening partnerships to achieve the set of internationally agreed anti-poverty targets, known as the Millennium Development Goals (<" http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">MDGs), and pursuing collective action to respond to emerging crises.

"And we must strengthen the capacities of the United Nations to meet all the challenges before us," he added, stating his intention to continue the reform process with a proposal to significantly strengthen the Department of Political Affairs in order to boost the world body's capacity in the field of peace and security.

"We must invest more in conflict prevention and mediation, so that disagreements both between and within States do not develop into violence or give rise to conflict," he stated.

At the same time, Mr. Ban stressed that issues of economic and social development cannot take a backseat to issues of peace and security, noting "the two go hand in hand."

"There can be no security without development, and vice versa. There can be no more important mission for the United Nations than reducing poverty and helping the people of the poorest nations share to a greater measure in the world's prosperity," he said.

Stating that "the tides of globalization have left too many nations behind," he noted that the gap between the richest nations of the world and the poorest has grown far too large.

"We have a moral duty to work toward a more equitable balance," he said. "As with climate change, so too with the problems of global poverty: we are all in this together."

In confronting the complex challenges of the 21st century, the Secretary-General said he counted on the support and active participation of the Movement, which once sought primarily to counter the confrontations of the Cold War but today is "the voice of a new and more powerful South."
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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ANGOLANS STILL SUBJECT TO ARBITRARY DETENTION, OTHER ABUSES, SAYS UN EXPERT GROUP

ANGOLANS STILL SUBJECT TO ARBITRARY DETENTION, OTHER ABUSES, SAYS UN EXPERT GROUP
New York, Sep 28 2007 12:00PM
A United Nations human rights team has reported that Angolans are still being arbitrarily detained, tortured and often denied access to lawyers, following a 10-day visit to the southern African nation.

"There is still no effective system in place which can prevent instances of arbitrary detention from occurring," concluded the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in a <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/06E8869F783685FCC1257364002490E2?opendocument">statement issued yesterday by its Chairperson Leila Zerrougui.

The Group, composed of independent experts, interviewed some 400 detainees during its visits to the capital, Luanda, as well as the cities of Cabinda and Dundo, which were carried out at the invitation of the Government.

"The Working Group has received credible allegations in Cabinda that civilians are or were detained incommunicado at military institutions and never produced before a judge," Ms. Zerrougui stated.

"It would like to stress that secret detention puts the persons concerned at risk of ill-treatment, disappearance and other serious human rights violations."

The Group found that a number of detainees at Cacuaco and Viana Prisons in Luanda "showed visible signs of torture."

Among the team's other findings, Ms. Zerrougui noted that "the right to access to a lawyer and a corresponding legal aid system as guaranteed by the Constitution exists only in theory."

Also, while Angolan law stipulates that those arrested must be presented to a prosecutor within 24 hours, "this rule is virtually never adhered to," according to information received by the Group.

Another issue of concern is the lack of a special system for minors, who according to the country's laws are criminally liable from the age of 16. "They are treated like adults during the criminal proceedings, and merely receive a lighter sentence than an adult." In addition, they are regularly detained together with adults at police stations and prisons.

The Group also found that prisoners are facing "harsh conditions" in prisons and other detention facilities, citing overcrowded cells and a food and water supply problem.

Angola is the third African country visited by the Group, which reports to the UN <"http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil">Human Rights Council, since its creation by the former Commission on Human Rights in 1992. It visited South Africa in 2005 and just concluded a mission to Equatorial Guinea in July.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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MORE PALESTINIANS DIE AFTER BEING DENIED ACCESS THROUGH ISRAELI CHECKPOINTS, UN REPORTS

MORE PALESTINIANS DIE AFTER BEING DENIED ACCESS THROUGH ISRAELI CHECKPOINTS, UN REPORTS
New York, Sep 28 2007 12:00PM
An increasing number of Palestinians have died after being denied passage through Israeli checkpoints, according to the latest United Nations humanitarian report on the occupied Palestinian territory.

The latest incident occurred in August when a 76-year-old woman from Barta'a a-Sharqiya in Jenin district with heart problems died after Israeli soldiers refused to allow her to pass a gate in order to reach the hospital in Jenin, the Humanitarian Monitor Report for August said.

The <" http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/Humanitarian_monitor_August_2007.pdf">Monitor, a monthly report of key humanitarian indicators and field observations collected by UN agencies, noted that July and August witnessed the highest total number of Israeli settler incidents against Palestinians in the occupied Territory in 2007, 37 and 30 respectively, a significant increase over the previous two months and considerably higher than the 2006 monthly average of 20.

Children under 18 also continued to be victims of Israeli-Palestinian violence and of conflict within the Palestinian community, with a three-fold increase in deaths in August compared to July.

Since the beginning of the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) in 2000, 48 people have died after they were denied passage through an Israeli checkpoint. The vast majority of those deaths, 34, occurred during 2001 and 2002. After international condemnation, the number of deaths then dropped dramatically to an average of 2 or 3 per year, but from 1 January to 31 August this year five people have died because they were unable to access medical attention, the Monitor said.

"The figure also corresponds to a disturbing increase in the number of delays and denials of ambulances at checkpoints," it added, noting that while in 2006 there was a monthly average of 10 delays or denials of ambulance access, the monthly average for 2007 is 53.

"Under international humanitarian law there is an obligation to ensure that the sick, aged, feeble, and expectant mothers be accorded particular protection and respect," the Monitor said. "The IDF (Israeli army) claims that soldiers are informed of a special procedure related to persons requiring medical treatment, which is intended to expedite their crossing at checkpoints.

"By obstructing ambulances and denying people medical care in emergency situations, soldiers not only violate those procedures, but also contribute to the unnecessary deaths
of the sick and wounded," it added.

On settler incidents the Monitor noted that on 2 August, two Israeli settlers from Mitzpe Ya'ir outpost in southern Hebron district attacked a UN vehicle carrying three UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) employees and two Israeli journalists. One settler broke the windshield of the vehicle, injuring one OCHA employee in the eye. Israeli soldiers and police intervened and detained the two settlers.

"The issue of settler violence against Palestinian civilians will be an issue of particular concern in the coming months as Palestinians throughout the West Bank attempt to harvest their olive crop," it said.

On Palestinian children, the Monitor reported a three-fold increase in those killed in August compared to July – 11 to four – bringing the 2007 total to 70, 47 per cent of whom were killed by the Israeli armed forces, 44 per cent by Palestinians and 9 percent by unexploded ordnance.

In August, eight were killed by the IDF, two by a Palestinian Qassam rocket that exploded in Palestinian territory and one in internal violence. Of those killed by the IDF, two, aged 9 and 12 years, were allegedly present near a rocket launcher and were hit by a surface-to-surface missile fired by Israeli soldiers.

As previous reports have noted, the Monitor stressed that the continued closure of the principle Gaza crossing points at Karni and Rafah have had a significant impact on the daily lives of Gaza's 1.4 million residents. The closure has been effective since June following the defeat of Fatah forces by Hamas, which resulted in a break down in Israeli-Palestinian coordination mechanisms at the crossings.

On the West Bank, Bethlehem and Hebron-area farmers have been severely affect by the inability to effectively market their grape harvest due to tightened Israeli internal closures, including denial of access to their lands especially around Israeli settlements, and the loss of markets in Israel, abroad, Gaza and the northern West Bank.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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TOGOLESE REPATRIATION FROM GHANA KICKS OFF WITH HELP OF UN REFUGEE AGENCY

TOGOLESE REPATRIATION FROM GHANA KICKS OFF WITH HELP OF UN REFUGEE AGENCY
New York, Sep 28 2007 12:00PM
A group of 176 men, women and children are the first Togolese refugees to return home from Ghana by road convoy with the assistance of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46fbd2c32.html">UNHCR).

They are among 1,700 Togolese refugees in eastern Ghana's Volta region who have registered with the agency to seize on easing tensions and return to their home country.

UNHCR is giving priority to those refugees who wish to return in time for Togo's parliamentary election on 14 October.

Among those in the first group of returnees, Akoko, 32, said he hopes to fight for freedom and democracy in Togo, while Ametipe, a mother of two, plans to establish a small business.

The refugees will travel to Danyi prefecture in Togo's Plateau region before continuing their journeys to their respective home villages or towns.

"Today marks a new beginning," said UNHCR's Ghana chief Aida Haile Mariam at this week's departure ceremony. "While Togo is still in the process of political reform, these 176 Togolese refugees have decided to avail themselves of the opportunity to return to their home country in the context of the voluntary repatriation exercise organized by UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board."

UNHCR and its partners will provide a return package, which includes a $120 cash grant per adult and $60 per child, clothing, mosquito nets, mats, buckets, soap, hygiene kits and food rations for two months.

Following the eruption of violence after the April 2005 installation of the son of the late Gnassingbe Eyadema as Togo's president, tens of thousands of Togolese fled to neighbouring Ghana and Benin. UNHCR provides assistance to 13,300 remaining Togolese refugees in the two countries.

Thousands have already returned on their own from Ghana, which hosts over 42,000 refugees from numerous countries, including some 8,500 from Togo.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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UN STANDING POLICE CAPACITY UNIT TO TRAIN IN UNITED KINGDOM AHEAD OF FIRST MISSION

UN STANDING POLICE CAPACITY UNIT TO TRAIN IN UNITED KINGDOM AHEAD OF FIRST MISSION
New York, Sep 28 2007 11:00AM
Officers from the United Nations Standing Police Capacity will undergo two weeks of training in transitional justice and other aspects of peacekeeping at the top police leadership centre in the United Kingdom from 8-19 October ahead of deployment to their first mission, senior UN Police officers said today.

"This is a key stage of the unit's training and will focus on all aspects of global policing, peacekeeping and team building. We are especially grateful to the UK, Germany and Sweden for partnering the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in running this course," Police Adviser Andrew Hughes told the UN News Service.

Between 12 to 17 Standing Police Capacity (SPC) officers will attend the course, which will mark the last stage of their training before they leave for their first mission which is expected to be in Chad sometime later this year, said SPC Chief Walter Wolf.

"SPC officers come from all parts of the world and so the objective of this course is to build on the policing expertise already in the group by providing everyone with the key concepts and latest thinking on peacekeeping and building institutional capacity among the police in post-conflict countries. This will put us in good stead for upcoming missions," said Mr. Wolf.

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/police/division.shtml">DPKO) Police Division has been working since last year to put together an initial team of 25 SPC officers, chosen for their skills in all aspects of policing and law enforcement and recruited based on merit, geographic diversity and gender balance.

The initiative was first called for in 2004 by a blue-ribbon group of experts brought together by the UN to examine security threats in the 21st century. Member States endorsed the concept of the SPC during their World Summit in September 2005 as a way to deal with the unprecedented demand for peacekeepers in general and police officers in particular.

Mr. Wolf said that once operational the SPC will have two main roles. Firstly, to provide immediate start-up capability on the ground for the police components of new UN peacekeeping missions, and secondly to provide rapid support and technical assistance to existing UN operations.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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DEADLY SEA EXODUS FROM SOMALIA TO YEMEN GAINS MOMENTUM, UN REPORTS

DEADLY SEA EXODUS FROM SOMALIA TO YEMEN GAINS MOMENTUM, UN REPORTS
New York, Sep 28 2007 10:00AM
The deadly drama involving people-smuggling across the Gulf of Aden continues apace, with at least 89 confirmed deaths and 154 missing and presumed dead so far this month as traffickers reportedly stabbed passengers, beat them with iron bars and plastic tubes and threw some overboard, the United Nations refugee agency said today.

Between 1 and 26 September, 50 smuggling boats, nearly two a day, arrived on Yemeni shores from Somalia with 4,741 people, mostly Somalis and Ethiopians fleeing conflict and drought – an increase of 70 per cent over last year when 30 boats arrived with 2,961 people for the whole of the month, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46ea55294.html">told a news briefing in Geneva.

UNHCR is strengthening its operations to deal with the crisis with plans to open a second reception centre along the Yemeni coast to provide medical care and other support.

Several new arrivals reported that Yemeni armed forces opened fire when they spotted the boats, shooting a 70-year-old Somali man in the heart and killing him, she said.

Since the beginning of the year, 13,897 people have arrived in Yemen after making the perilous voyage across the gulf, while at least 356 have died and 272 remain missing and are presumed dead. The exodus eased off in the summer due to rough seas but resumed again at the beginning of September.

Five boats arrived on Wednesday alone with 600 migrants. Four Ethiopians died in the hold of one of the boats due to asphyxiation, while 18 people were thrown overboard while still at sea, passengers said.

"Survivors told us that they had been violently treated by the smugglers, who beat them with iron bars, belts and plastic tubes and stabbed them with daggers," Ms. Pagonis said.

Two boats arrived last Sunday with 98 Somalis and 135 Ethiopians, she added. Two Somalis died during the voyage in the hold of one boat from asphyxiation and two drowned while trying to reach shore from deep water.

UNHCR is discussing the shooting incidents with Yemeni authorities, who have expressed their concern that some smugglers arrive with weapons and drugs, and later this month will provide training to Yemeni coast guards and immigration officials on refugee law, humanitarian law and rescue at sea.

The second reception and registration centre UNHCR is planning along the Yemeni coast will include a health post run by the non-governmental organization Medecins sans Frontiers (MSF) and more staff and vehicles from the agency and its partners to speed up support for new arrivals. MSF has also set up three out of four planned health posts along the coast and UNHCR also intends to have two registration centres in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital, and Aden.

The agency at present has 61 staff in Yemen and plans to bring in reinforcements in the months to come.

Somalis registered at the UNHCR's reception centre say they left due to conflict, arbitrary killings, threat of detention, drought and lack of work. Somalis account for half the migrant flow and most have fled conflict in southern and central parts of the country, including Mogadishu, the capital. There are nearly 90,000 registered refugees in Yemen, almost all of them Somalis.
2007-09-28 00:00:00.000

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WEST AFRICAN NATIONS VOICE APPRECIATION FOR UN'S HELP IN FOSTERING STABILITY

WEST AFRICAN NATIONS VOICE APPRECIATION FOR UN'S HELP IN FOSTERING STABILITY
New York, Sep 27 2007 10:00PM
Leaders from West African countries working to consolidate peace and build democratic institutions today voiced appreciation for the support of the United Nations and its agencies in this endeavour.

Hailing the lifting of sanctions against <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/liberia-en.pdf">Liberia, the country's Vice President today said the measures had been viewed as corrective – not punitive – by the country's people.

"My Government welcomes and highly appreciates the recent decision of the Security Council to lift sanctions which it saw fit to impose on the timber and diamond sectors in Liberia," said Joseph Nyumah Boakai.

"Although the imposition of sanctions was considered by many as punitive, I am gratified to inform you that the Liberian people viewed the sanctions as prudent and corrective," he told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

He also welcomed the Council's recent decision to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), saying that in spite of the gains of peace following 14 years of civil war, the country remains fragile.

Joao Bernardo Vieira, the President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/guinea-bissau-eng.pdf">Guinea-Bissau, also voiced appreciation for the UN's help for his country. He cited in particular the Ad Hoc Consultative Group of the Economic and Social Council.

For its part, Guinea-Bissau is determined to strengthen the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and development worldwide, he said.

Mr. Vieira also spoke about the problem of drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau, despite the political will of the Government to tackle the problem. "It can only be eradicated through international cooperation," he said, appealing to States that had experience in combating drug trafficking and organized crime to assist.

"We welcome the efforts of the UN system to establish an international network for the eradication of this scourge," he said.

Zarifou Ayeva, the Foreign Minister of Togo, looked to upcoming legislative elections in the country as a turning point in the country's history. He thanked international and other partners who helped Togo reach this point, especially the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which he said played an important role in preparations for the polls.

Currently, the country is engaged in a fight against impunity, and in this effort is enjoying the support of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, he said, voicing appreciation for its role in bolstering the Government's efforts.

The President of Guinea, Lansana Kouyaté, described the political crisis that his country faced earlier this year, and also voiced appreciation for the assistance of the international community in restoring stability. At the same time, he urged all countries of good will with the means to help to assist Guinea in carrying out its plan to consolidate these gains throughout the country.

Looking to the broader international context, he urged measures to combat poverty, saying it should be declared "illegal" throughout the world. Collective efforts to eradicate poverty would be the best way to guarantee peace, he said.

Beyond the West African region, the Vice Prime Minister of Burundi said his country is endeavouring to restore stability. Despite the non-participation of the FNL, the Government remained open to all proposals aimed at fostering a return of the rebel group to the peace process.

Looking back on the darker chapters of the country's history, he said Burundi is now working with the UN Secretary-General to establish a truth and reconciliation commission.

"We will soon engage in national consultations on the question and the conclusions should constitute a solid basis for the creation and functioning of this body," he said.

He also issued a strong call for action against small arms and light weapons which he said cause widespread destabilization. In Africa's Great Lakes region, these arms have been responsible for death and the destruction of infrastructure, he said.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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MEMBER STATES CALL FOR MORE EQUITABLE UN GOVERNANCE SYSTEM

MEMBER STATES CALL FOR MORE EQUITABLE UN GOVERNANCE SYSTEM
New York, Sep 27 2007 9:00PM
As the General Assembly continued its annual high-level debate today, numerous countries called for more fair and equitable governance within the United Nations system.

"This great Organization, dedicated to the well-being of humanity, which emerged after the tragedy of the Second World War, has to reform itself," said the President of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/dominicanrepublic-eng.pdf">Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernàndez Reyna.

"The current structure of the United Nations no longer represents the modern day. The structure corresponds to the Cold War era still, although the world has advanced beyond the era that was dictated by the rivalry of the superpowers."

He questioned the representation at senior levels in various parts of the UN system. "We, the Dominican Republic, do not truly comprehend why the President of the World Bank must be an American, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a European, while all the important global decisions are taken by only five countries," he said, referring to the permanent members of the Security Council.

He said the Dominican Republic would like to serve as a non-permanent member on the Council to "be a voice in favour of the weak, the most vulnerable, the derived and the most condemned on Earth."

The President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, also called for a reform of UN structures. The world body, he said, had been transformed from an organization with the aim of achieving results through consensus to one that is controlled by blocs of the strong against the weak.

He called for a restructuring of veto power in the Security Council not only to prevent "abuses of power by the few against humanity" but to defend the interests of groups and individuals.

He emphasized that Africa had interests to defend and the continent deserved the veto power. At the same time, he said that the veto does not signify much considering that the Council's resolutions are not very respected.

Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/gambia-en.pdf">Gambia called for a re-examination of the framework of key rules that govern international trade and finance, global competition, foreign direct investment and international migration.

"It is important that bodies making rules in these areas accommodate the views of developing countries in general, and the least developed countries in particular," she said.

"For Africa, where we must of necessity move away from aid dependency, the development of the continent must be addressed from the crucial vantage point of trade and market access, so as to enable our economies to be advantageously positioned in order for us to begin enjoying the fruits of globalization."

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/kuwait-en.pdf">Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister told the Assembly that it was time for an overhaul of international trade relations to assist the world's poorest States.

Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, who is also Foreign Minister, called for the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank "to alleviate the restrictions imposed on the exports of the developing countries and put forward a more just and equitable trade system."

Sheikh Mohammad added: "It is regrettable to see poverty, hunger and sickness continue in the developing countries. It is even painful to see more than half of the world's population living on less than $2 a day."

Also addressing the Assembly today on the issue of equitable international relations was the Prime Minister of Viet Nam, Tan Dzung Nguyen, who issued a strong call for fairer relations in the commercial and financial domains.

He also called for the lifting of economic embargoes, and urged the UN to put more resources into realizing development objectives.

In addition, he announced Viet Nam's intention to seek a non-permanent seat on the Security Council in the coming year.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/andorra-eng.pdf">Andorra's Head of Government said it was time to redouble global efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the set of anti-poverty and other goals which world leaders agreed at a UN summit in 2000 to strive to reach by 2015.

"I call on everyone not to lose speed. Press the foot down a little harder on the accelerator," Albert Pintat said in a speech in which he said it was time that the ideals contained in the UN Charter are "energetically renewed" to help weaker countries.

"We all benefit from the progress that we have made. We know the persistent relationship that there is between poverty and nearly all the challenges which we are facing: mortality, differences in life expectancy, health, injustice, intolerance, marginalization and armed conflicts."

Mr. Pintat said it was important to remember that the illnesses prevalent in poor countries "are perfectly avoidable and can be prevented" and that these nations are also "capable of installing efficient public health programmes when they receive adequate aid."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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INEQUALITY JEOPARDIZES GLOBAL STABILITY, BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS AT UN DEBATE

INEQUALITY JEOPARDIZES GLOBAL STABILITY, BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS AT UN DEBATE
New York, Sep 27 2007 9:00PM
Inequality is one of the greatest threats to global stability and prosperity, the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/unitedkingdom-eng.pdf">United Kingdom's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly tonight, issuing a call to industrialized nations to meet their commitments on aid, genuinely reform the international terms of trade and play their part in tackling climate change.

David Miliband said the world cannot stand united against shared threats and opportunities when there are so many economic and political disparities between States and peoples.

"We live in a more prosperous world, a more peaceful world, a more democratic world than ever before," he said. "Let's commit to living in a more equal world."

Mr. Miliband described inequalities as "not just morally offensive; they are also dangerous. Inequality fuels extremism. It undermines support for an open global economy. It corrodes trust and reciprocity between nations."

Although many of the world's poorest nations were now posting the largest rates of economic growth, he said around a billion people in 58 countries have been "left out of the story of human progress," condemned to a low life expectancy because of illnesses and malnutrition.

"Despite progress in some countries, the world is off track to meet its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)," he said, referring to the set of eight anti-poverty and related targets that world leaders agreed at a UN summit in 2000 to strive to reach by 2015.

The Foreign Minister said national action was not sufficient given that the causes of inequality transcended State boundaries.

He called on the countries of the developed world to meet their previously announced commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of their national income on development, adding that the UK will meet this target by 2013.

New trade rules that are fairer to poorer economies need to be developed as well, Mr. Miliband said, arguing that a successful conclusion later this year to the current Doha round of talks is feasible. He said the current arrangements were unsustainable.

"Western producers continue to benefit from subsidies and tariffs, particularly for agriculture. Higher tariffs for processed goods prevent poor countries diversifying their economies. This is a bad deal for Western consumers, and it squeezes out the livelihoods of producers in poorer countries. It is neither in rich countries' financial self-interest, nor is it fair."

But the greatest long-term threat of all, Mr. Miliband stressed, was the impact of climate change, especially on the poorest countries.

He said the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the only body that can conclude a meaningful agreement on global warming to succeed the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.

"At the heart of an agreement must be the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. All countries must take on responsibilities, but these must be equitable distributed, with the greatest action taken by the richest countries. The UK stands ready to play its part."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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INDEPENDENCE THE ONLY REALISTIC OPTION FOR KOSOVO, ALBANIA TELLS UN ASSEMBLY

INDEPENDENCE THE ONLY REALISTIC OPTION FOR KOSOVO, ALBANIA TELLS UN ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 27 2007 8:00PM
The only option for Kosovo that will bring durable peace and stability to the region is full independence for the Serbian province, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/albania-eng.pdf">Albania's Prime Minister told national leaders gathered at the General Assembly today.

Sali Berisha told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that independence for Kosovo would reflect the "expressed will of her citizens" and not set an international precedent for other regions seeking self-government and enhanced autonomy.

"The claim that the independence of Kosova may lead to the creation of Greater Albania cannot be farther from the truth," Mr. Berisha added, using the Albanian name for the province.

"In reality, Kosova's independence will only end the fluidity of Albanians in the Balkans, along with the idea of the creation of a single Albanian State in the territories where they are a dominant majority. The simple truth is that Kosova Albanians have decided in their project of the future to join Brussels, not Tirana."

Earlier this year the Secretary-General's Special Envoy on the issue, Martti Ahtisaari, proposed a phased plan of independence for Kosovo, where ethnic Albanians outnumber Serbs and other minorities by about nine to one.

In July, a troika comprising the European Union, Russia and the United States agreed to lead further negotiations on Kosovo's future status, while the wider Contact Group for Kosovo is meeting today at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss the issue.

In his address Mr. Berisha accused Serbia, which opposes independence and has proposed that the province be given greater autonomy instead, of a lack of realism.

"Rejection of the Ahtisaari package is unhelpful and proves that what matters first for Belgrade is not the freedoms and rights of Serbs in Kosova, but rather the idea of the Greater Serbia," he said.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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PACIFIC NATIONS SPOTLIGHT IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE DURING UN ASSEMBLY DEBATE

PACIFIC NATIONS SPOTLIGHT IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE DURING UN ASSEMBLY DEBATE
New York, Sep 27 2007 8:00PM
The representatives of four Pacific Ocean nations today used their addresses to the General Assembly to warn the world's affluent countries to make sure they do not shirk their responsibilities in the global fight against climate change.

Speakers from Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Palau told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that their landscapes – with long coastlines exposed to rising sea levels – leave them in the front line of the global warming battle.

Sir Michael Somare, Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/papuanewguinea-en.pdf">Papua New Guinea, said "we are very concerned to see certain industrialized nations attempting to avoid responsibility for their own carbon emissions and shifting the focus to developing nations.

"Only after industrialized nations take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions will the pathway become clear for lasting solutions. However, as developing countries we are willing to contribute equitably towards a sustainable future."

The Prime Minister outlined a series of measures he said must be in place in the successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, which is due to expire in 2012.

Those measures include a new global framework dedicated to reducing emissions from deforestation and land degradation, the scaling up of funding for developing countries as they adapt their industries to the impact of climate change, and commitments by wealthy nations to more aggressively cut their emissions.

Micronesia's President Emanuel Mori said any global response to the various threats posed by climate change should feature the "provision of adequate and additional financing by the developed countries to the most vulnerable to assist us in coping with our adaptation and mitigation requirements."

Small island developing States such as <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/micronesia-en.pdf">Micronesia have a pressing need for greater access to renewable sources of energy so they can move away from a dependence on fossil fuels, Mr. Mori said.

He stressed that a response to climate change will not be effective unless it is pursued "within the frameworks of the United Nations."

Ludwig Scotty, President of Nauru, said it was unfair that small island developing States were among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change when they collectively contributed so little to the emission of greenhouse gases.

Although he joined the call for developed nations to do more to help poor nations to adapt, Mr. Scotty also said non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the rest of civil society in poor countries can cooperate more to build up capacity in the fight against climate change.

"Capital investments alone are not sufficient," he said. "The need is to respond to the climate challenge with technology, skills and knowledge which are required to guide us."

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/palau-en.pdf">Palau's Vice-President Elias Camsek Chin said the proposed reductions under a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol must be ambitious and quantifiable, rather than a set of general intentions.

Mr. Chin warned of the dire consequences if the world's countries do not agree soon on an urgent programme of emission reduction.

"We are no longer in total control of our own destinies. When temperatures increase, our corals bleach, the seas rise, and the oceans acidify, threatening to demolish our marine biodiversity, jeopardizing our livelihood, and eventually destroying our identity," he said.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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MYANMAR'S TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY MUST BE PEACEFUL, THAI LEADER TELLS UN

MYANMAR'S TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY MUST BE PEACEFUL, THAI LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 27 2007 7:00PM
Decrying the use of violence against protesters in Myanmar, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/thailand-en.pdf">Thailand's Prime Minister told the General Assembly today that democracy must be achieved in a peaceful manner.

Myanmar has recently witnessed a wave of peaceful demonstrations, which began last month in protest against a surge in fuel prices and more recently have included many of the country's monks.

Like its neighbour, Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and shares "in the beliefs of non-violence and tolerance," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told the Assembly's annual high-level debate. "Thailand therefore finds as unacceptable the commission of violence and bodily harm to Buddhist monks and other demonstrators" in the city of Yangon.

"We strongly urge Myanmar to exercise utmost restraint and seek a political solution and resume its efforts at national reconciliation with all parties concerned, and work towards a peaceful transition to democracy," the Prime Minister said, calling on the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

He noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to which Thailand belongs is appalled at reports of automatic weapons being used against demonstrators and that there have been fatalities.

The Prime Minister said that ASEAN throws its full weight behind the decision of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send his Special Envoy for Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari to the troubled nation, voicing hope that his neutrality will help to bring calm.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES GLOBAL COOPERATION TO SECURE BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES GLOBAL COOPERATION TO SECURE BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL
New York, Sep 27 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on countries to work together to strengthen health systems around the world, and enable more people to access them, citing the link between health, security and development.

"The security of all countries depends more and more on the capacity of each to act effectively, and collectively, to minimize current risks to health," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11190.doc.htm">said during the launch at UN Headquarters of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative. "That applies equally to emerging threats that cannot be fully predicted."

The Initiative – begun by France, Indonesia, Norway, Senegal, South Africa and Thailand – seeks to use diplomacy in securing better health for all, particularly for the most vulnerable, including by increasing access to health care and making it more affordable.

Mr. Ban stressed that in an increasingly globalized world, what happens in one country can have dramatic effects in many others. "From AIDS to avian influenza, we have learned that we need to work in synergy to address these threats that affect us all."

He emphasized that disease, slowed development and global insecurity are inextricably linked, adding that "both domestic and foreign policies determine the extent to which people's prospects are undermined by ill health."

"Thanks to the efforts of many global actors, we now appreciate that investment in health is a cornerstone of economic growth and development, and a prerequisite for reaching most of the Millennium Development Goals."

Health, which is affected by a range of factors – from extreme poverty and armed conflict to climate change, biotechnology, changing patterns of human behaviour and access to essential services – requires concerted action among various Government sectors, the Secretary-General stated.

"And it requires working hand in glove with civil society and the private sector – with a focus, always, on children, women and the most vulnerable," he added.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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PRESIDENT OF COMOROS SEEKS UN INVOLVEMENT IN ENDING POLITICAL CRISES

PRESIDENT OF COMOROS SEEKS UN INVOLVEMENT IN ENDING POLITICAL CRISES
New York, Sep 27 2007 7:00PM
The President of the Comoros today called on the United Nations to help his country, an Indian Ocean archipelago, to resolve its political crises.

Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi spoke about the armed rebellion in Anjouan, which has led to a political crisis, and appealed for international help in finding a solution.

The rebels, he said, refused to comply with resolutions of the African Union (AU) and the recommendations of the international community relating to the holding of free and democratic elections in Anjouan.

The President thanked all of those bilateral and multilateral partners that had helped Comoros in seeking a solution. He also thanked the African Development Bank and other partners which had contributed to helping Comoros with its economic problems.

Regarding the island of Mayotte, he said that Comoros finds itself in opposition to France – a friendly country and key partner. He cautioned against the Balkanization of the Comoros.

Comoros sought a resolution to the situation, he said, calling for the free circulation of goods and people throughout the archipelago, including Mayotte.

The President voiced support for the address to the Assembly earlier this week by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who spoke about respect for diversity, national identity, religious beliefs and cultures.

He asked that the UN take up the question and seek a rapprochement between the two parties with a few to resolving the problem.

"I am convinced that we can, together, with the French authorities, find the ways and means of advancing the search for a just, lawful and definitive solution to this problem," he declared.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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CAMEROON PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NEW UN MISSION IN CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CAMEROON PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NEW UN MISSION IN CHAD, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
New York, Sep 27 2007 6:00PM
The President of Cameroon today voiced support for the planned new United Nations peacekeeping operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) and pledged his country's full cooperation in its deployment.

Known as MINURCAT, the mission will include European Union military forces and aims help alleviate the plight of thousands of people uprooted due to insecurity in Chad, the CAR and neighbouring Sudan.

Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon, a country that shares long borders with both Chad and the CAR, said the situation there "gravely threatens peace and security of these countries, the security and well being of their populations."

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, he added that the insecurity is transcending borders.

Cameroon supports the planned mission and will "fully cooperate" in its deployment, he said.

Since 2004, eastern Chad has hosted some 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps who have fled the fighting in Darfur, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The country is also facing a surge in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), now totalling more than 170,000. North-eastern CAR is hosting some 2,660 refugees from Darfur.

The Security Council established MINURCAT earlier this week with an initial deployment of 300 police and 50 military liaison officers to support elements of the Chadian police and liaise with other actors in the region to assist refugees and to counter threats to humanitarian activities.

The mission will also monitor the human rights situation in the region, and work with the Governments and civil society of Chad and CAR to promote human rights standards and put an end to the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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LIBERIA STILL FACES CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS, SAYS UN EXPERT

LIBERIA STILL FACES CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS, SAYS UN EXPERT
New York, Sep 27 2007 6:00PM
While Liberia has made considerable progress in areas such as security and economic development, it still faces many challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights, an independent United Nations expert said today.

During the course of her 10-day visit to the West African nation which is rebuilding after a brutal 14-year civil war, Charlotte Abaka met with representatives of the Government, civil society, United Nations agencies and the diplomatic community, who shared with her the "most pressing human rights issues facing the country today."

Ms. Abaka – the UN Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights, Technical Cooperation and Advisory Services in Liberia – noted progress in several areas, including an amendment to the country's labour law which was a "significant step" in guaranteeing workers' rights.

"There are however, still many challenges that impede the promotion and protection of human rights," she stated, expressing concerns with delays in setting up both the Independent National Human Rights Commission and the Law Reform Commission.

The implementation of the rape law was another serious issue. "I am appalled to hear from almost all the interlocutors that rape remains one of the most frequently reported crimes in the country."

She said that data on the prosecution of rape cases could not be made available due to lack of facilities, and police and prosecutors relied too heavily on medical evidence in rape cases. "This reality discourages victims of rape reporting the cases to the police."

In addition, Ms. Abaka noted that harmful traditional and customary practices continue to be carried out, including female genital mutilation which is still commonly practiced.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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DEMOCRACY NOT STATIC, BUT AN 'ONGOING PROCESS,' BANGLADESHI LEADER TELLS UN

DEMOCRACY NOT STATIC, BUT AN 'ONGOING PROCESS,' BANGLADESHI LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 27 2007 6:00PM
The leader of Bangladesh told the General Assembly today that democracy is a "dynamic and continual" process and that the international community can learn from the South Asian nation's efforts at consolidating stability.

Elections were scheduled in Bangladesh in late January, but following political violence, a state of emergency was declared that month. Since then, the country has been run by a non-party caretaker Government.

"We have learned that democracy is not an event, it is an ongoing process," Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed said at the General Assembly's annual high-level debate. "It is not just about casting votes and changing governments; it is about social justice, accountability and empowerment of the people."

Bangladesh has long been plagued by corruption which has severely undermined democracy. Corruption spawned a "winner-takes-all electoral system where the spoils of electoral victory were so great and the stakes of winning so high that the political process became hopelessly polarized, leading to a paralysis in even ordinary governance," he noted.

To allow the nation's democratic spirit to flourish, "we must first free our politics from the clutches of corruption and violence," he added.

The challenges – political violence, poor governance and corruption – Bangladesh faces are not unique to developing countries, Mr. Ahmed pointed out, since in such nations, especially post-conflict ones, "democracy does not necessarily ensure good governance."

Therefore, the international community needs to deepen its understanding of both the problems and the efforts of the developing world to rebuild their political and social institutions.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON SIGNS AGREEMENT TO BOLSTER TIES WITH SOUTHEAST ASIAN FORUM

BAN KI-MOON SIGNS AGREEMENT TO BOLSTER TIES WITH SOUTHEAST ASIAN FORUM
New York, Sep 27 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today entered into an agreement with his counterpart at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to boost ties between the two organizations.

At a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Ban and ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong signed a memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation in achieving regional peace and stability as well in reaching the Millennium Development Goals, a series of eight targets to eliminate poverty and other ills by 2015.

Under the memorandum, ASEAN and the UN will collaborate – through the exchange of information and expertise and joint technical assistance programmes – on issues of mutual interest in political, economic and socio-cultural areas, among others.

Both leaders will ensure that the agreement is implemented and that there is effective communication between the two Secretariats.

The granting of UN observer status to ASEAN by the General Assembly and today's agreement reflect the recognition of the role of the 10-member forum in regional peace and development, Mr. Ong noted.

Acknowledging ASEAN's contributions, Mr. Ban said the new pact is built on the long-standing relationship between the two organizations as well as the UN's commitment to work closely with regional groups.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN's foreign ministers, who held a working luncheon with Mr. Ban today.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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GUATEMALA HAILS 'UNPRECEDENTED COLLABORATION' WITH UN ON ARMED GROUPS PROBE

GUATEMALA HAILS 'UNPRECEDENTED COLLABORATION' WITH UN ON ARMED GROUPS PROBE
New York, Sep 27 2007 5:00PM
The independent body being set up to investigate the presence and activities of illegal armed groups in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/guatemala-en.pdf">Guatemala represents a unique joint effort between the United Nations and a Member State, the country's President told the General Assembly today.

Oscar Berger Perdomo told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) will improve the Central American nation's capacity to investigate and prosecute criminal activity.

"It is an unprecedented collaboration between a Member State and the United Nations in order to combat impunity and particularly transnational crime; an endeavour that will surely leave very tangible benefits as much to my country as important learning lessons to the United Nations," he said.

CICIG was established under an agreement between the UN and the Guatemalan Government that came into effect on 4 September. An independent, non-UN body, the Commission will be able to conduct its own investigations and also help local institutions, particularly the Office of the Public Prosecutor.

One of CICIG's tasks is to recommend public policies and any legal or institutional measures for eradicating the illegal armed groups and preventing their re-emergence. The costs are expected to be borne by voluntary contributions from the international community.

The President said the UN occupies a special place in his country's foreign policy, especially for the work of MINUGUA, the UN Verification Mission in Guatemala, which operated after the end of the country's long-running civil war in the mid-1990s.

More than three decades of conflict in Guatemala ended with the signing of peace accords in December 1996, but CICIG is being set up amid mounting concern in recent years that illegal security groups and clandestine security organizations continue to operate with impunity, conducting criminal activities and violating human rights.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN SUPPORT NEEDED TO DEAL WITH ARMED GROUPS IN DR CONGO, ITS PRESIDENT SAYS

UN SUPPORT NEEDED TO DEAL WITH ARMED GROUPS IN DR CONGO, ITS PRESIDENT SAYS
New York, Sep 27 2007 5:00PM
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is determined to stabilize the country's troubled North Kivu region, its President said today, seeking United Nations support in this effort.

Addressing the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly, Joseph Kabila said: "We must, by all means, with determination and a heightened sense of urgency, resolve the remaining problems of insecurity in North Kivu."

He said the Congolese people there continued to face all manner of violence by armed groups – national and foreign – and many had been forced to flee their homes.

Calling for a re-establishment of security in the area, he said, "as for the armed groups, the support of the United Nations is necessary for their voluntary disarmament, or if need be, forced," as well as their repatriation.

Since December 2006, North Kivu – which lies in the far east of the vast country – has been ravaged by violent clashes leading to the displacement of more than 224,000 people, the UN estimates.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUC) has urged an end to clashes among armed factions in North Kivu and is working to promote stability in the area.

MONUC has overseen the DRC's transition from a six-year civil war that cost 4 million lives in fighting and attendant hunger and disease, widely considered the most lethal conflict in the world since World War II, to gradual stabilization, culminating in the first democratic elections in over four decades being held last year.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL URGES FREE AND TIMELY ELECTION OF NEW LEBANESE PRESIDENT

SECURITY COUNCIL URGES FREE AND TIMELY ELECTION OF NEW LEBANESE PRESIDENT
New York, Sep 27 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations Security Council today called for a free and timely presidential election in Lebanon, which was scheduled to be held this week but has been postponed until later next month.

In a statement read out to the press by Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner of France, which holds the Council's rotating presidency for this month, the 15-member body urged that the election be held "in conformity with the Lebanese constitutional norms and schedules and without any foreign interference."

The Council also appealed for the election to be held in "an atmosphere free of violence, fear and intimidation, in particular against the representatives of the Lebanese people and institutions."

Last week, the Council strongly condemned the killing of parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem in a car bomb attack in the capital, Beirut.

In today's statement, the Council said it looks forward for "the Parliament to proceed, as appropriate, to the election of the President."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES MYANMAR'S DECISION TO RECEIVE UN ENVOY

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES MYANMAR'S DECISION TO RECEIVE UN ENVOY
New York, Sep 27 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that he is pleased that the Government of Myanmar has agreed to a visit by his Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, who has been dispatched to the region in response to the deteriorating situation in the country.

Mr. Ban, in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11189.doc.htm">statement released by his spokesperson, called on the authorities to engage in a constructive dialogue with Mr. Gambari, who will begin his visit on 29 September, and "to commit to a path of peaceful and inclusive national reconciliation."

Myanmar has recently witnessed a wave of peaceful demonstrations, which began last month in protest against a surge in fuel prices and more recently have included many of the country's monks.

Noting reports of the use of force and of arrests and beatings, Mr. Ban has repeatedly urged Myanmar's authorities to respond to the protests with the utmost restraint.

His calls have been echoed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and members of the UN Security Council.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES COLLECTIVE ACTION ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEAPONS PACT

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES COLLECTIVE ACTION ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEAPONS PACT
New York, Sep 27 2007 4:00PM
Marking the 10th anniversary of the global treaty against chemical weapons, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today <" http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2763">stressed that genuine disarmament can be accomplished through United Nations-backed cooperation.

The entry into force of the <" http://www.opcw.org/docs/cwc_eng.pdf">Chemical Weapons Convention on 29 April 1997 "was a milestone in international efforts to achieve a world free of chemical weapons," Mr. Ban told a high-level meeting to celebrate the pact's decade-long existence. "The Convention stands as a monument to the world's determination to eliminate one of the most inhumane weapons ever conceived."

He stressed that the treaty is the first to be negotiated fully within a multilateral forum, and that "real disarmament is possible through collective action within the framework of the United Nations."

The world's support for disarmament and the ban on chemical weapons is growing, and the 182 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention represent 98 per cent of the global population, the Secretary-General said.

Many key States have not ratified the Convention, he said, urging their adherence to the agreement. "Instead of competing in a race to acquire more arms, we must all work together in a race to achieve full universal membership of the chemical weapons treaty."

Mr. Ban paid tribute to the successful verification of the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The Organisation has demonstrated that international verification is not only possible, it can be undertaken without compromising national security or corporate secrets, he said. "The lesson is that international verification is beneficial, both to the security of all States and to legitimate commerce. As disarmament advances, the world advances."

He also pledged his support to promote the Convention's full implementation and to push for a world free from chemical weapons.

Today's high-level meeting was convened by Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen and Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED FUND RECEIVES NEARLY $10 BILLION IN PLEDGES TO FIGHT AIDS, TB, MALARIA

UN-BACKED FUND RECEIVES NEARLY $10 BILLION IN PLEDGES TO FIGHT AIDS, TB, MALARIA
New York, Sep 27 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations-backed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today <" http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/media_center/press/pr_070927.asp">received $9.7 billion over three years in initial pledges, constituting the largest single financing exercise ever for health.

"With these new resource pledges, the global community has taken a significant step towards achieving the goals we have set for fighting these diseases," said the Global Fund's Replenishment Mechanism Chair, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, at whose urging the Fund was launched at the Group of Eight (G8) summit of industrialized nations in 2001.

Today's pledges will allow the Fund, a unique global public/private partnership, to move towards annual commitments of $6 billion to $8 billion by 2010.

The meeting, hosted by the German Government, was opened in Berlin by Chancellor Angela Merkel. As this year's G8 President, Germany has worked to strengthen the fight against infectious diseases in the developing world and in her opening remarks, the Chancellor stressed that her country sees refinancing the Fund as an important part of this effort.

The meeting was the first occasion for donors to secure the Fund's needs of $12 billion to $18 billion for 2008-2010 as demand will grow. It follows a meeting in Oslo, Norway, in March where resource needs were established. A follow-up conference will take place in early 2009.

Some major donor nations are prevented by their budgeting procedures from providing commitments for more than one year at a time and will announce their contributions at a later time.

The total pledging amount consists of firm pledges as well as projections of floor level financing expected by some countries, private sector and innovative funding mechanisms.

"These pledges are warmly welcomed and we will make sure they are invested well," Global Fund Board Chair Rajat Gupta said. "The Global Fund now is the leading financier of programmes to fight the three diseases. We have secured the initial resources necessary to take the global fight against these diseases to a new level."

The Fund currently provides around two thirds of all international financing to fight TB and malaria and nearly a quarter of global resources against AIDS.

"The Global Fund will ensure that the money is invested responsibly, professionally and transparently in effective, sustainable, life-saving action," Fund Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine said. "But the Global Fund is also a partnership. It is now important that bilateral and international agencies, implementing countries, civil society and private sector partners work together to harmonize and coordinate our efforts."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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NETHERLANDS CALLS ON UN TO STREAMLINE ITS OPERATIONS IN POOREST COUNTRIES

NETHERLANDS CALLS ON UN TO STREAMLINE ITS OPERATIONS IN POOREST COUNTRIES
New York, Sep 27 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations would have more success in helping the world's poorest countries if its many agencies and programmes pooled their resources into a single plan rather than competed for funds and attention, the Prime Minister of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/netherlands-en.pdf">Netherlands told national leaders gathered at the General Assembly today.

Jan Peter Balkenende said it was time for the Member States of the UN to invest less time and energy in adopting resolutions and more in strengthening confidence and relations between poor and rich States.

"People and resources are scarce," he told the Assembly's annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York. "We can only spend each euro once. If we want to achieve our common aims, like the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">MDGs), we need to coordinate our efforts."

Mr. Balkenende said that all too often "we have planted a forest of UN flags in various countries" to represent the work of individual agencies and programmes.

"We need a more unified approach in order to help the poorest developing countries more. We can work far more efficiently if we pool our resources in a single programme in each country. This makes demands on donors. Several countries – including the Netherlands – now fund various UN organizations on the basis of multi-year plans. I hope that others will follow suit."

The world body is running a "One UN" pilot programme in eight countries after the Secretary-General's High-Level Report on System-wide Coherence recommended such an initiative last year.

The programme, which is being piloted in Albania, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uruguay and Viet Nam, is designed to better coordinate UN operations and accelerate progress towards the MDGs by establishing a joint office for UN development agencies.

Tanzania's President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete told the Assembly that his country was pleased to be one of the eight countries in the "One UN" pilot.

"The One UN Programme is for us a logical development from the UN Development Assistance Framework (<" http://www.undg.org/index.cfm?P=232 ">UNDAF), a framework that is fully aligned with our national priorities," he said.

"The efficiencies in aid delivery expected through 'One UN' will certainly contribute to enhancing our capacity to attain the MDGs."

Mr. Kikwete called on UN Member States to give the world body the funds necessary to fully implement the project and he added that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (<" http://www.imf.org/external">IMF) could also assist in this goal.

"The project should not fail for lack of resources," said the President.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN MISSION REPORTS MORE ATTACKS ON AID WORKERS IN SOUTH DARFUR

UN MISSION REPORTS MORE ATTACKS ON AID WORKERS IN SOUTH DARFUR
New York, Sep 27 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations Mission in Sudan (<" http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmis">UNMIS) reports that aid workers continue to be victims of attacks, including several carjackings, in the south of the violence-wracked Darfur region.

In one incident, the driver of a vehicle belonging to an international non-governmental organization (NGO) was tied up and beaten. He is now being treated at a UN clinic in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. A UN convoy was also attacked the same day.

The latest incidents follow last week's attack in South Darfur in which a convoy of aid workers was ambushed and shot at by unknown gunmen.

Two of eight staff members of the NGO World Vision International travelling in the convoy were shot in the head, while a third staff member was struck in the arm. The other five were hit by glass fragments and shrapnel. All eight survived the attack.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<" http://ochaonline.un.org">OCHA), attacks against the relief community have increased by 150 per cent in the past year, threatening the lifeline to an ever-increasing number of displaced and conflict-affected people.

There are some 13,000 relief workers in Darfur trying to reach a total of four million people affected by the fighting which began four years ago between the Sudanese Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups.

Meanwhile, in West Darfur, as part of continuing efforts to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases following recent floods, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF) has taken part in hygiene promotion campaigns in several camps, and has also provided anti-malaria medicines and mosquito nets.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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REJECTING INDEPENDENCE FOR KOSOVO, SERBIA'S PRESIDENT OFFERS COMPROMISE AT UN

REJECTING INDEPENDENCE FOR KOSOVO, SERBIA'S PRESIDENT OFFERS COMPROMISE AT UN
New York, Sep 27 2007 3:00PM
Restating Serbia's long-standing rejection of independence for Kosovo, the country's President today proposed a compromise for the province that the United Nations has administered since 1999 based on the "autonomous development" of the Albanian-majority community.

"In defence of the State sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, our negotiating team has offered a decentralization model based on European solutions that would protect the interests of Kosovo Albanians, as well as the threatened interests of the Serbian and other non-Albanian ethnic communities in the province," Boris Tadi&#263; told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

The arrangement would involve Serbia giving "Kosovo Albanians special rights and competences for an autonomous development of their community within the Republic of Serbia."

The Serbian President said that according to UN statistics, of the more than 200,000 Serbs who left Kosovo in 1999, only 7,100 had returned.

Pointing out that the Contact Group on Kosovo is holding a meeting today, he said "a legitimate decision on the future status of Kosovo can be brought only by the Security Council of the United Nations."

He advocated a diplomatic solution as opposed to one reached through violence. "Serbia does not accept that the threat of violence of the party we are negotiating with is an argument for re-drawing the borders of legitimate democracies and for violating the norms of international law," he said.

Referring to reports that Kosovo's provisional institutions could declare independence on 11 December, he said any one-sided recognition of independence would forever alter the international legal order. "Many separatist movements the world over would use the newly established precedent," he said. "Many regions in the world would be destabilized."

On the question of war criminals still at large, he said "Serbia has done all within its powers to track down, arrest and transfer to The Hague those accused of war crimes, demonstrating in that way its commitment to bringing cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to a successful end." The ICTY was set up to prosecute those responsible for war crimes during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

Also addressing the Assembly today, the President of Croatia, Stjepan Mesi&#263;, described the post-war accomplishments of his country, which had completed its struggle "through cooperation with the UN" and had "established good relations with all our neighbours, including those who waged war against us."

Croatia also actively participates in UN peacekeeping, deploying its personnel in 15 UN operations. This, he said, "puts Croatia at the very top of those countries whose soldiers are preserving peace under the blue flag."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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COLOMBIA HAILS UN HELP IN ASSISTING DISPLACED PERSONS, FIGHTING DRUG TRADE

COLOMBIA HAILS UN HELP IN ASSISTING DISPLACED PERSONS, FIGHTING DRUG TRADE
New York, Sep 27 2007 3:00PM
The President of Colombia today lauded help the country has received from the United Nations in combating drug trafficking, promoting labour rights and assisting displaced persons.

Addressing the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly, Alvaro Uribe said the fight against impunity for killings of union workers is being carried out under guidelines from the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) in agreement between the Government, workers and employers. "The reports on the progress made, submitted by the ILO office in Colombia, have been positive," he said.

President Uribe said the UN <"http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html">Office against Drugs and Crime has helped to protect the rainforest from the threat of drug trafficking, while the <"http://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm">ILO carries out "excellent work" in its workers' protection programme.

"We have extended the mandate of the <"http://www.ohchr.org/english">Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to maintain its presence in Colombia for the remainder of my Government's term in office," said the President. "Also different UN entities provide valuable support in the task of assisting displaced people."

Describing the country's security policy, he said it had succeeded in eradicating paramilitarism. "The term 'paramilitary' was coined to refer to private criminal organizations whose objective was to combat guerrillas," he said.

"Today the only one that combats the guerrillas is the State, which has recovered the monopoly it never should have lost."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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MORE SPORTS STARS TEAM UP WITH UN AGENCIES TO FIGHT POVERTY, HIV/AIDS

MORE SPORTS STARS TEAM UP WITH UN AGENCIES TO FIGHT POVERTY, HIV/AIDS
New York, Sep 27 2007 3:00PM
More renowned sports figures are teaming up with United Nations agencies to help fight poverty, hunger and disease.

Russian tennis champion Maria Sharapova, named a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) earlier this year, has recruited United States basketball star LeBron James to "Team Up Against Poverty" on a new UNDP advertisement to garner < "http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2007/september/sharapova-lebron-20070926.en">support for achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals, which seek to slash poverty, hunger, infant and maternal mortality and a host of other ills by 2015.

The awareness and fund-raising advertisements features celebrities from the world of sports, arts, fashion or business portrayed in teams of two by the world's greatest professional photographers.

Fifty celebrities, including UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors and soccer greats Ronaldo and Zidane, have already agreed to participate and are undertaking specific anti-poverty activities.

The advertisements have been produced thanks to photographers, celebrities and advertising agencies who are donating their time and talent for the fight against poverty. Hundreds of newspapers and magazines have already published them worldwide.

World-renowned photographers who have joined the campaign include Dominique Issermann, Peter Lindbergh, Sarah Moon, Satoshi Saikusa, Christian Moser, Ferdinando Scianna, Javier Vallhonrat, the late Jeanloup Sieff and Sebastiao Salgado.

Meanwhile the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF) and Futbol Club Barcelona have renewed the second year of their five year partnership with the handing over of this season's team jersey bearing the UNICEF name and a pledge to give a further 1.5 million Euros for children.

In 2006 FC Barcelona donated 1.5 million Euros to UNICEF. These funds were used to help children affected by AIDS in Swaziland, the country with the highest estimated HIV rate in the world.

"The assistance from Barcelona is a timely investment in the national response to the HIV epidemic," UNICEF Representative in Swaziland Jama Gulaid said. "It is already touching the lives of Swazi children in multiple ways - improving access to prevention, rapid diagnosis of HIV, live-skills education through sports, birth registration, water, and sanitation."

UNICEF in Swaziland used the funds to acquire laboratory equipment for testing blood samples and drugs for prophylaxis and anti-retroviral treatment. A community mobilization campaign was launched to improve use of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services and 23 new Neighbourhood Care Points were established to help protect more than 1,000 orphans and vulnerable children.

The Care Points are like a home away from home where children receive psycho–social support, nutrition, non-formal education and basic health care. Additionally, they make orphaned and vulnerable children visible by creating awareness about their needs among community members, service providers, national leaders, civil society and international donors.

The funds have also been used to train 885 community members as care givers to work in the Care Points. Some 5,000 school children have also had training in Life-skills Education and Sports and taken part in sports activities in 68 schools.

The aid from these athletes is but the latest in a whole series of collaboration between UN agencies and world sport, which has seen the Cricket World Cup batting against HIV/AIDS, the European Swimming League in "a race against time" to prevent deaths from unclean water, and similar initiatives with the International Rugby Board, American football stars, marathon runners and Formula One auto racers.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SENTENCES TWO FORMER SENIOR YUGOSLAV OFFICERS

UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SENTENCES TWO FORMER SENIOR YUGOSLAV OFFICERS
New York, Sep 27 2007 3:00PM
Two former senior officers of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) were <" http://www.un.org/icty/pressreal/2007/pr1185e.htm">sentenced today by the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for their roles in the executions of non-Serbs in Ovcara.

Mile Mrkšic was sentenced to prison for 20 years for aiding and abetting the murder, torture and cruel treatment of 194 non-Serb prisoners of war taken from a hospital in Vukovar after the Croatian city fell to JNA and Serb paramilitary forces in November 1991.

As Army colonel, he commanded all Serb forces – including JNA, Territorial Defence and paramilitary forces – in the Vukovar area at the time of the crimes.

Convicted of aiding and abetting the cruel treatment of prisoners, Veselin Šljivancanin, who served as a JNA major and headed the security organ of both the Guard's Motorized Brigade and Operational Group South at the time, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

Meanwhile, a third JNA member who was indicted along with Mr. Mrkšic and Mr. Šljivancanin, Miroslav Radic, was acquitted of all charges.

According to the indictment, in late November 1991 – following the brutal siege and sustained artillery attack on Vukovar – JNA and Serb paramilitary forces under the command or supervision of Mrkšic, Radic and Šljivancanin, removed about 260 non-Serb individuals from the Vukovar Hospital where they had sought refuge. The prisoners were transported to a farm building in Ovcara, where they were beaten, tortured and eventually murdered.

The three men were charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes for their alleged participation in a joint criminal enterprise aiming to murder and mistreat prisoners, as well as their personal and command responsibility for the torture and executions.

The Tribunal's Trial Chamber cited evidence from exhumations of the Ovcara mass grave and subsequent autopsies identifying 192 non-Serb victims named in the indictment.

The ICTY held its first hearing in November 1994, and since then, has indicted 161 persons and proceedings have been completed in the cases of 108 accused. No further indictments will be issued, and the Tribunal is scheduled to complete its mission by the end of 2010.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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TIMORESE PRESIDENT CALLS ON UN TO STAY ON TO HELP COUNTRY STABILIZE

TIMORESE PRESIDENT CALLS ON UN TO STAY ON TO HELP COUNTRY STABILIZE
New York, Sep 27 2007 3:00PM
Applauding the efforts so far of the United Nations to bring peace and stability to the South-East Asian country, Timor-Leste's President today called on the world body to extend its engagement there to help strengthen national institutions and ensure that democracy takes root.

José Ramos-Horta told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate that the presence of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (<"http://www.unmiset.org/unmisetwebsite.nsf/MainFrame-EN.htm?OpenFrameset">UNMIT) after the deadly violence of April and May last year had helped the nation achieve "significant progress."

Presidential and legislative elections held earlier this year were largely free of violence or irregularities, he said, and security sector reform has also begun.

But the President acknowledged that the recent outbreak of violence from supporters of Fretilin, the former ruling party, after the new government was announced, showed that "the relative tranquility prevailing in the country is a precarious one."

The events of last year were also "a crisis of our own making and for which we must take full responsibility," he said, adding that his country realized it needs to make every effort to stand on its own feet.

"We hope that the UN will consider a longer-term engagement with us to further stabilize the situation, strengthen our national institutions and consolidate peace and democracy," he said.

"As the situation progresses, we hope that the Peacebuilding Commission will consider placing Timor-Leste on its agenda as a follow-up to UNMIT."

The <" http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding">Peacebuilding Commission was established by the UN last year to prevent countries emerging from conflict from sliding back into chaos or war. It focuses on projects that help with reconstruction, institution-building and sustainable development.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN-SPONSORED MEETING SEEKS TO LINK REMOTE ASIA-PACIFIC COMMUNITIES TO INTERNET

UN-SPONSORED MEETING SEEKS TO LINK REMOTE ASIA-PACIFIC COMMUNITIES TO INTERNET
New York, Sep 27 2007 2:00PM
With only about 14,000 of the world's estimated 170,000 community e-centres in Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations opened a two-day meeting today on establishing a regional knowledge network of the centres where people in the poorest and remotest areas, from farmers to students, gain access to computers and the Internet.

The meeting, hosted by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (<"http://www.unescap.org/unis/index.asp">UNESCAP) at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, seeks to help poor communities to make the most out of these e-centres, and to learn from each other's good experiences. The number of such centres is expected to jump 10-fold in the next five years.

UNESCAP Information, Communication and Space Technology Division Director Sivasankaran Thampi stressed that the meeting aims to enhance interconnection and collaboration.

Community e-centres, also known by different names such as telecentres or community information centres, have already helped people living in remote areas to get much needed information and knowledge to improve their lives.

Farmers, for examples, find crop market information to get better prices for their produce, students learn how to use computers to tap the vast source of information available in the Internet which places them in a better position in the job market, and women are empowered by the use of technology.

The proposed regional knowledge network of e-centres aims to improve their effectiveness as a development tool and to maximize limited resources by networking with each other to share experience and products, including content such as market information and training materials.

Around 30 representatives of UN agencies, information and communication technology ministries, telecentres and telecentre associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are participating in the meeting which is part of a project on knowledge networking through access points for disadvantaged communities being implemented by the UN through its five Regional Commissions in Africa, Europe, West Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS NEEDED TO AVOID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN - BAN KI-MOON

SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS NEEDED TO AVOID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Sep 27 2007 2:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11188.doc.htm">Addressing the largest bloc of developing countries at the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for substantial efforts to avoid a worldwide economic recession, warning that the group's members are likely to be the worst affected by any global slowdown.

Mr. Ban noted that volatility in financial markets has become a source of growing concern recently, and instability and uncertainty in the global economy are being "imported to the developing world."

In remarks to the annual ministerial meeting of the Group of 77 developing countries and China – commonly known as the "G77" – Mr. Ban said that while actions such as the injection of liquidity can calm financial markets temporarily, they will not resolve the underlying problem of global economic imbalances.

He called on the international community to enhance its support for the efforts of developing countries, particularly as they seek to reduce poverty, which is "critical to improving the lives and livelihoods of the billions of people this Group represents."

Poverty reduction, which is at the core of the UN development agenda, is also at the heart of the global development targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mr. Ban stated, adding that the partnership between developing and developed countries forms the "pact that forms the lifeblood of the goals."

Noting that an "implementation gap remains, between promises and delivery," the Secretary-General called for reversing the decline in official development assistance (ODA), as well as reforming the global trade policy.

"We must ensure an early conclusion of the Doha round of trade talks, with a meaningful development package. We must operationalize 'aid for trade.'"

Mr. Ban also highlighted the need to ensure adequate participation of developing nations, especially low-income countries, in global decision-making, noting that "inequitable and unjustifiable governance arrangements still characterize crucial international institutions."

In addition, the Secretary-General urged the members of the Group to confront the global challenge of climate change, adding that "global warming must not be allowed to undermine our hard-won development gains."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN LAUNCHES $220 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE 9 MILLION VULNERABLE CHILDREN

UN LAUNCHES $220 MILLION CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE 9 MILLION VULNERABLE CHILDREN
New York, Sep 27 2007 1:00PM
The United Nations refugee agency has launched a campaign to raise $220 million by 2010 to allow 9 million refugee and vulnerable children, particularly those from Sudan's Darfur region, Iraq and Colombia, to get an education, partly based on the Internet as well as by getting teachers into remote locations.

Launching the campaign yesterday at the annual Clinton Global Initiative (<"http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=346&srcid=-2">CGI) summit in New York, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46fb5f822.html">called the initiative "a means of ensuring that vulnerable children are fully able to realize their right to an education."

The renewed ninemillion campaign (<"http://www.ninemillion.org/index.html">www.ninemillion.org), through a so-called Education (Plus) programme, seeks to address all aspects of a child's educational needs, from teachers and notebooks to transportation, water and vocational training. Its programme puts particular emphasis on getting girls into the classroom.

The campaign brings together UNHCR and private sector partners such as sports goods maker Nike, software giant Microsoft, employment service provider Manpower, the advertising group WPP, and GSMA, an association of mobile phone operators and equipment suppliers.

"I believe the mobile industry can play an important role within the ninemillion initiative as access to telecommunications and the internet will enable refugee children to learn about their world," GSMA Chief Executive Officer Rob Conway said.

Manpower's Senior Vice-President David Arkless added: "We owe every refugee child an education to give them the tools to make a life for themselves."

The initial focus of ninemillion will be on uprooted children from Darfur, Iraq and Colombia, which are among the world's worst displacement crises. The campaign was originally launched last year on World Refugee Day, 20 June, to open up education and sports opportunities for millions of refugee children around the world. Many have already benefited. The unveiling of Education (Plus) at the three-day CGI re-launches the campaign and gives it new concrete goals.

In a related development 150,000 children in conflict areas, especially Iraq and the occupied Palestinian Territory, will benefit from a distance-learning project under a $30-million grant from the William J. Clinton Foundation to the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF). UNICEF is working with Microsoft, the International Rescue Committee and computer maker Hewlett Packard on the project.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS JUDGMENTS IN THREE CASES AGAINST KOSOVO FIGHTERS

UN TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS JUDGMENTS IN THREE CASES AGAINST KOSOVO FIGHTERS
New York, Sep 27 2007 1:00PM
The Appeals Chamber of the United Nations tribunal established to try those responsible for the worst war crimes committed in the Balkans in the 1990s today <"http://www.un.org/icty/pressreal/2007/pr1184e.htm">upheld the Trial Chamber's conviction of one former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member and acquittal of two others.

Haradin Bara, Fatmir Limaj and Isak Musliu were indicted by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.un.org/icty/">ICTY) for crimes committed against both Serb and Kosovo Albanian civilians in the KLA-run Llapushnik/Lapušnik prison camp between May and July 1998.

The Tribunal dismissed all appeals lodged by parties, affirming the conviction of Mr. Bala and the acquittals of Mr. Limaj and Mr. Musliu.

A former guard at the camp, Mr. Bala was found guilty of torture, cruel treatment and murder, and was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment on 30 November 2005. He was convicted by the Trial Chamber for his personal role in the "maintenance and enforcement of the inhumane conditions" of the camp; for aiding the torture of one prisoner; and for participating in nine murders of camp prisoners who were marched to the Berishe/Beriša Mountains on 25 or 26 July 1998 and then killed.

All five grounds of his appeal – including his claim of mistaken identity and his alibi – were rejected.

The Prosecution had also appealed on the grounds that a systemic joint criminal enterprise existed in which the Llapushnik/Lapušnik prison camp was "run by the KLA, the conditions in the camp amounted to a system of ill-treatment and the KLA soldiers in the camp intended to further this system of ill-treatment."

The Appeals Chamber rejected this claim, noting that the Trial Chamber "reasonably held that it could not be ruled out that rogue KLA soldiers or so-called outsiders to the camp for personal reasons, such as revenge, mistreated or killed civilian detainees, and not in furtherance of any common plan."

Mr. Bala will remain in ICTY custody until he his transferred to the country in which he will serve his sentence, and will receive credit for the time he has served in the Tribunal's Detention Unit.

Mr. Limaj was not criminally responsible for the offences he was indicted for in the context of command responsibility, the Appeals Chamber said. Mr. Musliu's acquittal was upheld because he was neither present in the camp nor did he participate in its operation.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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BATTLE AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING AT LOCAL LEVEL HONOURED WITH UN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE

BATTLE AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING AT LOCAL LEVEL HONOURED WITH UN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE
New York, Sep 27 2007 12:00PM
Highlighting efforts at the local level to combat global warming, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today <" http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=517&ArticleID=5675&l=en">awarded a major prize to two non-governmental initiatives in South Africa and Bangladesh that are veterans in the front line against climate change.

Jeunesse Park of South Africa and Bangladeshi non-governmental organization (NGO) Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha are the co-winners of UNEP's <" http://www.unep.org/sasakawa">Sasakawa Prize 2007, a $200,000 award given yearly to individuals or institutions who have made a substantial contribution to the protection and management of the environment.

"Leadership is urgently needed if the international community is to rise to the challenge of climate change – leadership from the United Nations; governments, scientists; business and cities, but also leadership from individuals and civil society organizations working on the ground," UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said.

Ms. Park has worked on climate change since 1990 as founder of Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA), South Africa's only greening and food gardening NGO. She initiated the design of the country's first carbon calculator to make it easy and affordable for governments, institutions and communities to offset carbon emissions by planting trees.

Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha was founded in 1998 to help poor and marginalized people from the remote Chalanbeel region of Bangladesh and to combat the effects of climate change which has increased devastating flooding in recent years. It uses the extensive river network to spread environmental education by boats which travel from farm to farm bringing solar power and new technologies to avoid problems such as soil erosion, ground and water contamination, over-fishing, and habitat destruction.

"These two outstanding winners of the Sasakawa Prize 2007 embody leadership in its finest form – namely creative and determined action that demonstrates real and tangible difference to the people and communities they serve," Mr. Steiner said.

"In doing so our award winners are proving that combating climate change is not only do-able but links to the wider environmental, social and economic aims enshrined in targets such as the Millennium Development Goals," he added, referring to the targets set by the UN Millennium Summit of 2000 to slash global hunger, poverty and other social ills by 2015.

The prize is sponsored by UNEP and the Nippon Foundation of Japan, whose chairman is Yohei Sasakawa.

"It has been rewarding to recently see the growing interest in this crucial global crisis and to know that we have played a small part in facilitating action in South Africa," Ms. Park said, pledging to use the prize money to develop climate change awareness and education materials to Government, business and disadvantaged and underserved communities.

"Since we are currently lobbying big business in this country, the award would assist us with highlighting the importance of climate change, and options for addressing this, amongst the larger carbon emitters of South Africa," she added.

Abul Hasanat Mohammed Rezwan, Shidhulai Executive Director, said the prize will help his organization "provide clean solar-powered lighting and educate thousands of people on literacy, sustainable farming and climate change," as well as promote self-reliance for hundreds of villages in Bangladesh.

"Shidhulai as a local organization is proving that it is possible to deal with this climate change, to tackle pollution, and at the same time, to lift people out of poverty. We hope our work in using boats to adapt and cope with climate change and improve the quality of life will serve as an inspiration," he added.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN NEEDS URGENT FUNDS TO FEED 1.5 MILLION FLOOD VICTIMS IN AFRICA

UN NEEDS URGENT FUNDS TO FEED 1.5 MILLION FLOOD VICTIMS IN AFRICA
New York, Sep 27 2007 12:00PM
From helicopters in East Africa to boats in the West, the United Nations World Food Programme (<" http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2654">WFP) is using every means at its disposal to reach the estimated 1.5 million people engulfed by the worst floods in decades but it urgently needs new donations to cope with the crisis.

"Funds, especially cash, are urgently needed for several WFP operations, including in Uganda, where a $41-million UN flash appeal was launched last Friday," the Agency said in its latest update. "Of this, WFP needs $26.3 million to feed 300,000 flood victims, as well as provide for helicopters, boats and road and bridge repairs. WFP warns that a major crisis could develop in Uganda."

Widespread flooding in Uganda is worsening road access to key regions in the north and in some places air deliveries are WFP's only option. In all, WFP estimates that 1.7 million people are in need of assistance in Uganda, including flood victims, refugees and others displaced by conflict or civil strife. But it has still not received new donations.

"As people's food supplies run out, and as the threat of malaria and waterborne diseases rise in flooded areas, it is vital that WFP has funds to reach people with food aid and to keep helicopters in the air to ferry other aid to people in villagers cut off by floodwater," the Agency said.

WFP teams on the ground in flooded areas have reached almost 74,000 people with over 1,050 tons of food, using trucks where possible and a helicopter. WFP has one helicopter in the air and is bringing in two cargo helicopters, as well as more heavy duty trucks that can negotiate muddy roads. Two engineers will also work with Ugandan authorities on repairs to roads and key bridges. The Agency needs funds to pay for all this.

In Sudan, WFP is preparing to start emergency air drops to 43,800 people in flood-affected states in southern Sudan in addition to 89,000 flood-affected people already receiving food assistance in other parts of the south and east Sudan. The one-month air drop operation will start in October. Some 500,000 people have been directly affected by the worst floods in living memory and at least 200,000 are homeless.

In Ethiopia seasonal floods have affected 226,000 people, displacing 71,000, while in Rwanda torrential rainfall combined with the effects of deforestation in the north-west has left at least 17 people dead and left 2,370 people homeless. The Government has distributed food and says it can meet the needs for the first two months. WFP is ready to assist if requested, and is identifying potential food-for-work projects.

West Africa is experiencing one of its worst floods in 10 years, affecting more than 600,000 people in 12 countries, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<" http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1080">OCHA) but the overall agricultural production forecast for 2007-2008 is positive.

WFP has distributed 40 tons of food to 6,500 people in Togo, while in Burkina Faso it is preparing joint recovery activities together with UN Food and Agriculture Organization (<" http://www.fao.org">FAO) for affected farmers.

WFP has worked with the Government, other UN agencies and non-governmental organization partners to give emergency aid to 18,000 homeless people in Mauritania, while in Niger it distributed food to 4,550. In Mali, it distributed food for 15,000 people in August and will provide further aid to 20,000 affected people over three months.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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RWANDA'S PRESIDENT URGES UN ACTION AGAINST 'DESTRUCTIVE' FORCES IN REGION

RWANDA'S PRESIDENT URGES UN ACTION AGAINST 'DESTRUCTIVE' FORCES IN REGION
New York, Sep 27 2007 11:00AM
The forces that committed genocide in Rwanda more than a decade ago remain active in the region and must be countered with international action, the country's President told the United Nations General Assembly today.

"While our continent has been consolidating peace and security, there are persistent problem areas that need attention," Paul Kagame told the Assembly's annual high-level debate. "In the Great Lakes region, forces that committed genocide in 1994 continue their destructive operations," he said.

"They rape, murder, terrorize and plunder with impunity," he charged. "Their leaders are active in Europe, America and Africa where they continue to promote the ideology of genocide."

He said the "costly UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [<"http://www.monuc.org/Home.aspx?lang=en">MONUC] has not diminished their activities" and called on the international community, in collaboration with the Congolese Government, "to end the threat posed by these negative forces once and for all."

An estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered, mostly by machete or club, across Rwanda in less than 100 days starting in early April 1994. Later that year the Security Council established the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to deal with the worst cases.

In his speech today, President Kagame said Rwandans "need peace and stability so that we can concentrate on the business of economic growth and development."
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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COMPETITION FOR OIL AND GAS RESERVES HEATING UP, SAYS UN TRADE BODY

COMPETITION FOR OIL AND GAS RESERVES HEATING UP, SAYS UN TRADE BODY
New York, Sep 27 2007 11:00AM
The emergence of new players in the global market and shifts in the policies of gas and oil producers means that traditional conglomerates from industrialized nations are facing increasing competition in the race to access the world's reserves, the United Nations agency on trade and development issues said today.

With crude oil prices staying well above $70 a barrel, traditional transnational corporations are losing bargaining power to oil-producing countries "eager to use climbing demand to capture a larger share of the rents," <" http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=9016&intItemID=1528&lang=1">according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The agency draws attention to "large imbalances" in global consumption, production and reserves of oil and gas, such as the fact that developed countries consume more than half of global oil and gas output, while they account for only a quarter of production.

Moreover, less than 8 per cent of the world's remaining proved reserves of oil and gas are found in these countries. As many as 21 of the top 25 countries ranked in 2005 by total remaining proved reserves were developing or transition economies.

In addition, data suggests that resources in developed countries are being depleted more than 10 times faster that that of developing and transition economies, which means that the former will have to rely increasingly on oil and gas imported from the latter.

Competition for oil and gas resources is becoming more complex, according to UNCTAD, due to changes in government policies in producing nations. Some developing countries with large reserves, such as Kuwait, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, do not allow foreign participation in oil and gas extraction.

Others permit foreign investment but are facing embargoes applied by the home countries of companies, such as in the case of those from the United States which are not allowed to invest in Iran or Sudan.

Also affecting competition is the entry of new corporations based in developing and transition economies, including Kuwait Petroleum, Lukoil (Russia), Petrobras (Brazil) and Petronas (Malaysia), who are already among the main foreign investors in selected oil and gas producing countries and operate alongside traditional companies from the developed countries such as British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell and Chevron.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY MEETS WITH ITS 'VITAL PARTNERS' - NGOS

UN REFUGEE AGENCY MEETS WITH ITS 'VITAL PARTNERS' – NGOS
New York, Sep 27 2007 11:00AM
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46fa81134.html">UNHCR) is hosting three days of annual talks at its Geneva headquarters with some 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who play a vital role as partners in helping it to meet the needs of millions of uprooted people around the world.

"If we didn't have this kind of dialogue, things would start to fall apart in the field and the refugees would be disadvantaged as a result," UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Craig Johnstone told the opening session yesterday. "So we attach a great deal of importance to the partnership with the NGO community."

He briefed participants on "a very active reform under way at UNHCR," including decentralization and better management of its budget. "Nimbleness is one of our objectives," he stressed.

Mr. Johnstone outlined areas where further improvements were needed, while also suggesting how NGOs could help improve the relationship, including timely audits and progress reports on projects.

The more than 300 delegates representing large and small, national and international NGOs from around the world are focusing largely on the theme of partnership, which both sides regard as a vital part of their relationship.

"This is very important for me in my capacity as president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC)," Abdul Rahman Attar said. "This meeting has given me a chance to talk to lots of NGOs and explain to them how they can work with Syria with the cooperation of UNHCR."

The SARC is mandated to look after all 1.5 million Iraqi refugees in Syria and has played a key role in ensuring that UNHCR programmes reach the most needy among them.

Aside from partnership, other special themes of this year's meeting include "Next Steps in Durable Solutions" and "Special Situation Focuses."

The talks will be followed next week by the annual gathering of UNHCR's governing body, the Executive Committee. Since 1997, NGOs have participated in UNHCR's Executive and Standing Committees as observers.

As vital partners for UNHCR, NGOs implement programmes for refugees and internally displaced persons in some of the world's most remote and difficult places. In all, about one quarter of UNHCR's resources are channelled through its partners. The agency works with more than 500 NGOs worldwide.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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MURDER OF TV REPORTER IN BAGHDAD IS ATTACK ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF IRAQI PEOPLE - UN

MURDER OF TV REPORTER IN BAGHDAD IS ATTACK ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF IRAQI PEOPLE – UN
New York, Sep 27 2007 10:00AM
The head of the United Nations body mandated to protect press freedom today condemned the latest murder of a journalist in Iraq, calling it "an unacceptable attack on the human rights of the people" in a country where over 150 media workers are reported to have been killed since the United States-led invasion in 2003.

Jawad al-Daami, a well-known poet who worked on cultural and social programmes for the independent Cairo-based television channel Al-Baghdadia in Baghdad, was shot in the head in the south-western neighbourhood of Al-Qadissiya on Sunday.

"There can be no excuse for the killing of writers and poets, and I call on the authorities of Iraq to do all in their power to stem this intolerable blood-letting," UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura <" http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=39528&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">said in a statement.

Mr. al-Daami, who had gone to Baghdad to attend a cultural conference, is the second employee of the channel to be killed in Iraq. So'oud Muzahim al-Shoumari, an Al-Baghdadia correspondent, was found dead in Baghdad's southern district of Doura in April 2006, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The CPJ says that at least 112 journalists, not including Mr. al-Daami, and 40 media support staffers have been killed in Iraq since March 2003. Eighty-five percent of those killed were Iraqis.

Mr. Matsuura has issued frequent condemnations of the murder of journalists around the world.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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FRENCH OFFER TO PROTECT FOOD SHIPS FROM PIRATES OFF SOMALIA WELCOMED BY UN

FRENCH OFFER TO PROTECT FOOD SHIPS FROM PIRATES OFF SOMALIA WELCOMED BY UN
New York, Sep 27 2007 10:00AM
Faced with the risk of mounting piracy off the coast of Somalia at a time when it is increasing its shipments to feed over a million hungry people in the strife-torn country, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed France's offer to provide naval escorts to protect its vessels.

<" http://wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP and the UN International Maritime Organization (<" http://www.imo.org/home.asp">IMO) have jointly <" http://wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2655">appealed for high-level international action to stamp out the piracy, which saw 17 attacks in the first half of 2007 compared with eight in the same period last year. In 2005, an upsurge of piracy, including the hijacking of two ships contracted for WFP, forced the Agency to suspend all deliveries by sea for some weeks.

"We are grateful to the Government of France for this generous offer, which would reduce the threat of piracy and allow WFP to feed more hungry people in Somalia," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said.

Ms. Sheeran also thanked the multinational coalition naval force off Somalia for its increased surveillance in recent months and said she hoped it would continue.

Some 80 per cent of WFP food assistance for Somalia moves by sea, and pirate attacks threaten to cut the main supply route, jeopardizing rations for the 1.2 million people WFP expects to be feeding by the end of 2007 as drought, floods and factional fighting take their toll.

The French proposal envisions a two-month period during which naval vessels would escort ships carrying WFP food assistance as they traverse Somali waters. Ships would be escorted to the entrance of the port of Mogadishu, the capital.

WFP is increasing its food distributions in Somalia and has to ship more food just as the stormy monsoon season is coming to an end, Ms. Sheeran said.

Before the onset of the monsoon in June, increasing pirate attacks had cut by half the number of ships WFP contracts to transport food. Without escorts, WFP fears the pirates will return as the heavy monsoon seas calm, allowing them to start hunting for ships again.

Most of the pirate assaults did not appear aimed at seizing cargo but rather designed to force ship owners to pay ransom for the vessels and crew held hostage. The pirates are highly mobile, manning fast boats and using satellite position-fixing gear to attack ships far out at sea, sometimes more than 200 nautical miles off the Somali coast.

In 2006, WFP delivered some 78,000 metric tonnes of food to 1.4 million people affected by drought and floods in southern Somalia alone.
2007-09-27 00:00:00.000

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NON-ALIGNED COUNTRIES SEEK 'MORE DEMOCRATIC AND TRANSPARENT' UN - CUBA

NON-ALIGNED COUNTRIES SEEK 'MORE DEMOCRATIC AND TRANSPARENT' UN – CUBA
New York, Sep 26 2007 5:00PM
The Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/cuba-eng.pdf">Cuba, which chairs the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), today called for improvements in the work of the United Nations to make it more transparent and democratic.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, Felipe Pérez Roque called for a "radical" change in the working methods of the Security Council to make it more accessible to all Member States.

"We need a United Nations with a reformed Security Council, acting in conformity with the mandate granted to it by the Organization's Charter, without infringing upon the functions and prerogatives of other organs of the system."

The General Assembly, he said, should be able to exercise its influence as the UN's most representative and democratic body.

"We uphold the idea of having a United Nations where multilateralism and the solutions agreed upon in full compliance with the Charter are the only way to address and resolve the current problems," the Foreign Minister said.

The Human Rights Council should not repeat the mistakes of its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights, he said, calling for an "end to selectivity and double standards."

Representing nearly two-thirds of the membership of the UN, he said the NAM would not be forgotten. "We will remain united and we will find support in the defence of our rights. We will make our voice heard."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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EFFECTIVE SECURITY STRATEGY MOST URGENT PRIORITY FOR AFGHANISTAN - BAN KI-MOON

EFFECTIVE SECURITY STRATEGY MOST URGENT PRIORITY FOR AFGHANISTAN – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Sep 26 2007 5:00PM
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with an ongoing insurgency, weak governance and a growing narcotics industry, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has cited an effective plan to ensure security as the war-torn nation's most pressing need.

"The most urgent priority must be an effective, integrated civilian-military strategy and security plan for Afghanistan," Mr. Ban wrote in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/555">report on the situation in the country and its implications for peace and security.

"A coordinated military response is still needed to defeat insurgent and terrorist groups, but success in the medium term requires the engagement of communities and the provision of lasting security in which development can take place," he added.

The Secretary-General stated that a key to sustaining security gains in the long term is increasing the capability, autonomy and integrity of the Afghan National Security Forces, especially the Afghan National Police.

He urged the Government to build on the outcomes of the Conference on the Rule of Law in Afghanistan, which he co-chaired with President Hamid Karzai in Rome in July, by finalizing its justice sector strategy and addressing the "apparent impunity enjoyed by those Government officials perceived to be abusing their offices."

Highlighting the threat to reconstruction and development posed by the continued increase in opium production – which reached record levels this year – Mr. Ban called on Afghan authorities to prioritize interdiction and bring drug traffickers to justice.

Participants at a high-level meeting convened over the weekend at UN Headquarters in New York by Mr. Ban and President Karzai also expressed great concern at that situation, underlining the link between drug production and trafficking and the financing of terrorist activities, and agreed that "breaking this linkage is vital to creating a stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan."

Meanwhile in New York today, President Karzai and the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (<"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2007/september/afghanistan-human-development-20060926.en">UNDP) Kemal Dervis launched the Afghanistan National Human Development Report 2007, which explores the importance of the rule of law to human development in the country.

A key finding of the report, prepared by an independent team of authors, is that the Afghan justice system must be rebuilt in a way that bridges modern and traditional justice institutions, protects rights and strengthens rule of law – "a pivotal step in Afghanistan's march to successful political transition and development."

The report makes a strong case for a "hybrid model of Afghan justice" with traditional systems of dispute settlement – jirgas and shuras – complementing the formal justice system.

"This report advocates a bold and creative approach to strengthening the justice institutions in Afghanistan," President Karzai said at today's launch.

"While remaining committed to universal principles of human rights and Afghan laws, we believe that the state and traditional justice bodies working together can help make justice and the rule of law more readily available to Afghans," he added.

The report found that personal security is among the major impediments to achieving development targets in Afghanistan. In 2006 alone, more than 4,400 Afghans – including 1,000 civilians – died in anti-government violence, twice as many as in 2005.

"Security is a prerequisite for the rule of law that, in turn creates an atmosphere conducive to human development," the report states. "Strengthening the rule of law can nonetheless, serve as an important means to advance the freedom of people to exercise choices and enhance their capacity to live meaningful and healthy lives."

Afghanistan has adapted the globally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which include halving the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger, to nine Afghan MDGs.

While the country has maintained a steady growth rate and is likely to achieve its poverty goal by 2020, the report notes that the picture is "disappointing" for most of the other goals.

Some 6.6 million – or one third of Afghans – do not have enough food to eat, only 12 per cent of women and 32 per cent of men are literate, and the mortality rate for children under five years and the proportion of mothers dying in childbirth are among the highest in the world.

Mr. Dervis noted that the report showed that despite decades of war, Afghanistan has made measurable progress with regard to some key dimensions of human development as well as towards achieving Afghanistan's development goals.

He added that "with the spectre of violence and uncertainty lifting ever so gradually from Afghanistan, the need to expand prospects of life and human development across the length and breadth of the country assume ever-greater urgency."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN MISSION SUPPORTS NEW IDENTIFICATION SCHEME AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN MISSION SUPPORTS NEW IDENTIFICATION SCHEME AHEAD OF ELECTIONS
New York, Sep 26 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unoci/index.html">UNOCI) is helping the authorities plan and execute a new identification scheme ahead of presidential elections called for under a pact signed earlier this year between the Government which controls the south of the West African country and Forces Nouvelles which has held the north since 2002.

UNOCI will send logistics support teams to all 68 districts where the so-called audiences foraines are being conducted. The question of Ivorian identity is a sensitive issue in a country that has also attracted migrants.

The audiences are scheduled to last three months. Elections were slated for last year but then postponed due to differences between the parties, originally until 31 October this year.

UNOCI was set up in 2004 with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities between the warring parties and, among other goals, to contribute "to the security of the operations of identification of the population and registration of voters" and support "the organization of open, free, fair and transparent elections."

As of the end of August it had a strength of nearly 9,200 uniformed personnel, including almost 8,000 troops and over 1,130 police.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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POOR NATIONS ARE NOT BENEFITING FROM GLOBALIZATION, SÃO TOMÉ'S LEADER TELLS UN

POOR NATIONS ARE NOT BENEFITING FROM GLOBALIZATION, SÃO TOMÉ'S LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 26 2007 4:00PM
Globalization has failed to help the poor in many parts of the world, but instead served to benefit already affluent consumers in wealthy countries, the President of the African island nation of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/saotomeandprincipe-eng.pdf">São Tomé and Príncipe told the United Nations General Assembly today.

Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes said the continuing existence of poverty, despite the enormous scientific and technological advances made by humankind, was the disgrace of the modern era.

"Half of the world's population lives on less than $2 a day. Twenty per cent of everyone alive suffers from chronic hunger. Every single day 30,000 children die needlessly from dehydration, diarrhoea, or infections, all so easily prevented or cured," he told the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York.

"In many countries children are not even given a name until they are one month old because so many of them do not live that long. One billion adults today are illiterate. One hundred million children cannot go to school because of their poverty."

Mr. de Menezes said many poor nations, like his own, had been told that the "rising tide" of globalization was the best way to finance the development they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

"But this rising tide of globalization in many parts of the world lifted the yachts and swamped the rowboats…. It seems that perhaps globalization has made the right to shop more important than the right to vote."

The President said it was unrealistic to expect private corporations to combine their entrepreneurial activities with furthering social causes.

"Obviously, some companies must improve their practices and be held accountable for cleaning up their environmental disasters – like those in the Niger Delta, for example. But to put companies in the role of economic reformers is unrealistic."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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IRAQ'S PRIME MINISTER APPEALS FOR GLOBAL AID TO HELP NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

IRAQ'S PRIME MINISTER APPEALS FOR GLOBAL AID TO HELP NATIONAL RECONCILIATION
New York, Sep 26 2007 5:00PM
The Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/iraq-en.pdf">Iraq today appealed to national leaders meeting for the General Assembly's annual high-level debate to help the country as it embarks on a road toward national reconciliation, which he stressed is essential for the stability of the region and the world.

"We are steadfast and determined to exterminate terrorism in Iraq so that it does not spread around the countries of the world," said Nuri Kamel Al-Maliki, calling on other States to support this effort.

Having paid such a high price for its freedoms, Iraq "will not retreat from its democratic choice," he said. "This position necessitates the support and cooperation from the world's nations, so that Iraq can build a modern State that guarantees justice, equality and a respect for religious, intellectual, sectarian and ethnic pluralism."

Emphasizing the importance of national reconciliation, Mr. Al-Maliki said it "is our strategic choice that has saved our country from slipping into the pit of a sectarian war."

Iraq's priority now, he said, is establishing sovereignty over the land. "We have come a long way in training and equipping our armed forces in order to take over the security responsibilities from the multinational forces," he said.

At the same time, the Iraqi Prime Minister warned neighbouring States than any destabilization was likely to spread. "We cautioned all countries in the region that continued overflow of weapons, money, suicide bombers and the spreading of 'fatwas' inciting hatred and murder will only result in disastrous consequences for the peoples of the region and the world."

A stable Iraq, he stressed, "will be a guarantee for stability and security in the region."

Mr. Al-Maliki underscored Iraq's desire to rejoin the international community, pointing to recent evidence of the country's stepped-up involvement with the United Nations, including through chairmanship of the General Assembly's Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.

The UN resolutions that were adopted following the previous regime's invasion of Kuwait "inflicted great harm upon the infrastructure, service sector, health and education systems" in Iraq, he said.

"Our people look up to the international community for help to alleviate and lift the burdens of the destruction as well as relieve the people from the heavy bills of debt and compensation."

He also voiced hope that the United Nations would mobilize its activities in Iraq. "That will contribute to encouraging the international community's openness towards intensifying their role in the areas of building, construction, development, supporting national reconciliation and the democratic experience."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SHOULD NOT CLOSE UNTIL ALL SUSPECTS ARE CAUGHT, BOSNIA TELLS UN

WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SHOULD NOT CLOSE UNTIL ALL SUSPECTS ARE CAUGHT, BOSNIA TELLS UN
New York, Sep 26 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations war crimes tribunal set up in the aftermath of the 1990s Balkan wars should not close until the most notorious suspects still at large, the former Bosnian Serb leaders Radovan Karadži&#263; and Ratko Mladi&#263;, are brought to justice, the Chairman of the Presidency of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/bosniaandherzegovina-en.pdf">Bosnia and Herzegovina told the General Assembly today.

Speaking this afternoon at the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York, Željko Komši&#263; said all suspected war criminals from the various territories of the former Yugoslavia who have not been arrested should be brought before the courts.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which is based in The Hague in the Netherlands, was set up by the Security Council in May 1993 to deal with the worst violations of international humanitarian law during the Balkan wars.

Mr. Karadži&#263; and Mr. Mladi&#263; are two of only four men who are still at large, but under the completion strategy established with the Council, the ICTY has said it will try to finish all trials at the first instance by the end of next year.

A former political leader of the Bosnian Serbs, Mr. Karadži&#263; faces two counts of genocide, five counts of crimes against humanity, three counts of violating the laws or customs of war and one count of grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions.

Mr. Mladi&#263;, who led the Bosnian Serb military forces, faces 15 charges, including two of genocide, seven of crimes against humanity and six of violating the rules or customs of war.

Mr. Komši&#263; said authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina had been working closely with the ICTY on issues ranging from extradition and the processing of criminal charges to the provision of working conditions for court representatives and access to documents.

"We are creating a legal framework and have a special department of the War Crimes Court to start processing war crime cases," he said. "This is one of the conditions for establishing mutual trust and reconciliation in a post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina"

During his address Mr Komši&#263; also stressed the need for urgent UN reform, saying the July 1995 massacre of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica – a Security Council-designated "safe area" – was a notorious example of how "my country paid a high price for the imperfect and inefficient UN system."

Therefore, he said, it was essential that the UN and its various bodies and agencies be strengthened and revitalized, including the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Secretariat.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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DEVELOPING STATES NEED HELP COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE, MOZAMBICAN LEADER TELLS UN

DEVELOPING STATES NEED HELP COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE, MOZAMBICAN LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 26 2007 6:00PM
Developing countries bear the brunt of climate change and need international assistance to help them mitigate its effects, the President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/mozambique-en.pdf">Mozambique told the United Nations General Assembly today.

Addressing the Assembly's annual high-level debate, Armando Emí Guebuza said increases in extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels and other effects of climate change are "felt more harshly in developing countries" which lack the capacity to properly respond.

"More than ever, and in the face of recurrent and more and more devastating tragedies, there is a need for involvement of all members of the international community in the implementation of global actions enshrined in [international] commitments," he said.

The Mozambican President praised Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for having convened an unprecedented global gathering on the issue earlier this week, which he said "opens up new prospects for the renewed momentum required so that substantial progress can be made during the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held this December in Bali, Indonesia."

That meeting will be tasked with hammering out a successor to the Convention's Kyoto Protocol, which contains legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but is set to expire in 2012.

The President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/zambia-eng.pdf">Zambia, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, said his country needs assistance in such areas as scientific research, early warning and rapid response to address the effects of climate change.

"Zambia calls for speedy development and transfer of appropriate technologies to help us cope with the negative impacts of climate change as well as put us on a low-carbon economic growth path," he said.

For its part, Zambia pledged to reduce emissions from industry and other sources, he said. "We call upon industrialized countries, who have a history of producing these emissions, to take serious steps to reduce them," he said.

"We believe the situation is now serious and narrow national interests in this matter must be discarded."

King Mswati III of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/swaziland-en.pdf">Swaziland said that while countries like his own had developed "pro-green" policies, there was still a need for access to and transfer of environmentally-friendly technologies, particularly from developed to developing countries.

He called for measures to promote technology cooperation which would not only enable the transfer of crucial technological know-how but also help build up local capacity for the efficient use and further development of the transferred technology.

The Swazi leader also encouraged the private sector, particularly multinational corporations, "to be responsible enough to practice in the developing world the same environmental and waste management principles that they practice in the developed world," including by not dumping harmful waste materials in developing countries.

Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/switzerland-fr-eng.pdf">Switzerland, said her country has also felt the effects of climate change. "Glaciers are receding and floods are on the increase," she said. "As far as my country is concerned, the cost of efforts to save the planet affordable, considering the technology that already exists."

She pointed out that the international community has come together to address poverty and to promote peace and respect for human rights, but added, "our efforts in relation to environmental challenges have not gone far enough."

Treaties and other mechanisms to deal with the question are fragmented, she said. "We need therefore to unite in order to identify and implement these objectives so that we may make more economical use of the available resources and energy, and protect the biosphere."

Toward that end, she called for a significant reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. "We also need to help the countries most affected by these changes, the least developed among them in particular, to develop and implement strategies that will enable them to adapt to the changes, and alleviate the adverse effects on them as much as possible."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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NIGERIA TO PRESS FOR REFORM OF SECURITY COUNCIL, ITS PRESIDENT SAYS

NIGERIA TO PRESS FOR REFORM OF SECURITY COUNCIL, ITS PRESIDENT SAYS
New York, Sep 26 2007 6:00PM
The President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/nigeria-en.pdf">Nigeria today called for an expansion of the Security Council to include representation for Africa, and pledged his country's efforts toward achieving this end.

"The situation whereby Africa is itself totally excluded from the permanent membership of the Council is unfair and untenable and must be rectified," Umaru Musa Yar'adua told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

He pledged to "continue to collaborate with Member States to press for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, including the much-desired expansion of the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories in order to reflect the realities of today's world."

Speaking more broadly about the needs of the African continent, he said it seeks "genuine partnership for economic development" from the international community.

"This should be manifested in a global economic system predicated on fairness, justice and equity; one that ensures fair trade terms and recognizes the centrality of mutuality in prosperity," he said. "More specifically, Africa requires massive, focused foreign investment in the infrastructural development across the continent."

Festus G. Mogae, the President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/botswana-en.pdf">Botswana, echoed the call for attention to Africa, acknowledging its problems while emphasizing that the continent's future "is not hopeless or bleak."

He emphasized the pivotal role being played by the African Union (AU) in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. "While the United Nations Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, Africa should be a dependable and indispensable partner in responding expeditiously to the urgent need to end conflicts and save lives."

The President added that the countries and peoples of Africa must take a lead role in promoting peace and development. "We should adopt sound policies and programmes that promote economic growth and development, foreign direct investment, as well as domestic investment," he said.

At the same time, he called for the continent's development partners to "deliver on the pledges to scale up official development assistance (ODA) to Africa, effect meaningful debt relief, improve market access for African goods and services and encourage their private sectors to invest in Africa."

Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdellahi, the President of Mauritania, said there was no doubt that "economic and social development constitute the best antidote" to the problems plaguing Africa.

He called for greater levels of official assistance and foreign direct investment for Africa, while pointing out that the continent's countries hold primary responsibility for development. "They must ensure the primacy of law, promote good governance and create a framework that will foster investments," he said.

Mauritania is closely following developments concerning Western Sahara and welcomes recent steps which have translated into a return to the negotiating table, he said, voicing supports for efforts by the Secretary-General to achieve a lasting solution acceptable to all parties that would bolster stability in the region.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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URGENT SCALE-UP OF ACTION NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL ACCESS - UNAIDS

URGENT SCALE-UP OF ACTION NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL ACCESS – UNAIDS
New York, Sep 26 2007 6:00PM
Achieving the goal of providing universal access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010 will require a dramatic and urgent scale-up of efforts, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (<"http://www.unaids.org/en/MediaCentre/PressMaterials/FeatureStory/20070925_Resources_needs.asp">UNAIDS) said in a new report released today.

Universal access for 14 million people in less than three years' time will also require significant increases in funding, between $32 and $51 billion, up from $10 billon this year. By 2015, between $45 and $58 billion would be necessary to prolong this approach, according to the report, entitled "Financial Resources Required to Achieve Universal Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support."

Last year, a high-level General Assembly meeting was convened to bolster commitment to achieving the target of universal access by 2010, and by this June 93 countries had set ambitious goals while an additional 60 nations had developed strategic plans.

Brazil and Botswana are among countries that have made strides towards the goal, especially through the achievement of universal access to antiretroviral treatment. Other nations such as Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa are pushing ahead to meet their national targets by 2010.

However, the $10 billion made available this year to fund the fight against the virus falls far short of what is needed to achieve universal access.

The new report also puts forward two other approaches to financing the effort to halt the spread of, and treat those living with, HIV/AIDS.

One suggestion is to boost resources to between $14 and $18 billion and achieve the treatment of 8 million people by 2015.

The other is to increase funding for countries based on their capacities and ultimately reaching universal access in all nations by 2015.

According to the report, the lack of investment in the early years of the AIDS response, particularly in strengthening health systems and addressing the "drivers of the epidemic," has resulted in a more serious epidemic and the higher levels of funding needed today.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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AT UN, MADAGASCAR CALLS FOR 'ECOLOGICAL PARTNERSHIP' BETWEEN AFRICA, RICH STATES

AT UN, MADAGASCAR CALLS FOR 'ECOLOGICAL PARTNERSHIP' BETWEEN AFRICA, RICH STATES
New York, Sep 26 2007 7:00PM
Africa and the industrialized world should form an "ecological partnership" in which African States supply clean energy and other natural products and wealthy countries increase their investment in the continent, Madagascar's President told national leaders gathered at the General Assembly today.

"There is an urgent need for the globalization of responsibility," Marc Ravalomanana said as he called for new strategies that utilize the international community to help African economies advance more quickly and yet still protect their environment.

During previous addresses to the Assembly's annual high-level debate, Mr. Ravalomanana has called for a Marshall Plan for Africa to match the economic assistance programme that the United States brought to Europe after World War II.

Reiterating the need for such a plan, he said today that the ecological partnership would form a crucial element.

"Such a partnership could contribute substantially to finding real solutions to some of the climate problems, through a programme of investment. Other important features would be nature conservation, and the preservation of our biodiversity.

"I am convinced that Africa could be the supplier of clean energy, medicinal and industrial plants, as well as other natural products in the future. The world is bound to need more and more of these."

The Malagasy President said the possibilities in Africa for producing new, clean forms of energy and reducing the output of carbon dioxide were enormous.

"<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/madagascar-eng.pdf">Madagascar could provide some of the energy needs through the development of hydro energy. And half of Madagascar could be reforested. Our island, called the red island, could once again, be known as the green island."

International help would be vital to this process, he said, stressing "there is a strong link between the quality of the environment and poverty."

But he voiced concern at what he said was "the lack of seriousness" at forums such as the General Assembly annual high-level debate.

"A lot of promises are made, but not a lot of promises are kept," the President said, adding that many donor nations are not even close to meeting their vow of doubling aid to Africa.

"Aid to Africa is as weak as ever. Africa can absorb so much more. And all countries would benefit from this."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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SOLUTION TO THE CYPRUS PROBLEM IS 'WITHIN REACH', PRESIDENT TELLS UN ASSEMBLY

SOLUTION TO THE CYPRUS PROBLEM IS 'WITHIN REACH', PRESIDENT TELLS UN ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 26 2007 7:00PM
A settlement to the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/cyprus-eng.pdf">Cyprus problem in the form of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation that is unified, democratic and inclusive is feasible and need not involve unfair compromises, the President of the country told the General Assembly today.

Tassos Papadopoulos said the status quo on the Mediterranean island was not sustainable and it was important to continue with the process outlined in an agreement signed on 8 July last year by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The accord sets out the necessary framework for a political process that was designed to lead to the resumption of full-fledged negotiations under the auspices of the good offices of the United Nations Secretary-General but, more than a year later, the negotiations remain yet to begin.

Mr. Papadopoulos said "the surprising laboriousness in implementing this carefully crafted agreement" is not inherent to the process and he reiterated that the 8 July agreement provides the only basis for taking the issue forward.

He stressed that he regards "the preservation of our interests and those of Turkey in our region not as mutually exclusive but as complementary and interdependent," adding that it was time to seize the opportunity to prevent the dispute becoming eternal.

"We are convinced that reaching a settlement well above the lowest common denominator is feasible and the creation of a unified, democratic, inclusive and forward-looking society fully assuming its place in the European Union is within reach.

"We are also convinced that a settlement in the form of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation can be truly comprehensive and need not sacrifice justice for the sake of peace."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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ZIMBABWEAN LEADER URGES 'REVITALIZED' UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

ZIMBABWEAN LEADER URGES 'REVITALIZED' UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 26 2007 8:00PM
To counter the influence of strong countries, the United Nations General Assembly must be reinvigorated and become more active in all areas, including peace and security, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/zimbabwe-en.pdf">Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said today.

"We are for a United Nations that recognizes the equality of sovereign nations and peoples whether big or small," Mr. Mugabe told the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York. "We are averse to a body in which the economically and militarily powerful behave like bullies, trampling on the rights of weak and smaller States, as sadly happened in Iraq."

The challenges posed by such nations can be offset by the revitalization of the GA, "itself the most representative organ of the UN," he stated.

The President expressed frustration over what he said were the undemocratic tendencies of the Security Council due to the sway held by powerful nations.

"In its present configuration, the Council has shown that it is not in a position to protect the weaker States who find themselves at loggerheads with a marauding super-power," he noted, calling attention to the fact that Africa is the only continent not represented in the 15-member body.

Calling on the UN system to desist from breaching the autonomy of Member States, the President stressed that national-level development efforts must be directed by countries themselves and "not subject to the whims of powerful donor states."

Mr. Mugabe also pointed the finger at Western nations for violating his country's sovereignty through its domination of Zimbabwe's resources, "in the process making us mere chattels in our own lands, mere minders of its transnational interests."

Criticizing United States President George W. Bush and former Prime Minister Tony Blair for their "misadventures in Iraq," the Zimbabwean leader said that this action was taken without the consent of the UN.

"The two rode roughshod over the UN and international opinion," he declared, calling for withdrawal from Iraq.

To address its own problems, Zimbabwe can rely on African regional and continental organizations, without interference from "outsiders and mischievous outsiders."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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BOLIVIA'S PRESIDENT PROPOSES CONVENING UN WORLD INDIGENOUS FORUM

BOLIVIA'S PRESIDENT PROPOSES CONVENING UN WORLD INDIGENOUS FORUM
New York, Sep 26 2007 8:00PM
The President of Bolivia today called for the United Nations to convene a world indigenous forum to foster a new approach to economic relations based on an appreciation of natural resources and not their exploitation.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, Evo Morales welcomed the recent approval of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, thanking all countries, except the four which voted against it.

"Our culture is a culture of life," said the President, the first indigenous leader of Bolivia.

He called on the UN to convene a world indigenous forum to "understand different ways of life."

Questioning whether it was necessary to exploit and plunder in order to live well, he suggested instead that living well is living within a community -- not having an excess of material wealth.

To indigenous communities, he said, the Earth is sacred, as demonstrated by their practices. "Let us gather these experiences to defend life and to save humankind," he said.

President Morales said natural resources should be used to benefit nations, he said, adding that while companies have a right to profit, they do not have a right to plunder.

Natural resources should be accessible to all, he argued. "Water is a human right. Energy is a human right," he said, stressing that these should not be considered commodities to be exploited by private businesses.

He said talk of biofuels was confusing. "I don't understand how we can produce food for cars. Soil should be for life! Because there is a lack of gas we are going to divert food for automobiles?" He called for giving up luxury. "We cannot continue to accumulate garbage," he said.

President Morales spoke out against "economic policies that have caused genocide" and denounced the arms race. "War is the industry of death," he declared.

He decried the economic imbalance of the world, where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. "Collective glob
not respect plurality or differences is the source of the problem," he said.

The President also spoke of his own difficulties traveling to the UN Assembly. "I don't know how all of you managed to come her to the United States but at least my delegation had a great deal of visa problems," he said, proposing that "perhaps we should change the site of the United Nations."

2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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NORWAY UNVEILS CAMPAIGN TO ACHIEVE UN GOAL ON CHILD MORTALITY, MATERNAL HEALTH

NORWAY UNVEILS CAMPAIGN TO ACHIEVE UN GOAL ON CHILD MORTALITY, MATERNAL HEALTH
New York, Sep 26 2007 8:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/norway-en.pdf">Norway will spend $1 billion over the next decade to help in the fight in the developing world against infant mortality and deaths in childbirth, one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted at a United Nations summit in 2000, its Prime Minister announced today.

Jens Stoltenberg told the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly in New York that the world is struggling to meet the MDGs by their target date of 2015, and particularly the Goal concerning child mortality and maternal health.

"Simple, affordable measures can save millions" of children's and mothers' lives, the Prime Minister said. Every year, 500,000 women die because of childbirth and 2 million babies lose their lives before the sun sets on their first day.

"The four million newborn who die in their first month may survive if they are breastfed [and] have access to antibiotics and health workers."

The Norwegian plan, launched with other governments, agencies and civil society, is aimed at boosting both the organization of the fight and the amount of funding available, and not just for vaccinations.

"Health personnel should treat more patients and file fewer reports. And we must change the financing so that treating patients becomes a source of income rather than a cost for the health systems."

Mr. Stoltenberg said an advocacy campaign for women and children was being launched and would be overseen by a Network of Global Leaders chosen to help ensure "that our message will reach every corner of the world."

He stressed that although the Global Alliance for Vaccines has saved more than 2 million lives since its inception in 2000, it was important to move beyond that to other forms of treatment.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY MECHANISM NEEDED TO DEVISE CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE - MALTA

GENERAL ASSEMBLY MECHANISM NEEDED TO DEVISE CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE – MALTA
New York, Sep 26 2007 9:00PM
The General Assembly should set up a mechanism to devise a global strategy to deal with climate change that avoids the current fragmentation and pays particularly attention to the needs of small island States, Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said today.

Dr. Gonzi told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that international institutions and organizations such as the United Nations should tackle the issue of global warming and its repercussions "in a more cohesive and concerted manner," or future generations would pay the price.

"It is imperative that all actors involved in climate risk reduction take a unified stand on a strategy and action to strengthen the resilience of affected countries in building their ability to face and adapt to the adverse impact of climate change," he said.

Dr. Gonzi said the General Assembly mechanism should also report on all the activities in the field of climate change over the past 20 years to help in proposing its strategy to deal with the problem.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the efforts of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to build momentum – including by holding a high-level meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday – on the issue.

"<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/malta-en.pdf">Malta looks forward to decisions at the Bali summit next December that will orient and accelerate action within the United Nations framework to obtain agreement on a comprehensive, effective, fair and urgent global strategy to limit climate change and adapt to its impacts."

The negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, are aimed at hammering out a successor pact to the legally binding Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions, which is set to expire in 2012.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/poland-eng.pdf">Poland's President Lech Kaczynski told the Assembly that "the growth of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind in the years to come," although he added that "to be objective, it should be noted at this point that many scientists represent dissenting views" about climate change and recent weather extremes.

Development does not have to be coupled with increased greenhouse gas emissions, he said, calling on wealthy nations to ensure that poorer States can take greater advantage of effective technologies and renewable energy sources.

"There is no doubt that deforestation in the developing countries increases the emissions of greenhouse gases and destroys biodiversity. We must counteract that. We cannot demand slower development of those countries at their expense. We must therefore help them in realistic and tangible ways."
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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FINLAND'S PRESIDENT SUPPORTS CREATION OF NEW UN AGENCY ON GENDER ISSUES

FINLAND'S PRESIDENT SUPPORTS CREATION OF NEW UN AGENCY ON GENDER ISSUES
New York, Sep 26 2007 9:00PM
The President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/finland-eng.pdf">Finland today backed the creation of a new United Nations agency to deal with gender issues and urged greater involvement of women in peacemaking and peacekeeping.

"We do need to take decisive measures to promote gender awareness across the entire UN system," said Tarja Halonen, voicing support for a proposal "to set up a new consolidated gender agency" headed by an Under-Secretary-General.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, she stressed the importance of "engaging women in all phases of crisis management: conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding – not forgetting peace talks."

As an example of the positive role women can play in dealing with conflicts, she cited an initiative by the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), which has brought together Israeli and Palestinian women under its Middle East initiative. The President said this effort "can help restart peace negotiations."

In his address to the General Assembly, the President of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/czechrepublic-eng.pdf">Czech Republic called on Member States to proceed with a serious discussion of reforming the United Nations so that this "irreplaceable" institution can better reflect current global realities rather than the era in which it was founded.

The UN is an extremely important forum for dialogue among its 192 Member States, based on mutual respect for differing opinions, Václav Klaus said, adding that "there is no substitute for it in the current world."

But to move forward and adapt to current realities, "some changes are inevitable and we should discuss them seriously."

At the same time, Mr. Klaus stressed the need to ensure that the reform process does not take place at the expense of individual countries for the sake of expediency. "It is crucial that every Member State has equal status and that its voice is not ignored," he stated, urging that the views of all countries be respected, regardless of their size.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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GEORGIA CALLS FOR TOTAL REVIEW OF UN MISSION AND PEACE PROCESS

GEORGIA CALLS FOR TOTAL REVIEW OF UN MISSION AND PEACE PROCESS
New York, Sep 26 2007 10:00PM
Georgia's President called today for a complete review of the United Nations observer mission in his country and the wider peace process with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, saying the status quo was unacceptable and served to reward the architects of ethnic cleansing and a minority of activists, militias and their foreign supporters.

In his address to the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly, Mikheil Saakashvili said there had not been "a comprehensive review of all aspects of the peace process" in the 14 years since the UN mission, known as UNOMIG, was established.

"United Nations has tried to bring peace to this region, but it has not succeeded in making Georgia whole again, despite its unwavering recognition of Georgian sovereignty," he said. "We cannot allow this to continue."

Mr. Saakashvili said the review "must result in fundamental changes," particularly on the ground, where the actions of "supposedly neutral" monitors were actually biased and served to maintain the status quo.

Thousands of people were forced out of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, he said, and to the detriment of those regions.

The Georgian leader outlined the details of a proposal that he said offered "the alternative of security and prosperity to those who have been poisoned by the separatist illusion" in the two regions.

Any plan to advance the peace process and end the current stalemate must focus on economic development and the return of displaced persons, he stressed.

"We offer and recognize the right of full self-government for all those who live in Abkhazia and South Ossetia with our sovereignty, territorial borders und international guarantees. We offer constitutional changes to enshrine the protection of minorities, including language rights, the protection of culture and education.

"And we are even willing to offer special property rights to all interested groups in order to enhance their identity to guarantee and secure that their long-term survival will be secure and guaranteed by the state and the international community. And we offer and welcome a robust role for the European Union and more engagement of the EU on the ground.

"In short, we offer a level of autonomy grounded in the very same principles that has guided the rest of Europe in promoting peace, prosperity in its multi-ethnic tapestry."

He said continued ignorance of ethnic cleansing was "a stain of the moral copybook of the international community. These disputes are no longer about ethnic grievance. They are about the manipulation of greed by a tiny minority of activists and militants and militias and their foreign backers at the expense of the local population."

The President asked why "elements of Russia" were building a new military base in South Ossetia, "in the middle of Georgia… very far from the Russian territory," adding that he had documentary evidence to support his remarks.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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JUDGES AT UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL FOR FORMER YUGOSLAVIA RE-ELECT THEIR PRESIDENT

JUDGES AT UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL FOR FORMER YUGOSLAVIA RE-ELECT THEIR PRESIDENT
New York, Sep 26 2007 7:00PM
Judges on the United Nations war crimes tribunal set up to deal with the worst atrocities of the Balkan wars of the 1990s today re-elected their President and Vice-President to each serve another two-year term.

An extraordinary plenary session of the permanent judges of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which sits in The Hague, re-elected by acclamation Judge Fausto Pocar as President and Judge Kevin Parker as Vice-President. Their new terms will start on 17 November.

Judge Pocar of Italy, who has been President since November 2005, joined the Tribunal in February 2000. Judge Parker, an Australian, joined ICTY in December 2003 and has served as Vice-President since November 2005.

The Tribunal's chambers consist of 16 permanent judges and a maximum of 12 ad litem, or temporary, judges at any one time. All are elected by the UN General Assembly.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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GLOBAL ANTI-POVERTY TARGETS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET NEEDS, ECUADOR'S PRESIDENT SAYS

GLOBAL ANTI-POVERTY TARGETS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET NEEDS, ECUADOR'S PRESIDENT SAYS
New York, Sep 26 2007 8:00PM
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of global anti-poverty targets adopted by the United Nations in 2000, serve only as a minimum standard and even if achieved would not approach decent living conditions, the President of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/ecuador-eng.pdf">Ecuador said today.

"To focus exclusively on minimum agendas as suggested by the MDGs may imply a high risk that would please certain consciences but limit the achievement of profound social changes," Rafael Correa told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

He called for looking beyond subsistence to "the right of people to enjoy a human life worthy of being lived."

Referring to a frequently cited statistic about the poor living on $1 a day, he said: "Having a goal of living on one dollar, or one dollar plus one cent, in order to overcome extreme poverty or avoid a premature death, as implied by the MDGs, does not mean leading a decent life."

Countries should not be content with reaching minimum objectives "although no one can deny that preventing the premature deaths of boys and girls is without a doubt a fundamental goal."

He proposed instead common objectives based on "social maximums rather than life minimums." These should include guarantees to artistic creation and leisure, for example, he said.

The President also spoke out on the issue of migration. "There is a paradox: on the one hand, the free flow of goods and capital searching for maximum profits crashes against the punishment people receive on their freedom to travel globally in search of a better life," he said. "This cannot be tolerated."

Ecuador, he said, "does not believe in 'illegal' human beings and is actively working to promote changes to shameful international migration laws, bearing in mind obviously that our great responsibility is to build a country that offers guarantees for a worthy life as a means of preventing migration caused b

Elias Antonio Saca, the President of El Salvador, emphasized the importance of a humane approach to the issue of migration, pointing out that immigrants make important contributions to the economies of host countries. He voiced appreciation for the work of the United Nations on the matter, which he said must be dealt with from a human rights perspective.

He said Central America has achieved a great deal of security but cautioned that threats persist, especially in relation to the activities of gangs. "These antisocial groups do not follow the patterns of traditional criminals," he said, adding that the threat is extending to the level of organized crime reaching beyond the region.

The treatment of this issue requires action and cooperation from all States, especially in Latin America, he said.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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HAITI'S PRESIDENT CREDITS UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION WITH HELPING TO FOSTER STABILITY

HAITI'S PRESIDENT CREDITS UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION WITH HELPING TO FOSTER STABILITY
New York, Sep 26 2007 3:00PM
The President of Haiti today credited the United Nations Stabilization Mission in his country (MINUSTAH) with promoting stability in the country and said recent gains will be consolidated into a more secure future for its people.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, René Préval noted that Haiti is all too frequently on the UN's agenda because of its problems of insecurity and political unrest. "I am speaking on behalf of a country that somewhat hasty analysis describes as a 'failed State,'" he said.

"Haiti is on the way to bidding farewell to that State slowly, patiently yet with determination," he said, noting that organized armed gangs that had wreaked violence on the population have been dismantled, and there are no longer 'no-go' zones too dangerous to enter. Inflation has dipped below 10 per cent, while gross domestic product (GDP) is up after 10 years of decline, he added.

Peace, he stressed, is an essential condition to enable the country's political forces to "put an end to their endless quarrels."

Anticipating a one-year extension of MINUSTAH, he said this move would be "quite timely" and served as a reminder that gains in Haiti – including the victory over insecurity, the holding of democratic elections, improved governance and a strengthened judicial system – were made possible "in large part due to the efforts undertaken by the UN force in the country."

The country's national police, he added, "although young, inexperienced and ill-equipped, has been courageous and determined in the battle against insecurity, but the support of MINUSTAH at its side has been greatly appreciated."

Voicing gratitude to the UN, the Security Council and friendly countries that have helped Haiti, he said the country's people continue to see the presence of foreign armed forces on their soil as a "wound with respect to their national sovereignty."

At the same time, he stressed that "in practical terms this is the only formula that is realistic and available at this time that enables Haitians to restore freedom and live in peace."

He said it was up to Haitian people to benefit from the period of calm, regroup and reconsider the future with a positive vision while the country strengthens its cohesion, modernizes its judicial system and improves its ability to take action in favour of economic recovery and sustainable development.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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IVORIAN LEADER URGES UN ASSEMBLY TO PARTIALLY END ARMS EMBARGO

IVORIAN LEADER URGES UN ASSEMBLY TO PARTIALLY END ARMS EMBARGO
New York, Sep 26 2007 3:00PM
The President of Côte d'Ivoire today called for a partial lifting of the arms embargo against his country, which in 2002 split between a rebel-held north and Government-controlled south, telling the General Assembly that the territory is now reunited.

President Laurent Gbagbo said that as Côte d'Ivoire emerges from crisis, it needs the support of the international community more than ever to build peace and stability within its borders and in the West African region.

Given the climate of calm now prevailing, he asked the UN to revise downward its security rating, saying that "phase III no longer reflects reality." The UN uses different 'phases' to indicate the level of safety for staff; phase III requires relocation.

Declaring that Côte d'Ivoire is "reunified" and that the State must restore law and order throughout the country, he called for a partial lifting of the weapons embargo so that the country can "carry out its task of protecting people and goods."

He said sanctions remain on individuals who have "put heart and soul into seeking peace," and asked the UN lift those measures as they applied to three individuals: Charles Goudé Ble, Eugène Djue and Kouakou Fofie.

President Gbagbo also sought international funding to support actions related directly to resolving the country's crisis through peacebuilding. "Côte d'Ivoire requires international aid to strengthen the basis for a more robust economic recovery in the long-term," he said, pointing out that the conflict caused extensive damage to infrastructure which must be rebuilt.

He emphasized the importance of holding free and fair elections, calling this the "culmination" of the peace process. "We must organize elections quickly in order to confer legitimacy on those who are exercising State power," he said.

Drawing on his own experience in negotiating an end to the impasse in Côte d'Ivoire, the President said the United Nations should provide support to local solutions to conflict situations.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON DISPATCHES MYANMAR ENVOY TO REGION AMID CONTINUING TENSIONS

BAN KI-MOON DISPATCHES MYANMAR ENVOY TO REGION AMID CONTINUING TENSIONS
New York, Sep 26 2007 3:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today he is sending his Special Envoy dealing with Myanmar to the region in response to the deteriorating situation in the Asian nation, and once again urged authorities there to respond to the ongoing peaceful protests with utmost restraint.

Noting reports of the use of force and of arrests and beatings, Mr. Ban called again on authorities "to exercise utmost restraint toward the peaceful demonstrations taking place, as such action can only undermine the prospects for peace, prosperity and stability in Myanmar," in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11186.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson.

The Secretary-General also called on the senior leadership of the country to cooperate fully with the mission of his Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari "in order to take advantage of the willingness of the United Nations to assist in the process of national reconciliation through dialogue."

While the Myanmar Government has not yet accepted Mr. Gambari's mission, UN Spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters in New York that "he will stay in the region, and as soon as he gets the green light he will proceed."

Mr. Gambari is scheduled to update the Security Council this afternoon on the latest developments in Myanmar, where demonstrations began last month to protest a surge in fuel prices. More recently, the demonstrators have included many of the country's monks. Briefing the 15-member body last week, he stressed that recent events are a clear setback for the country.

Also expressing concern about the well-being and safety of the demonstrators, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today urged the Myanmar authorities to allow the peaceful expression of dissent in the country and to abide by international human rights law in their response to the current widespread peaceful street protests.

"The use of excessive force and all forms of arbitrary detention of peaceful protesters are strictly prohibited under international law," she said.

The High Commissioner also expressed her continuing concern for those who have been detained during recent weeks, and for the welfare of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN OFFICIAL IN DR CONGO VISITS KANANGA TO ASSESS SECURITY, EBOLA SITUATION

TOP UN OFFICIAL IN DR CONGO VISITS KANANGA TO ASSESS SECURITY, EBOLA SITUATION
New York, Sep 26 2007 3:00PM
Concerned over the political and security situation on the ground, as well the threat to United Nations staff posed by the deadly Ebola virus, the world body's top official in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has just concluded a visit to the city of Kananga in the western Kasai province.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN mission (MONUC) William Lacy Swing impressed upon local officials during his visit to the province yesterday that the decision to move UN troops to the DRC's troubled eastern region is only for the short term.

"The temporary withdrawal of MONUC military from Kananga was a strategic decision to fulfil military requirements elsewhere, but I will not cease making pleas for financial backers to come to the aid of Congo and Kasai Occidental," he noted.

The province's Governor Trésor Kapuku underscored MONUC's crucial role in bringing economic prosperity to the area.

"If these efforts by MONUC are reduced now, it will have a counter-productive effect for the future of the province," he said.

Mr. Swing presented the Governor with 367 mattresses to be distributed to area hospitals through MONUC's Quick Impact Projects programme.

"One knows one's friends in times of difficulty," Governor Kapuku said, expressing his gratitude.

Later, Mr. Swing attended a town hall meeting at which MONUC staff aired their concerns regarding the recent Ebola outbreak and security issues.

The Special Representative assured UN staff that upon returning to the capital Kinshasa, he will establish a commission to seek out immediate solutions to these issues.
Last week, the UN announced that of some 400 cases of illness and 170 deaths reported since April in the Kasai Occidental province, nine cases of the virus, which causes death in 50 to 90 per cent of cases, have been confirmed.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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TURKMEN LEADER WELCOMES PLANNED UN REGIONAL DIPLOMACY CENTRE IN CENTRAL ASIA

TURKMEN LEADER WELCOMES PLANNED UN REGIONAL DIPLOMACY CENTRE IN CENTRAL ASIA
New York, Sep 26 2007 2:00PM
Plans by the United Nations to set up a preventive diplomacy centre in Central Asia represent a milestone in the world body's efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/turkmenistan-eng.pdf">Turkmenistan's President told the General Assembly today.

Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov said his country was certain that the work of the centre – which is expected to be established in Ashgabat, the Turkmen capital, later this year – could be "a strong positive force in resolving the problems our region faces."

Vowing to "do everything necessary to make the centre's work effective and fruitful," the President told the annual high-level debate that cooperation with the UN was the critical element in Turkmenistan's wider foreign policy.

"This is most apparent in regional matters, where it is the participation of the United Nations and its specialized agencies that promotes convergence of approaches of States to issues, [and the] creation of a favourable political, diplomatic and legal environment for their resolution by joint effort."

The principles enshrined in the UN Charter "should continue to serve as the moral and legal pillar of the international order," and all UN reforms should take account of this, he said.

Mr. Berdimukhamedov also called for the Security Council's structure to change and for better and closer relations between the Council and the General Assembly.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED GLOBAL DRIVE TO SLASH MATERNAL AND CHILD DEATHS KICKS OFF

UN-BACKED GLOBAL DRIVE TO SLASH MATERNAL AND CHILD DEATHS KICKS OFF
New York, Sep 26 2007 1:00PM
From public rallies in various locations in New York to a meeting of women leaders at the United Nations, Governments and organizations are uniting to <" http://www.who.int/pmnch/events/2007/delivernowpr.pdf">launch a new global and unprecedented drive today to slash maternal and child deaths.

The "Deliver Now for Women + Children" initiative is a direct response to warnings by the UN that the world is lagging behind in achieving the Millennium Development Goals to cut maternal and child deaths by 2015.

"Today is a day of hope for women and children. The cause of women's and children's health has remained 'orphaned' for too long. Now it is finally emerging from the shadows and gaining the champions it has always deserved," said Francisco Songane, UN World Health Organization (WHO) Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, which is coordinating the new drive.

A woman dies needlessly during pregnancy or childbirth every minute, while a child under five dies every three seconds, according to the new initiative. Most of these over 10 million deaths annually are preventable.

An additional $9 billion yearly is needed to meet the basic health care needs of women and children, but as of 2004 only $2 billion – less than a quarter of the funds required – were made available to help save women and children's lives in developing countries.

The new campaign hopes to build political commitment to bolster health services, raise awareness in the media and support community groups.

"We are hopeful this will result in action to ensure health services are available for all with prompt access and without discrimination," Dr. Songane said.

Country-specific programmes will first be launched in India and Tanzania. India accounts for one in four of the world's child deaths and one in five of its maternal deaths, and half of the women in Tanzania have no access to skilled care during childbirth.

In New York, public rallies for the campaign are being held in Manhattan and the Bronx, with the participation of supermodel and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Liya Kebede, singer Chaka Khan and actress and talk show host Ricky Lake.

Meanwhile at UN Headquarters, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, <" http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en">WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, UN Population Fund (<"http://www.unfpa.org">UNFPA) Executive Director Thoraya Obaid and UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF) Executive Director Ann Veneman are participating in a discussion entitled "Saving 77 Million by 2015: Advancing the Health of Women and Children."

Today's campaign is part of the broader effort being announced today by the Norwegian Prime Ministers and other national leaders at the annual meeting in New York of the Clinton Global Initiative.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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TODAY'S GLOBAL CHALLENGES AGGRAVATED BY INTOLERANCE - BAN KI-MOON

TODAY'S GLOBAL CHALLENGES AGGRAVATED BY INTOLERANCE – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Sep 26 2007 1:00PM
Promoting tolerance is a vital part of tackling many of today's global challenges which, though mostly political in nature, are aggravated and rendered intractable by the distrust, and even hostility, among different cultural and religious groups, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a high-level gathering on bridging the divide between Islam and the West.

"Across the world, intolerance and cross-cultural tensions are on the rise," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11185.doc.htm">stated in his remarks to representatives comprising the "Group of Friends" of the global campaign known as the Alliance of Civilizations.

"Every day serves up new instances of the harmful impact cultural misunderstandings and religious prejudices can have on relations between communities, both within countries and across national borders."

Facing these challenges is the "need of the hour" and demands a collective and broad-based approach that is at the very heart of the Alliance, he said.

Created in 2005 at the initiative of Spain and Turkey and under UN auspices, the Alliance seeks to tackle fear and suspicion, bridge divides and overcome prejudices and polarizations between Islam and the West.

Mr. Ban noted that at the national level, the Alliance is well-positioned to support initiatives aimed at improving cross-cultural relations. "In areas like education, media and the youth, it can help foster partnerships among Governments, international organizations, civil society groups and foundations. By drawing on its networks and expertise, it can bolster grassroots efforts to combat prejudice and promote dialogue among diverse communities."

At the same time, the Alliance can serve as a "catalyst for joint action" at the inter-governmental level, he said, adding that the partnership between Spain and Turkey that led to the creation of the Alliance is, in itself, "a potent symbol of what dialogue can achieve when backed by strong political will."

The Alliance can also help reinforce the work of the UN system as a whole by making a real contribution to the Organization's efforts to prevent war and promote peace.

Mr. Ban said he was confident that, by working together, "we can create conditions that help communities choose the path of dialogue instead of confrontation; we can learn to engage with each other rather than ignore each other; and we can embrace our diversity instead of fearing it."

General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim told delegates he knows from personal experience how important understanding between cultures is and the need to foster that understanding through dialogue.

"I myself come from a country that lies at a crossroads of different cultures and religions," stated Mr. Kerim, a diplomat, economist, scholar and businessman from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The President stressed that progress in the Alliance's four major priority areas – youth, education, media and migration – is indispensable for reducing tensions and polarization between societies which differ in their religious and cultural values.

"How better to enhance the dialogue on a daily basis but through properly sensitized media? How better to promote cross-cultural dialogue in the long-run but through youth and education?"

Highlighting some of the initiatives taken by the UN towards better cross-cultural understanding, he drew attention to a high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation for peace to be held in October.

In April this year, Mr. Ban appointed Jorge Sampaio, a former President of Portugal, as the first UN High Representative for the Alliance, to provide the campaign with vision and leadership.

The "Group of Friends" network – a growing community of over 50 States and international organizations that support the objectives of the Alliance – was set up to foster partnerships and deepen cooperation on a range of initiatives across different regions.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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MEDIA HAVE VITAL ROLE IN PROMOTING TOURISM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - UN

MEDIA HAVE VITAL ROLE IN PROMOTING TOURISM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – UN
New York, Sep 26 2007 12:00PM
The media have a crucial role to play in putting emerging destinations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia on the global tourist map, thus helping to boost the local economies, <" http://www.unwto.org/media/news/en/press_det.php?id=1352&idioma=E">according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

"The relationship between tourism and the media is vital and complex," UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli told the opening session of a two-day meeting underway in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, of international and local media representatives and delegates from 37 countries.

"Tourism is highly dependant on media reporting because the vast majority of travel decisions are made by people who have never seen the destination first hand for themselves," he added.

When there is bad news or a crisis the impact on tourism can be devastating. "Tourists are scared away from destinations caught in the glare of round-the-clock disaster coverage, causing communities dependent on tourism to lose their source of livelihood," Mr. Frangialli said.

Preparing for a crisis and improving relations with the media are two of the objectives of the conference, the fifth in a series of regional <" http://www.unwto.org/tourcom/about/en/about.php?op=1">Tourcom Conferences on Strategic Communications, organized by UNWTO.

The agency has in recent years called on the media to avoid over-sensationalizing the effects of disasters.

In 2005 it called on the media to take care in covering destinations hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami so as not to slow the recovery of an important economic sector, avoiding a repeat of the "infodemic" that caused a slump in Asian tourism in 2003 when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) killed 774 people and infected more than 8,000 worldwide, the vast majority of them in China.

Last year UNWTO unveiled a new Internet portal to provide round-the-clock tracking of emergencies and avoid over-reactions to potential crises, focusing initially on the bird flu scare.

Delegates in Tbilisi are also discussing the potential of Silk Road tourism and how to better promote this legendary route so that tourists will begin to travel along the ancient trails once used by camel caravans wending their way from China to Europe.

Some 200 people are participating, including journalists from CNN, BBC World, eTurbo, international news agencies, newspapers in Europe and the United States, as well as Lonely Planet travel guide founder Tony Wheeler, on his first visit to Georgia.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE CHIEF CALLS FOR EARLY DEPLOYMENT OF NEW PEACE FORCE IN CHAD, CAR

UN REFUGEE CHIEF CALLS FOR EARLY DEPLOYMENT OF NEW PEACE FORCE IN CHAD, CAR
New York, Sep 26 2007 12:00PM
The top United Nations refugee official has called for the early deployment of a new peacekeeping force in Chad and Central African Republic (CAR) authorized to protect civilians and facilitate the provision of aid amid a "very difficult and serious" humanitarian situation.

Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46f950272.html">welcomed yesterday's adoption of a Security Council resolution <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9127.doc.htm">establishing the multi-dimensional UN Mission in Chad and CAR (MINURCAT), which will include European Union military forces, to help alleviate the plight of thousands of people uprooted due to insecurity in the two countries and neighbouring Sudan.

Since 2004, eastern Chad has hosted some 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps who have fled the fighting in Darfur, UNHCR reported in a press release. The country is also facing a surge in the number of internally displaced persons (<"http://www.unhcr.org/protect/3b84c7e23.html">IDPs), now totalling more than 170,000. North-eastern CAR is hosting some 2,660 refugees from Darfur.

Mr. Guterres said improving the security of the refugees, IDPs and other civilians in danger and facilitating the delivery of aid will greatly contribute to stabilizing the humanitarian situation in eastern Chad and may encourage the return of displaced persons.

In that regard, he appealed to international partners to provide recovery and development assistance so that the displaced can return and restart their lives, given the heavy burden the people of Chad and CAR bear.

The UNHCR chief looked forward to an early decision of the EU to send military troops so that MINURCAT can deploy in the coming weeks.

In addition to the EU military component, the Mission will also consist of a UN presence composed of UN police, rule of law, human rights and other civilian officers, as well as a special Chadian police unit devoted exclusively to maintaining law and order in refugee camps and areas with large numbers of displaced in the eastern part of the country.

The Security Council has already authorized deployment of a 26,000-strong joint UN-African Union force (to be known as UNAMID) to suppress ongoing violence in Darfur, which has had a spillover effect on the region.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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NEW DEBT RELIEF PROJECT FOR HEALTH PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED BY UN-BACKED FUND

NEW DEBT RELIEF PROJECT FOR HEALTH PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED BY UN-BACKED FUND
New York, Sep 26 2007 12:00PM
Germany and Indonesia signed a debt conversion accord today, breaking new ground in financing the war on the world's three most dangerous infectious diseases by tying 50 million Euros of debt relief to Indonesia's investment of half of that money into health programmes through the United Nations-backed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Germany is the first donor to support the debt conversion programme of the <"http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/media_center/press/pr_070926.asp">Global Fund, launched at the G8 summit of industrialized nations in 2001 at the urging of then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and has worked alongside the Fund to develop the concept and modalities of the Debt2Health Initiative. Indonesia is a pilot country of the initiative.

"Debt2Health is a win-win situation for all: it increases predictability for the Global Fund to do its important work, Indonesia strengthens the health system in the country and Germany lives up to its responsibility in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria," German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul said.

The idea behind Debt2Health is to apply the well-established instrument of debt swaps to financing public health programmes, Global Fund Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine said. "A significant number of countries which do not qualify for debt relief through existing multilateral initiatives still spend as much as a fifth of their export earnings on servicing debt while at the same time struggling with high disease burdens.

"Debt2Health makes it possible for a country to receive economic relief while its citizens benefit from health services. This type of investment in health promises tremendous benefits for all," he added.

In April, the Fund's Board approved a two-year pilot phase for Debt2Health in up to four countries. While Indonesia is the first to have completed a deal, Kenya, Pakistan and Peru are lined up to benefit from this new financing initiative during its pilot phase.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS MURDER OF SALVADORAN JOURNALIST

UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS MURDER OF SALVADORAN JOURNALIST
New York, Sep 26 2007 12:00PM
The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today condemned the murder of Salvadoran radio reporter Salvador Sánchez Roque who was shot dead on 20 September, calling the act an assault on the Central American nation's freedom of expression.

"This killing is an attack on the people of El Salvador's right to enjoy the basic human right of freedom of expression," <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=39514&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura. "I trust that the authorities will do all in their power to find and prosecute the culprits of this heinous crime, in the interest of justice and democracy."

Mr. Sánchez Roque, 37, who was shot near his home in the city of Souyapango, had been reporting for several radio stations on abuses and extortion by gangs. His mother has been quoted in the local media as saying that she was told by Mr. Sánchez Roque that he had recently received threats.

Attacks on journalists have been infrequent in El Salvador, according to the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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LATVIA'S PRESIDENT CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO UN PEACEKEEPING

LATVIA'S PRESIDENT CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO UN PEACEKEEPING
New York, Sep 26 2007 11:00AM
The President of Latvia today called for a comprehensive approach to United Nations peacekeeping, involving all facets of the system, in his address to the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.

A former surgeon, President Valdis Zatlers drew an analogy between surgery and collective security. "It is not enough for the Security Council to prescribe peacekeeping operations, crucial as they are for international peace and security," he said. "The whole United Nations system is necessary for the long-term recovery of conflict zones."

He paid tribute to dedicated staff working in difficult peacekeeping missions. "It is our duty in our capitals and here at the UN Headquarters to support their efforts, each Member State according to its capacity," he said.

On the specific case of Kosovo, he expressed support for the proposal put forward by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari. "This proposal currently remains the only viable diplomatic solution on the table," he said, calling the active involvement of the European Union "important to achieve a lasting solution."

Mr. Ahtisaari's proposal calls for a phased process of independence for the Albanian-majority Serbian province.

"We urge both parties to show flexibility and commitment to a peaceful, negotiated outcome," said President Zatlers.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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MANY DEATHS, DISABILITIES IN POOR NATIONS AVOIDABLE UNDER UN BASIC SURGERY PLAN

MANY DEATHS, DISABILITIES IN POOR NATIONS AVOIDABLE UNDER UN BASIC SURGERY PLAN
New York, Sep 26 2007 11:00AM
With hundreds of thousands of deaths or permanent disabilities from traffic accidents, violence, war and other causes easily preventable through simple surgery, the United Nations health agency has expanded its programme to train health care staff in low- and middle-income countries in essential basic surgical and anaesthesia skills.

"The initiative signifies a shift in the way we think about surgery," UN World Health Organization (<" http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2007/np30/en/index.html">WHO) clinical procedures official Luc Noel said. "Until recently, surgery was a neglected health issue in developing countries because it was assumed to be too expensive and sophisticated."

The programme, which already exists in 22 countries, will boost the capacity of first-level health facilities – rural or district hospitals and health centres – to deal with simple but essential surgery in a growing number of developing regions.

In many cases, death and disability can be avoided through simple surgical interventions after road accidents, interpersonal violence or war, abdominal emergencies, pregnancy complications, congenital abnormalities, fractures, burns, or the consequences of acute infections, which together cause the loss of approximately 11 per cent of total lost years of healthy life.

Injuries alone kill more than 5 million people every year, accounting for nearly one in every 10 deaths worldwide. The WHO Emergency and Essential Surgical Care Project trains health staff in simple surgery, anaesthesia and emergency care. After training and with the help of basic equipment, health care staff are able to perform surgical procedures that save lives and prevent disability.

"Why should a child die from appendicitis, or a mother and child succumb to obstructed labour, when simple surgical procedures can save their lives?" WHO surgery programme chief Meena Cherian said.

The quality of emergency and essential surgical care is often constrained by inadequate basic equipment for interventions that are simple but vital, such as resuscitation, giving oxygen, assessing anaemia and inserting a chest drain. Other barriers to the timely and appropriate delivery of basic surgical services include poor infrastructure and insufficient numbers and training of health-care professionals.

In most developing countries, adequate surgical services are found only in urban areas. Furthermore, the migration of health professionals leaves a shortage at primary-health facilities, where services are provided by non-specialist or even non-medical personnel, many of whom are inadequately trained.

A number of isolated local initiatives have shown that even with only basic training and technologies, many lives can be saved or improved. For instance, clubfoot, a congenital deformity of the foot marked by a twisted position of the ankle, heel and toes which affects well over 100,000 newborns each year, can greatly impede mobility in children and if untreated can lead to severe disability and loss of productive life.

Yet, if diagnosed at birth or soon after, it can often be treated using minimally invasive techniques, the so-called Ponseti method, involving multiple manipulations and plaster castings early in a child's life. The techniques, which have been quite effective in the industrialized world, require minimal resources and can be implemented by health personnel in primary health-care facilities. In Uganda, over 100 professionals have been trained, resulting in effective treatment of 95 per cent of new cases of clubfoot.

Surgical intervention has also become a common component in HIV/AIDS care. Some complications associated with HIV infection, such as abscesses, anorectal disorders, lymphadenopathies, lipoatrophy or mild forms of Kaposi sarcoma, are also diagnosed and treated with simple surgical interventions.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY APPLAUDS NEW NORDIC CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT ASYLUM SEEKERS

UN REFUGEE AGENCY APPLAUDS NEW NORDIC CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT ASYLUM SEEKERS
New York, Sep 26 2007 11:00AM
The United Nations refugee agency is supporting a new initiative by 20 Nordic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to persuade their Governments to review their policies towards asylum seekers fleeing generalized violence and armed conflict.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that the simultaneous launch yesterday in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden of the "Keep Them Safe" campaign sought to remedy a gap in the Nordic protection regime under which failed asylum seekers, including Iraqis, Sri Lankans and Somalis, are left in legal limbo or sent back to countries affected by violence – contrary to UNHCR guidelines.

"UNHCR <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/46f92d244.html">supports and welcomes this campaign as it aims to stimulate discussion on and identify solutions to a critical gap in international protection," Agency regional representative Hans ten Feld said. "A first step in closing this gap would be a full and consistent adherence to UNHCR's protection recommendations."

The NGOs say some reasons given by people in their applications for asylum are seen as more legitimate than others. "People fleeing violent conflict fight an uphill battle to be granted asylum in the Nordic countries," they declared. "Being labelled as 'merely' fleeing 'generalized violence,' one is seldom granted protection and asylum in our part of the world."

Mr. ten Feld said protection gaps for asylum seekers fleeing violence and rights abuses existed in both the law and its interpretation. People risked becoming victims of failed protection twice: in their country of origin and in the country in which they seek asylum.

The campaign will last until the end of the year. Organizations taking part include national Red Cross societies and regional offices of Amnesty International as well as the Danish Refugee Council and the Norwegian Refugee Council, both close UNHCR partners. UNHCR has also provided assistance by facilitating a regional dialogue between the campaign signatories.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN RUSHES AID TO 5,000 NEPALESE UPROOTED BY COMMUNAL VIOLENCE

UN RUSHES AID TO 5,000 NEPALESE UPROOTED BY COMMUNAL VIOLENCE
New York, Sep 26 2007 10:00AM
United Nations agencies today <" http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/LSGZ-77EGST?OpenDocument">announced an emergency aid programme to feed and provide other relief for 5,000 people displaced by communal violence across two districts in western Nepal.

Some 30 people are reported to have been killed and dozens more injured or missing after the death of a prominent local figure sparked days of communal violence in the Terai region bordering India. Hundreds of houses, stores, vehicles and schools have been burned or looted, and some of the victims have fled to India.

"We are doing our best to rapidly respond to this humanitarian emergency, but the security situation remains tense," UN World Food Programme (<" http://www.wfp.org/english">WFP) Country
Representative Richard Ragan said of his agency's plan to distribute more than 70 metric tons of food at the request of the Government. "WFP food assistance should begin arriving within the next two days as long as the security situation does not worsen."

The UN Children's Fund (<" http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF) is to provide tarpaulins, water purification equipment, cooking utensils, hygiene kits and mosquito nets.

"UNICEF is extremely concerned about children caught up in this new cycle of violence," UNICEF Country Representative Gillian Mellsop said. "All schools in the area remain closed and in some instances schools have been razed to the ground depriving children of their fundamental right to education."

A curfew has been imposed in some areas to curb the violence and displaced people are living in public buildings, schools, army camps or in open spaces for lack of shelter.

"Even more worrying is that children have witnessed or been subjected to terrible acts of violence within their communities, some have been injured and others are reported missing or separated from their families," Ms. Mellsop said. "We call upon all community leaders to end the unrest so that children can begin to recover from this tragic episode."

Many of those displaced are from very poor and marginalized communities who have few resources available to cope with the loss of their houses and livelihoods.

"WFP has been able to mobilize only enough funds to provide emergency food aid for one month," Mr. Ragan said. "At this point, it is uncertain what rehabilitation and reintegration support may be needed, but we remain ready to provide additional humanitarian relief if necessary."

In addition to non-food relief items, UNICEF and its partners are working to restore educational systems, providing teaching, learning materials and psycho-social care for traumatized children.

Despite UN calls for the Government to provide public security and appeals for calm and tolerance across the diverse communities in the region, some areas remain volatile. The UN human rights office continues to investigate the violence and monitor the situation.
2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONTINUES ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONTINUES ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE
New York, Sep 26 2007 9:00AM
Leaders from Iraq, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Côte d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe are among those slated to address the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today, which is being chaired by the body's president, Srgjan Kerim, who has called for a focus on responses to climate change and other priority issues. MORE TO FOLLOW

2007-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN MUST REFORM TO EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES - PORTUGUESE LEADER

UN MUST REFORM TO EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES – PORTUGUESE LEADER
New York, Sep 25 2007 11:00PM
The range of today's global challenges requires a stronger United Nations that is more representative, transparent and effective, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/portugal-en.pdf">Portugal's Prime Minister told the General Assembly today, calling for reform of the world's leading multilateral forum.

"The long-term success of a global organization such as the UN depends upon its capacity to respond to ever-changing challenges and new international players, by reforming, adapting and continuously reinventing itself," Prime Minister José Sócrates stated in his address to the annual high-level general debate.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, whose chairmanship his country currently holds, the Prime Minister stressed the group's belief that "only with a stronger Organization will we be able to live in a safer, fairer and more developed world."

Whether meeting internationally agreed development goals, combating the growing threat of climate change or responding to the range of threats to international peace and security, he stressed that "global challenges require global responses."

And no institution was better placed to forge global responses to common concerns than the UN, with its ability to convene the nations of the world to address shared problems and coordinate concerted action.

Among the common concerns is climate change, which Mr. Sócrates called "one of the great global challenges facing mankind." He stressed that "our response must be global, and collective."

The EU has already committed itself to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions – responsible for global warming – by at least 20 per cent. "But we want to go further," he said, announcing that the Union was ready to raise its commitment to 30 per cent.

He also highlighted the need to develop "a more responsible energy policy," as well as innovative technologies to exploit new sources of energy and to improve energy efficiency.

The Prime Minister's call comes one day after an historic gathering of world leaders at UN Headquarters on the subject of climate change, ahead of a major summit to be held in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

In his address to the Assembly today, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/slovakia-en.pdf">Slovak President Ivan Gašparovic also highlighted the need for the UN to speed up its pace and reform.

"We think it is necessary to make the work of newly-created structures and institutions more dynamic, and to set the UN to ensure targeted prevention and solution of concrete problems and conflicts," he said.

The President welcomed last year's establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission, which was set up to help countries emerging from conflict avoid sliding back into war or chaos. He also noted changes to the work of the Human Rights Council and the UN Secretariat.

But "UN reform cannot be complete without also reforming the structure and working methods of the UN Security Council," Mr. Gašparovic said, noting that Slovakia – currently a non-permanent Council member – has been actively engaged on the issue.

The number of permanent and non-permanent members should increase, Germany and Japan deserve permanent seats and the so-called countries of the global South should also acquire more seats to reflect today's changed geopolitical realities.
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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ESTONIA URGES UN MEMBER STATES TO COOPERATE AGAINST CYBER CRIMES

ESTONIA URGES UN MEMBER STATES TO COOPERATE AGAINST CYBER CRIMES
New York, Sep 25 2007 11:00PM
The international community should step up its efforts to defeat cyber crime, starting by acceding to an international convention on the issue and eventually building to the development of a globally negotiated and comprehensive law of cyberspace, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/estonia-eng.pdf">Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves told the General Assembly tonight.

Mr. Ilves said his country's experience in April and May this year in coping with an extensive cyber attack highlighted both the dangers faced and the value of cooperation.

"Cyber attacks are a clear example of contemporary asymmetrical threats to security," he said at the annual high-level debate. "They make it possible to paralyze a society, with limited means, and at a distance. In the future, cyber attacks may in the hands of criminals or terrorists become a considerably more widespread and dangerous weapon than they are at present."

The President said the threat posed by cyber attacks was often underestimated because they have so far not resulted in the loss of any lives and many attacks are not publicized for security reasons.

He called for cyber crimes to be defined internationally and generally condemned in the way that terrorism or human trafficking is denounced.

"Fighting against cyber warfare is in the interests of us all without exception," Mr. Ilves said, calling on all countries to accede to the Convention on Cyber Crime of the Council of Europe. The pact is also open for accession to non-members of the Council of Europe.

The President welcomed the launch of the Global Cybersecurity Agenda of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and said the UN should serve as the "neutral and legitimate forum" for the eventual creation of a globally negotiated and comprehensive law of cyberspace.

Meanwhile, in his address, the President of the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/macedonia-en.pdf">former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and voiced support for international efforts to resolve the status of Kosovo, a Serbian province that has been under UN administration since 1999.

The issue should be dealt with "within a reasonable timeframe, in the best interests of the stability in the region and its Euro-Atlantic perspective," he said.

At the same time, he said his country does not agree "with the recently mentioned idea of partition of Kosovo along ethnic lines, since this may provoke serious negative implications for the entire region."

He added that the demarcation of his country's northern border with Kosovo "according to a predefined procedure and agenda" remains a priority for the Government.
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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UN THE ONLY PLACE TO SOLVE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, GERMAN CHANCELLOR TELLS ASSEMBLY

UN THE ONLY PLACE TO SOLVE GLOBAL CHALLENGES, GERMAN CHANCELLOR TELLS ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 25 2007 10:00PM
Strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations is crucial to the world's common future because it is the sole forum where meaningful joint agreements can be struck to meet global challenges, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/germany-eng.pdf">Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate tonight.

But time is running out for the Organization to demonstrate tangible results on its process of reform, Ms. Merkel said, warning that changes are needed for it to better deal with the many crises worldwide.

"In my view, there is absolutely no doubt – the United Nations is <i>the</i> place where binding joint responses can be found to global challenges," she said in a wide-ranging speech at UN Headquarters in New York.

Calling for greater UN reform, the Chancellor said the most important case was the Security Council, which must have international legitimacy if it is to respond successfully to crises and conflicts.

"However, the present composition of the Security Council no longer reflects the world today," she said, reiterating Germany's preparedness to become a permanent member of the Council.

Ms. Merkel praised the results of some UN reforms, including the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission to help countries emerging from conflict avoid slipping back into chaos or war and the report of the High-Level Panel on Development.

All major problems cannot be solved unilaterally, she stressed, calling for unity of purpose among the world's countries to deal with such challenges.

Criticizing Iran's nuclear activities, Ms. Merkel described them as a clear breach of the demands of the UN and its International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"Let's not fool ourselves. If Iran were to acquire the nuclear bomb, the consequences would be disastrous – first and foremost, for the existence of Israel; secondly, for the entire region; and ultimately for all of us in Europe and the world who attach any importance to the values of liberty, democracy and human dignity. That is why we have to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms."

Turning to climate change, Ms. Merkel said unity of purpose was also vital and she urged participants at the major summit in Bali, Indonesia, in December to agree on a clear road map so that a successor to the Kyoto Protocol on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be developed.

The world must halve global emissions by the middle of this century, she said, calling for a common understanding between nations on the scale of emissions reduction, fair national contributions and the mechanisms needed to protect both the environment and sustainable economic growth.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/monaco-eng.pdf">Monaco's Prince Albert II devoted a large part of his address to climate change and wider environmental issues as well.

He called on affluent nations to help developing countries find new financial resources and modes of consumption so that they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and still achieve sustainable economic growth.

"To meet this challenge, we must work together to find solutions to existing problems. Individual announcements or actions will never solve this problem. The threat is global," he said.

Prince Albert also noted that he had created a personal foundation last year to fund individual environmental projects that highlight innovation.
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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RECENT GAINS THREATENED BY TERRORISM AND DRUGS, AFGHAN LEADER TELLS UN ASSEMBLY

RECENT GAINS THREATENED BY TERRORISM AND DRUGS, AFGHAN LEADER TELLS UN ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 25 2007 10:00PM
Afghanistan's economy is posting serious gains, its nascent institutions are taking root and its health indicators are on the rise, but the twin perils of terrorism and illegal drugs place enormous obstacles to any further improvements, President Hamid Karzai told the General Assembly today.

Thanking the international community for its "steadfast support" since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 and the subsequent establishment of democratic government, Mr. Karzai said "the journey of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/afghanistan-eng.pdf">Afghanistan's stability and reconstruction is resolutely apace."

More Afghans now enjoy access to health and education services than ever before, he said, noting that the child mortality rate has been slashed by over 25 per cent in two years, ensuring that at least 85,000 children remain alive today.

The country, which was torn apart by decades of war and misrule, is once again about to become self-sufficient in cereal production, according to the President, who said "already the fruits of relative stability and increased prosperity in Afghanistan are spilling over our borders to the wider region."

Afghanistan joined the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) earlier this year to help with its plans to eventually serve as a commercial bridge between South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Mr. Karzai told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate that while the economic and institutional gains have been impressive, so too are the "momentous challenges" that Afghanistan still faces. He cited poverty, underdevelopment and climatic hardships as well as the leading threats – terrorism and narcotics.

The President denounced the sharp rise in terrorist attacks within Afghanistan in the past two years, and particularly the "new and brutal tactics such as beheadings, kidnappings and the burning of schools and clinics."

Stressing that "terrorism was never, nor is it today, a home-grown phenomenon in Afghanistan," Mr. Karzai said the threat can only be truly overcome if dealt with regionally and internationally.

He described the recent holding of a joint peace jirga between Pakistan and Afghanistan as a symbol of the benefits of constructive cooperation in devising a counter-terrorism strategy. Sustained international support so that Afghanistan's national army and police can lead anti-terror efforts was also necessary.

Turning to the issue of illegal drugs, Mr. Karzai said his Government would prioritize the provision of alternative livelihoods to farmers and speed up its poppy eradication programmes and interdiction of traffickers.

But other countries needed to play their part in defeating the global narcotic trade by battling international drug mafia and crime groups, strengthening border controls and reducing the demand for illegal drugs in foreign markets.
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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TOP-LEVEL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING BACKS ENHANCED UN TIES WITH AFRICAN UNION

TOP-LEVEL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING BACKS ENHANCED UN TIES WITH AFRICAN UNION
New York, Sep 25 2007 9:00PM
Participants at a top-level Security Council <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9128.doc.htm">meeting today on the challenges to peace and security faced by Africa voiced support for bolstering the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU).

The heads of State or government or the senior ministers of the Council's 15 members, as well as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré, discussed how to improve peace and security on a continent often beset by conflicts and crises.

Mr. Ban noted that while the governments and the people of Africa have made progress in some areas, on their own they cannot tackle all the conflicts.

The aim of strengthened ties between the UN and regional organizations such as the AU is "to enhance the capacities to address conflicts. Together, we must respond in a more timely and complementary manner to the crises in Africa," he told the meeting, convened by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, which holds this month's Council presidency.

Mr. Ban, like many participants at today's meeting, stressed the importance of bringing a sustainable peace to the war-ravaged Darfur region of Sudan, where the Council has authorized the creation of the first AU-UN hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur, to be known as UNAMID. At full deployment, it will have some 26,000 troops and police officers, making it the largest peacekeeping operation in the world.

"It is an expression of our collective commitment to end the tragedy of Darfur," the Secretary-General said of UNAMID.

Voicing support for the hybrid force, United States President George W. Bush noted that 200,000 Darfurian "innocents are no longer with us," and that more than 2 million others who have been displaced by the violence hope to return to their homes and live in peace. "It's our duty to help them realize that dream," he told Council members.

Kim Howell, Minister of State for the United Kingdom, said that Sudan must cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Let's not forget the need for justice," he said, adding that "the age of impunity is dead and there can be no impunity in Darfur."

Speaking in his national capacity, Mr. Sarkozy also stressed the importance of justice and "respect for humans." He noted that "we must be completely categorical about the respect of human rights, on the progression of the rule of law, the need for justice and on punishing criminals."

Several participants also appealed for intensified efforts to bring stability to Somalia, which has been riven by factional fighting and has had no functioning central government since Muhammad Siad Barre's regime was toppled in 1991.

President John Kufuor of Ghana urged the Council "to show equal commitment to the protracted conflict in Somalia as in Darfur," and consider a contingency plan for the possible deployment of a UN force to replace AMISOM, the AU-led mission in Somalia, by next February.

"We must encourage an inclusive political dialogue for national reconciliation," President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo said. He said he expects the UN to support AMISOM, and welcomed the AU-UN partnership, as well as the participation of regional organizations such as the European Union (EU) and the League of Arab States.

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa underscored the importance of Africa finding solutions for African problems. He also cited the need for greater resources to allow the continent to tackle key challenges to establish a far-reaching framework for peace and security on the continent.

The answer to Africa's problems lies with African cooperation, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said. "One should not impose one's own way on them," he noted. "Only unity among African countries can lead to a bright future for the continent."

African achievements – including steps towards deepening regional integration and economic growth – prove the continent is "now a protagonist and no longer just an object of international relations," said Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani of Qatar noted that donor nations and the UN have provided much support to Africa. "To be fruitful, however, this support must be accompanied with two conditions: namely, good and enlightened governance, and an effective international will guaranteed by collective action to be undertaken by the United Nations," he said.

As Africa continues to recover from the consequences of colonization, it is crucial that any policies to help the continent respect the "rights and dignity of the African peoples" and that the international community desist from pursuing policies that are "relics of the past," said President Martin Torrijos of Panama.

Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde of Peru said that peace and security in Africa involves four main variables: prevention, cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, the humanitarian issue and post-conflict management.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono voiced hope that responding to the economic, social and political challenges to peace and promoting interregional cooperation for peace will bring stability to Africa, pointing out that some conflicts that appeared intractable five years ago have been resolved.

In settling African conflicts, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that "special focus should be given to addressing chronic political and socio-economic problems," while issues such as the strengthening of state governance, the development of democracy and the fight against poverty and corruption are within the scope of the AU and the UN.

President Ivan Gašparovic of Slovakia underscored the complexity of African tragedies, with security, development and human rights being interlinked. Thus, he expressed his country's concern for Zimbabwe, where the crumbling economic and political situation could potentially lead to conflict.

Characterizing the issue as "one of Africa's biggest outrages," Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt drew attention to the plight of the 300,000 child soldiers on the continent. "Each one of them is a stain on the soul of human civilization," he said, calling for the imposition of a weapons embargo on all countries with child soldiers and the end of impunity for offenders.

Wrapping up the session, Mr. Konaré noted the continent needs the support of the international community in training its troops, improving its information technology and, most importantly, in providing more predictable and regular financing. "Currently, operations are financed one by one. That does not make it possible to deploy rapidly," he told the Council. As a result, "interventions come too late."
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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ITALY URGES UN MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT GLOBAL MORATORIUM ON DEATH PENALTY

ITALY URGES UN MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT GLOBAL MORATORIUM ON DEATH PENALTY
New York, Sep 25 2007 9:00PM
The campaign for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty has "reached a decisive moment," Italy's President told the General Assembly tonight, as he called on United Nations Member States to adopt a draft resolution on the issue.

Romano Prodi said <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/italy-en.pdf">Italy had worked extremely hard to garner support for the resolution – which it expects to soon deposit, along with other countries, before the Assembly – and for the wider principle of opposing capital punishment.

The proposed resolution calls for a universal moratorium on executions with a view to their eventual complete abolition.

"A United Nations resolution against the death penalty will prove that human beings today are better than they were yesterday also in moral terms," Mr. Prodi told the annual high-level debate at the UN. Humankind is capable of "making progress not only in science but also in the field of ethics."

The Italian President quoted remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon earlier this year noting the "growing trend in international law and national practice toward a phasing out of the death penalty."

In a wide-ranging speech, Mr. Prodi also discussed climate change, the situation in global "hotspots" such as Darfur and Lebanon, and the need for collaborative action to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.

"In Europe we have already made various strategic decisions," he said, referring to proposed cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. "But it is obvious that any post-Kyoto agreement can only be achieved within the United Nations. Because when we speak about global warming we are speaking about the pre-eminent global problem of our day."

The Kyoto agreement, the current global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is due to expire in 2012 and a major international summit scheduled for Bali, Indonesia, in December is expected to focus on devising a successor agreement.

Turning to UN reform, Mr. Prodi said the world body must be underpinned by the principles of democracy and the representation of every Member State.

"This is why we are opposed to any hypothesis of Security Council reform that would establish new permanent members. The growing contribution of a growing number of countries to the Organization should not be wasted by introduced elitist and selective reforms."

Any negotiations on reforming the Council cannot start based on imposing pre-defined models, he said, stressing the need for "non-divisive solutions that would foster the widest possible consensus."
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS MUST ALSO TACKLE POVERTY, INDONESIAN LEADER TELLS UN

CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS MUST ALSO TACKLE POVERTY, INDONESIAN LEADER TELLS UN
New York, Sep 25 2007 8:00PM
The solution to the problems posed by climate change must be linked to sustainable development so that the world's least affluent countries can conquer poverty, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the United Nations General Assembly today.

Speaking at the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York, the President said it was important to not lose sight of the fight against poverty when trying to combat climate change.

He said the global summit to be held in Bali, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/indonesia-en.pdf">Indonesia, this December "must yield a new roadmap" that spells out what both the developed and developing world must do "to save humankind and its planet from the looming tragedy of climate change."

The Bali summit seeks to determine future action on mitigation, adaptation, the global carbon market and financing responses to climate change for the period after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol – the current global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – in 2012.

Mr. Yudhoyono said the summit "must produce an outcome and timeline that will be more comprehensive and more ambitious in achieving its practical objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"We developing countries must protect our natural resources while using them wisely for development," he added.

He said he was optimistic that there is now a window of opportunity to strike a global consensus to deal with global warming.

Indonesia also launched a Special Leaders' Meeting of Tropical Rainforest Countries yesterday and the President said that the participating nations have agreed to strengthen their cooperation so that the forests can be better conserved.

"We also believe that countries that seek to enhance their carbon sinks – through forestation, afforestation, avoided deforestation – should be given incentive and rewarded fairly for doing so."
2007-09-25 00:00:00.000

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