SECURITY COUNCIL DEPLORES ATTACK AGAINST POLISH AMBASSADOR IN IRAQ

SECURITY COUNCIL DEPLORES ATTACK AGAINST POLISH AMBASSADOR IN IRAQ
New York, Oct 5 2007 7:00PM
Condemning yesterday's attack in Baghdad on the Polish Ambassador to Iraq, the Security Council today called on the international community to support the Iraqi Government in protecting the diplomatic community, United Nations staff and other foreign civilian personnel.

The Ambassador sustained injuries in the attack, while at least two people were killed – including a member of his personal security detachment team and an Iraqi civilian. Two other people sustained injuries.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9138.doc.htm">presidential statement read out by Ghanaian Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, who holds the Council's rotating presidency this month, the 15-member body expressed its deepest sympathy and sent condolences to the victims' families and to the Polish Government.

"The Security Council underlines the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this act to justice," Mr. Christian said, calling on all States to cooperate with the Polish and Iraqi Governments.

The Council also reiterated that "any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed."
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONCERNED BY SURGE OF ARRIVALS BY SEA INTO GREECE

UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONCERNED BY SURGE OF ARRIVALS BY SEA INTO GREECE
New York, Oct 5 2007 6:00PM
The number of asylum-seekers and migrants arriving by boat in Greece has spiked dramatically this year, leading to overcrowding and serious hygiene concerns in the country's detention centres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/47060794d.html">UNHCR) said today.

UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond told reporters in Geneva that the average number of people arrested, intercepted or rescued by Greek coastguard officials has been about 3,000 each year since 2002, but already this year there have been nearly 4,500 cases.

He noted that Greek police are reporting even higher arrest figures from just three islands: Samos, Chios and Lesvos, which are all close to the coast of neighbouring Turkey.

The surge in arrivals has led to overcrowding in the detention centres in Samos, Chios and Lesvos, Mr. Redmond said, after that a holding centre in Samos sparked particular concern because of lowered hygiene standards. UNHCR has called for that centre's immediate closure.

"We welcome the announcement by the Interior Ministry of Greece that all persons currently in the old centre will be transferred to a newly-built centre in Samos which will open at the end of this month," he said.

Many of the arrivals are Iraqis, Afghans and Somalis, as well as migrants from other countries in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and South Asia. Some 3,500 Iraqis applied for asylum in Greece in the first six months of the year, the second highest number of any industrialized nation after Sweden, although this figure includes arrivals by land and air as well as by sea.

Mr. Redmond added that the surge in arrivals in Greece coincides with a sharp drop in the number of irregular arrivals by sea into Italy and Spain. In the case of the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain, the numbers have slumped by as much as 60 per cent this year.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN MISSION'S MILITARY CHIEF MEETS GOVERNMENT, REBEL LEADERS

CÔTE D'IVOIRE: UN MISSION'S MILITARY CHIEF MEETS GOVERNMENT, REBEL LEADERS
New York, Oct 5 2007 6:00PM
The military head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unoci/index.html">UNOCI) met this week with Government and former rebel army leaders to discuss aspects of the implementation of the Ouagadougou political accord between rival political groups in the divided West African nation.

Held at UNOCI headquarters in Abidjan, participants at the meeting, including UNOCI Force Commander General Fernand Marcel Amoussou, discussed the structure and work of the Integrated Command Centre, created under the Ouagadougou pact to unify the Ivorian military parties.

Participants also conferred on how the Centre can continue to support the ongoing pre-election identification scheme.

The Ouagadougou agreement, reached in March this year, sets out a series of measures to deal with the political divide between the Government, which controls the south of the country, and Forces Nouvelles, which has held the north since 2002.

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, the mission had a strength of nearly 9,200 uniformed personnel, including almost 8,000 troops and over 1,130 police.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UNDP CHIEF KICKS OFF AFRICA VISIT TO SPUR ACTION ON GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS

UNDP CHIEF KICKS OFF AFRICA VISIT TO SPUR ACTION ON GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
New York, Oct 5 2007 6:00PM
The head of the United Nations Development Programme (<"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/">UNDP) today started a 10-day trip to Africa to jump-start renewed efforts to assist countries that are not on track to reach the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), eight targets to slash poverty and other ills by 2015.

UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis noted that although the leadership necessary to achieve the MDGs must come from within the continent, African countries need the support of international organizations and development partners.

During his trip, Mr. Dervis will stop in Mozambique, Rwanda and Tanzania, three of the four African "One UN" pilot countries.

The "One UN" programme, launched earlier this year, is designed to better coordinate UN operations and accelerate progress towards the MDGs through grouping various UN agencies, funds and programmes operating in each country together under one leader, programme and budget to maximize efficiency and opportunities.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

REGISTRAR AT UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SOUNDS ALARM OVER HEALTH OF GENOCIDE SUSPECT

REGISTRAR AT UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL SOUNDS ALARM OVER HEALTH OF GENOCIDE SUSPECT
New York, Oct 5 2007 6:00PM
A Bosnian Serb former army officer who is facing genocide and other war crimes charges over his role in the 1995 massacre of more than 7,000 Muslims at Srebrenica is refusing medical treatment, putting his life in danger, the Registrar of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.un.org/icty/">ICTY) warned today.

Hans Holthuis filed a submission to the Tribunal's trial chamber calling on judges "to take all appropriate measures" to assess the health of Zdravko Tolimir, 58, and determine whether he is still capable of representing himself.

Mr. Tolimir, who served as Assistant Commander for Intelligence and Security of the Main Staff of the Bosnian Serb army and reported directly to the notorious chief Ratko Mladic, who remains at large, has been indicted on charges of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, extermination, murder, persecutions, forcible transfer and deportation.

Prosecutors allege that Mr. Tolimir has responsibility for the murder of thousands of Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica in July 1995, when the town was supposed to be a UN-protected area. The indictment also accuses him of making life unbearable for the civilian residents of Srebrenica and Žepa and forcing them to leave the protected areas.

Mr. Tolimir was involved in the murder of Bosnian Muslim prisoners being held in temporary locations around eastern Bosnia in 1995, the indictment states, including the summary execution of more than 1,700 men and boys by an army detachment at the Branjevo Military Farm and the Pilica Cultural Centre.

Mr. Holthuis said today that the ICTY registry had assessed Mr. Tolimir's health to be "grave, fragile and highly alarming," exacerbated by his refusal to cooperate with physicians, accept medical treatment or take prescribed medicines since being transferred to the Tribunal's custody in June.

Mr. Tolimir had been on the run for two years before he was detained by authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 31 May.

He has a "significant aneurism in his brain," Mr. Holthuis said in the submission, describing it as "an inoperable, high-risk condition which can be controlled to some extent by appropriate medications aimed at keeping the Accused's blood pressure low."

Mr. Tolimir also suffers from a serious heart condition, has indications of long-term high blood pressure, previously experienced heart attacks and arteriosclerosis, and "may have suffered from a small number of minor strokes."

"There is a very real and serious risk of the Accused experiencing a life-threatening episode at any time and without warning," Mr. Holthuis said, adding that the situation has been complicated by Mr. Tolimir's stated plan to represent himself during the trial.

"The stresses involved in running a trial are certain to have a detrimental impact on the Accused's medical situation," Mr. Holthuis said.

He noted that Mr. Tolimir has given various reasons for his refusal of medical care, ranging from religious belief to an assertion that he is in good health.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

MYANMAR SHOULD TAKE 'BOLD ACTIONS' TOWARDS DEMOCRACY, SAYS BAN KI-MOON

MYANMAR SHOULD TAKE 'BOLD ACTIONS' TOWARDS DEMOCRACY, SAYS BAN KI-MOON
New York, Oct 5 2007 5:00PM
Myanmar needs to take major steps towards democratizing, protecting human rights and accelerating its national reconciliation process, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling authorities' recent use of force against peaceful demonstrators in the Asian country "abhorrent and unacceptable."

<"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11208.doc.htm">Addressing a Security Council meeting, which also heard a briefing from his Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari on his visit to Myanmar earlier this week, Mr. Ban said it was time for a serious and comprehensive dialogue between the Government and the political opposition.

"Now, more than ever before, the Government of Myanmar should take bold actions towards democratization and respect for human rights," he said. "The national reconciliation process must be accelerated and be made as broad-based, inclusive and transparent as possible."

Both Mr. Ban and Mr. Gambari welcomed news that Senior General Than Shwe has is prepared to meet the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi, albeit with certain conditions.

"This is a potentially welcome development which calls for maximum flexibility on all sides," Mr. Gambari said, adding that it was vital the meeting take as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General and his Special Adviser told the Council they were deeply concerned by recent events, amid reports of continued human rights violations by authorities in the wake of the protests.

Mr. Gambari <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9136.doc.htm">said both security forces and non-uniformed elements are reported to have carried out abuses, especially during the nightly curfews, including arbitrary arrests, disappearances, beatings, raids of private homes, the blockading of monasteries and the mass relocation of monks outside Yangon, the country's biggest city.

The Government told Mr. Gambari that 2,095 people arrested because of the protests have been released, including 728 monks, and that more releases will follow. The curfew in the cities of Yangon and Mandalay has been relaxed as well.

Although some restrictions have been eased and some military forces have been withdrawn, Mr. Ban stressed that "the overall situation still remains of serious concern, especially with regard to the unknown predicament of the large number of individuals who were arrested without due process."

He called for the immediate release of all those in detention because of the protests.

Mr. Ban and Mr. Gambari also emphasized the need for sustained support from the region and the wider international community, including the United Nations, to help in advancing the cause of democratization and economic development.

Mr. Gambari told Council members that senior Government officials informed him that the demonstrations had been instigated by minority elements opposed to the Government and largely limited to Yangon and Mandalay. They also said the authorities had acted with "the utmost restraint" and that those detained would soon be released after investigations had been completed.

"It is clear, however, that the demonstrations over the past few weeks are for the most part the expression of deep and widespread discontent about socio-economic conditions in the country," the Special Adviser said.

He noted that poverty is accelerating across Myanmar and the country's social service structures are increasingly unable to meet the basic needs of the population. The average household now has to spend as much as 69 per cent of its budget on food consumption because of the rising prices of basic items.

Mr. Gambari added that while the protests followed a sudden spike in fuel prices in mid-August, they also contained an important political dynamic.

"What is clear is that since 1988, the democratic aspirations of the people of Myanmar have been systematically denied by the Government in the name of stability and security."

He warned that unless the Government opens up its process of national reconciliation, "the demands for greater inclusiveness, participation and transparency, and for an acceleration of the transition to democracy and civilian rule, are likely to continue."

Mr. Ban said it was too early to say whether Mr. Gambari's mission had been a success or not, but it appeared "that a window of opportunity has opened, and it is vital that the Government of Myanmar responds positively."

The Security Council then held closed consultations with Mr. Gambari after the initial open meeting on his visit.

Earlier, Mr. Gambari also briefed General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim, who voiced "grave concern" at the situation and condemned the use of force to resolve the situation.

Mr. Kerim also called on the Government to ensure that all representatives of political groups and ethnic minorities can participate fully in the national reconciliation and political transition processes, including the drafting of the constitution, according to a statement released by his spokesman.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SOMALIA: UN ENVOY HAILS TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT MOVES ON POLITICAL INCLUSION

SOMALIA: UN ENVOY HAILS TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT MOVES ON POLITICAL INCLUSION
New York, Oct 5 2007 5:00PM
The senior United Nations envoy to Somalia today hailed a decision by the country's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to endorse the recommendations of the recently concluded National Reconciliation Congress on political inclusion.

UN Special Representative for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah issued a statement in Nairobi saying the move "should pave the way for greater inclusion of Somalis from a larger political spectrum."

Mr. Ould-Abdallah commended this decision as a first step towards national reconciliation and urged the TFG to go further by extending the mandate of the National Governance and Reconciliation Committee as soon as possible.

The statement voiced hope that by allowing the Committee to continue the national reconciliation process, the TFG will prepare the ground for serious talks between Somalis inside and outside the country.

The international community, the envoy said, should "support this helpful move."

Held in Mogadishu during July and August, the National Reconciliation Congress aimed to foster internal coherence in Somalia, which has had no functioning government since Muhammad Siad Barre's regime was toppled in 1991.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN REFUGEE AGENCY APPEALS FOR 'HUMANITARIAN' VISAS FOR IRAQIS FLEEING TO SYRIA

UN REFUGEE AGENCY APPEALS FOR 'HUMANITARIAN' VISAS FOR IRAQIS FLEEING TO SYRIA
New York, Oct 5 2007 2:00PM
Responding to Syria's strict adherence to new visa restrictions for Iraqis wishing to enter the country, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/470607922.html">UNHCR) today urged the creation of a "humanitarian" visa for Iraqis fleeing violence in their homeland.

Since visa restrictions were imposed on Monday, only Iraqis with visas for commercial, transport, scientific and education purposes have been successful in crossing the border to Syria, UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond told reporters in Geneva.

To apply for these visas, Iraqis must apply at the Syrian Embassy in the Al Mansour district of Baghdad. "Refugees have highlighted their concern that Al Mansour district is the scene of frequent violence, and not an area that large groups of people should gather," Mr. Redmond said.

In many instances, a Syrian sponsoring organization, such as the Syrian Chamber of Commerce, is necessary to procure a visa to enter the country.

Syria has stated that the visa restrictions are a result of the massive pressure placed on the country as it hosts over 1.4 million Iraqi refugees. "UNHCR continues to appeal for increased bilateral support to Syria so it can continue to support the Iraqi refugees living in the country – and hopefully offer refuge for those Iraqis that need to flee Iraq in the future," Mr. Redmond said.

Since the new restrictions took effect, the number of phone calls to UNHCR in Damascus has doubled, with the agency having counselled either in person or over the phone hundreds of Iraqi refugees living in Syria regarding concerns over their residency status.

"From discussions with Government officials, UNHCR understands that Iraqi refugees currently living in Syria will not be forcibly returned to Iraq," Mr. Redmond noted.

But Iraqi refugees are worried about their status after their visas expire. In the past, the documents could be renewed at the Syrian border for three months, and UNHCR said it hopes that Syria can establish such offices within the country for refugees to renew their visas.

In a related development, UNHCR said the second group of Palestinians – who were forced to flee their homes in Iraq – from Ruwayshed camp in Jordan let yesterday for resettlement in Brazil. Almost 40 Palestinians, who have been living in harsh conditions for more than four years, left behind 37 others who will join them in South America later this month.

All 108 Palestinian inhabitants of Ruwayshed camp will move to Sao Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul regions, where they will receive accommodation, furniture, material and employment assistance, as well as Portuguese language classes.

"UNHCR is very appreciative of Brazil's offer for humanitarian resettlement," Mr. Redmond said.

Meanwhile, UNHCR continues to appeal for urgent solutions for over 1,750 Palestinians are still stranded in Al Waleed and Al Tanf border camps and are living in dire conditions.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BAN KI-MOON DISAPPOINTED BY DELAY TO NEPALESE ELECTIONS

BAN KI-MOON DISAPPOINTED BY DELAY TO NEPALESE ELECTIONS
New York, Oct 5 2007 2:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced disappointment at the decision of Nepal's interim Government to postpone Constituent Assembly elections scheduled for next month, stressing that the people of the Himalayan country deserve their opportunity to express their political aspirations.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2785">statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban strongly urged the Seven-Party Alliance which comprises the interim coalition Government "to redouble efforts so that outstanding issues can be expeditiously resolved and the election held very soon."

On Monday, Nepal's Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan had told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate that the Government had been engaged in dialogue with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) to ensure that the polls would be held on schedule on 22 November.

But media reports today say the elections were delayed because of ongoing disputes between the Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoists.

The elections had already been postponed from June because of technical problems and then the onset of the monsoon season.

Once elected, the Constituent Assembly will draft a new constitution for Nepal, where an estimated 13,000 people were killed during the decade-long civil conflict that came to a formal end when the Government and the Maoists signed a peace accord late last year.

Mr. Ban's statement noted that "the people of Nepal have demonstrated their desire for peace and the stakes are too high to allow manageable differences to deny their aspirations."

He added that the UN remained committed to assisting to establish a durable peace in Nepal. A UN mission (known as UNMIN) is in place to help shepherd the country through the post-conflict transition process.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

PLANNING GUIDE FOR PALLIATIVE CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS RELEASED BY UN AGENCY

PLANNING GUIDE FOR PALLIATIVE CARE FOR CANCER PATIENTS RELEASED BY UN AGENCY
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00PM
The United Nations World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2007/np31/en/index.html">WHO) today unveiled its first guide explaining the range of palliative care services available for the millions of people across the world living with advanced stages of cancer.

Aimed at public health planners, particularly in developing countries, the guide provides information on how to devise the most effective methods of providing palliative care, including details of low-cost public health models.

WHO's Director for Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, Benedetto Saraceno, said simple and low-cost models can be adopted in ways that reach the majority of the population, even in poor countries where most cases are not diagnosed until the late stages of cancer.

"These models consider the integration of palliative care services in the existing health system, with a special emphasis on community- and home-based care," he said.

Palliative care focuses on providing pain relief and management of often distressing or debilitating symptoms to patients facing life-threatening illnesses, improving their quality of life.

WHO reports that preliminary estimates indicate that every year as many 4.8 million people who suffer moderate to severe pain as a result of cancer do not receive any treatment.

"Everyone has a right to be treated, and die, with dignity," said Catherine Le Galès-Camus, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "The relief of pain – physical, emotional, spiritual and social – is a human right."

Dr. Le Galès-Camus said this was particularly important in poor countries, where diagnoses are often made so late that treatment is no longer effective and palliative care is the only option.

More than 70 per cent of all deaths from cancer occur in developing countries, which have limited resources for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Worldwide, some 7.6 million people died from cancer in 2005.

WHO projects that the number of deaths from cancer will keep rising, up to an estimated 9 million in 2015 and 11.4 million by 2030.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SURGING WHEAT PRICES PUSH STAPLE PRODUCTS OUT OF REACH OF POOR - UN AGENCY

SURGING WHEAT PRICES PUSH STAPLE PRODUCTS OUT OF REACH OF POOR – UN AGENCY
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00PM
International wheat prices have hit record highs during the past three months, pushing the domestic price of bread and other basic foods in poor countries beyond the reach of many locals, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000674/index.html">FAO) announced today.

The latest issue of the FAO Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, released at the agency's headquarters in Rome, found that wheat prices have risen sharply since June because of tightening global supplies, historically low levels of stocks and sustained demand.

Maize prices have also jumped, despite this year's bumper crop in North, Central and South America, because of continuing strong demand from the biofuels industry.

Paul Racionzer of the FAO's Global Information and Early Warning System warned that cereal stocks, especially of wheat, are likely to remain at historically low levels for the foreseeable future. Wheat stocks are close to their lowest levels in 25 years.

"On current indications, this year's cereal harvest would only just meet expected utilization levels in the coming year, which means that stocks will not be replenished," he said.

The higher export prices for wheat – and other cereal crops – and surging freight rates have forced the price of bread and other products beyond the means of many people in the States classified as low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs), leading to social unrest in some areas.

The total cereal import bill for LIFDCs is forecast to hit an all-time high of $28 billion in 2007-08, a rise of 14 per cent on last year's figures. In total, developing countries are likely to spend $52 billion on cereal imports.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED TEACHERS MAIN OBSTACLE TO ACHIEVING EDUCATION FOR ALL - UN

SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED TEACHERS MAIN OBSTACLE TO ACHIEVING EDUCATION FOR ALL – UN
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00PM
It will not be possible to meet the goal of providing quality education for all children by 2015 without an additional 18 million new teachers worldwide – 4 million in Africa alone – the United Nations said today on the occasion of <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=39607&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">World Teacher's Day.

The growing shortage of qualified teachers is the main challenge to the realization of international education targets, including the Millennium Development Goals (<" http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">MDGs), the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said in a message issued to mark the Day.

"But the challenge is more than one of just numbers," Director-General Koichiro Matsuura added. "The quality of teachers and teaching is also essential to good learning outcomes.

In the <" http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001534/153481e.pdf">message, which is co-signed by the heads of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the organization Education International, Mr. Matsuura noted that in many countries not all children are able to go to school or learn basic skills since there are simply not enough teachers.

"This has negative outcomes not only for the future of individual children, but also for the development of whole societies," he added.

To address the shortage of qualified teachers in Afghanistan, <" http://www.unicef.org/media/media_41120.html">UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Education in training personnel, developing curriculum and establishing teachers training colleges.

"These colleges are designed to help redress years of underinvestment in teachers training which has led to a marked decline in number of teachers and teaching standards," the agency said in a press release.

UNICEF's efforts in the war-torn nation include strategies for increasing the number of female teachers, who were barred during the Taliban's rule from practicing their profession.

"The drive to improve the numbers of female teachers and improve standards of teaching is important step in ensuring that girls continue to return to the classroom, and to reduce risk of drop-out amongst pupils already enrolled," said Catherine Mbengue, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, to mark World Teacher's Day, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (<" http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/statements/2007/WorldTeacherDay_Oct07.html">UNRWA) has released a new study which finds that violence, occupation, closures and poverty are having a dire effect on the schooling of Palestinian refugee children.

The agency's education programme serves over half a million students in three countries and the occupied Palestinian territory. The study shows that in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, the performance of children in UNRWA schools compares favourably with that of their peers in Government-run schools, in spite of limited resources.

In the Gaza Strip, the study reveals a "worrying" rate of failure in Mathematics and Arabic in UNRWA schools, according to an agency press release. In response to the study, UNRWA is pursuing efforts to improve educational standards in Gaza, including hiring more than 1,500 new classroom assistants and building a new teacher training college.

"The cumulative impact of years of violence and closures, of disrupted schooling and endemic poverty is clear from the stark exam results of Gaza's schoolchildren," John Ging, Director of UNRWA operations in Gaza, stated.

"In spite of the challenging environment, we are determined to ensure that our reforms and our drive for excellence in UNRWA schools will be successful," he added.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GUINEA: UN FUND'S $10 MILLION GRANT TO HELP POOR RURAL FAMILIES

GUINEA: UN FUND'S $10 MILLION GRANT TO HELP POOR RURAL FAMILIES
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00PM
A development project in Guinea has received a $10 million grant from the UN International Fund for Agriculture Development (<" http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2007/41.htm">IFAD) as part of efforts to provide poor rural families in the West African nation with better access to schools, healthcare and drinking water.

The initiative, known as the Village Communities Support Project – Phase II, will also bolster rural producers' access to markets and increase local governments' abilities to allow communities to plan and manage their own services in Guinea, which is classified as a highly vulnerable and indebted country.

In addition to the $10 million provided by IFAD, the Guinean Government and other organizations will contribute towards the programme, which has a $56 million price tag.

"The project's long-term goal is for communities and their local governments to be able to identify, plan, prioritize, build and manage their own infrastructure and service needs," said Luyaku Nsimpasi, IFAD's country programme manager for Guinea.

"With better access to school and health facilities and the increased capacity of local government leaders, Guinea's rural people will be able to increase their incomes and to support development in their communities."

To date, IFAD loans and grants totaling $141 million have gone towards financing one dozen programmes and projects in Guinea.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

PRESTIGIOUS UN HONORS AWARDED TO DISASTER PREVENTION EXPERTS

PRESTIGIOUS UN HONORS AWARDED TO DISASTER PREVENTION EXPERTS
New York, Oct 5 2007 12:00PM
A Japanese professor who educates both the Government and the public on practical skills for disaster risk reduction and an engineer from Grenada and Barbados focusing on building safety are recipients of this year's prestigious United Nations <" http://www.unisdr.org/eng/sasakawa/2007/sk-2007-descripction-eng.htm">Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction.

"The award <" http://www.unisdr.org/eng/media-room/press-release/2007/pr-2007-12-sasakawa.pdf">recognizes the efforts of these individuals – both trained as engineers – to communicate effectively on hazard and risk-related issues with a wide range of stakeholders including social scientists, engineers, architects and decision-makers as well as the general public," said Salvano Briceño, director of the Geneva-based secretariat of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).

"Their ability to bridge the gaps between science and practice has brought disaster risk reduction closer to people's daily's lives."

Kyoto University Professor Yoshiaki Kawata, who specializes in disaster risk reduction, has been selected for the honor for his promotion of research and knowledge about past disasters.

According to the ISDR, he has highlighted the lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Awaji, or Kobe, Earthquake which took over 6,400 lives and is one of the most devastating earthquakes in Japanese history.

Mr. Kawata has dedicated much of the past three decades raising public awareness of disasters; in 2002, he founded the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution and established the Kobe Disaster Reduction Museum to educate both the public and local governments in practical knowledge and skills.

A pioneer in advancing safe architectural and designs to resist natural hazards, Tony Gibbs works as an advisor for the UN and the Pan American Health Organization (<" http://www.unisdr.org/eng/media-room/press-release/2007/pr-2007-12-sasakawa.pdf">PAHO) Disaster Mitigation Advisory Group on hospital safety.

He has made significant contribution to hazard awareness and disaster risk reduction n the Caribbean and throughout the Americas, according to ISDR. He has also focused on designing structures to protect hospitals against wind and earthquakes, influencing standards and advances in building design worldwide.

Aside from these achievements, Mr. Gibbs is also being awarded the prize for his advocacy and leadership role in sharing knowledge with engineers, architects, builders and the public.

A Sasakawa Certificate of Distinction was also awarded to ActionAid International, a South African non-governmental organization (NGO) for its role in incorporating disaster risk reduction and the Hyogo Framework – which offers a number of concrete steps to make communities and nations more resilient to any type of disaster – into is sustainable development activities.

The Social Action Centre in the Philippines, La Red Habitat en Riesgo in Argentina and the South African Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme are being recognized for their efforts with Sasakawa Certificates of Merit.

The UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction, along with the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en">WHO) Sasakawa Health Prize and the UN Environment Programme (<" http://www.unep.org">UNEP) Sasakawa Environment Prize, was established in 1986 by the Nippon Foundation in Japan. Laureates are selected by the UN Sasakawa jury, comprising representatives from the five continents.
2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DR CONGO: UN AGENCY CONCERNED AT MILITARY BUILDUP IN NORTH KIVU

DR CONGO: UN AGENCY CONCERNED AT MILITARY BUILDUP IN NORTH KIVU
New York, Oct 5 2007 10:00AM
As civilians in the troubled North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to flee their homes, the United Nations refugee agency today warned that the humanitarian disaster there could worsen if a military build-up the volatile area leads to more intensified fighting.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that some 5,000 internally displaced people sought refuge at nearby sites over the past week, taking advantage of a lull in the fighting between government forces, renegade troops and rebels. "Some had walked for days to reach the sites," agency spokesman Ron Redmond told a press briefing in Geneva.

The estimated total of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Mugunga area has now surpassed 80,000. UN agencies and non-governmental organizations say over 370,000 IDPs are though to have been displaced in North Kivu since December 2006.

"The numbers of displaced are rising with the new arrivals at the camp sites, but also as aid workers in the field discover more groups of displaced people," Mr. Redmond explained.

He said the agency is "increasingly concerned over the build-up of forces and military supplies in North Kivu," especially the reported recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups across North Kivu. "We fear new clashes would lead to thousands of people being displaced, plunging the province into an even worse humanitarian disaster."

Following a visit to the area to improve conditions in overstretched IDP camps, a seven-member UNHCR emergency team is now preparing a new site with the capacity to host 10,000 people.

"The new site will help decongest makeshift sites at Lac Vert and Ndosho," said Mr. Redmond. "Conditions at the makeshift sites in the Mugunga area are dire and are deteriorating as more fleeing Congolese arrive. Tensions are mounting among the displaced and two days ago our team could not visit these sites due to safety concerns for the staff."

The agency is working with its non-governmental partners to register displaced in the area in a bid to establish more precise numbers to better plan for aid distributions.

2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

KENYA: WASTE DUMP POSES HEALTH HAZARD TO CHILDREN, UN AGENCY WARNS

KENYA: WASTE DUMP POSES HEALTH HAZARD TO CHILDREN, UN AGENCY WARNS
New York, Oct 5 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today warned that a large waste dump located in Kenya is posing a serious threat to children living nearby and pledged its assistance to help reduce the hazard.

Citing the results of a study it commissioned of 328 children up to the age of 18 around the Dandora Municipal Dumping Site, the agency said half had concentrations of lead in their blood exceeding internationally accepted levels, while 42 per cent of soil samples recorded lead levels almost 10 times higher than what is considered unpolluted soil. Almost half of the children tested were suffering from respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.

UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said the results were worse than expected. "We had anticipated some tough and worrisome findings, but the actual results are even more shocking than we had imagined at the outset," he said.

He also drew broader conclusions about problems of waste management in poor countries. "The Dandora site may pose some special challenges for the city of Nairobi and Kenya as a nation. But it is also a mirror to the condition of rubbish sites across many parts of Africa and other urban centres of the developing world."

Mr. Steiner said UNEP stands ready to assist the local and national authorities in the search for improved waste management systems and strategies including ones that generate sustainable and healthier jobs in the waste-handling and recycling sectors.

The 30-acre large Dandora dumping site receives 2,000 tonnes of rubbish every day, including plastics, rubber and lead paint treated wood, generated by some 4.5 million people living in the Kenyan capital. The study also found evidence of the presence of hazardous waste, such as chemical and hospital waste, on the dumpsite.

Every day, scores of people, including children, from the nearby slums and low-income residential areas use the dump to find food, recyclabl
and other valuables they can sell as a source of income, at the same time inhaling the noxious fumes from routine waste burning and methane fires, UNEP said.

"We have been witnessing an alarming situation regarding Dandora children's health: asthma, anaemia and skin infections are by now endemic. These abnormalities are linked to the environment around the dumping site, and are exacerbated by poverty, illiteracy and malnutrition. Since waste dumping is unrestricted and unmanaged, people are also at risk from contracting blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS," said Njoroge Kimani, principal investigator and author of the report.

According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), a quarter of all diseases affecting humankind are attributable to environmental risks with children more vulnerable than adults. Among children under age five, environmentally-related illnesses are responsible for more than 4.7 million deaths annually. Twenty-five per cent of deaths in developing countries are related to environmental factors, compared with 17 per cent of deaths in the developed world.

"The children of Dandora, Kenya, Africa and the world deserve better than this. We can no longer afford rubbish solutions to the waste management crisis faced in far too many cities, especially in the developing world," said Mr. Steiner.

2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN-BACKED MEETING CALLS FOR MORE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT

UN-BACKED MEETING CALLS FOR MORE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00AM
A United Nations-backed meeting on mountains has forged a consensus among over 60 representatives from governments, civil society and international organizations on the need for a more coherent approach to sustainable agriculture and rural development in the world's highland areas.

This call came a statement issued at the close of the third meeting of the Adelboden Group for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in Mountain Regions held 1-3 October at the Rome headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Physically isolated and socially and politically marginalized, mountain populations are among the most vulnerable in the world, FAO said in a news release, noting that 840 million chronically undernourished people live in highland areas and about 270 million mountain people lack food security, with 135 million suffering chronic hunger.

"Higher priority should be given to mountain issues in national, regional and global policymaking either through incorporating mountain specific requirements into general policies or through specific mountain policies," the Group said in a statement read at the end of its meeting.

Governments with mountain regions were urged to better integrate mountain areas into national economies and foster economic diversification in highland regions by helping farmers, craftsmen and foresters add value to their products.

The group also stressed the need to provide policy support to indigenous mountain communities, whose traditional local knowledge and know-how often help conserve the mountain environment and biodiversity and represent a sustainable approach to highland agriculture.

Established in June 2002 in Adelboden, Switzerland, the group serves as a forum for discussion of policies, exchanges of experience, and coordinated planning. It also acts as an advisory board for FAO's project on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in Mountain Region

2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS KEY TO ADVANCES IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION -- BAN KI-MOON

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS KEY TO ADVANCES IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION -- BAN KI-MOON
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00AM
Partnerships between governments and the private sector are key to fostering developing in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to more than half the world's people and accounts for a quarter of international trade, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"Beyond the accountability of Governments to their electorate, and the responsibility of companies to their shareholders, we have a joint mission to give citizens of this region the tools to create their own prosperity," Mr. Ban said in a message to the Ministerial Conference on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development, being held in Seoul with support from the Republic of Korea Government and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

He also emphasized the importance of global antipoverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by "developing adequate infrastructure for transport, energy, water and health services."

That, in turn, "requires investments, goods and expertise that cannot be provided by the public sector alone," he pointed out.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the financial requirements for infrastructure development are estimated at $200 billion per year over the next five years. "Today, we see can see public-private partnerships enabling businesses around the world to actively and productively contribute to critical infrastructure projects," the Secretary-General said.

He emphasized the importance of transparency and trust in this process, and noted that through the UN Global Compact -- "the world's largest corporate citizenship initiative" -- the world body is working with business, governments and civil society to "advance notions of corporate responsibility, thereby establishing an atmosphere of accountability and trust that allows for more collaborative solution-finding."

2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN INITIATIVE BRINGS IRAQIS AND JORDANIANS TOGETHER DURING RAMADAN

UN INITIATIVE BRINGS IRAQIS AND JORDANIANS TOGETHER DURING RAMADAN
New York, Oct 5 2007 1:00AM
Since the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the United Nations refugee agency has distributed free meals every evening to more than 800 Iraqi refugees and needy locals in Jordan.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners are trying to assist in various areas, including nutrition, health and education. The Ramadan soup kitchens are one way to ensure that people are getting a daily meal and honouring traditional Islamic practice.

"The Ramadan tents and meal distribution show the increase in the level of vulnerability among Iraqis, but also among Jordanians who are being affected by the large presence of Iraqis," said Imran Riza, UNHCR's representative in Jordan. He said the locals needed to be helped too.

Some among the estimated 750,000 Iraqi refugees in Jordan have financial resources and are self-sufficient, but even greater numbers are running out of money and valuables to trade, according to UNHCR, which warned in a news release that they are finding it hard to make ends meet and to feed themselves.

The needs of these vulnerable Iraqi refugees have put an enormous strain on already overstretched public services in Jordan. The situation is the same in neighbouring Syria, where some 1.4 million Iraqis have fled, and in other host countries, which need international help to cope with the unexpected pressure, the agency said.

The Iraqi refugees who spoke to UNHCR were all grateful to Jordan, but many said their lives here were becoming increasingly difficult. Saib, who fled Baghdad last year after he was threatened, thanked Jordan for offering a safe haven.

"However, my daughter is always ill here, I have no job and my other daughter refuses to study or attend school anymore," he said. "Life is becoming too difficult here and I can no longer face my family. Sometimes I don't have money to feed them anymore and I feel lost," he added.

Saib is among more than 4 million people wh
their homes in Iraq. The UN refugee agency estimates that more than 2.2 million have taken refuge overseas, including the hundreds of thousands in Jordan.

UNHCR has started a monthly food distribution for more than 1,500 Iraqi families in Amman and will soon extend this to Zarqa and Irbid. Meanwhile, UNHCR and sister agencies last month issued an appeal for $84.8 million to help host countries meet the health and nutrition needs of Iraqi refugees.

2007-10-05 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWS PROJECTED TO RISE IN NEXT THREE YEARS - UN

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWS PROJECTED TO RISE IN NEXT THREE YEARS – UN
New York, Oct 4 2007 6:00PM
Foreign direct investment flows are expected to increase in the next three years, despite worries over worldwide financial instability and some countries' protectionist measures, according to the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (<"http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=9051&intItemID=1528&lang=1">UNCTAD) survey on global investment prospects, which was released today.

More than two-thirds of the 192 respondents – among the world's largest transnational corporations – said they plan to raise FDI expenditure levels every year from 2007 to 2009.

As a result of continued economic growth worldwide, high profitability and the availability of external finance, FDI is projected to increase in all sectors and home countries.

FDI growth will be primarily driven by access to large and growing markets, according to a majority of respondents to the "UNCTAD World Investment Prospects Survey 2007-2009." The corporations participating in the survey also cited access to resources, especially skilled labour, and access to low-cost labour as reasons to increase FDI.

Three risks – geopolitical, financial instability and protectionism – could potentially hinder their FDI expansion, and over 80 per cent of respondents said these factors are either "important" or "extremely important."

The survey also found that an increasing number of corporations will consider investing in areas outside their home regions, such as emerging markets in Asia and Europe. China and India were mentioned as the top two locations by the respondents while Viet Nam ranked sixth.

North America and Western Europe remain the top priority locations for the transnational corporations, with the United States coming in third and the United Kingdom and Germany also in the top 10. Poland is a rising destination in Europe.

Russia ranked fourth for investment among corporations, underscoring investors' rising preference in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Meanwhile, in Latin America, Brazil and Mexico were among the top 10 most favoured locations for FDI.

UNCTAD has been surveying FDI prospects since 1995.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DR CONGO: UN MISSION HELPS IN RESCUE EFFORTS AFTER DEADLY AIRPLANE CRASH

DR CONGO: UN MISSION HELPS IN RESCUE EFFORTS AFTER DEADLY AIRPLANE CRASH
New York, Oct 4 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is taking part in rescue operations after a commercial aircraft crashed into a residential area of the capital, Kinshasa, earlier today.

The mission, known as <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC, reports that 25 people were killed in the crash and many others have been injured.

UN spokesperson Michele Montas said MONUC has provided fire-fighting equipment and has also helped evacuate victims from the crash site, while UN photographers are documenting the extent of the damage.

She said UN humanitarian agencies also remain at the scene to provide further assistance to Congolese authorities, who are launching an investigation into the accident.

Meanwhile, MONUC issued a statement today condemning Sunday's arrest and the subsequent treatment of three magistrates by soldiers operating under the command of a regional military commander in the city of Kisangani.

The three men were beaten violently when arrested at their homes and, while one was able to escape, the other two were held at a military centre overnight and treated so badly that they had to seek hospital care.

In the statement the Mission called for an investigation into the commander, General Jean-Claude Kifwa, and his subordinates, and demanded their immediate suspension. The statement also called for Congolese authorities to take all measures to guarantee independent justice in the country, which is trying to rebuild after a brutal civil war.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ENVOY TO BRIEF SECRETARY-GENERAL ON MYANMAR VISIT

UN ENVOY TO BRIEF SECRETARY-GENERAL ON MYANMAR VISIT
New York, Oct 4 2007 4:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be briefed later today by his Special Envoy for Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, who has just returned from the region following discussions with senior Government officials and the Nobel laureate and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mr. Gambari plans to inform the President of the General Assembly and the members of the Security Council about his visit tomorrow, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

The Secretary-General dispatched Mr. Gambari to the region last week in response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar which has seen a wave of peaceful protests in recent weeks and amid reports of the use of force against demonstrators.

While in Myanmar, the Special Envoy met with Senior General Than Shwe and other members of the senior leadership, as well as Ms. Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for the past 12 years.

Mr. Gambari also discussed developments in Myanmar with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister George Yeo of Singapore, both of whom expressed the strong support of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for his mission.

Asked by reporters yesterday if he was satisfied with the results of Mr. Gambari's visit, Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1085">said: "We are doing what we must do. And I was relatively relieved that he was, first of all, able to meet with the leaders of the Myanmar Government as well as Madame Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The concerns of the international community have been clearly and loudly conveyed to the Myanmar authorities," he stated.

In addition, Mr. Ban said that his envoy "was assured of his second visit in November sometime."

At the same time, the Secretary-General expressed his continuing concerns about the ongoing situation in Myanmar, including the human rights situation which he said is one of the "top concerns of the international community."

Meanwhile, a staff member serving with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and her family, who were arrested by the Myanmar authorities yesterday, have been released, Ms. Montas said.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES DECLARATION TO STRENGTHEN INTER-KOREAN COOPERATION

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES DECLARATION TO STRENGTHEN INTER-KOREAN COOPERATION
New York, Oct 4 2007 2:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the signing in Pyongyang by the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea of a declaration to bolster cooperation between the two countries and promote peace and security in the region.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2782">statement, he characterized the agreement on the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity as a "major step forward to enhance inter-Korean cooperation as well as peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia."

Mr. Ban praised the two leaders' "commitment to expand and advance inter-Korean relations, as well as to move towards permanent peace on a non-nuclear Peninsula through increased bilateral dialogue, cooperation and multilateral diplomacy including the six-party talks."

He also pledged the UN's support to the process, in concert with the international community.

Yesterday, the Secretary-General said he was encouraged by the announcement at the six-party talks – involving the DPRK, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States – on the next phase in achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

"Given the vital importance of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, these efforts deserve strong support from the international community in order to maintain the current momentum," he noted in a statement released yesterday.

In February, an agreement was reached during six-party talks on dismantling the DPRK's nuclear weapons facilities.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

LIBERIA BECOMES ELIGIBLE FOR UN PEACEBUILDING FUND

LIBERIA BECOMES ELIGIBLE FOR UN PEACEBUILDING FUND
New York, Oct 4 2007 2:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared today that Liberia is the fifth country to become eligible for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, set up a year ago to help States emerging from conflict consolidate their gains and not slide back into war.

Mr. Ban also instructed the UN Mission in Liberia (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmil/index.html">UNMIL) to start consultations with the Liberian Government and local civil society partners in the West African country to devise a priority plan, his spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

That plan is expected to list key activities to push forward the consolidation of peace in Liberia, which was torn apart by civil war for most of the period between 1989 and 2003.

Susanne Frueh of the UN Peacebuilding Support Office, which manages the Fund, said countries can become eligible in one of three ways: as a result of a declaration by the Secretary-General, by being under consideration by the Peacebuilding Commission, or to specific country projects through the Fund's emergency mechanism.

The Fund is a multi-year standing trust fund that has an initial funding target of $250 million and so far has collected deposits worth almost $144 million from donor countries.

To date, it has approved grants of more than $46 million to 21 projects in Burundi and Sierra Leone, the first two countries under formal consideration by the related UN Peacebuilding Commission. It has also spent $700,000 in emergency funds to support dialogue between Côte d'Ivoire's opposing political forces and $800,000 to back mediation efforts in the troubled Central African Republic (CAR).
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ADVANCES VALUES - PRESIDENT

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION ON INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ADVANCES VALUES – PRESIDENT
New York, Oct 4 2007 1:00PM
The General Assembly today convened its first-ever high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural understanding in a move the 192-member body's president termed a step forward for advancing the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

"By convening this event, the General Assembly has taken an important stand," Srgjan Kerim told participants. "We are reaffirming the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But more importantly, we are taking concrete steps to advance these values around the world."

The Assembly President, who convened the two-day session, called for a sustained international effort to address the issue through exchanges of information. "We must begin a global dialogue, using public campaigns and all forms of media, to spread greater awareness of the issues," he declared.

"Governments can play an additional role by adopting educational curricula that instil values of peace and tolerance," he added, pointing out that children are not born with prejudice.

In order to "eliminate all distorted notions that deepen barriers and widen divides," he called for a "multi-faceted dialogue that promotes unity in diversity, and replaces misunderstanding with mutual understanding and acceptance."

The active involvement of the media, private sector, civil society, faith groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be crucial to this effort, he said. "Their insights and outreach will be instrumental in helping to achieve our goal."

Toward that end, he welcomed an informal interactive hearing planned for the afternoon aimed at fostering an exchange of views among Member States and civil society and the private sector. Among those slated to participate are leading academics, religious leaders and other civil society representatives.

Also addressing the event today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need to promote the idea that differences among peoples, far from being a threat, are what enrich humanity as a whole.

"It is time to explain that different religions, belief systems and cultural backgrounds are essential to the richness of the human experience," Mr. Ban said. "And it is time to stress that our common humanity is greater – far greater – than our outward differences."

Mr. Ban said that the different people he has met in his travels during his first nine months in office all share one common emotion – "a universal longing for peace, and an aspiration of prosperity."

Mr. Ban noted that today's gathering comes at a particularly auspicious time, as Jews mark the celebration of the Torah and Muslims approach the end of the holy month of Ramadan. "Such occasions remind us that men and women of faith around the world can be brought together, rather than separated, by their convictions and their belief in something greater than themselves."

He also pointed out that in today's era of global travel and instant satellite transmissions, people everywhere are encountering "less of the familiar, and more of 'the other,'" leading to increased tensions among cultures and religions.

In light of that trend, Mr. Ban emphasized that "it is time – indeed, it is past time – for a constructive and committed dialogue; a dialogue amongst individuals, amongst communities, and between nations."
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN-BACKED 'CLEAN UP THE WORLD WEEKEND' MOVES INTO CYBERSPACE

UN-BACKED 'CLEAN UP THE WORLD WEEKEND' MOVES INTO CYBERSPACE
New York, Oct 4 2007 11:00AM
When 35 million volunteers around the planet take part in the annual United Nations-backed "Clean Up the World Weekend" next weekend, their activities will for the first time also break into cyberspace with photos and videos posted onto Google Map under a new agreement announced today, giving a global platform to every local initiative.

"The power of local community action is being matched by the power of the World Wide Web," <" http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=519&ArticleID=5678&l=en">said UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner, whose agency has been organizing the event since 1993 with volunteers picking up trash on beaches, in villages and other sites, from Australia's Sydney Harbour to Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach.

"This should make a formidable partnership uniting and empowering groups from Bangalore to Bermuda and Berlin to Beijing in common cause," he added of the initiative with the giant Internet search engine.

"Let us hope this global Google community's effort may go further and persist beyond the International Cleanup Weekend. It may evolve into a new forum and network for ideas sharing on a wide range of challenges from local cleanups to community-based solutions to such pressing issues as climate change."

The "Clean Up the World Weekend," held this year on 13 and 14 October, is led by Sydney-based Ian Kiernan, who set out to clean up Sydney Harbour after a yacht race left him appalled by the amount of rubbish choking the world's oceans.

Joint action on the <" http://maps.google.com/help/maps/cleanup/">International Cleanup Weekend is part of a series of projects between UNEP and Google Inc. Last year, Google Earth featured "UNEP: Atlas of our Changing Environment," offering satellite images of 100 environmental hotspots from around the world and showing the dangers facing them.

UNEP and Google encourage everyone to plan their own cleanup close to home, wherever they think there is the biggest need for it.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

FIGHT AGAINST URBAN CRIME IS FOCUS AT UN-BACKED CONFERENCE

FIGHT AGAINST URBAN CRIME IS FOCUS AT UN-BACKED CONFERENCE
New York, Oct 4 2007 11:00AM
With crime and violence constituting one of the most significant causes of fear and insecurity in many cities today, over 600 delegates from 42 countries are <" http://www.unhabitat.org/content.asp?cid=5322&catid=5&typeid=6&subMenuId=0">meeting at a United Nations-backed conference in the Mexican city of Monterrey this week to discuss just what to do about it.

"The inexorable transition to a predominantly urban planet bears with it many opportunities and consequences," UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Cecilia Leal Martinez told the opening session of the five-day meeting on Monday.

"It can be a promising transition to economic growth, improved education and health, cultural and scientific progress. But it can also bring with it greater divide between the rich and the poor, and unsustainable, chaotic patters of urban development that exacerbate urban exclusion and threaten urban environment," she said in the keynote speech.

The conference has set out to develop an international framework to support cities and stakeholders in addressing violence in an urban development perspective. Between 1990 and 2000, incidents of violent crime per 100,000 persons increased from 6 to 8.8.

"Clearly, crime, whether violent or not, is a growing and serious threat to urban safety all over the world," said UN-HABITAT, which is mandated by the General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. "The threats to urban safety pose a huge challenge to both national and city governments."

The conference brings together representatives from government, local authorities, law enforcers, civil society organisations including youth organisations, academic experts, the private sector and international organisations.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN LAUNCHES FLASH APPEAL TO AID 75,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN GHANA

UN LAUNCHES FLASH APPEAL TO AID 75,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN GHANA
New York, Oct 4 2007 11:00AM
The United Nations and partner organizations today launched a $10-million <" http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/SHES-77MPNS?OpenDocument">flash appeal for 75,000 people in northern Ghana, where entire communities have been hit by floods after heavy and persistent rain in late August and mid-September.

Farmers in the already vulnerable Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions have lost their crops, vast tracts of land, food storage and processing facilities are submerged, and houses, bridges, schools and health facilities have been destroyed by the waters, which are part of a wider flood crisis across a whole swath of sub-Saharan Africa.

"Although floods are common in Ghana, this year's abnormally heavy rain has resulted in flooding that is stretching the ability of affected communities to cope," UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes said. "Food security is a particular concern in areas of the country where people's lives were already precarious. The generosity of Member States and other donors can help prevent living conditions from deteriorating even further."

Preliminary assessments by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reveal an estimated loss of 144,000 metric tons of crops, including maize, sorghum, millet, peanuts, yam, cassava and rice. In addition, prices of all staples have doubled since the flooding, and not all food commodities are readily available at markets due to flooded roads and submerged bridges.

This leaves around 75,000 people at risk of malnutrition until next year's harvest, which will take place only if irrigated crops can be planted on schedule. Seeds, fertilizer and tools must be supplied by March 2008 for that to happen. Funds from the appeal will also ensure that those cut off by floodwaters have access to health services through outreach and mobile clinics.

Partners with logistics expertise will enable mobile teams to deliver essential drugs and medical supplies to inaccessible areas by the use of helicopters or boats. The teams will also be able to provide insecticide-treated bed-nets to prevent an increase in malaria as the flood waters recede, as well as chlorine tablets to make household water safe to drink.

Funds are also needed to fix damaged public and household latrines. River boats will be used throughout the relief operation, estimated at six months, or until the floods have receded following the end of the rainy season.

The humanitarian community will also distribute tents and basic household items such as blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans and kitchen-sets to those deemed the most vulnerable, some 18,000 people who have lost their homes.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CHOLERA CONTINUES TO SPREAD IN IRAQ, UN HEALTH AGENCY REPORTS

CHOLERA CONTINUES TO SPREAD IN IRAQ, UN HEALTH AGENCY REPORTS
New York, Oct 4 2007 10:00AM
Cholera is continuing to spread across Iraq and dissemination to as yet unaffected areas remains highly possible, with more than 30,000 people having already fallen ill with acute watery diarrhoea, according to the latest <" http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_10_03/en/index.html">update by the United Nations health agency.

More than 3,300 cases have been identified as positive for Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes the debilitating and sometimes fatal intestinal infection, but clinical symptoms indicate the presence of cholera in many others, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said.

Fourteen are known to have died from the disease which is often caused by polluted water, but the low case-fatality rate throughout the outbreak that began in August indicates that those who have become sick have been able to access adequate treatment on time.

Most laboratory-confirmed cases have occurred in the north in Kirkuk and Sulaymaniah, but an increasing number of cases of acute watery diarrhoea has been reported in Diala, a province neighbouring Baghdad, with clinical symptoms indicating cholera. The number of cases has been stable in Basra, Baghdad, Dahuk, Mosul and Tikrit, but a case has now been confirmed in the previously unaffected province of Wasit.

The Government has mobilized a multi-sectoral response, specific controls have been reinforced and preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission to unaffected areas have been put in place.

But the overall quality of water and sanitation is very poor, a factor known to greatly facilitate cholera contamination. WHO is procuring 5,000,000 water-treatment tablets and two of its epidemiologists are being deployed to support the Health Ministry.

WHO does not recommend any restrictions to travel or trade to or from affected areas as a means to control, but urges neighbouring countries to reinforce active surveillance and preparedness systems. Mass chemoprophylaxis is strongly discouraged, as it has no effect on the spread of cholera, can have adverse effects by increasing antimicrobial resistance and provides a false sense of security.

Use of the current internationally available pre-qualified oral cholera vaccine is not recommended once an outbreak has started due to its 2-dose regimen, the time required to reach protective efficacy, high cost and the heavy logistics associated with its use.
2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS DIALOGUE ON INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS DIALOGUE ON INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
New York, Oct 4 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations General Assembly today opens its first-ever formal, high-level dialogue on issues of interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation.

Freedom of religion and belief and the need for respect for a diversity of religions and cultures are on the agenda as delegates open the session, which is being convened by Assembly President Srgjan Kerim. An informal interactive hearing with civil society representatives is also being held to provide a platform for exchange of views among Member States and civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.

Among those slated to participate are leading academics, religious leaders and other civil society representatives. The High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, will address the interactive informal hearing.

At its last session, on 20 December 2006, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace which encouraged Member States, the UN system and civil society to carry out a range of initiatives in an effort to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity of religion, belief, culture and language.

General Assembly holds dialogue on interreligious and intercultural understanding

The United Nations General Assembly today opens its first-ever formal, high-level dialogue on issues of interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation.

Freedom of religion and belief and the need for respect for a diversity of religions and cultures are on the agenda as delegates open the session, which is being convened by Assembly President Srgjan Kerim. An informal interactive hearing with civil society representatives is also being held to provide a platform for exchange of views among Member States and civil society, including non-governmental
(NGOs) and the private sector.

Among those slated to participate are leading academics, religious leaders and other civil society representatives. The High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, will address the interactive informal hearing.

At its last session, on 20 December 2006, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace which encouraged Member States, the UN system and civil society to carry out a range of initiatives in an effort to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity of religion, belief, culture and language.

2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN, DANIEL PEARL FOUNDATION, MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE PLAN CONCERT SERIES

UN, DANIEL PEARL FOUNDATION, MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE PLAN CONCERT SERIES
New York, Oct 4 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations has announced plans to collaborate in organizing a series of concerts next week in New York at the Museum of Jewish Heritage -- A Living Memorial to the Holocaust as part of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days named for the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in early 2002.

On 8, 9 and 10 October, Israeli artist Idan Raichel will perform as part of the event, one of many Daniel Pearl Music Days being held in October around the world in memory of the slain journalist.

UN officials associated with the concert series said the Holocaust and the UN Outreach Programme lends its support to the Daniel Pearl Foundation and the Museum of Jewish Heritage to celebrate the continuing triumph of tolerance and diversity through the universal language of music.

The Holocaust and the UN Outreach Programme, called for by the General Assembly, involves civil society partners in Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide.

The programme is currently organizing training seminars on the lessons of the Holocaust for UN staff from over 60 offices worldwide and has created "Electronic Notes for Speakers," an online pedagogical tool for educators and UN Member States to assist them in developing educational programmes.

2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

TO SUSTAIN GROWTH, TOURISM SECTOR MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE - UN

TO SUSTAIN GROWTH, TOURISM SECTOR MUST TAKE ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE – UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 7:00PM
The tourism industry must meet the challenges posed by climate change if it is to continue its growth, a United Nations-backed conference announced today.

According to the Davos Declaration, reached at the conclusion of a three-day meeting in the Swiss town, "the tourism sector must rapidly respond to climate change, within the evolving UN framework, if it is to grow in a sustainable manner."

Additionally, it stressed the role tourism can play in addressing climate change to promote both sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), the eight ambitious targets to slash poverty and other social and economic ills by 2015.

The second International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism was organized by the UN World Tourism Organization (<"http://www.unwto.org/index.php">UNWTO), the UN Environment Programme (<"http://www.unep.org/">UNEP) and the UN World Meteorological Organization (<"http://www.wmo.ch/pages/index_en.html">WMO), and was supported by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Swiss Government.

"We know that the solutions for climate change and for poverty are interrelated," said UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General Geoffrey Lipman. "We leave Davos more optimistic about our future on the common agreement to build upon [the] quadruple bottom line sustainability of economic, social, environmental and climate responsiveness."

At Davos, he added, the entire tourism sector pledged to contribute to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's global road map for the major climate change meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

This 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.

Participants at the Davos meeting have concluded that the tourism sector must lessen its greenhouse gas emissions, derived from transport and accommodation activities; adapt tourism businesses and destinations to alter their practices; utilize technology to bolster energy efficiency; and obtain financial resources to assist poor regions and countries.

Stefanos Fotiou, who heads UNEP's Tourism Unit, underscored the extremely important and positive role tourism can play in tackling the main issues the world faces today.

The tourism industry is "challenged by climate change and at the same time is not an insignificant contribute to greenhouse gas emissions," he said. "The Conference has also demonstrated that, through a more intelligent and better managed development trajectory, tourism can assist in combating poverty in developing countries, in reducing its own carbon footprint and make a contribution to the conservation of natural and nature-based resources."

Together, the Davos Declaration and the results of the meeting will form the basis of the UNWTO Minister's Summit on Tourism and Climate Change to be held in London on 13 November, and will also be presented at the Bali conference.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS MUST BE PRIORITIES IN SIERRA LEONE, OFFICIAL TELLS UN

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS MUST BE PRIORITIES IN SIERRA LEONE, OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 6:00PM
The recent successful staging of elections in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/sierraleone-eng.pdf">Sierra Leone will be worth little to its people unless the country can quickly post economic and social gains as well, the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations told the General Assembly today.

Joe R. Pemagbi said that while Sierra Leoneans deserved commendation for the way that presidential and parliamentary polls were held earlier this year, it was important to remember that peace is "a process that must be consolidated, maintained and sustained."

The polls were the first in the West African nation since UN peacekeepers left in 2005 after helping to bring peace and stability to the country which was torn apart by a brutal 10-year civil war. Since then the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) has been engaged in assisting the fledgling democracy.

"We must not forget that the people also have a right to economic and social development," he told the annual high-level debate. "The right to vote is inextricably linked to the right to food, the right to clean and portable water, the right to basic social services and of course the right to development."

Mr. Pemagbi stressed that all the praise over Sierra Leoneans' conduct during the election process "will be meaningless unless we create and intensify our collective effort to ensure that they see and enjoy the dividends of that process. Periodic elections are important, but they are not a panacea for all their needs."

He said his Government would continue to have high expectations about the work of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, set up last year to help countries emerging from conflict avoid sliding back into chaos or war. Sierra Leone – along with Burundi – was selected as one of the first two countries on the agenda of the Commission, and it has begun received money already from the related Peacebuilding Fund.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ASSEMBLY WRAPS UP ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE WITH CALLS FOR ACTION - PRESIDENT

UN ASSEMBLY WRAPS UP ANNUAL HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE WITH CALLS FOR ACTION – PRESIDENT
New York, Oct 3 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations General Assembly today wrapped up its wide-ranging high-level debate characterized by calls for action to address climate change and other pressing international concerns, the 192-member body's president said.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/president/62/statements/conclusiongd031007.shtml">Addressing the closing of the session, which began on 25 September and saw the participation of scores of national leaders, Srgjan Kerim thanked delegates for their "insightful" contributions during the debate.

"The presence of almost a hundred heads of State and government as well as about 80 ministers for foreign affairs is a mark of the importance the world places on this unique Assembly," he said.

The President also drew attention to the "flurry of diplomatic activity" that accompanied the annual high-level meeting. "We have increased our visibility and the public and media have responded positively."

Reflecting the views of many expressed during the session, he urged action on the theme of the debate: responses to climate change. "The latest reports about the accelerated melting of the Arctic have unnerved the experts. We need to be on high alert," he cautioned.

"You have send a strong political message that the time for talk has passed – that the time for action has begun," he told those present, declaring that "climate change has become the flagship issue" of the current Assembly session.

Reviewing the consensus that emerged during the just-concluded session, he cited wide agreement that adapting to global warming should not limit growth, but rather help achieve sustainable development. "We all agreed that we have common but differentiated responsibilities," he said, adding that there was broad consensus that the UN "must remain at the centre of the process to reach a global agreement."

Numerous participants, he said, endorsed the idea of a "road map to coordinate the United Nations system on climate change."

Looking to a planned meeting in Bali this December aimed at hammering out a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol, which limits greenhouse gas emissions but is set to expire in 2012, he said: "It is now up to you to deliver."

Other issues which received close attention during the debate included the global anti-poverty targets collectively known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); the need for progress on financing for development ahead of the Doha Conference in 2008; and a "broad desire" to achieve consensus on a comprehensive convention against terrorism.

Participants also touched on the importance to adherence to international law, human security and the responsibility to protect, and discussed regional hotspots such as the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur and Myanmar.

"There is overall agreement that we could make faster progress on all these issues if our multilateral institutions better reflected contemporary realities, underlining the need for better progress on United Nations reform," he said, citing a need to make the Secretariat more effective and to reform the Security Council.

At the outset of the debate, the President had indicated that he wanted to give priority to five priority areas: climate change, financing for development, countering terrorism, the MDGs and management reform.

In a statement released by his spokesman today, the President said the General Assembly "is the only forum where these priority issues can be tackled comprehensively and notes that the presence of over 90 world leaders in the debate underscored the importance Member States placed on this unique forum for multilateralism."

In total, 189 Member States addressed the high-level debate, along with two observers: the Holy See and Palestine. A total of 67 heads of State, 25 heads of government, four vice-presidents, 13 deputy ministers, 66 foreign ministers, two other ministers, four deputy ministers and eight chairs of delegation spoke.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN CONTINUES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-RAVAGED UGANDANS

UN CONTINUES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-RAVAGED UGANDANS
New York, Oct 3 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations is continuing to deliver aid to the hundreds of thousands of Ugandans suffering from the worst flooding the Central African nation has seen in decades.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1080">OCHA), latest reports indicate that flooding has spread to two additional districts, bringing the total affected to 32, and the banks of the Rwizi River in south-western Uganda have burst.

Water and sanitation systems have been severely disrupted by flooding, raising the risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases. Concerns have been heightened in recent days due to several cases of bloody diarrhoea in Katakwi district.

After consulting with the Government, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator has identified priorities for the first phase of the emergency response, including stabilizing the initial food situation, preventing disease outbreaks, reopening schools and responding to the urgent needs of the most vulnerable.

Access to those affected – for both assessments and delivering emergency supplies – is a major challenge for aid workers since key roads have been damaged. Last week, the UN Humanitarian Air Service flew in more than 10 tons of food and almost eight tons of basic household items.

A team from the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (<"http://www.unhabitat.org/">UN-HABITAT) arrived in Soroti district on Monday to start an assessment on early recovery needs.

The UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) has provided classroom tents while the registration of all primary leaving examinations candidates is under way and supplies are being procured. The agency has also provided one Basic New Emergency Health Kit to Oromo sub-country to cover 10,000 people for 30 days.

Although a flash appeal for $41 million was issued two weeks ago to help flood-beleaguered Ugandans, OCHA said that to date only two per cent has been funded. Some $6 million has been released from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/cerf/CERFHome/tabid/1705/Default.aspx">CERF) for priority life-saving needs.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE DARFUR CRISIS, SUDAN TELLS UN

POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE DARFUR CRISIS, SUDAN TELLS UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 6:00PM
The only way to end the Darfur conflict is through political negotiations, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/sudan-eng.pdf">Sudan's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, pledging his Government's full support of peace talks later this month and calling on all of Darfur's many rebel groups to end hostilities and participate.

Speaking during the last day of the annual high-level debate, Lam Akol noted that his Government has already declared a unilateral ceasefire that will start with the peace talks, scheduled for 27 October in neighbouring Libya.

"We expect the armed factions to reciprocate so that a permanent and verifiable ceasefire is arrived at with the beginning of the talks," he said. "We also call on the international community to take firm measures against those who refuse to participate in or obstruct the peace talks."

Mr. Akol called on the countries that host some of the leaders of Darfur's rebel groups to pressure them to attend the Libya peace talks.

The talks, which are being convened by the UN and African Union envoys for Darfur, Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim, are designed to end the conflict that has raged in the Sudanese region since 2003.

More than 200,000 people have been killed and another 2.2 million forced to flee their homes because of fighting between rebels, Government forces and allied Janjaweed militias. Some 4 million Darfurians now depend on humanitarian aid.

Earlier this year the Security Council authorized the creation of a hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force to be known as UNAMID to try to quell the violence. The operation is scheduled to take over from the existing AU mission by the start of next year.

Mr. Akol added today that the economic reconstruction and redevelopment of Darfur, an arid and impoverished region on Sudan's western flank, was a vital factor in ensuring that any peace settlement is consolidated.

"We look forward for the international community to finalize its current efforts towards holding an international conference on the reconstruction of Darfur, which we hope will take place soon."

The Foreign Minister took issue with what he said were "unfair and hostile ill-intentioned campaigns from some international quarters bent on exploiting the crisis in Darfur to serve their well-known agendas and plans.

"This vicious campaign targeted the policies of the country and its stance, and has strived to exaggerate and distort facts and to violate the country's capabilities and the heritage and values of its people."

During his address Mr. Akol also pledged his Government's commitment to follow through on the implementation of the January 2005 comprehensive peace agreement that ended the separate north-south civil war.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES STEPS TOWARDS ACHIEVING DENUCLEARIZED KOREAN PENINSULA

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES STEPS TOWARDS ACHIEVING DENUCLEARIZED KOREAN PENINSULA
New York, Oct 3 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the announcement at the six-party talks – involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States – in Beijing of the next steps towards achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

The next phase of denuclearization specifies important measures to implement provisions of an agreement reached in February on dismantling the DPRK's nuclear weapons facilities, and Mr. Ban is "encouraged by this important step forward in multilateral diplomatic efforts towards a nuclear-free Peninsula," according to a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11204.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson.

"Given the vital importance of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, these efforts deserve strong support from the international community in order to maintain the current momentum."

The Secretary-General voiced hope that all parties will intensify their efforts towards denuclearization, peace and security in the region, as well as build mutual trust among them.

Today's announcement comes as the leaders of DPRK and the Republic of Korea are holding a landmark three-day summit in Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, Mr. Ban said that he hopes they will use "this historic occasion to lay a solid foundation for peace and stability" on the Korean Peninsula.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

INTENSE ACTIVITY OVER RECENT WEEKS LAYS FOUNDATION FOR WORK AHEAD - BAN KI-MOON

INTENSE ACTIVITY OVER RECENT WEEKS LAYS FOUNDATION FOR WORK AHEAD – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Oct 3 2007 5:00PM
As the United Nations wraps up a period of "active and intense" activity at its New York Headquarters today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sees broad agreement on a number of priority issues as providing a solid basis for important work ahead.

The conclusion of the annual debate of the General Assembly today caps off three weeks of activity that began with a series of high-level meetings convened by Mr. Ban on Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East and climate change.

Over the course of the past week, Mr. Ban continued his discussions on these and other priority issues during one-on-one conversations with more than 130 heads of State and government, foreign ministers and permanent representatives.

"Taken together, he believes that we have established a firm foundation for our work during the year ahead," Mr. Ban's Spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

The priorities are clear, she stated, from the deployment of peacekeepers to Darfur and attaining an agreement on global warming that all nations can embrace to reinvigorating efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in Africa.

"And of course we will pursue UN reform… so that we can better deliver – more efficiently and effectively – on all that is increasingly expected of us in this era of proportionately diminishing resources," Ms. Montas stated.

She noted in particular that the climate change meeting, the largest ever gathering of world leaders on the issue, sought to coordinate global efforts to fight global warming under one roof – the UN.

"It is a model of how the Secretary General hopes to continue working closely with Member States and the General Assembly in the future," Ms. Montas said.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AID WORKERS IN DARFUR CONTINUE TO BE TARGET OF ATTACKS, REPORTS UN MISSION

AID WORKERS IN DARFUR CONTINUE TO BE TARGET OF ATTACKS, REPORTS UN MISSION
New York, Oct 3 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) reports that attacks against humanitarian personnel are continuing in Darfur, where some 13,000 relief workers are trying to assist nearly four million people affected by violence.

A vehicle belonging to a non-governmental organization (NGO) was hijacked by armed bandits on Monday in the area of the Kassab camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North Darfur. The driver of the vehicle, who was taken by the hijackers together with the truck, has been located but the vehicle is still missing.
Three armed men hijacked at gunpoint a UN vehicle in El Fasher on the same day. Sudanese police pursued the hijackers but their attempt to stop the vehicle was unsuccessful. Efforts are ongoing to recover the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in South Darfur, three armed men hijacked a NGO vehicle in Nyala on 30 September. Two staff members on board the vehicle were forcibly taken and detained for three days by the hijackers.

They were subsequently released and contacted the NGO on 2 October from a police station some 30 kilometres north of Nyala. One staff member was admitted to Nyala hospital for with serious head injury.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (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 people affected by the fighting which began four years ago between the Sudanese Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SECURITY CONCERNS OVERTAKING RIGHTS IN GLOBAL ASYLUM SYSTEMS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL

SECURITY CONCERNS OVERTAKING RIGHTS IN GLOBAL ASYLUM SYSTEMS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL
New York, Oct 3 2007 3:00PM
The top protection official with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/4703c3234.html">UNHCR) today warned that in more and more countries, the rights of individuals are being trumped by security concerns which are impacting the functioning of asylum systems.

"The world of borders is particularly shadowy, with interception, turn-arounds and refoulement taking place outside the frame of any proper scrutiny," Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Erika Feller told the annual meeting of the agency's 72-nation Executive Committee.

Citing the findings of UNHCR's annual report on international protection, she stated that "security is driving the operation of asylum systems in an increasing number of countries, contributing to the growth of a culture of thinking where rights are becoming peripheral."

Particularly worrying is arbitrary detention, including of children, and the privatization of detention "which in some countries has turned into an industry," she said.

Ms. Feller added that in some regions, asylum is a "lottery," with the inconsistent application of the 1951 Refugee Convention among States.

"The widely divergent refugee recognition rate among States is a telling indicator, with research showing, for example, that persons from Iraq, Sri Lanka or Somalia have very different prospects of finding protection depending on where their claim is lodged," she told the gathering.

While the report contained some positive news such as 700,000 refugees being able to return home in 2006, UNHCR was concerned about the growth of a class of "untouchables" deemed undesirable for resettlement, including politically sensitive ethnic groups, elderly persons, large families or refugees with low educational levels.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ENVOY CONFERS WITH ASEAN OFFICIALS ON MYANMAR

UN ENVOY CONFERS WITH ASEAN OFFICIALS ON MYANMAR
New York, Oct 3 2007 3:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari held talks today in Singapore with the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after concluding a series of meetings with senior leaders in Myanmar.

Mr. Gambari was dispatched to the region last week by Mr. Ban in response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar which has seen a wave of peaceful protests in recent weeks and amid reports of the use of force against demonstrators.

While in Myanmar, the Special Envoy met with Senior General Than Shwe and other members of the senior leadership, as well as leading democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Today, he discussed developments in Myanmar with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister George Yeo of Singapore, both of whom expressed ASEAN's strong support for Mr. Gambari's mission, UN Spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

He is now on his way back to New York, where he will brief the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly upon his return, she added.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN WELL-PLACED TO ADDRESS ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, MEXICO SAYS

UN WELL-PLACED TO ADDRESS ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, MEXICO SAYS
New York, Oct 3 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations is well-placed to address international migration, the Ambassador of Mexico said today, calling for the issue to be viewed from a comprehensive perspective and not simply as a security concern.

"By virtue of the multidimensional character of international migration, Mexico considers the United Nations to be the suitable forum for dealing with the issue based on the principle of shared responsibility and the strengthening of cooperation among States directly concerned with the phenomenon," Claude Heller told the General Assembly as it continued its annual high-level debate.

He emphasized that migration should not be treated solely as a security concern and called for the promotion of a vision based on respect for the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status, which takes account of all economic, social and cultural implications.

As a country of origin, transit and destination, Mexico urged effective measures to strengthen international protection for migrants, Mr. Heller said, adding that the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families offers a "valuable frame of reference" in this effort.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES NEED HELP TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, OFFICIALS TELL UN

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES NEED HELP TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, OFFICIALS TELL UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 3:00PM
Senior officials from a number of developing countries today called for greater international cooperation to help the world's poor and vulnerable States respond to climate change – the central focus of this year's annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.

Marco Hausiku, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/namibia-en.pdf">Namibia, said climate change is a global issue with serious implications for economic growth, sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of global anti-poverty targets toward the year 2015.

"The international community has to live up to its commitment to provide resources to developing countries to adapt to the effect of climate change," he told the Assembly. "By the same token, compulsory targets must be set for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions."

He called for a greater sense of urgency and international action. "Namibia is not happy with the rate at which investments are made in the development of renewable and clean energy sources," he said. "I would like to call upon the private sector to join hands with governments to develop and apply technologies that can mitigate climate change."

Seyoum Mesfin, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/ethiopia-en.pdf">Ethiopia, said Africa is "exceptionally" vulnerable to the effects of climate change. "So many of us live on the margins that the smallest difference in climate can mean the difference between sufficiency and famine, survival and death," he said.

While acknowledging that this global challenge requires a global response, he cautioned that "the need for speedy economic development in countries such as Ethiopia, and in Africa, as a whole should not be compromised in the interest of reversing a dangerous climatic situation for the creation of which we have no responsibility."

Through effective international cooperation, it should be possible to ensure that the development process in countries such as Ethiopia will be environmentally friendly. Toward that end, he welcomed a proposal put forward by Brazil to convene in 2012 a new UN conference on environment and development.

Also urging a global partnership against climate change, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/suriname-eng.pdf">Suriname, Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk, pointed out that the countries least able to respond will be the hardest-hit. "The effects of climate change will be felt in all parts of the world," she said, "however the impact will be worse in small and vulnerable States."

For Suriname, a low-lying coastal country, sea-level rise could be "catastrophic," she said. In response, the Government has designated a large part of its land mass as a World Heritage Site monitored by the UN Educational Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), she added.

She said all countries must work for a common solution. "We call on the international community and development partners to increase their efforts and to continue their technical and financial support to developing countries to safeguard the world environment for current and future generations."

Philip Sealy, Permanent Representative of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/trinidadandtobago-eng.pdf">Trinidad and Tobago, said it was important that any decisions or timetable for emission reductions be implemented as soon as practicable.

"The world is already committed to an increase 1.14 degrees Celsius by the end of the next two decades" as a result of emissions from fossil fuel use and deforestation, Mr. Sealy said, adding that a strategy is needed to ensure that the long-term temperature increase is no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Concerns about climate change were also taken up by representatives of industrialized countries during the high-level debate today, with <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/newzealand-eng.pdf">New Zealand's Permanent Representative Rosemary Banks calling for a "road map" to emerge during the global summit on the issue in Bali, Indonesia, in December.

"The road map will need to include all relevant pieces of the climate change puzzle," Ms. Banks said, calling for all economies to be placed on "low-carbon pathways over time. Market mechanisms will have a significant role to play. Individual countries will face different challenges. Different national circumstances must be taken into account."
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BARBADOS CALLS FOR RE-OPENING OF UN REGIONAL ANTI-DRUGS OFFICE

BARBADOS CALLS FOR RE-OPENING OF UN REGIONAL ANTI-DRUGS OFFICE
New York, Oct 3 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (<"http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html">UNODC) should reverse its decision to close its bureau in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/barbados-en.pdf">Barbados, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, saying the Caribbean region needs more resources in its fight against the illegal drug trade.

Billie A. Miller told the Assembly's annual high-level debate that her Government is not convinced that the decision to close the regional office, which served 29 States and territories, "translates into making our region safer from these very real threats."

She said a study published earlier this year by UNODC and the World Bank on drugs, crime and development in the Caribbean and Central American region "clearly demonstrates the need for an enhanced international effort."

The Foreign Minister stressed that Barbados and its neighbours in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are neither major suppliers nor demand markets for illicit drugs.

But, "because of our geographical position and external factors largely beyond our control, we find ourselves affected by the illicit trafficking in drugs, small arms and light weapons, and their constant companion, transnational organized crime," she said.

"As small countries with limited resources and severe vulnerabilities, we depend on international cooperation to counter these threats."
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AT UN, TAJIKISTAN CALLS FOR FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM TO FOCUS ON ROOT CAUSES

AT UN, TAJIKISTAN CALLS FOR FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM TO FOCUS ON ROOT CAUSES
New York, Oct 3 2007 2:00PM
The international community should step up its efforts aimed at tackling the root causes of terrorism, from combating extremist ideology to eliminating poverty, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/tajikistan-en.pdf">Tajikistan's Permanent Representative told the General Assembly today in New York.

Speaking at the annual high-level debate, Ambassador Sirodjidin Aslov said "power actions alone will not be able to uproot terrorism" and experience showed that more lateral ways of dealing with the problem are needed.

"We believe that long-term success in combating terrorism and religious extremism depends on dealing with the root causes of these negative phenomena associated with social and economic problems within society," Mr. Aslov said.

"It is essential to jointly search for ways of addressing poverty issues, overcoming negative consequences of globalization, and for the ways of resolving internal and regional conflicts."

More resources should also be devoted to defeating the ideology behind many terrorist acts, he said, calling on regional organizations to play a greater role in this fight.

"The international community should intensify its efforts aimed at counteracting instigation of acts of terror, proliferation of ideology of terrorism, extremism and separatism, interreligious and inter-ethnic intolerance and hostility, and should enhance its struggle against financial terrorism."

The ambassador also spotlighted the increasingly close links between terrorism, transnational organized crime and the trade in illegal narcotics.

"Prevention of illicit drug trafficking, which to a certain extent is the breeding ground for terrorism and international crime, should become part and parcel of our common struggle against terrorism," he said.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN OFFER VIEWS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH DURING UN DEBATE

ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN OFFER VIEWS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH DURING UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 3 2007 2:00PM
As the United Nations General Assembly continued its high-level debate today, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed their views on the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Taking the floor first, Vartan Oskanian, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, noted that the Assembly's agenda includes an item on protracted conflicts. "Putting all these conflicts in one pot is inherently flawed. Our own conflict, Nagorno-Karabakh, does not belong there. The UN is not the place to address [it] because that issue is being addressed within the OSCE" – the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

"We are negotiating with Azerbaijan and we're inching towards a resolution," he said.

He said that the process is evolving. "We have a balanced, solid document in our hand which addresses not only the core issue but also the consequential issues, and the two together add up to a reasonable solution."

At the core of the process, he said, "lies the right of people to self-determination."

In a subsequent address to the Assembly, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/azerbaijan-en.pdf">Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, said the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh poses the most serious challenge to the region's security. "As a result of the conflict, we are still facing the continued occupation by Armenia of a significant part (almost 20 per cent) of the international recognized territories of Azerbaijan," he said.

"We are hosting around 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were ethnically cleansed and brutally expelled from their homes of origin in Armenia and in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan."

The negotiations being held in the framework of the OSCE "have not yielded any results so far," he said.

"And as the time passes the more difficult it is for us to observe from our side of the line of contact the attempts of the current Armenian leadership to consolidate the results of occupation of our territories, destroy everything associated with the Azerbaijani legacy in these territories and carry out illegal activities thereon," he said. "The United Nations shall not tolerate such action."
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT KEY TO ACHIEVING UN'S GOALS, SAYS BAN KI-MOON

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT KEY TO ACHIEVING UN'S GOALS, SAYS BAN KI-MOON
New York, Oct 3 2007 1:00PM
Stressing that the empowerment of women is vital to achieving peace and security, improved living standards and respect for human rights, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has underscored the need to support the work of the United Nations Population Fund (<" http://www.unfpa.org">UNFPA).

"Today, we understand, even better than our founders did, that the empowerment of women is a fundamental condition if we are to make progress towards the goals for which the United Nations was created," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2778">said at last night's Americans for UNFPA Gala for the Health and Dignity of Women.

He noted that too many women die during pregnancy and childbirth because their right to sexual and reproductive health is denied; too many women become infected with HIV because they do not have the power to protect their own health; and too many women are subjected to violence – "one of the most systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world."

All of this underscored the importance of UNFPA's efforts, he said. "This work needs to be understood. And it needs to be supported."

He encouraged Americans for UNFPA to continue their support for this vital UN agency, adding that by doing so they are "contributing directly to the health and dignity of women in nations all over the world."

Last night's event honoured four Americans from the media, financial and political fields along with women from Niger, Mongolia and Cambodia for combining passion and entrepreneurship with social responsibility to advance the health and dignity of women.

The group honoured Ted Turner, who Mr. Ban called "one of the staunchest allies of the United Nations and of women around the world," with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UKRAINE READY TO HOST CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS PACT, OFFICIAL TELLS UN

UKRAINE READY TO HOST CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS PACT, OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 1:00PM
Ukraine is prepared to host an international conference aimed at generating support for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as part of ongoing efforts to stem the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.

Volodymyr Khandogiy emphasized the importance of disarmament and non-proliferation. "As a country that voluntarily renounced its military nuclear arsenals, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/ukraine-en.pdf">Ukraine is really disappointed that a world without weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) remains a distant dream," he said.

Stressing the need to strengthen international norms and legal instruments to prevent the spread of WMDs, he called for all countries that have not done so to ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), as well as pacts aimed at eliminating biological and chemical weapons.

He pledged to work to strengthen the CWC. "With this in mind, Ukraine proposes to host next year together with the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) an international conference with the participation of, among others, countries from the Middle East and Northern Africa," he said.

"The anticipated outcome of such a conference might be a joint statement on the intention of the countries concerned to adhere to the CWC."

Turning to regional hotspots, he voiced "unequivocal support" for a long-lasting settlement in Kosovo. "That objective cannot be achieved by undertaking unilateral steps as well as attempts to solve the issue of Kosovo by bypassing the United Nations," he cautioned.

"A hasty settlement can only destabilize the situation the region and have negative implications for the entire system of international relations, since similar scenarios could be pursued by separatist entities in some other regions."

Looking ahead to next year's commemoration of the 60th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, he said Ukraine – a major troop contributor – would propose the adoption by the General Assembly of a special declaration marking the milestone.

He also said Ukraine would seek the adoption at the current session of a new resolution on strengthening international cooperation to mitigate the consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. "We would welcome broad support for the initiative," he said.

In addition, he urged UN agencies and individual donors to continue to provide assistance to the States affected by Chernobyl – the worst technology disaster ever faced by humankind.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BAN KI-MOON URGES TIMELY RESOLUTION OF KOSOVO'S FUTURE STATUS

BAN KI-MOON URGES TIMELY RESOLUTION OF KOSOVO'S FUTURE STATUS
New York, Oct 3 2007 1:00PM
Any delay in determining the future status of Kosovo could threaten the gains made by the United Nations in the Serbian province it has administered since Western forces drove out Yugoslav forces amid inter-ethnic fighting in 1999, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the province, known as UNMIK, has mostly achieved what it can, and "further progress depends on a timely resolution of the future status of Kosovo," Mr. Ban wrote in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/582">report on the Mission.

He warned that a "further prolongation of the future-status process puts at risk the achievements of the United Nations in Kosovo since June of 1999."

The Secretary-General pledged the UN's support for discussions between the two sides led by the Troika, comprising the European Union, Russia and the United States.

"No effort should be spared to reach an acceptable solution to the question of the status of Kosovo in accordance with the guiding principles" of the Contact Group of the US, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Russia, he said.

During the 120-day period of Troika-led engagement, "the parties need to engage in construction and genuine discussions," Mr. Ban noted. "The sides should be encouraged to make concrete and realistic proposals and be given ample opportunities to do so."

However, due to the substantial gap between the parties regarding the future status of Kosovo – where ethnic Albanians outnumber Serbs and other minorities by about nine to one – consideration must be given to what to do if the sides cannot come to an agreement by the end of the engagement period, he said.

"Momentum in the process to resolve the status of Kosovo must be maintained until closure is reached," the Secretary-General stated. "Otherwise, there is a real risk of progress beginning to unravel and of instability in Kosovo and the region."

He also called for Kosovo Serbs to fully take part in the upcoming election scheduled for 17 November.

"The status determination process continues to polarize the Kosovo Serb political community into those who see a future in working with the international community and the Provisional Institutions and those who do not," he said.

Although the participation of Kosovo Serbs in both the political process and in the Provisional Institutions is "minimal," Mr. Ban said he was encouraged by the emergence of several new Kosovo Serb parties that support joining in the elections.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DISPLACED FOR 10 YEARS, SRI LANKANS FIND NEW HOMES UNDER UN-BACKED PROJECT

DISPLACED FOR 10 YEARS, SRI LANKANS FIND NEW HOMES UNDER UN-BACKED PROJECT
New York, Oct 3 2007 12:00PM
More than 360 displaced families have been given new homes in northern Sri Lanka under a United Nations-backed programme after spending a decade in overcrowded welfare centres for internally displaced persons (<" http://www.unhcr.org/protect/3b84c7e23.html">IDP).

The Government allocated half an acre of land per family in the first two relocation sites, while the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/470252be4.html">UNHCR) funded the construction of houses with donor support. A further 135 houses were completed by the UN Development Programme (<" http://www.undp.org">UNDP) under an Australian-supported scheme.

Overall 365 families received housing certificates and keys to their new homes at a handover ceremony in Vavuniya district last week ¬ – 100 families at the Kankankulam relocation site, 130 at Kalmadu and 135 at Manipuram.

"We are very happy living here," said an IDP who came from Mullativu division, one of the main hotspots of the conflict between Government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). "We feel safer than in Pavatkulam IDP village, where we lived for about 10 years."

His family had been forced to leave their village in 1999 for Mannar district in the north-west, but they were later forced to flee again to Vavuniya.

"During our displacement, we lost our house and our livestock. We had nothing until we were allocated land and a new house in Kankankulam village," he added, looking happily at his new property.

There are many more displaced Sri Lankans who have been living in Vavuniya's welfare centres and IDP villages for more than a decade. For most, the conflict in northern Sri Lanka means that returning home is still not an option due to concern for physical safety and the lack of access to livelihoods. Under these circumstances, relocation is the most appropriate durable solution.

Since 2006, UNHCR, in collaboration with local authorities and other humanitarian agencies, has been building entire villages in Vavuniya district and helping hundreds of people to re-establish their lives. It will continue to advocate with the Government to identify suitable land where long-term IDPs can be relocated, providing them with an opportunity to start a better life in their own home.

The UNHCR office in Vavuniya is working with local authorities and other humanitarian agencies to open a new relocation site in Cheddikulam division next year to host another 300 IDP families who cannot return to their areas of origin. Meanwhile, displacement continues amid fighting further north, with some 15,000 people fleeing their homes
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

RED SEA LOCUST INFESTATION MAY INCREASE DRAMATICALLY, UN AGENCY REPORTS

RED SEA LOCUST INFESTATION MAY INCREASE DRAMATICALLY, UN AGENCY REPORTS
New York, Oct 3 2007 11:00AM
There is a high risk that locust infestations will increase dramatically on both sides of the Red Sea in the coming months as the crop-devouring insects have bred several months earlier than normal this year because of good rainfall since August, the United Nations warned today in its latest update.

In the last few days, young "hopper" locusts formed several small bands on the northern coast of Yemen near Suq Abs. On the central coast, hopper groups were forming south of Hodeidah. Adults continue to lay eggs in many areas but so far no swarms have reached the coast from the interior of Yemen, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/info/info/index.html">FAO) said.

Local breeding is also in progress along the coastal plains in Eritrea and Sudan where groups of adults laid eggs last month. Hatching is expected in the coming days in Tokar Delta, Sudan, and in Eritrea near Mehimet in the north and Shieb on the central coast. During October, breeding is expected to extend to other coastal areas in both countries and in southwest Saudi Arabia near Jizan.

Locust infestations continue to decline in outbreak areas in the interior of Yemen as vegetation dries out but a few more swarms could still form from residual populations in October and move into the central highlands and to the southern coast near Aden, with a moderate risk that some could cross the Gulf of Aden to northern Somalia. Recent reports of swarms in northeast Somalia are being verified.

Two months ago FAO termed the infestation in Yemen as "threatening and extremely serious" and in September it warned that it had worsened.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN CAUCASUS IS POTENTIALLY DRAMATIC THREAT TO WIDER REGION - UN

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN CAUCASUS IS POTENTIALLY DRAMATIC THREAT TO WIDER REGION - UN
New York, Oct 3 2007 11:00AM
African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and lethal virus infection of pigs that was confirmed for the first time in the Caucasus just four months ago, has spread from Georgia to Armenia with potentially very grave consequences for the wider region, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) <" http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000671/index.html">reported today.

"The spread of the African Swine Fever virus to the Caucasus region poses a very serious animal health risk and could lead to a dramatic situation," FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech said.

"Without a more vigorous surveillance and disease control strategy the virus could become endemic in the Caucasus and could eventually make its way to other regions. The EU (European Union), Russia, the Ukraine and other countries have a serious problem on their doorsteps that needs to be urgently addressed," he added.

FAO is planning to provide emergency technical assistance to Georgia and Armenia in order to accelerate rapid surveillance and to support the governments in implementing a national control strategy against ASF, which poses no danger to humans. There are no vaccines or drugs available to prevent or control the infection, which can wipe out entire pig populations and has a serious impact on food security and livelihoods.

The virus – endemic in domestic and wild pigs in most of sub-Saharan Africa and Sardinia, Italy – was probably introduced into Georgia, where it was confirmed in early June, by improperly disposed waste from international ships carrying contaminated meat or meat products. It has rapidly spread throughout Georgia, with 52 of 65 districts affected and more outbreaks will likely occur, FAO warned.

More than 68,000 pigs have died or been culled. Proper surveillance followed by killing infected animals or animals at risk, movement control of animals and bio-security on farms is essential to get the disease under control, the agency said.

In Georgia, some 500,000 pigs are kept mainly in backyards and usually allowed to roam freely, contributing to the spread of the disease. Pig production is an important source of food and income for rural communities.

In Armenia, outbreaks are on the rise, reaching the outskirts of the capital, Yerevan. "If both countries do not get a grip on the virus, there is a real risk that they might lose most of their pig population to ASF," Mr. Domenech warned.

FAO aims to strengthen veterinary services through training and the provision of equipment. Public awareness campaigns are required to involve the public in disease control.

"The drastic reduction of veterinarians in Georgia, lack of transport at all levels, insufficient surveillance and monitoring programmes, poor bio-security and uncontrolled swill feeding are issues that need to be urgently addressed," FAO veterinary expert Klaus Depner said.

"Georgia is a completely unprotected country regarding the introduction of highly dangerous viruses. ASF offers a chance to improve disease surveillance and control capacity and build a line of defence against future animal diseases," he added.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UNICEF, SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAUNCH PROJECT TO AID CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

UNICEF, SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAUNCH PROJECT TO AID CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
New York, Oct 3 2007 11:00AM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Special Olympics International today <" http://www.unicef.org/media/media_41054.html">launched a partnership to advance the rights of children with intellectual disabilities to mark the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, focusing on health care, education, recreational sports and employment policies.

"Special Olympics helps those with disabilities to develop their full potential," UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said in the Chinese port city. "This new partnership will help make the point that children with disabilities have the same rights as all other children. They are entitled to adequate health care and quality education, and to live in an environment that protects them from abuse, exploitation and disease."

The partnership will raise public awareness of the abilities and rights of children with intellectual disabilities and aims to change perceptions and challenge negative attitudes. It will promote the participation and empowerment of such children and their families in their societies, including through sports, and will seek to build their self-reliance, confidence and advocacy skills.

The UNICEF-Special Olympics partnership will initially focus on Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama and Uzbekistan, and will be expanded to more countries in 2008. In some of these countries, the two organizations will enhance joint activities that already promote the inclusion of children and youth with intellectual disabilities, in addition to increasing youth activation and early intervention efforts.

The discrimination experienced by many such children means that they are less likely to have access to health care or education than other children. It may also undermine their self-esteem and their interaction with others, and make them more vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation.

"This collaborative effort is in keeping with the goals of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to counter stigma and promote inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities in developing countries around the globe," Special Olympics International Chairman Timothy P. Shriver said.

"We are thrilled to partner with UNICEF to empower children with intellectual disabilities and their families and to increase public awareness about critical issues facing this population in the developing world."
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ALLEGED SUSPECT IN DEADLY VIOLENCE IN TIMOR-LESTE ARRESTED, UN POLICE REPORT

ALLEGED SUSPECT IN DEADLY VIOLENCE IN TIMOR-LESTE ARRESTED, UN POLICE REPORT
New York, Oct 3 2007 10:00AM
Police in Timor-Leste today arrested a man alleged to have played a part in the violence of May last year, when at least 37 people were killed and 155,000 others, 15 per cent of the population, driven from their homes in the small South-east Asian country that the United Nations helped shepherd to independence from Indonesia in 2002.

Vicente da Conceiçao, alias Railos, was arrested at his home on a warrant issued last month for his alleged role in the events of 24 and 25 May 2006 on charges relating to homicide, the UN Police (UNPOL) reported.

The Security Council beefed up the UN presence in the country following last year's violence. Since then the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (<"http://www.unmiset.org/unmisetwebsite.nsf/MainFrame-EN.htm?OpenFrameset">UNMIT), with more than 1,600 police officers, has helped the authorities keep order.

It helped oversee elections in June and put down violence that broke out when a new government was formed after the polls failed to produce a single outright winner.
2007-10-03 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BAN KI-MOON CONDEMNS RECENT VIOLENCE IN TURKEY

BAN KI-MOON CONDEMNS RECENT VIOLENCE IN TURKEY
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spoke out against recent attacks in Turkey which have killed over a dozen people and injured at least 10.

The attacks include two bomb blasts in Izmir today which reportedly left one person dead and 10 people wounded, as well as an attack on a bus on 29 September in south-eastern Turkey near the town of Beytüssebab in the Sirnak province, which reportedly killed 13 people.

"The Secretary-General reiterates in the strongest terms his condemnation of violence in all its forms," according to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2777">statement issued by his spokesperson.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DENMARK PROPOSES UN SUMMIT TO BOOST FINANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT

DENMARK PROPOSES UN SUMMIT TO BOOST FINANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
The United Nations should organize a summit on the progress so far towards the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the need to increase financing for development in poor countries, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/denmark-en.pdf">Denmark's Permanent Representative told the General Assembly tonight.

Ambassador Carsten Staur said the world was lagging in the race to achieve many of the eight MDGs before their target date of 2015, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

"The facts are simple. If progress in Africa is not accelerated, we will not live up to our responsibilities," Mr. Staur told the annual high-level debate, held at UN Headquarters in New York.

Noting that countries in Asia and Latin America had posted remarkable economic results in the past decade, he said this showed "that eradication of poverty is not an elusive, unattainable goal."

But many industrialized countries were not meeting their previously expressed commitments to increase official development assistance (ODA) to African nations.

"The Danish Government firmly believes that development assistance to Africa should increase. We need to live up to the promise to double aid for Africa by 2010. Denmark is keeping its part of the bargain. We are committed to providing 0.8 per cent of our national income in development assistance. Two-thirds of our bilateral assistance will go to the African continent."

Mr. Staur stressed that greater development assistance was not enough, and he called for global trading rules to be liberalized and for developing nations to work harder to achieve good governance.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NUCLEAR POWERS MUST SLASH THEIR WEAPONS ARSENALS, SWEDEN TELLS UN DEBATE

NUCLEAR POWERS MUST SLASH THEIR WEAPONS ARSENALS, SWEDEN TELLS UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 2 2007 9:00PM
The world's nuclear powers have a duty to take the lead on non-proliferation by demonstrating they are willing to substantially reduce their arsenals of weapons, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/sweden-eng.pdf">Sweden's Permanent Representative told the General Assembly tonight.

"It's a question of self-interest – and far-sighted statesmanship," Ambassador Anders Lidén said in an address to the Assembly's annual high-level debate in which he urged the nuclear powers "to live up to their responsibilities."

He added: "These weapons are of no use in deterring the adversaries we might face if the regime of non-proliferation is eroded or collapses."

Mr. Lidén warned that "were there to be one new State with nuclear weapons, the danger is that soon another would follow. Shortly, these weapons might well be out of any State's control. The risk of nuclear terrorism would be a very real one.

"This must be prevented. Our children deserve to live in a world safe from the threat of nuclear war and of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. These weapons threaten the very existence of mankind."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GREECE, AUSTRALIA CALL ON UN MEMBER STATES TO AGREE TO GLOBAL PACT ON TERRORISM

GREECE, AUSTRALIA CALL ON UN MEMBER STATES TO AGREE TO GLOBAL PACT ON TERRORISM
New York, Oct 2 2007 9:00PM
A comprehensive global convention against terrorism must be concluded as soon as possible, the representatives of Greece and Australia told the General Assembly today, calling for the issue to be a priority among United Nations Member States.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/greece-fr-en.pdf">Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Valinakis said the convention, which is the subject of ongoing negotiations between Member States, "would be a valuable addition to the counter-terrorism legal framework."

He added that Member States must also do all they can to fully implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which the General Assembly adopted last year.

Mr. Valinakis, who was speaking at the annual high-level debate, stressed that any global counter-terrorism measures must conform to international human rights standards and fundamental freedoms.

He said the UN should be strengthened as part of efforts to contain terrorism and deal with major threats to security.

"In the face of all these threats and challenges that transcend State borders, we need a more comprehensive concept of collective security based on respect and justice as requirements for peace, as well as solidarity as a condition for security, entailing a commitment from all to promote sustainable development."

Ambassador Robert Hill, the Permanent Representative of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/australia-eng.pdf">Australia, said a global convention "would provide a solid foundation for international cooperation."

Talks among Member States on a draft treaty have been progressing at the UN for years, but have stalled on a number of issues, including the precise definition of terrorism.

Mr. Hill stressed that the international community must help countries that fight terrorism, especially "fledgling, democratic States. We must help these States to establish strong democratic institutions and accountable government structures – as State weakness can allow terrorism to fester."

He also called on UN Member States to fully implement all Security Council resolutions relating to freezing the assets of terrorists.

"Terrorist organizations must be starved of their funds and support," Mr. Hill said.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

STRENGTHENED UN CRUCIAL FOR RESOLVING GLOBAL CONFLICTS, IRELAND TELLS ASSEMBLY

STRENGTHENED UN CRUCIAL FOR RESOLVING GLOBAL CONFLICTS, IRELAND TELLS ASSEMBLY
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/ireland-en.pdf">Ireland's Foreign Minister has advocated strengthening United Nations efforts in the field of conflict prevention and resolution, as well as sharing lessons learned, as key factors to achieving peace in today's strife-ridden world.

"Today, despite all our efforts, violence conflict remains all too common," Dermot Ahern told the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.

Urging nations to make use of the full array of instruments available to resolve conflict, he stressed that "in making peace, we must be as creative and determined as those who wage war."

Mr. Ahern said it is vital to ensure that the UN Peacebuilding Commission – set up last year to help countries emerging from conflict consolidate their gains and not slide back into war – and the accompanying Peacebuilding Fund are organized and resourced to fulfil their important mandates.

He also urged continued support for UN peacekeeping operations, which are currently at an all-time high in terms of their size, scope and complexity, and for strengthening the Organization's capacities for conflict prevention and resolution.

The sharing of experiences, particularly lessons learned, from enduring and complex conflicts such as that in Northern Ireland, could also prove useful, he noted.

While he did not believe the success of Northern Ireland, where an historic power-sharing accord has led to the resolution of a decades-long conflict, offers a "universally transferable formula," its experience provides insights and lessons worth sharing.

"First, in the end, those who are part of the problem must be part of the solution – not because we approve of their actions or beliefs, but because without them it is all too easy for an agreement among others to be destroyed," he stated.

Among the other lessons is the need for inclusive dialogue on the basis of clear and guaranteed principles, to take risks for peace and to address all issues comprehensively.

"Working with a strengthened UN and sharing lessons with one another, I passionately hope we can advance the day when political leaders from other regions of the world blighted by conflict can announce in this forum that peace has come to them too," Mr. Ahern stated.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BELIZE WARNS UN DEBATE THAT MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM IS THREATENED

BELIZE WARNS UN DEBATE THAT MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM IS THREATENED
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
Global trading relations could fragment into a series of bilateral and regional arrangements unless the world's countries commit seriously to ensuring that the current Doha round of negotiations is successful, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/belize-en.pdf">Belize's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.

Lisa Shoman said the Doha trade talks so far have yielded "harsh consequences for developing countries, particularly those that are commodity and preference-dependent."

She told the annual high-level debate of the Assembly that "fundamental distrust" in international economic relations was threatening the development agenda for poor countries.

"The international community must keep development in perspective in the current climate change debate, since economic development better enables countries to tackle climate change."

Ms. Shoman said the recent discussions on climate change and the wider debate about development illustrate the need for "an effective, legitimate multilateral system that is fair and balanced."

She stressed the importance of "responsible leadership" from the world's countries.

"We ask the question: is there a serious commitment to the survival of the multilateral trading system? If the answer is no, we can expect to see even more bilateral and regional arrangements resulting in a movement away from the idea that together we are better at solving our common problems."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATION SHOULD BE DEPLOYED TO SOMALIA, FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS

UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATION SHOULD BE DEPLOYED TO SOMALIA, FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
The Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/somalia-en.pdf">Somalia today decried slow international action in response to the crisis in his country and urged the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation there to restore stability.

"Regrettably, we feel that our major efforts in nation-building and State institutions development were confronted with an unreceptive response and reticence of an inexplicable nature," Husein Elabe Fahiye told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate. "Collective action by this world body was less consistent and devoid of vigour, until very recently, to come to the rescue of a nation in dire need of help."

He said an example of this was the "dragging" action on a resolution on the deployment of a peacekeeping mission to Somalia.

Should this continue, he said, "it will only reveal a lack of commitment and indirect acquiescence to prolong the agony of the Somali people."

He called on the UN to support "without delay" the deployment of multinational forces to Somalia, where currently the African Union has fielded a mission known as AMISOM.

Somalia's National Reconciliation Conference had reached a successful conclusion "despite disruptive intimidations by terrorist elements who tried to hijack the proceedings," he said, paying tribute to the Ethiopian forces which have backed Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) as well as AMISOM, which "effectively dealt with these terrorists who are gradually fading away."

The Foreign Minister also advocated the convening of a pledging conference on Somalia, appealing to donors "to show serious commitment in organizing and convening" the event in coordination with the TFG.

"We appeal to the world community to provide generous contributions and to work closely with the Somali authorities to ensure that humanitarian access is provided to the most vulnerable populations," he said.

"Meeting these humanitarian obligations will ultimately provide a strong foundation from which recovery, reconstruction and development can develop in the future."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AT UN, ISLAND AND LANDLOCKED STATES URGE CONCERTED ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

AT UN, ISLAND AND LANDLOCKED STATES URGE CONCERTED ACTION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
New York, Oct 2 2007 8:00PM
At the annual high-level United Nations General Assembly's high-level debate today, leaders of small island and mountainous landlocked countries alike called for intensified measures to tackle climate change.

"The <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/maldives-en.pdf">Maldives, as a low-lying small island State, is particularly vulnerable to the perils of global climate change, a point brought sharply into focus by the recent sea swells which submerged a large part of the country," the Indian Ocean nation's Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said.

Despite myriad conferences, summits and plans aimed at combating climate change, rhetoric exceeds implementation and "the past 20 years has been an era of missed opportunities," he noted.

Underscoring the importance of "collective responsibility" in addressing the issue, Mr. Shahid expressed optimism that the upcoming major climate change summit in Bali, Indonesia, in December provides an occasion to make up for lost time.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/kiribati-eng.pdf">Kiribati, another small island developing State (SIDS), stressed that it, too, is greatly threatened by the prospect of sea level rise.

Natanaera Kirata, the country's Minister of Public Works and Utilities, pointed out that most of Kiribati's islands are barely two metres above mean sea level, making global warming a crucial security concern.

He called on the international community to adopt a unified response to the challenges posed by climate change and for the issue to receive increased political support and commitment at the UN.

"There is no more time to debate on the issue as climate change is now a fact of life," Mr. Kirata said. "It is now time to put words into action so that this living planet is protected from complete destruction and is preserved for use by our many generations to come."

Although a mountainous country, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/bhutan-eng.pdf">Bhutan – situated in the Himalayas – is also severely affected by climate change, its Foreign Secretary said. The small nation's agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of nearly 80 per cent of the population, is jeopardized by global warming.

"More serious and more immediate" is the speed at which Himalayan glaciers are receding, Yeshey Dorji told the debate. Of Bhutan's 3,000 glacial lakes, 24 have been identified as potentially dangerous, and glacial lake outburst floods, which have devastated the country in the past, could be much more destructive in the future.

"Our capacity to carry out research, monitor developments, forecast outbursts and take mitigation measures are severely constrained by lack of scientific, technical and financial resources," he said, adding that climate change must be confronted within the context of sustainable development and on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

Also calling for sustainable development measures was the Central Asian country of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/kyrgyzstan-eng.pdf">Kyrgyzstan.

In the long term, "sustainable development depends on the stability of human relationships based on knowledge of how to use resources available for current socio-economic development and at the same time conserving for future generations," Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev noted.

He stressed the importance of the convening of the Second Global Mountain Summit to establish a sustainable development policy for mountainous regions.

"The strategy of every single country should contain social responsibility as a basic characteristic for elaborating approaches toward regional and global coordination thus improving the environment and reducing energy shortages," he said.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UZBEK FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON UN TO PLAY LEAD ROLE IN PROMOTING TOLERANCE

UZBEK FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON UN TO PLAY LEAD ROLE IN PROMOTING TOLERANCE
New York, Oct 2 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations has a vital role to play in combating intolerance between people of different faiths, cultures and ethnic groups, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/uzbekistan-en.pdf">Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister said today in his address to the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

Vladimir Norov said "the problem of shaping and promoting the ideology of tolerance, mutual understanding and cultural diversity has taken on a special urgency" in recent years.

Therefore, "under the current circumstances the role of the United Nations is more important than ever," he said, also urging greater dialogue between the world's peoples.

Mr. Norov used his address to the Assembly to warn against distortions and negative interpretations of Islam.

"We are seriously concerned about some negative interpretations of the historical role of Islam and the deliberate distortion of historical facts. We resolutely stand against [the way] that the counter-terrorism transforms into Islamophobia and acquires the form of open or hidden stand-off with the Islamic world."

He welcomed the holding of the High-Level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, a two-day meeting starting on Thursday at United Nations Headquarters. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim is convening the event.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NEARLY 50 COUNTRIES TAKE TREATY ACTION AT ANNUAL UN EVENT

NEARLY 50 COUNTRIES TAKE TREATY ACTION AT ANNUAL UN EVENT
New York, Oct 2 2007 7:00PM
This year's special United Nations event to spur participation in international pacts wrapped up today, with 47 countries having taken a total of 79 treaty actions.

The Focus 2007 Treaty Event – focusing on peace, development and human rights – was held on the sidelines of the General Assembly's general debate at UN Headquarters in New York, and concluded with 40 signatures and 39 ratifications, approvals, acceptances, accessions or like actions.

Held from 25-27 September and 1-2 October, the event highlighted 43 agreements, including those that cover human rights, terrorism, organized crime, corruption, environmental issues, the law of the sea, disarmament and international trade.

The annual event, held since 2000, seeks to promote increased participation of countries in the more than 500 multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General, and by so doing, to strengthen the rule of law.

Maldives today became the 117th State to sign the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is designed to protect the rights of the estimated 650 million people worldwide who have disabilities. During the event, the Convention received 15 signatures and two ratifications, and its Optional Protocol received seven signatures.

However, even with Gabon and India's ratifications of the Convention during this year's event, only seven nations have ratified it, short of the 20 ratifications necessary for the pact to take effect.

France and Mexico acceded to the 1989 Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), aiming for the abolition of the death penalty.

The 2003 UN Convention against Corruption received five ratifications from Canada, Gabon, Moldova, Portugal and Sweden, while the 2005 International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism was ratified by Gabon, Sri Lanka and Ukraine.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

RACISM TARGETS 'VISIBLE' MINORITIES IN FRANCE, UN INDEPENDENT EXPERT SAYS

RACISM TARGETS 'VISIBLE' MINORITIES IN FRANCE, UN INDEPENDENT EXPERT SAYS
New York, Oct 2 2007 7:00PM
Following a mission to France, a United Nations independent expert noted that "visible" minority immigrants are targets of racism and called on the Government to enact policies to address "widespread, entrenched and institutionalized discrimination."

"Racism is alive, insidious and clearly targeted at those 'visible' minorities of immigrant heritage, the majority of whom are French citizens," the UN Independent Expert on minority issues, Gay J. McDougall, said in a <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/49B43000A728B2E8C12573670070D37F?opendocument">statement issued last week.

"Young people's hopes and dreams are being denied; they see no possibility of upward mobility because of their skin colour, their religion, their surname or their address (in what's called the sensitive suburbs)," said Ms. McDougall, who visited France from 19 to 28 September.

Many victims of discrimination are stranded in "socially and geographically isolated urban ghettos," where unemployment is as high as 40 per cent, she noted. "They feel discriminated against and rejected by rigid notions of French national identity to which they do not conform."

The Independent Expert also voiced concerned regarding statements made during the recent electoral period by French political leaders and candidates which she characterized as unwelcoming at best and racist at worst.

"The Constitutional promise of equality is the vision, but not the reality of modern France," she stated. "France's leaders must live up to that promise."

She urged authorities to make concerted efforts towards an acceptance of cultural diversity.

"Currently, there is a widespread feeling within the communities of new minorities that to become a citizen of France is not sufficient for full acceptance; that acceptance will be granted only with total assimilation that forces them to reject major facets of their identities," she explained. "Only when a way is found to shed the colour of their skins, hide the manifestations of their religion or the traditions of their ancestors, only then will they be accepted as truly French."

During her visit, Ms. McDougall travelled to Paris, Marseilles and Strasbourg, and held meetings with Government officials, religious leaders, academics, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups, academics and others working in the field of minority issues, discrimination, racism and gender issues.

She also stopped in the Paris and Marseilles suburbs that were the scene of urban upheavals in 2005 to talk directly to those affected by the turmoil.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES CALL ON UN TO STAY THE COURSE IN HAITI AND CONSOLIDATE GAINS

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES CALL ON UN TO STAY THE COURSE IN HAITI AND CONSOLIDATE GAINS
New York, Oct 2 2007 7:00PM
Commending the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/bahamas-eng.pdf">Bahamian Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today that the peacekeeping operation must stay on to help the troubled Caribbean country consolidate its recent gains.

Brent Symmonette, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said MINUSTAH was playing a vital role in assisting Haiti "on a firm and lasting path to sustainable development, peace, security and democracy."

He backed calls to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH, which has been in place since June 2004 and has more than 7,000 troops and 1,700 police officers deployed across the nation.

Mr. Symmonette also praised the administration of President René Préval for its efforts to stabilize the country, which has long been beset by poverty and violence, and the Organization of American States (OAS) for its support.

The Foreign Minister noted that Haiti's continuing struggles are affecting its neighbours in the region as thousands of Haitians leave their country in search of a better life.

"Ensuring that justice and democracy prevail in Haiti, therefore, redounds positively not only for the people of Haiti but also for the Bahamas and indeed for the entire region."

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/dominica-eng.pdf">Dominica's Foreign Minister Charles Savarin echoed those remarks, calling on the UN to "go beyond the current engagement in Haiti through MINUSTAH to a longer-term engagement that will bring sustainable economic stability and development to Haiti."

Mr. Savarin stressed the importance of staying the course and not viewing "these interventions as the emergency response of an international fire brigade quickly extinguishing political conflagrations and only remaining long enough to dampen the embers of renewed conflict."

He added that "Haiti's problems stem from underdevelopment and extensive periods of dictatorship. It is in democracy and development therefore that the solutions for Haiti lie."

Mr. Savarin said a stable and prosperous Haiti would "significantly strengthen" the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and deepen progress towards a single market and economy in the Caribbean region.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CHAD PLEDGES FULL COOPERATION FOR NEW UN PEACEKEEPING PRESENCE

CHAD PLEDGES FULL COOPERATION FOR NEW UN PEACEKEEPING PRESENCE
New York, Oct 2 2007 7:00PM
The Foreign Minister of Chad today welcomed the recent creation of a United Nations-mandated, multidimensional presence in the country, pledging full support for its work on behalf of the thousands of people who have been uprooted by insecurity in the region, including the conflict-torn Darfur region of Sudan.

Ahmad Allam-Mi told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate that the mission, to be known as MINURCAT, will help lighten the heavy burden that until now has been borne by Chadian gendarmes working to help alleviate the plight of refugees, displaced persons and others victimized by the conflict.

He paid tribute to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and friendly countries which have been supporting Chadian forces who have been acting with courage in the face of a "sensitive and dangerous" mission.

"The new operation can count on the support and cooperation of the Chadian authorities," he pledged. "We dare to hope that it will create conditions that will foster stability and reconstruction in the eastern region of our country that have been devastated by incursions of the Sudanese Janjaweed and other armed men coming from Darfur."

According to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's latest report on the situation in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR), where MINURCAT will also be deployed, the humanitarian situation "has shown no signs of improving" since February, with more than 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of the fighting and an estimated 700,000 others in host communities also affected.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

'MARSHALL-LIKE' PLAN NEEDED FOR AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTANI OFFICIAL TELLS UN DEBATE

'MARSHALL-LIKE' PLAN NEEDED FOR AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTANI OFFICIAL TELLS UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 2 2007 6:00PM
Pakistan's Foreign Secretary today called for the adoption of an ambitious international reconstruction plan for Afghanistan during his address to the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"No country stands to gain as much as <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/pakistan-en.pdf">Pakistan from peace and stability in Afghanistan," said Riaz Mohammad Khan, voicing support for "every initiative" that could help with rebuilding and national reconciliation in the war-ravaged country.

"The international community also has an important responsibility to help Afghanistan with a Marshall-like programme for reconstruction," he said.

Reviewing three decades of conflict in Afghanistan, he said recent events have "impacted on our society, giving rise to terrorism and extremism."

Pakistan, he said, is fighting Al-Qaida and other terrorist elements "with resolve and determination."

While emphasizing the country's efforts to counter extremism, he spoke out against those who would malign religions and reinforce divisions between Islam and the West. "Tolerating Islamophobia in the guise of freedom of expression is dangerous," he warned.

"More than ever before, in this globalized world, we need understanding, harmony and building of bridges among all cultures and peoples."

The Foreign Minister of Canada, Maxime Bernier, also urged a united international effort to help rebuild Afghanistan. "International organizations, including the UN, NATO and the World Bank, must work toward this common goal."

He reviewed Canada's contribution to Afghanistan, including its participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition in the country.

"The countries assisting Afghanistan are united in the conviction that there can be no reconstruction without security," he said. "Democracy and political stability cannot flourish in a climate of terror."

He cautioned that attention to development is also critical. "Long-term security requires a sustainable investment in the country's development – the two go hand in hand.

Pointing to progress achieved so far with international support, he said, "Afghan police officers are being trained, Afghan refugees are returning home and Afghan children are learning to read and write."

He called for efforts to carry out the Afghanistan Compact, a five-year development blueprint launched in January 2006 by the country and its international partners. "Strong UN stewardship of the Compact, alongside the Afghan Government, is critical to realizing this vision," he said.

The Foreign Minister also urged leaders attending the Assembly session to support implementation of Security Council resolution 1776, which extended ISAF and called on Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and funding to its operations.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GLOBALIZATION MUST BECOME A WIN-WIN PROCESS, JAMAICA TELLS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

GLOBALIZATION MUST BECOME A WIN-WIN PROCESS, JAMAICA TELLS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
New York, Oct 2 2007 6:00PM
Globalization must be transformed from a process that creates winners and losers into one that benefits all countries and regions, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/jamaica-en.pdf">Jamaican Foreign Minister Kenneth Baugh told the General Assembly today.

Speaking at the annual high-level debate at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Baugh stressed that more needs to be done by nations rich and poor if the world is to achieve the set of anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Official development assistance (ODA) should be increased, debt relief widened, private capital flows encouraged and the global trading system reformed, he said, calling for a "global partnership for development" between the North and the South.

"We must recognize that progress and upliftment of the poor benefits all of us," he said. "It can mean the difference between conflict and stability, between hope and despair."

He warned that the processes of globalization and economic liberalization have exposed many poor and vulnerable nations to external economic forces over which they have little control. "We should refuse to accept that globalization creates winners and losers. What we should strive for is a win-win and inclusive process in which the benefits and opportunities are more widely enjoyed across countries and regions."

Patrick Pillay, Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/seychelles-eng.pdf">Seychelles, echoed those remarks in his address to the high-level debate.

"Globalization has the potential to advance human development throughout the world. But this is not automatic. For globalization has also increased our vulnerability, insecurity and the possibility of marginalization," he said.

Mr. Pillay said small island developing States (SIDS) deserved special treatment in multilateral trade negotiations because of their specific structural handicaps, adding that the effects of climate change were leaving those countries ever more vulnerable to economic shocks and problems.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/grenada-eng.pdf">Grenada's Foreign Minister Elvin Nimrod also called for SIDS to receive special treatment given their combination of economic and environmental vulnerability.

He said the UN system, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) need to draw up "a new set of metrics, a new set of rules and a new level of support" to assist these nations.

S. R. Insanally, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/guyana-en.pdf">Guyana's Foreign Minister, expressed dismay that many industrialized countries were practising "misguided 'beggar thy neighbour' policies which effectively preclude developing countries from satisfying the aspirations of their peoples to a better life."

The Foreign Minister said such nations continue to advance the thesis that free trade will guarantee prosperity for all. "The reality is that most countries, such as my own, simply cannot compete successfully in fully liberalized markets unless they are assisted in making a gradual transition. Instead of assistance, however, some of the preferences which we have enjoyed hitherto in some markets are being summarily withdrawn."

Mr. Insanally said this indicated how critical it is that the Doha round of global trade negotiations produce a solution that pays due regard to the development challenges facing small and poor States.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BURKINA FASO URGES UN TO ADDRESS PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS

BURKINA FASO URGES UN TO ADDRESS PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS
New York, Oct 2 2007 6:00PM
The Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso today urged the General Assembly to galvanize action against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

"In West Africa, the phenomenon is particularly distressing and its eradication requires cooperation supported by States and the international community," Djibrill Yipènè Bassole told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

He said the toll on human life taken by small arms and light weapons makes them "veritable weapons of mass destruction."

In addition to urging attention to the weapons trade, he spotlighted the problem of illicit drug trafficking. This scourge, he said, calls for urgent and appropriate action as it can destabilize countries, distort their economies and exacerbate organized crime and corruption.

"We call for the solidarity and support of the international community to help us eradicate this blight as quickly as possible," he said.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS SAYS TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA, SHOULD BE UN MEMBER

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS SAYS TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA, SHOULD BE UN MEMBER
New York, Oct 2 2007 5:00PM
Taiwan, Province of China, deserves to become a Member State of the United Nations, the Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/saintkittsandnevis-eng.pdf">Saint Kitts and Nevis told the General Assembly today – a position disputed by the Beijing Government, which says a 1971 resolution on the matter settled it permanently.

Timothy Harris told the Assembly's annual high-level debate, being held at UN Headquarters in New York, that "it is of grave concern that the 23 million people of Taiwan have been denied the right of participation in the UN and its related bodies."

The "exclusion and isolation continued even more aggressively" during the annual session of the Assembly that ended last month, he said. "There were even attempts to muffle the voices of the friends of Taiwan when they implored the UN family to recognize that they are a disenfranchised people."

Dr. Harris said the UN has to remain open for all States to become members of the Organization.

"Experience has shown that membership of the United Nations is not a deterrent to unification – see, for example, East Germany and West Germany. Nor is it the panacea to fragmentation as some have argued with the deconstruction of the former Soviet Union."

He added that "Taiwan has shown that it can be a true partner in development," and its assistance to poor nations as they strive to reach the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their target date of 2015 could be extremely useful.

Last month, after a marathon debate involving 140 speakers, the Assembly decided for the fifteenth consecutive year to exclude a bid by some Member States to discuss the representation of Taiwan, Province of China, in the world body.

In his address to the high-level debate last Friday, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory" and his country would not permit any challenge to the one China principle or the 1971 Assembly resolution on the issue.

Any attempt to change the situation was doomed to failure, Mr. Yang said, adding that he hoped Member States "will not allow themselves to be manipulated by the Taiwan authorities."

The Foreign Minister stressed: "We will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any name or in any way."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SECURITY COUNCIL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY ATTACK ON AU PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR

SECURITY COUNCIL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY ATTACK ON AU PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR
New York, Oct 2 2007 5:00PM
The Security Council today condemned last weekend's "murderous" attack on African Union (AU) peacekeepers in Haskanita, South Darfur, and demanded that no effort be spared to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Nearly a dozen personnel from the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) were killed in the attack, reportedly committed by a rebel group, with many more wounded and missing.

"The Security Council deplores the loss of life and injuries that resulted from this attack, and conveys its sympathy to the Governments, families and colleagues of those killed and injured," according to a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9135.doc.htm">statement read out by Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian of Ghana, which holds the 15-member body's rotating presidency for this month.

The Council also deplored the fact that this attack took place in the lead-up to peace talks set to begin in Libya on 27 October between the Sudanese Government and Darfur's many rebel groups in an effort to resolve a conflict that has led to the deaths of more than 200,000 people since 2003, underlining that "any attempt to undermine the peace process is unacceptable."

In July the Council authorized the deployment of a hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force to quell the violence in Darfur and protect humanitarian operations. The force, to be known as UNAMID, is slated to take over from AMIS at the start of next year.

At a press briefing this afternoon, Ambassador Christian emphasized that African countries should not be discouraged from contributing troops to the hybrid force in light of the latest attack. "They should not waiver in their commitment of troops to UNAMID. They should remain committed," he stated.

The Joint UN-AU Special Representative for Darfur Rodolphe Adada met yesterday with AMIS Force Commander General Martin Luther Agwai on the situation in Haskanita, and assured him that both the UN and the AU stand firm in their resolve to help bring peace to Darfur.

Meanwhile, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) today reported further attacks civilians and humanitarian agencies in North, South and West Darfur.

In North Darfur, two armed men entered a compound housing an international non-governmental organization (NGO) in El Fasher on Sunday and threatened to shoot the staff if they did not hand over the keys to one of their vehicles. The attackers left with the vehicle and the staff were not harmed.

Then in South Darfur, three armed men shot and killed a resident at the Hassa Hissa camp housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and fled the scene.

And two armed men approached a UN vehicle in Nyala yesterday and drove away with it after they fired warning shots in the air and beat the driver. Local police arrested two suspects on the same day, and are currently investigating that incident.

In West Darfur yesterday, three armed men attempted to hijack an NGO vehicle in El Geneina. They shot at the vehicle and wounded the driver, who is in critical condition and is being treated in El Geneina hospital.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), attacks against aid workers across all of Darfur are on the rise, with the number of such incidents – including car hijackings, attacks on convoys and other acts of violence – soaring by 150 per cent in the first half of this year.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

TOP UN RULE OF LAW OFFICIALS OUTLINE GOALS OF NEW OFFICE; HIGHLIGHT INCREASED POLICE ROLE

TOP UN RULE OF LAW OFFICIALS OUTLINE GOALS OF NEW OFFICE; HIGHLIGHT INCREASED POLICE ROLE
New York, Oct 2 2007 5:00PM
Bringing all aspects of United Nations support for rule of law – the police, the judiciary and corrections – under the authority of one office not only helps improve efficiency but also ties in with the world body's longer term goal of building sustainability in a nation's rule of law sector, the two senior UN officials responsible for this area said today.

Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions Dmitry Titov, who heads the Office of the same name, outlined the goals and structure of the new pillar, while Police Adviser Andrew Hughes highlighted the challenges facing the Police Division at a time of unprecedented demand for peacekeepers in general and global policing in particular.

"The goal of this new pillar, which is part of the Secretary-General's wider reform of UN peacekeeping to cope with the growing global demand, is to develop an holistic approach to the rule of law by incorporating all aspects within a coherent framework that includes the police, the judiciary and corrections. It also demonstrates the determination of the Secretary-General to implement reforms towards results-oriented management," Mr. Titov told the UN News Service.

"The Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions is responsible for five areas: the Police Division, the Criminal Law and Judicial Advisory Section, the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section, the Security Sector Reform Section and the Mine Action Service."

"All these functions are at the core of UN efforts to support the sustainable reform of security in post-conflict countries and this new Office will provide a coherent, integrated framework for providing this. The Office will also collaborate and enhance our partnerships with all relevant non-UN actors, including regional organizations and bilateral donors, and serve as a global focal point for rule of law issues," added Mr. Titov.

"The Office will work under the overall guidance of the Under-Secretary-General in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and in close co-operation with the Office of Operations and the Department of Field Support. We will apply a forward-looking approach to Security Institutions capacity-building."

"Among our priorities will be establishing an efficient, dynamic and integrated Headquarters team and improving the management processes so we are able to provide the strong support needed by our field operations. We will also concentrate on generating UN doctrine and creating special international networks in relevant areas," said Mr. Titov.

Police Adviser Andrew Hughes said the new rule of law pillar, which formally came into operation on 1 July, was a very positive initiative and one that represented a natural structure for the Police Division to operate within.

"The new structural arrangements represent an opportunity for us to work in our natural habitat as police, which is in the law and justice sector. This is what police around the world do on a day-to-day basis in any country… we work with the courts, we work with prisons, we work with prosecutors, we work with public defenders and we work with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and human rights, and civil society and so on."

"What we have to do is to inform and educate the broader police community that UN policing now is very much aligned with what police are doing around the world anyway," said Mr. Hughes, highlighting also the increasing capacity-building role that UN Police (UNPOL) officers are playing in peacekeeping missions.

This changing role for UNPOL officers, away from the more traditional monitoring and observing functions, highlights the need for Member States to put forward quality candidates, stressed the Police Adviser, listing the benefits to all of having experienced police officers performing UN service.

"The quicker we can get the job done and the more effective we can get the job done, the quicker we can hand over to local authorities and responsibly exit. The weaker our presence is on the ground, in terms of the experience and ability of the officers, the longer it's going to take."

"When someone goes on a mission they learn and they interact. From my own experiences I've seen officers come back and they're much more worldly in their thinking… They come back with a greater suite of options to problem solving in their own country. And also a police peacekeeping mission will often present the individual officers with opportunities to extend themselves," said Mr. Hughes.

Mr. Titov, a veteran diplomat, has worked in peacekeeping for the UN since joining the world body in 1991. Before taking up his current post he was the Director of the Africa Division in DPKO from 1998, during which time he helped set up all new peacekeeping missions on the continent and also led the UN team in negotiations to set up the joint mission for Darfur.

Mr. Hughes has over 30 years experience as a police officer, including overseeing Australian contributions to UN peacekeeping operations in Timor-Leste and Cyprus. Before taking up the post of Police Adviser, he was the Interim Chief Police Officer in the Australian Capital Territory and prior to that, the Commissioner of the Fiji Police from 2003-2006.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AUDIT OF UN-BACKED CAMBODIAN TRIBUNAL SHOWS RECRUITMENT IRREGULARITIES

AUDIT OF UN-BACKED CAMBODIAN TRIBUNAL SHOWS RECRUITMENT IRREGULARITIES
New York, Oct 2 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations-backed tribunal in Cambodia set up to try Khmer Rouge leaders accused of mass killings and other horrific crimes during the late 1970s has made public special audits commissioned by the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) showing irregularities in recruitment.

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) yesterday released on its website the findings of the audits of the Cambodian side of the tribunal, together with its responses, "in the interests of transparency and fairness," said UN spokesperson Michele Montas.

The report found that some national staff recruited did not meet the minimum requirements specified in the vacancy announcements and that recruitment was not always performed in a transparent, competitive and objective manner, she added.

The Phnom Penh-based tribunal was set up – under an agreement signed by the UN and Cambodia – as an independent court using a mixture of Cambodian staff and judges and foreign personnel. It is designated to try those deemed most responsible for crimes and serious violations of Cambodian and international law between 17 April 1975 and 6 January 1979.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AT UN, TONGA CALLS ON RICH COUNTRIES TO BE FLEXIBLE ON SEASONAL LABOUR SCHEMES

AT UN, TONGA CALLS ON RICH COUNTRIES TO BE FLEXIBLE ON SEASONAL LABOUR SCHEMES
New York, Oct 2 2007 5:00PM
Wealthy countries facing seasonal labour shortages need to be more flexible when crafting their policies towards workers from poorer States if they want to fill those gaps, Tonga's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today.

Sonatane T. Taumoepeau-Tupou said his country continued to "advocate for 'labour mobility' as a vehicle for achieving its pro-poor strategies" and overcoming the lack of economic development and employment opportunities in many island States.

"Earlier this year the New Zealand Government instituted a 'seasonal labour programme' for agricultural workers from 'five kick-start countries' in the Pacific, including Tonga," he said. The other four nations involved in the programme are Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

"We view this as an important and positive first step towards wider acceptance of this type of model by developed countries as an option to resolving seasonal labour shortage."

The Foreign Minister also noted that his country's Legislative Assembly this year passed laws allowing dual citizenship, in recognition of the large numbers of Tongans who live outside their country but still contribute to the economy and want to have links to their homeland.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

EASING TENSIONS IN DR CONGO PAVE WAY FOR AID DELIVERY TO DISPLACED POPULATION

EASING TENSIONS IN DR CONGO PAVE WAY FOR AID DELIVERY TO DISPLACED POPULATION
New York, Oct 2 2007 4:00PM
Due to a recent lull in fighting between Government and rebel forces in the troubled North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), United Nations humanitarian officials reported that aid workers have been able to provide assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The "window of opportunity" offered by the current calm allows the humanitarian community to continue to assess vulnerable populations and provide the necessary assistance, stated the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and its non-governmental partner Caritas have completed food distribution for 17,000 people – who had already received non-food and shelter items – in Bweremana, Bitonga and Bishonge, south of Sake.

The UN mission in the country, known as MONUC, is working to organize permanent patrols to protect IDPs in various sites west of the provincial capital Goma.

Congolese armed forces, or FARDC, have agreed to OCHA's request to start sensitization activities to address the need to respect displaced families.

Also, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will shortly implement a new registration programme – intended to improve accuracy in the figures the UN keeps on beneficiaries of its humanitarian work in the region – for all IDPs residing in sites west of Goma.

Since the end of last year, some 300,000 people have fled their homes in North Kivu because of fighting between Government forces, renegade troops and other armed groups.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

COSTA RICA URGES UN TO WORK FOR CUTS IN MILITARY SPENDING TO FUND DEVELOPMENT

COSTA RICA URGES UN TO WORK FOR CUTS IN MILITARY SPENDING TO FUND DEVELOPMENT
New York, Oct 2 2007 3:00PM
The Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/costarica-en.pdf">Costa Rica today urged leaders attending the General Assembly's annual high-level debate to work for cuts in military spending to fund development objectives.

"Multilateralism is not built on tests of strength," Bruno Stagno Ugarte declared.

He cited statistics compiled by the Millennium Project which estimated that if the world spent one tenth of its current expenditures on military spending – some $1.2 trillion – "we would have met the targets for 2006 for all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in all countries." The MDGs are time-bound targets for addressing poverty and other social ills.

"Security does not come from multiplying weapons; history has already proven this too many times," he said. "Security comes from remedying injustice, easing shortages [and] creating opportunities so that we can have collective prosperity on par with collective security."

He cited Article 26 of the United Nations Charter, which calls for promoting "the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and economic resources" and said it was a "dead letter" that should be brought to life.

The Foreign Minister said the UN must be able to learn from its mistakes. "We do a disservice to the credibility and effectiveness of this Organization if every time we experience a difficult or inconvenient situation we simply produce a report for the archives," he said.

Nicolás Maduro Moros, Venezuela's Minister for Foreign Affairs, urged an overhaul of the UN to enable it to better serve the world's people.

The creation of a "multipolar world of balance without imperialistic hegemony is urgent, and it is possible," he said. "This Organization has to be transformed. It has to rebuild itself to be the faithful instrument of a multipolar world," he added.

He said 17 years of a unipolar world has shown the need to overhaul multilateral organizations so that they can better serve humankind.

He called for the UN to move towards democratization of Security Council through an expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent members. He also advocated strengthening the political role of the Secretary-General and other measures that would enable the UN to "move forward with new mechanisms of dialogue and coexistence towards a world of peace, justice and equality."

The Foreign Minister of Uruguay, Reinaldo Gargano, urged specific measures to help developing countries, including the elimination of subsidies, to allow them to compete fairly on the international market.

"Developing countries don't need aid so much as free access to markets," he declared.

He also emphasized the importance of the economic integration of South America, a region he noted serves as a stabilizing and peaceful force in the world.

While hailing the continent's natural resources, which should suffice to eliminate poverty, he decried the current "criminal" situation whereby half of South America's 400 million inhabitants live below the poverty line.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SEVERAL ASIAN COUNTRIES NOT ON TRACK TO REACH DEVELOPMENT GOALS - UN

SEVERAL ASIAN COUNTRIES NOT ON TRACK TO REACH DEVELOPMENT GOALS – UN
New York, Oct 2 2007 3:00PM
A new United Nations report finds that despite the region's economic prosperity, some countries in Asia and the Pacific are not on track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight targets to slash such ills as poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy by 2015.

The report entitled "Millennium Development Goals: Progress in Asia and the Pacific," which will be released next week, notes that progress has not been uniform in the region and that some countries face challenges in reducing poverty, child malnourishment and child mortality, as well as improving water quality and sanitation.

While some developing nations in the region are making inroads in achieving the Goals, no country is on course to achieve all eight of them, according to the report, which will be launched by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (<"http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2007/oct/n48.asp">UNESCAP) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/dpa/journalists/">UNDP).

Detailed assessments of each country's pursuit of the <"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs, as well as analysis that allows for comparison with other developing regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, are included in the report.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

INTER-KOREA SUMMIT CAN OPEN NEW PHASE OF PEACE, PYONGYANG OFFICIAL TELLS UN

INTER-KOREA SUMMIT CAN OPEN NEW PHASE OF PEACE, PYONGYANG OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 2 2007 3:00PM
The north-south summit between the two Koreas now under way in Pyongyang can open a new chapter in relations between the countries, a senior official from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/DPRK-eng.pdf">DPRK) told the General Assembly today, calling for an end to "interference" in his country's internal affairs.

"Nothing is more urgent and important than the reunification of our nation, which has been living for more than half a century with the sufferings of territorial division imposed by outside forces," Choe Su Hon, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"The north-south summit now under way in Pyongyang will be of great significance in opening up a new phase for peace, co-prosperity and reunification by taking the inter-Korean relations to a higher stage," he said, voicing confidence that "all problems can surely be resolved" if the two leaders sit face to face in a positive spirit.

At the same time, he said that to achieve reunification, "the US hostile policy on the DPRK and interference in our nation's internal affairs should be brought to an end."

Concerning the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, he said this does not require "our unilateral disarming" but can only be realized "through the removal of the DPRK-US hostile relations and the elimination of all nuclear threats on the Korean peninsula and its surroundings."

He called for the United States to "move towards the removal of its hostile policy on the DPRK and normalization of bilateral relations" and said Japan must "make a clean slate of its past of aggression and crime and discard its hostility toward the DPRK as they have pledged."

The country, he said, "will watch closely every move on the part of the United States and Japan at the stage that requires actions."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ATTACKS ON DARFUR PEACEKEEPERS MUST BE PUNISHED, CONGO OFFICIAL TELLS UN

ATTACKS ON DARFUR PEACEKEEPERS MUST BE PUNISHED, CONGO OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 2 2007 2:00PM
Addressing the General Assembly today, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo decried the recent attack on African Union peacekeepers serving in the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan and said the crime must be punished.

Basile Ikouebe "strongly condemned the recent attack perpetrated against the peacekeepers serving with the African Union at Haskanita in South Darfur." The perpetrators of this crime must be "found and punished," he added.

Looking to the planned deployment of the hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force for Darfur, to be known as UNAMID, he said Congo would contribute a contingent to the mission.

Speaking at the Assembly's annual high-level debate, he emphasized the need for political dialogue to address the crisis and looked forward to the planned 27 October talks in Libya bringing together the parties. "And for the parties that would be reluctant, sanctions should be envisioned," he said.

Mr. Ikouebe also underscored the importance of humanitarian assistance in fostering stability in the region.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN TRADE ARM CHIEF CALLS INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT A 'MORAL AND POLITICAL' NECESSITY

UN TRADE ARM CHIEF CALLS INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT A 'MORAL AND POLITICAL' NECESSITY
New York, Oct 2 2007 1:00PM
The head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) characterized inclusive development – which allows developing countries to reap gains from globalization – as a "crucial moral and political imperative."

UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told participants yesterday on the first day of the <"http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=9043&intItemID=1528&lang=1">54th session of the agency's governing board that "we must urgently find ways to ensure that even the poorest see tangible benefits from globalization, and that truly all countries are included in this momentum."

Although developing countries' share of exports globally has grown, inward foreign direct investment to them has doubled and their outward investment has tripled, he warned that poverty is still an impediment to prosperity.

"Many of the world's poorest countries continue to be left out of growth," with poverty persisting even in middle-income nations and in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe, Mr. Supachai told the Geneva gathering.

Asian-led economic progress in the South must be studied to increase its inclusiveness, he noted, and the reliance on the export of small numbers of commodities or raw materials by many least developed countries (LDCs) must be transformed into broader economic progress.

The session, which will end on 11 October, aims to build momentum for the upcoming UNCTAD XII conference, to convene in April 2008 in Accra, Ghana.

This morning, UNCTAD's governing body appointed a Preparatory Committee for UNCTAD XII, comprising the organization's 151 Member States.

Over the next six months, the Committee will endeavour to address pressing issues and promote economic inclusiveness worldwide. "UNCTAD's next four years are in your hands," Mr. Supachai told the newly-formed body, adding "there is no reason not to be ambitious in our goals."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

KENYA'S FOREIGN MINISTER URGES ENHANCED UN ROLE IN SOMALIA

KENYA'S FOREIGN MINISTER URGES ENHANCED UN ROLE IN SOMALIA
New York, Oct 2 2007 1:00PM
The Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/kenya-eng.pdf">Kenya today cautioned that the crisis in Somalia threatens to be overshadowed by the Darfur conflict, and called for a stepped-up United Nations role in the volatile Horn of Africa country.

"The problem with Somalia may be less visible today, having been overshadowed by the conflict in Darfur, but the Somalia crisis is far from over," said Raphael Tuju.

He paid tribute to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), especially the Ugandan troops, which were playing an important role "under very trying circumstances."

He appealed for the deployment of the remaining troops to strengthen AMISOM, and for the UN to assume greater responsibility in the country as called for by the Security Council.

A "United Nations presence on the ground in Somalia would compliment regional and international efforts to promote peace, stability and reconciliation."

National reconciliation in Somalia is "a process, not a single event," he said. All parties should participate in the negotiations, he said, "because no matter how long it takes, the final resolution of the Somalia crisis will only happen when all Somalis agree to sit down and talk."

At the same time, he appealed to the international community to "honour pledges to provide the necessary resources."

There are an estimated 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia, which has been torn by factional fighting and has had no functioning central government since Muhammad Siad Barre's regime was toppled in 1991.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN AGENCY APPEALS FOR MORE FUNDS TO FEED 470,000 HUNGRY MAURITANIANS

UN AGENCY APPEALS FOR MORE FUNDS TO FEED 470,000 HUNGRY MAURITANIANS
New York, Oct 2 2007 12:00PM
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today appealed for urgent new funding to feed 470,000 people in Mauritania, <" http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-77LFGA?OpenDocument">warning that flooding is putting greater pressure on its dwindling supplies for both flood victims and returning refugees.

<" http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP needs $3.8 million or 4,440 metric tons of food to head off a three-month break in supplies for Mauritania from this month. The flooding in Mauritania is part of a larger crisis affecting a wide swath of sub-Saharan Africa, where the agency is struggling to feed some 5 million flood victims from Mali and Niger in the west to Ethiopia and Uganda in the east.

The situation is particularly critical in Mauritania because the number of food insecure people there has risen by 16 per cent since December. Some 420,000 people struggle to feed themselves at the best times, and half rely on WFP food to survive.

"WFP made an appeal in March for Mauritania, but very little has been received so far, and if no fresh contributions are forthcoming now, we will have a total break in supply and thousands of people will be at risk," Agency Country Director Gian Carlo Cirri said.

The fight against malnutrition has achieved positive results in Mauritania, and supplementary feeding put in place by WFP and its partners in the past year has led to a decline in the number of malnourished children under 5 from 51,000 in February to 31,000 in August.

"This is a fact," Mr. Cirri said. "We know we can make a difference in fighting food insecurity and malnutrition, but we need continuous support. Unless additional funding is received, all these benefits for children will be washed away and we will be back where we started."

Floods and the expected repatriation from Senegal of 20,000 Mauritanian refugees who fled ethnic violence 18 years ago have added to the problem. Severe floods in the south and southeast have left 30,000 people without shelter and short of food.

High rates of malnutrition and food insecurity in Mauritania are caused by the limited agricultural potential. Even in good crop years, yields can only cover 30 per cent of the needs of the population of nearly 3.3 million, leading to a high dependency on imports and markets.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GANDHI'S MESSAGE OF NON-VIOLENCE NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER - BAN KI-MOON

GANDHI'S MESSAGE OF NON-VIOLENCE NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Oct 2 2007 12:00PM
The message of Mahatma Gandhi, whose peaceful struggle helped birth an independent India and inspired countless people around the world, is needed now more than ever amid rising global tensions, intolerance and conflict, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

Addressing the General Assembly's first-ever observance of the International Day of Non-violence, Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2776">said that communities around the globe were "increasingly mired in rising intolerance and cross-cultural tensions. We see extremist dogma and violent ideologies gaining ground, as moderate forces retreat.

"And we have witnessed lethal force being used against unarmed and non-violent marchers who exemplified the very spirit of the Mahatma's teachings," he added, referring to the recent wave of peaceful protests witnessed in Myanmar.

Calling the man who inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world a "personal hero," Mr. Ban said that "by incorporating non-violence into everyday life, the Mahatma inspired countless individuals to lead better, more meaningful lives."

He added, "The Mahatma's inspiration is needed now more than ever."

The Secretary-General said he hoped the Day, which will be observed annually on 2 October, Gandhi's birthday, will help to advance true tolerance and non-violence at every level, from individuals all the way up to Governments.

"May this Day help spread Mahatma Gandhi's message to an ever wider audience, and hasten a time when every day is a day without violence," he said.

Also addressing the observance, General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim highlighted the need to spread the message that "non-violence, tolerance, respect for human rights, democracy, development, and diversity, are interlinked and mutually reinforcing."

It was Gandhi's belief, Mr. Kerim said, that intolerance was the worst form of violence, and that without genuine tolerance, no dialogue can have a lasting impact.

"This message underlines the importance of having various initiatives within this Organization to promote dialogue among cultures, religions and faiths as well as to strengthen mutual understanding," he added.

The Assembly is set to convene a high-level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural cooperation later this week.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ENVOY MEETS WITH MYANMAR'S TOP GENERAL TO DISCUSS 'CURRENT SITUATION'

UN ENVOY MEETS WITH MYANMAR'S TOP GENERAL TO DISCUSS 'CURRENT SITUATION'
New York, Oct 2 2007 12:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy to Myanmar today met with the South-East Asian nation's top general on the last day of his mission in response to the deteriorating situation there amid reports of the use of force and of the arrest and beating of demonstrators.

The meeting with Senior General Than Shwe in Naypyitaw, the capital, "to discuss the current situation in Myanmar" lasted over one hour, a UN news release from Geneva said.

It came as the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva opened a <"http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/5/index.htm">special session on Myanmar amid denunciations of the "the brutal crack-down" by the authorities and calls for decisive international action to prevent a repeat of the massacres that marked a pro-democracy uprising nearly two decades ago.

Mr. Gambari, who also met with other members of the senior leadership, later returned to Yangon, the main city, where he met with leading democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the second time. He has now left Myanmar to return to New York to report to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the outcome of his mission.

When he announced the mission last week, Mr. Ban called on the 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."

He urged the country's senior leadership to cooperate fully with the mission "in order to take advantage of the willingness of the United Nations to assist in the process of national reconciliation through dialogue."
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

MUPPETS GO TO SCHOOL IN KOSOVO IN UN-BACKED EFFORT TO BRIDGE ETHNIC DIVIDE

MUPPETS GO TO SCHOOL IN KOSOVO IN UN-BACKED EFFORT TO BRIDGE ETHNIC DIVIDE
New York, Oct 2 2007 12:00PM
The Muppets are going to school in Kosovo today in a new project to teach tolerance to children in the Albanian-majority Serb province, which the United Nations has run since Western forces drove out Yugoslav troops in 1999 amid ethnic fighting.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the province's Albanian and Serbian versions – Rruga Sesam and Ulica Sezam respectively – of the famed children's television programme Sesame Street, have <" http://www.unicef.org/kosovo/Press_release_Sesame_Street_PR.eng.doc">launched a series of story and picture books with Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and the rest of the crew bringing a message of diversity and understanding.

Distribution began on Friday with children, parents and teachers in Pristina and Mitrovica kindergarten classrooms. The TV programme has already been on the air for some time, adapting its content to local needs.

"In a region rich with diversity, but challenged by conflict, our mission is to reach as many children as possible with meaningful content," Albanian Content Director for Rruga Sesam Anita Pasha said of the new initiative. "Like the Rruga Sesam television series, the outreach materials are designed to better prepare them for school and encourage them to develop a lifelong love of learning."

Serbian Content Director Jelena Ravnjak was equally enthusiastic. "Since Ulica Sezam debuted in Kosovo, teachers in Serbian regions have shared with us their need for relevant materials that present sensitive social-emotional lessons.

"The beauty of the Muppet characters resides in the fact that they're multi-coloured, tall and short, wide and skinny, furry and feathered, and incredibly different from one another, yet all the same – learning to live and laugh together. We are thrilled to extend their reach from the television directly into the classrooms and homes."

Sesame Workshop and UNICEF were joined by UNICEF's Head of Office Robert Fuderich as well as local celebrities at the launch.

In Pristina, actress and UNICEF local Good Will Ambassador Yllka Gashi took part at the Albanian-language Gëzimi Ynë Kindergarten, while actress Zorica Jovanovic joined children and caregivers at the Serbian-language Danica Jaramaz Kindergarten in Mitrovica, each reading the new story book Dita Ime e Parë në Shkollë/Moj Prvi Dan u Skoli, or My First Day of School, to children in their respective classrooms.

All materials will be disseminated free of charge to preschools, family healthcare centres, women's literacy centres in conjunction with women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based early childhood education centres and parent/teacher organizations. The materials include 30,000 storybooks and 30,000 picture books in Albanian, 5,000 of each in Serbian Cyrillic letters and 3,000 apiece in Serbian Latin letters.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

MALTESE LAWYER PRESENTED WITH TOP UN AWARD FOR AIDING MEDITERRANEAN BOAT PEOPLE

MALTESE LAWYER PRESENTED WITH TOP UN AWARD FOR AIDING MEDITERRANEAN BOAT PEOPLE
New York, Oct 2 2007 11:00AM
A Maltese lawyer who has fought for the rights of boat people fleeing across the Mediterranean Sea, sometimes at great danger to herself, was <" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/470138b02.html">presented with the most prestigious United Nations refugee award last night, and immediately pledged to use the money to further her efforts.

"We are all privileged to be able to give the Nansen Refugee Award to an angel," UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said in handing over the prize, consisting of a medal and $100,000, to Katrine Camilleri at a ceremony in Geneva attended by scores of guests.

Ms. Camilleri, 37, paid tribute to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Malta, whose legal department she heads in representing the interests of asylum seekers, including victims of trauma, torture, and sexual and gender based violence, who face detention after arriving in Malta.

"It is an honour that I share with every member of Jesuit Refugee Service throughout the world," she said. "When one of us is honoured all of us are honoured because we share the same mission – to accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced people."

She said she planned to use the money to consolidate JRS projects and develop new services, including information DVDs in different languages to reach asylum seekers, especially women, with a low level of literacy, a legal fund to help asylum seekers access courts, and a fund to train and use cultural mediators.

Over the last year, JRS and Ms. Camilleri have faced a series of attacks. Nine vehicles belonging to the Jesuits were burned in two separate incidents and in April, arsonists set fire to Ms. Camilleri's car and her front door, terrifying her family trapped inside. The attacks shocked Maltese society and drew wide condemnation, including from the Government.

The incident, she said, shattered her own two children's sense of invulnerability, but has not altered her desire to help asylum seekers risking their lives in flimsy boats to reach safety.

"By making the award to Dr. Camilleri for her civic courage and for the inspiring example set by her actions, the Nansen Refugee Award Committee would like to honour all individuals who are working to improve the well-being of refugees," the citation said.
The prize is funded by the governments of Norway and Switzerland.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN REFUGEE AGENCY FACING NEW 'CRITICAL' FUNDING SHORTFALL IN SUDAN

UN REFUGEE AGENCY FACING NEW 'CRITICAL' FUNDING SHORTFALL IN SUDAN
New York, Oct 2 2007 11:00AM
The United Nations refugee agency today reported another critical shortfall in its funding for Sudan, this time threatening its reintegration operations to help the South recover from two decades of civil war, just a week after announcing that its aid for more than 2 million people in the strife-torn western Darfur region was imperilled.

"The funding situation is so dire that transportation of refugees back home from camps in neighbouring countries to Sudan, due to pick up pace again soon after the rainy season ends, may not be able to go ahead, defeating the purpose of our work in South Sudan," UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/470225f54.html">told a news briefing in Geneva of the $11.1 million shortfall.

"We are urgently calling on donors to come forward with funds to help keep this operation going. Our aim this year was to facilitate the return and reintegration of 102,000 Sudanese refugees and some 25,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) but without further funds, this number will certainly be limited," she added.

So far this year, UNHCR has helped 42,000 refugees to return, and along with other agencies assisted 12,000 <"http://www.unhcr.org/protect/3b84c7e23.html">IDPs. Southern Sudan remains extensively devastated and under-developed more than two years after a peace accord in 2005 between Government and rebel forces ended a 20-year war that uprooted over 4 million civilians in and outside the country.

There are still 260,000 registered Sudanese refugees in exile with the majority (216,000) living in UNHCR camps in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

UNHCR's 2007 budget for the Southern Sudan operation is $56.1 million, but only $45 million has been received. "In September, lack of funds forced us to stop buying ahead basic assistance items which we usually distribute to returnees to help them settle back in their communities of origin," Ms. Pagonis said. The items include plastic sheeting for shelter, blankets, sleeping mats, soap, jerry cans, hygiene cloth for women, mosquito nets and cooking sets.

With the end of the rains in the coming weeks, repatriation operations are set to increase, with 22,000 refugees expected to return to south-eastern Sudan by December. "However, if we don't receive funding very soon, we will not be able to repatriate them nor provide them with minimum assistance upon return," Ms. Pagonis stressed.

"Our programmes to build and rehabilitate basic facilities, such as schools, health centres and boreholes, and our de-mining activities in those return areas will also be seriously hampered," she added. So far, 68,000 refugees have returned home with UNHCR help since the launch of the voluntary repatriation operation in December 2005. Some 92,000 more returned by their own means.

Last week the agency announced that a shortfall of over $7 million was threatening its efforts to aid some of the more than 2 million IDPs and thousands of Chadian refugees in Darfur, where the conflict between the Government, allied militias and various rebel forces is still raging. Ms. Pagonis said then that UNHCR might be compelled to scale down existing operations there if it did not receive additional funding very soon.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

GLOBAL ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT MASSACRES IN MYANMAR, UN RIGHTS COUNCIL TOLD

GLOBAL ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT MASSACRES IN MYANMAR, UN RIGHTS COUNCIL TOLD
New York, Oct 2 2007 10:00AM
The United Nations <"http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/5/index.htm">Human Rights Council opened a special session on Myanmar today amid denunciations of the "brutal crack-down" by the authorities and calls for decisive international action to prevent a repeat of the massacres that marked a pro-democracy uprising nearly two decades ago.

"The failure of the international community to prevent the massacre following the 1988 people's uprising causing the death of over 3,000 protesters must not be repeated," Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/E4C93338524DC804C12573680039B3A3?opendocument">told the session in Geneva.

"The world is watching and while the time for mere words has passed, decisive action is now needed. No State can condone such actions," he added, joining his voice to recent condemnations issued by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour.

Mr. Pinheiro called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and political prisoners, including the country's top democracy advocate, Nobel Peace Prize winner Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years.

"I am shocked and saddened by the growing number of reported deaths and serious injuries suffered by protesters, including monks, and bystanders in Yangon, Mandalay and other major cities in Myanmar," he said of the latest demonstrations that began last month.

"I strongly condemn the use of deadly force by the security forces and call upon the Government of Myanmar to desist from such brutal measures and to cooperate in the efforts launched by the international community designed to prevent the further deterioration of the human rights situation."

He decried the recent media black-out and cutting of internet access as "a further example of the intolerable and oppressive means used by the authorities," and urge the Council to seek detailed information on the number of people killed and injured from the Government. "Impunity should not prevail for flagrant violations of human rights," he added.

"The persecution of members of political parties in the opposition and human rights defenders shows that nowadays the road map for democracy and the laying down of principles for a new constitution by the National Convention faces many obstacles to bring a genuine transition," Mr. Pinheiro declared, calling for a strategic dialogue with the help of regional States to reconcile the army with the people of Myanmar.
"There will be no progress in Myanmar's political transition unless ordinary people have space to express their views and discontent, peacefully and in public. The starting point for a national reconciliation requires meaningful and inclusive dialogue from the Government with and between political representatives and ethnic groups," he concluded.
2007-10-02 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ROLE SHOULD BE TO INCULCATE 'CULTURE OF DEMOCRACY' - LESOTHO

UN ROLE SHOULD BE TO INCULCATE 'CULTURE OF DEMOCRACY' – LESOTHO
New York, Oct 1 2007 10:00PM
The United Nations should strive "to aggressively inculcate the culture of democracy in all nations" and discourage losing parties from using unlawful means to contest election results, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/lesotho-eng.pdf">Lesotho's Deputy Prime Minister told the General Assembly today.

Archibald Lesao Lehohla told the annual high-level debate at the Assembly that all too frequently in poor countries the losing parties resort to violence and other methods to dispute the results.

"This is despite the fact that there are always lawful mechanisms for challenging the election results," he said. "This is one area where we see the role of the United Nations, as the universal institution, with the necessary capacity, to assist requesting Member States to reverse these trends."

Mr. Lehohla stressed that "just as the United Nations plays a critical role in world economic development, it should see it as its role to aggressively inculcate the culture of democracy in all nations. In particular it must help the developing countries to fight the culture of impunity" around violent responses to the results of ballots.

"Victors must learn to accept victory with humility and magnanimity and losers to accept defeat with grace. In this way, the post-election period can be devoted to development, with all sides joining hands in the collective national effort."

Mr. Lehohla also called on the UN to adopt an instrument that introduces sanctions when a Member State has an unconstitutional change of government.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS SPOTLIGHT PERILS OF CLIMATE CHANGE DURING ADDRESSES TO UN

PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS SPOTLIGHT PERILS OF CLIMATE CHANGE DURING ADDRESSES TO UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 10:00PM
Developing countries must be allowed to make voluntary commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions under any new global agreement to deal with the effects of climate change, the Deputy Prime Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/tuvalu-eng.pdf">Tuvalu told the General Assembly today.

Tavau Teii, who is also his country's Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said the international summit being held in Bali, Indonesia, in December, "will be very important" in determining how and whether the world can respond successfully to the impact of global warming.

Any agreement emerging from the Bali summit should reconfirm the importance of the Kyoto Protocol concerning greenhouse gas emissions and encourage States Parties to make new and substantial emissions reductions, he said at the annual high-level debate of the General Assembly.

Mr. Teii said newly industrialized countries and States with economies in transition should be encouraged to take on pledges to reduce their emissions.

A new negotiation process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) should also be agreed, he said, to set up a legal agreement allowing developing countries to make voluntary commitments to reduce their emissions.

"Under this arrangement we envisage that developing countries will be able to take voluntary commitments to reduce emissions from the energy, transport and forest sectors. These commitments would be linked to appropriate incentive mechanisms."

Mr. Teii also said it was important that any reductions in emissions from deforestation should not come at the expense of the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/vanuatu-eng.pdf">Vanuatu's Foreign Minister George Andre Wells said a rapid reduction in gas emissions must take place within the next 10 to 15 years.

"It is a reality that, if it is not addressed urgently, will have irreversible effects on the agriculture and tourism sectors which constitute the core pillars of development of many of our island economies."

Mr. Wells said the effect of climate change – such as rising sea levels – on agriculture production, water quality and infrastructure development was of critical importance to his nation.

"For many small island States and least developed countries (LDCs) meeting the challenges of climate change will only add additional stress to their financial, human and institutional capacities."

<"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/mongolia-en.pdf">Mongolia's Foreign Minister Enkhbold Nyamaa told the high-level debate that climate change was already having an impact on nations large and small, coastal and landlocked – like his own.

Desertification has become rampant in Mongolia, he said, with pastures supporting the semi-nomadic lifestyle of many locals dwindling and becoming more fragile.

Extreme weather conditions have also become more common in recent years, particularly droughts and the phenomenon known as "dzud," a cold winter with heavy snowfalls.

Any agreements that succeeds or supplants the Kyoto Protocol "should be flexible and diverse, taking into consideration circumstances in each country," Mr. Nyamaa stressed.

"It must include all the major emitters and achieve compatibility between environmental protection and economic growth by utilizing advances in technologies to the greatest extent possible."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

BELGIUM WARNS AGAINST WEAKENING OF UN PRESENCE IN DR CONGO'S TROUBLED EAST

BELGIUM WARNS AGAINST WEAKENING OF UN PRESENCE IN DR CONGO'S TROUBLED EAST
New York, Oct 1 2007 10:00PM
The stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in serious jeopardy from the resumption of fighting in the far east of the country, where the recruitment of child soldiers proceeds unabated, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/belgium-eng.pdf">Belgium's Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht told the General Assembly today.

In an address to the annual high-level debate at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. De Gucht warned that the fragile situation in DRC's North Kivu province was also creating severe humanitarian problems.

"This is not the time to reduce our efforts," he said, referring to the presence of the UN peacekeeping mission to the country, known as MONUC, which he said has been crucial in re-establishing peace in recent years and setting up democratic institutions after a protracted civil war.

"We urgently need a global solution, including a regional dimension, that will also allow us to make better use of MONUC's input. The Congolese authorities are preparing for the local elections, which will strengthen the democratic culture across the country. They need our full support."

An estimated 300,000 people have fled their homes in North Kivu since the end of last year because of fighting between Government forces, renegade troops and other armed groups. The violence and displacement has been particularly intense in the last two months.

UN humanitarian agencies reported last week that they are stretched to their limits in trying to help the people escaping the fighting.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

COUNTRIES MUST ENFORCE INDICTMENTS OF WAR CRIMES COURT, LIECHTENSTEIN TELLS UN

COUNTRIES MUST ENFORCE INDICTMENTS OF WAR CRIMES COURT, LIECHTENSTEIN TELLS UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 9:00PM
The creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been "the crowning success" of recent progress towards the rule of law and global justice, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/liechtenstein-en.pdf">Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, but that achievement must be backed up by arrests of all the people indicted by the Court.

Rita Kieber-Beck called on the UN and all Member States to cooperate with the ICC to ensure that the arrests are made and the indictees are brought to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the Court is based, for trial.

So far the ICC has issued arrest warrants for two suspects accused of war crimes in Darfur and five leaders of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda, but none have been arrested.

The Darfur indictees are Ahmed Muhammad Harun, currently the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. The LRA indictees are the leader Joseph Kony, and commanders Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo, Dominic Ongwen and Raska Lukwiya.

Thomas Lubanga, a rebel militia leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was arrested last year, while the Prosecutor's Office has begun to probe of allegations of killings and rapes in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Ms. Kieber-Beck said the Security Council's decision to refer the situation in Darfur – where more than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2.2 million others forced to flee their homes since 2003 – "was a landmark decision, both legally and politically.

"It was a strong message by the Security Council that the international community does not accept impunity for the most serious crimes under international law."

But the Foreign Minister stressed that this message needs to be backed by enforcement action on the suspects who remain at large.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NEPAL ON SCHEDULE TO HOLD POLLS NEXT MONTH, FOREIGN MINISTER TELLS UN

NEPAL ON SCHEDULE TO HOLD POLLS NEXT MONTH, FOREIGN MINISTER TELLS UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 9:00PM
The Nepalese Government is determined to hold elections for a Constituent Assembly on time next month, its Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, voicing hope that a "new <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/nepal-eng.pdf">Nepal" would soon emerge from the Himalayan country's ongoing peace process.

Addressing the annual high-level debate at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Sahana Pradhan said the Government was engaged in dialogue with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) to ensure that the polls are held as scheduled on 22 November.

Mrs. Pradhan said the country's independent Election Commission was making the necessary preparations to conduct the balloting and she invited other countries and organizations to send observers to monitor the polls.

"We are committed to bring the peace process to a successful conclusion," she said, acknowledging that it has faced serious challenges in recent months. The polls were originally slated to take place in mid-June but had to be postponed due to technical problems and the onset of the monsoon season.

Mrs. Pradhan noted that the Government has concluded agreements with the leaders of the Madhesi and Janajati movement recently that will allow those communities "a stronger voice in the political dispensation and a more inclusive representation in the Constituent Assembly."

An estimated 13,000 people were killed during the decade-long civil conflict that came to a formal end when the Government and the Maoists signed a peace accord late last year, and the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) is now in place to help shepherd the country through the transition process.

The Foreign Minister said the Nepalese had voiced their desire "for an inclusive, democratic and participatory restructuring of the State" that is also peaceful.

"I have every confidence that the peace process will reap numerous dividends to the Nepalese people to create a 'new Nepal.' We expect generous assistance from our development partners in this process, including in Nepal's reconstruction and development needs."

She added that the Government was also determined to end the climate of impunity that pervaded during Nepal's armed conflict, and it is carrying out plans to set up a truth and reconciliation agreement as mandated under the peace accord.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

WESTERN SAHARA DISPUTE AT TURNING POINT, MOROCCO TELLS UN

WESTERN SAHARA DISPUTE AT TURNING POINT, MOROCCO TELLS UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 9:00PM
The issue of Western Sahara is witnessing an "historical turning point," the Foreign Minister of <" http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/morocco-eng.pdf">Morocco said today, referring to the Non-Self-Governing Territory as "Moroccan Sahara" and advocating a settlement based on an autonomy proposal put forward by the country's Government.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, Mohamed Benaïssa said the turning point "results from the dynamic created by the Moroccan Initiative on a Statute of Autonomy," which he said "has opened promising perspectives for overcoming the stalemate this issue faces at the UN level."

He said the initiative "offers the fundamental elements necessary for a realistic, applicable and final political solution to a regional dispute that hinders the construction of a strong and homogenous Maghreb, interacting with its geopolitical environment."

It also "answers the call of the Security Council since 2004 about the need for finding a political solution to this dispute" and "is in conformity with international law."

He said Morocco has taken part in negotiations in "good faith with a constructive attitude."

Morocco is committed "to advance this process in order to reach a final solution to this dispute within the framework of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as on the basis of the Autonomy Initiative as the ultimate objective of the negotiation process and as an open, flexible and indivisible offer."

Earlier today, Algeria's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly that his country hopes for an agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front that would pave the way for the people of Western Sahara to decide on their future.

Mourad Medelci said Western Sahara is the "last case of decolonization in Africa where the people are still deprived of their right to self-determination enshrined in relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council."

He said the international community had nourished hopes for a just and lasting solution, notably through the Security Council's support in 2003 for the peace plan put forward by James Baker, the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General.

Algeria welcomed recent developments on the issue, including the adoption of Security Council resolution 1754, which underlined the need to achieve a just and comprehensive solution, Mr. Medelci said, voicing hope that negotiations could lead to an agreement that would allow the people of Western Sahara to pronounce themselves, freely and without constraints, through a self-determination referendum.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ERITREA ACCUSES SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF ALLOWING ETHIOPIA TO DISREGARD LAW

ERITREA ACCUSES SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF ALLOWING ETHIOPIA TO DISREGARD LAW
New York, Oct 1 2007 9:00PM
Ethiopia seems to be planning to renounce the accord that ended its border war with <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/eritrea-en.pdf">Eritrea so that it can renew hostilities, the latter's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, accusing some Security Council members of accommodating the interests of Ethiopia despite its repeated breaches of international law.

Speaking at the Assembly's annual high-level debate at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Osman Saleh said "the simple truth is that Ethiopia has refused to cooperate" since 2002 with the binding decisions of a boundary commission charged with demarcating the border between the two African countries.

"In flagrant breach of international law, the Charter of the UN, and the Algiers Peace Agreement [which ended hostilities in 2000], Ethiopia continues to occupy sovereign Eritrean territories through military forces," Mr. Saleh said, noting that unlawful Ethiopian settlements have been in place for five years.

He said Ethiopia has been able to frustrate the implementation of the boundary commission's decision – which were supposed to have been completed in 2003 – "because of the unwarranted positions of some UN Security Council Member States, and especially the United States of America, which has regrettably chosen to placate Ethiopia at the expense of international law and the interests of regional peace and security."

Mr. Saleh said Eritrea had learned of a letter from the Ethiopian Foreign Minister indicating his country intended to try to renounce the two Algiers Agreements.

The Government in Addis Ababa, he said, "seems to be planning to use its unlawful attempt at renunciation… as a precursor for initiation of renewed hostilities."

Saying the boundary commission had reached a crossroads, Mr. Saleh called on the UN and the Security Council to exercise their "unequivocal legal and moral responsibilities" to ensure the final border decision is marked on the ground in accordance with earlier agreements.

He added that "some powers with major interest in the region need to reassess their policies so that the peoples in the region can live in peace and harmony."

Using the right of reply, Ethiopia's representative said his country was familiar with the "baseless accusations" of Eritrea, which he said was the obstacle to the full implementation of the Algiers Agreements and the boundary commission's decision.

Eritrea had moved its forces into the temporary security zone (TSZ) created by the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) as a demilitarized area, he said, and restricted the legitimate work of the UN mission.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NEPAL: WORLD BODY SETS UP INTERNAL PROBE AFTER UN VEHICLE ACCIDENT KILLS TWO

NEPAL: WORLD BODY SETS UP INTERNAL PROBE AFTER UN VEHICLE ACCIDENT KILLS TWO
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has expressed its deep regret at the death of two pedestrians in an accident involving one of its vehicles and said it will set up an investigation into the incident.

On Sunday afternoon, an <"http://www.un.org.np/unmin.php">UNMIN vehicle transporting members of the UN verification teams was involved in an accident with three pedestrians some 16 kilometres from Dhangadhi in the country's western region. Two pedestrians died and a third was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital.

"I am deeply saddened by this tragic accident and the loss of life and injury," the Secretary-General's Special Representative in Nepal Ian Martin said in a statement.

Mr. Martin, who is also head of UNMIN, said the Mission "will do all it can to support the families in their time of grief," and has sent Deputy Special Representative Tamrat Samuel to convey condolences to the families of the deceased.

"UNMIN will of course cooperate with the police in their investigations, and is immediately establishing its own Board of Inquiry in accordance with UN procedures," the statement added.

The Mission was established this January to support Nepal's peace process by helping to create conditions for the election to take place in a free and fair atmosphere, and to monitor the arms and armies of the former adversaries, the Maoist army and the Nepal Army, who are confined to cantonments and barracks in the lead-up to the election.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SECRETARY-GENERAL SENDS TEAM TO CÔTE D'IVOIRE REGARDING ATTACK ON PRIME MINISTER

SECRETARY-GENERAL SENDS TEAM TO CÔTE D'IVOIRE REGARDING ATTACK ON PRIME MINISTER
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
On the request of the President of Côte d'Ivoire for an independent international inquiry into the June attack against a plane carrying Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has sent an exploratory mission to the West African country.

On 29 June, at least four people were killed when unidentified attackers fired a rocket on a plane carrying Mr. Soro as it landed at the airport in Bouaké, situated in the north of Côte d'Ivoire.

The aim of the six-day mission is to determine the nature of the Ivorian authorities' request and to discuss options, based on UN principles and practices, pertaining to such investigations, according to a press release issued by the UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI).

The Security Council had denounced the June attack, saying that it backed the March Ouagadougou agreement, which sets out a series of measures to deal with the political divide in the country, and condemned "any attempt to destabilize the peace process by force."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE IMPOSED FROM OUTSIDE, MYANMAR WARNS AT UN DEBATE

DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE IMPOSED FROM OUTSIDE, MYANMAR WARNS AT UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
The current crisis in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/myanmar-eng.pdf">Myanmar is the result of a "neo-colonialist" attempt by powerful countries to exploit recent peaceful protests, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, adding that "normalcy has now returned" after security forces took action against the demonstrators.

Speaking at the Assembly's annual high-level debate, U Nyan Win warned other Member States that "the destiny of each and every country… cannot be imposed from outside" and that Myanmar will proceed towards democracy in its own way.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy to Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari is slated to meet Senior General Than Shwe, the top general in the Asian nation, tomorrow to discuss the deteriorating situation.

The Human Rights Council is also holding a special session on the issue tomorrow amid widespread international calls – including from Mr. Ban and the Security Council – for Myanmar's authorities to exercise restraint towards the protesters.

The Foreign Minister said today that an "initial protest of a small group of activists against the rise in fuel prices" had then been exploited by political opportunists.

"They sought to turn the situation into a political showdown aided and abetted by some powerful countries. They also took advantage of protests staged initially by a small group of Buddhist clergy demanding apology for maltreatment of fellow monks by local authorities.

"The security personnel exercised utmost restraint and they did not intervene for nearly a month. However, when the mob became unruly and provocative, they were compelled to declare a curfew. Subsequently, when protesters ignored their warnings, they had to take action to restore the situation. Normalcy has now returned in Myanmar."

Describing Myanmar as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, the Foreign Minister said the "Government is fully aware of its responsibility to lead the nation in the process of transformation to a disciplined democracy," and added that a detailed road map has been outlined to try to achieve that goal.

"The international community can best help Myanmar by showing greater understanding. They can begin by refraining from measures which would result in adding fuel to the fire."

He also warned against "neo-colonialist attempts" to undermine the country, which he said can only result "in conflict and untold sufferings" for the people of Myanmar.

Too often, the Foreign Minister, certain countries conduct media campaigns against a targeted State, "spread disinformation that the country concerned is committing gross human rights violations," portray the campaign as a fight for democracy and then impose sanctions and provide material support to create unrest in the country.

"I would like to stress that economic sanctions are counterproductive and can only delay the path to democracy," he said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

INDIA CALLS ON UN TO PLAY LEAD ROLE IN REFORM OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE INSTITUTIONS

INDIA CALLS ON UN TO PLAY LEAD ROLE IN REFORM OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE INSTITUTIONS
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
A comprehensive overhaul of the world's key financial institutions and drastic changes to the rules of international trade are necessary if poor countries are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their target date of 2015, <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/india-en.pdf">India's External Affairs Minister told the General Assembly today.

"The United Nations must play an important role in overseeing the reform of the international financial architecture," Pranab Mukherjee told the annual high-level debate of the Assembly, held at UN Headquarters in New York.

"This should include measures to ensure a greater voice for and participation by developing countries in the Bretton Woods institutions," he said, referring to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mr. Mukherjee said these reforms must be taken to their "logical conclusion if the credibility of these institutions is to be enhanced," noting that progress towards the MDGs – a series of eight anti-poverty targets which world leaders agreed at a UN summit in 2000 to work towards over the next 15 years – has been tardy.

"Early and substantive progress" in the current Doha round of international trade negotiations is also essential, he said, urging special attention be paid to the needs and interests of subsistence farmers in poor States.

"The overarching principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries remains a categorical imperative."

The External Affairs Minister voiced alarm at the "regrettable inversion of global resource flows" in recent years, with a net outflow of resources from developing countries.

Overall, official development assistance (ODA) from the industrialized world fell markedly last year, he said, and remains well below the target measure of 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

The ODA that is being sent is "primarily being used to finance debt relief. That this is happening after so many years of liberalization and globalization highlights our collective failure. Perhaps we should be considering mechanisms such as an international debt commission to redress the problem of developing country debt."

Mr. Mukherjee also pressed the case for reform of the Security Council, saying it was now time for intergovernmental negotiations on the issue to begin on the latest proposals for altering the 15-member body's membership and working methods.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN OFFICIALS ROUNDLY CONDEMN ATTACK ON AU PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR

UN OFFICIALS ROUNDLY CONDEMN ATTACK ON AU PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR
New York, Oct 1 2007 8:00PM
United Nations officials have joined Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in strongly condemning this weekend's deadly attack on African Union (AU) peacekeepers at a base in Haskinita, South Darfur, which killed nearly a dozen people and wounded many more, with several people also reported missing.

Mr. Ban, in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11196.doc.htm">statement released yesterday, characterized the attack as "shocking and brutal" and called "for the perpetrators to be held fully accountable for this outrageous act."

In his statement, AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré stressed that "this heinous and cowardly act will not deter the determination and commitment of the AU in bringing about lasting peace and alleviating the suffering of the people in Darfur."

More than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.2 million others forced to leave their homes since fighting erupted in 2003 in Darfur among rebel groups, Government forces and allied militia known as the Janjaweed.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today that Joint AU-UN Special Representative Rodolphe Adada is in Haskinita, where an investigation into the incident is under way.

The UN and AU Special Envoys to Darfur, Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim, expressed their shock and dismay at the attack, appealing to all parties to the conflict to demonstrate a serious commitment to the peace process and to end hostilities.

Martin Luther Agwai, Chairman of the Ceasefire Commission and the Force Commander-designate of the soon-to-be deployed AU-UN hybrid peacekeeping force to be known as UNAMID, said that "despite the casualties and loss of life, we will persevere in our efforts to keep the fragile peace on the ground while all eyes are set on the negotiation table to ensure the peace is a lasting and sustainable one."

He added that it was regrettable that such an incident took place before the start of political negotiations between the Sudanese Government and Darfur's rebel groups on 27 October in Tripoli, Libya.

The Security Council was briefed today on the incident by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Marie Guéhenno.

In a related development, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) reported that a camp hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and humanitarian convoys have been attacked in South Darfur. Nearly all localities in Darfur hosting IDPs have witness violence during the past month.

Yesterday, acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tayé-Brook Zerihoun met with the visiting delegation of "The "Elders." The group is led by South African Nobel peace prize laureate Desmond Tutu and also includes former United States President Jimmy Carter, former UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Graca Machel, wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ADDRESSING UN, ALGERIA VOICES HOPE FOR SOLUTION ON WESTERN SAHARA ISSUE

ADDRESSING UN, ALGERIA VOICES HOPE FOR SOLUTION ON WESTERN SAHARA ISSUE
New York, Oct 1 2007 7:00PM
The Foreign Minister of Algeria today told the United Nations General Assembly that his country hopes for an agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front that would pave the way for the people of Western Sahara to decide on their future.

Addressing the Assembly's annual high-level debate, Mourad Medelci said Western Sahara is the "last case of decolonization in Africa where the people are still deprived of their right to self-determination enshrined in relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council."

He said the international community had nourished hopes for a just and lasting solution, notably through the Security Council's support in 2003 for the peace plan put forward by James Baker, the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General.

Algeria welcomed recent developments on the issue, including the adoption of Security Council resolution 1754, which underlined the need to achieve a just and comprehensive solution, Mr. Medelci said, voicing hope that negotiations could lead to an agreement that would allow the people of Western Sahara to pronounce themselves, freely and without constraints, through a self-determination referendum.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SOLOMON ISLANDS URGES GREATER UN INVOLVEMENT IN REGIONAL PEACE OPERATIONS

SOLOMON ISLANDS URGES GREATER UN INVOLVEMENT IN REGIONAL PEACE OPERATIONS
New York, Oct 1 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations needs to become more involved in the management of regional peacekeeping operations in trouble spots or the lead countries in those missions will inevitably use them for the benefit of their own economic interests, the Solomon Islands' Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.

Patteson Oti said his Government has begun a parliamentary review of the legislative basis for the continuing presence in his country of the Regional Assistance Mission to the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/solomonislands-eng.pdf">Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which was deployed in 2003 to try to quell violent unrest after years of simmering ethnic tensions.

RAMSI comprises police, military and civilian personnel from Australia, New Zealand and 13 Pacific island nations.

While the visiting forces deserve credit for restoring law and order, Mr. Oti said, the underlying social and cultural causes of tensions in the Solomon Islands have not been addressed.

"Moreover, those who pay the piper call the tune… Howsoever dressed and rationalized, intervention and occupation allow 'assisting' nations to spend and earn substantial revenue for their supporting businesses and industries," he said.

"Mine is too nationalistic a Government to become captive to the fortunes which justify our perpetual retention under siege. My Prime Minister, fellow Government ministers and parliamentarians, as well as our Attorney-General, remained unmoved by Australian resistance to our attempts to reclaim our sovereignty and independence."

Mr. Oti said the Solomon Islands' experience with "the Australian-designed 'cooperative intervention' package demonstrates the need for greater UN involvement in the leadership of future regional peacekeeping operations."

Noting his multiple-entry visitor visa to Australia was cancelled suddenly last year on the grounds that he was "a risk to the health, safety and good order of the Australian community," the Foreign Minister said it was an illustration of "international anxiety, insecurity and paranoia" about the threat of terrorism.

"One would have to admit that is an incredible justification for excluding democratically elected leaders of neighbouring countries unknown for breeding terrorists," he said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

LIBYA PROPOSES SUMMIT MEETING ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

LIBYA PROPOSES SUMMIT MEETING ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM
New York, Oct 1 2007 7:00PM
The international community should convene a summit in the coming years on reform of the Security Council, bringing together national leaders from across the world to break the impasse on the issue, a senior <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/libyan-en.pdf">Libyan official told the General Assembly today.

Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, said the UN has achieved its goals in a number of areas on the reform agenda, but there has been an absence of progress towards reforming the Security Council despite intensive consultations.

A number of proposals were realistic, based on the principles of the sovereign equality of all nations, but other ideas "involve confirming control by the powerful of the organs of the United Nations and the concept that those with privileges in the Security Council hold fast to those privileges, while rejecting any active role for other actors in this respect," he told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

That attitude, he said, "cannot lead to any true reform which will contribute to the realization of the purposes embodied in the UN Charter."

Given the impasse, he proposed convening a meeting of top national leaders to address the issue. "There is an urgent need for a new world summit conference to push forward the reform process, bringing to an end the work which we began two years ago," he said. The summit should be held at the UN Office at Geneva within the framework of the next session of the General Assembly in 2008 "dedicated to the reform process and the expansion of the Security Council."

Holding the meting in Geneva "will provide the opportunity for all world leaders to attend, to present constructive proposals and to participate in the decision-making process regarding this thorny issue – an issue with which the entire international community is concerned," he said.

Efforts to reform the Security Council should involve consideration of a new formula for permanent membership under which it would be awarded "to geographical blocs and not to specific countries," he said.

The African Union, he added, should be granted permanent membership on the Council "with all the privileges enjoyed by other permanent members, since Africa is the only continent which has no representative among the permanent members."

He said Libya supports the position adopted at the 2005 African Union Summit, held in Sirte, where countries agreed that the continent should be granted five non-permanent seats and two permanent seats.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

OMAN SEES POSITIVE SIGNS ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE, OFFICIAL TELLS UN

OMAN SEES POSITIVE SIGNS ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE, OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 7:00PM
There are positive signs pointing to a common understanding on the need for a comprehensive and just settlement to the Middle East conflict, a senior official from <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/oman-en.pdf">Oman today told the General Assembly today, urging the international community to advance the cause.

"We sense that there are positive indicators, reflected by a new conviction at the level of political leadership and society in Israel, on the necessity to reach a peaceful solution, based on the resolutions of the United Nations, in order to end decades of conflict in the Middle East region," said Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad AlBusaidi, the Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman, as the Assembly continued its annual high-level debate.

He emphasized the longstanding position of Arab countries that peace with Israel requires the withdrawal of Israel to the 1967 borders.

"We call upon the international community, especially the superpowers, to support and advanced such positive convictions within Israel and the Arab countries for the sake of achieving peace."

He said Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of a Palestinian State, and the withdrawal of Israel from Syrian Golan Heights and Shabaa farms "will extend security and stability in the Middle East region and will encourage cooperation between the countries and people of the region."

Abubakr Al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister of Yemen, decried the violence being suffered by the Palestinian people. While in the past, the Arabs have been criticized for not providing a vision, they have since presented a peace initiative which has been "totally ignored" by Israel and the international community, he said, even though it contains all elements needed for a comprehensive solution.

Looking to an international conference, he voiced hope that the United States would keep to its promise regarding the establishment of a Palestinian State, which must have Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed that all parties should participate in the international conference being proposed.

He called on the Palestinians to return to dialogue, unite their positions, abide by the Arab peace initiative, and "reorganize the Palestinian house" bringing together different factions in the interests of unity.

Concerning Iraq, he called for the international community to stand with the elected Iraqi Government as it works to end sectarian violence, control the militias and end the spread of anarchy by terrorists. "Each and all" must stop interfering into the internal affairs of Iraq and put an end to the occupation and reject any plans to divide Iraq, he said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC WELCOMES UN MISSION BUT URGES MORE AID

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC WELCOMES UN MISSION BUT URGES MORE AID
New York, Oct 1 2007 6:00PM
A senior official from the Central African Republic (CAR) today welcomed the recent establishment of a United Nations-mandated, multidimensional presence in the country but said it must be accompanied by assistance to bolster national capacity there.

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, CAR Minister for Foreign Affairs Côme Zoumara hailed the adoption of Security Council resolution 1778. Unanimously passed on 25 September, that text set up a mission to help protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid to thousands of people uprooted due to insecurity in CAR, Chad and neighbouring Sudan.

At the same time, he stressed that the operation, to be known as MINURCAT, must be accompanied by real support to reinforce the CAR's own institutional capacities.

The conflict in Darfur, as well as the presence of rebels, armed groups and roadblocks and the proliferation of light arms, has combined to foster a "generalized and permanent" insecurity in the region, he said.

As a result, CAR has faced recurrent crises which chronically tear at the country's economic fabric, exacerbating conditions of poverty endured by the country's people, he said.

On the general economic situation, he said CAR was working to develop its economy in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development, engaging in regional cooperation toward that end.

The CAR is open to private and public investments from other States, he said, thanking those which have responded positively, including France, the United States, China, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, and a number of countries in the South.

Thanking also international financial institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he appealed to them to "turn a new page on the environment and economies of poor countries."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS RAPPORTEURS MUST CONTINUE, HUNGARY SAYS

UN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS RAPPORTEURS MUST CONTINUE, HUNGARY SAYS
New York, Oct 1 2007 6:00PM
The system of using United Nations special rapporteurs and independent experts to investigate the human rights situation around the world gives "voice to the voiceless," <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/hungary-en.pdf">Hungary's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today as she called for the network of monitors to be allowed to continue their work.

Kinga Göncz said the rapporteurs and experts – several dozen unpaid individuals who report to the UN Human Rights Council – have provided "effective action for the benefit of victims of human rights abuses" as they probe rights problems relating to specific nations or issues.

"We are firmly convinced that both thematic and country-specific mandates remain valid in the face of the numerous human rights violations still occurring on a daily basis," Ms. Göncz told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"In this regard, we concur with the Secretary-General, who emphasized the need to consider all situations of possible human rights violations on an equal footing."

Ms. Göncz added that a particular country was not absolved from its international human rights obligations just because a special rapporteur was not assigned to it.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the consensus around the Council's "universal periodic review" mechanism, which allows for all countries, regardless of size or status, to have their human rights record scrutinized regularly.

But for this mechanism to be truly meaningful, "we have to build a credible and robust mechanism," she said, with contributions to the review from treaty bodies, special procedures and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Ms. Göncz also praised the Council's recent decision to establish a forum on minority issues, voicing confidence that it will "provide a useful platform for dialogue and exchange of views between minorities, governments and other stakeholders on issues related to national or ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

AT UN DEBATE, UGANDA CALLS FOR STEPPED-UP PRESSURE ON NORTHERN REBELS

AT UN DEBATE, UGANDA CALLS FOR STEPPED-UP PRESSURE ON NORTHERN REBELS
New York, Oct 1 2007 6:00PM
Warning that peace talks "cannot go on forever," <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/uganda-eng.pdf">Uganda's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today that the international community must step up the pressure on the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to meet its commitments under an agreement aimed at ending hostilities in the long-running civil war in the country's north.

Sam K. Kutesa told the Assembly's annual high-level debate, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, that the LRA has not met any of the terms of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities that it signed with the Ugandan Government in August 2006.

"For example, it is stipulated that LRA forces assemble at Ri-Kwangba in southern Sudan," Mr. Kutesa said. "They have, however, not done this. They are still camped in Garamba National Park in the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo]."

The Foreign Minister said the international community must pressure the LRA to assemble at Ri-Kwangba and to put a time frame on the peace talks.

"As we inch towards a comprehensive peace agreement, international support and understanding is required to balance the need for durable peace and stability on one hand and the imperative for justice on the other."

The conflict between the Government and the LRA, which has raged since the mid-1980s, has killed more than 100,000 people and forced 2 million others to flee their homes.

The LRA has also become notorious for abducting as many as 25,000 children and using them as fighters and porters. The children were often subject to extreme violence shortly after abduction, with many girls allocated to officers in a form of institutional rape.

In October 2005 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued its first-ever arrest warrants against five senior members of the LRA: the leader Joseph Kony, and commanders Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo, Dominic Ongwen and Raska Lukwiya.

In his address today, Mr. Kutesa also called on the Security Council to reinforce the mandate and resources of the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) to enable it to work more effectively with the Congolese national armed forces "to totally eradicate the threat of negative forces operating on the DRC territory."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ON WORLD HABITAT DAY, BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR SAFER, GREENER CITIES

ON WORLD HABITAT DAY, BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR SAFER, GREENER CITIES
New York, Oct 1 2007 6:00PM
With two-thirds of the human race expected to be urban dwellers by 2030, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today marked World Habitat Day with a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2773">call to make cities around the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

"We are at the dawn of a new urban era," Mr. Ban stated, noting that half of the world's population now live in towns and cities.

Recalling this year's theme for the Day – "a safe city is a just city" – he said surveys show that crime in urban areas is on the rise everywhere.

"And fear of crime is one of the most influential factors shaping our daily lives. In too many cities around the world, it dictates where we choose to live, shop, work and play," he stated.

"This is bad for human progress and for economic development – especially in a world where for the first time the number of urban slum dwellers is set to top the one billion mark."

Mr. Ban urged greater investment in children and young people, especially those at risk of becoming marginalized and turning to crime as an escape from the harsh realities of poverty and deprivation.

Noting that those living in slums and poor urban areas are particularly vulnerable as they lack security of tenure, utilities and health services, and are most at risk to disasters wrought by climate change, the Secretary-General encouraged city leaders to plan better for crime reduction, security of tenure and climate change mitigation.

He also called for stepping up efforts to be more energy-conscious. "Our cities are our biggest polluters, and require big, innovative thinking commensurate with their size."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SOMALIA: NEARLY 600 POLICE RECRUITS GRADUATE FROM UNDP-BACKED PROGRAMME

SOMALIA: NEARLY 600 POLICE RECRUITS GRADUATE FROM UNDP-BACKED PROGRAMME
New York, Oct 1 2007 5:00PM
Nearly 600 Somali police recruits – including 50 women officers – have graduated from a training programme sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (<"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/">UNDP) aimed at creating a professional civilian police force to work towards restoring peace, gain the community's trust and champion human rights.

This initiative is one component of UNDP's efforts – which also include developing oversight mechanisms for the police by establishing Police Advisory Committees – to support the war-torn country's police and bolster the rule of law and security.

"The training you have all successfully completed emphasized human rights principles as a core component of policing," UNDP Country Director Bruno Lemarquis said at last week's graduation ceremony.

He underscored the importance of recognizing that the police are responsible and accountable to the Somali people, and said he expects the graduates to strive to uphold human rights principles every day.

Representatives from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and State authorities attended the event at Armo Police Training Academy in Puntland, in the country's north-east.

Recruits for the programme were selected through an inclusive process taking balanced regional representation into account. This is the second group of police recruits to graduate from Armo Academy.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM UNDER THREAT IN MANY COUNTRIES, HOLY SEE SAYS AT UN DEBATE

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM UNDER THREAT IN MANY COUNTRIES, HOLY SEE SAYS AT UN DEBATE
New York, Oct 1 2007 5:00PM
The right to religious freedom continues to be ignored and even violated in many countries, the <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/holysee-en.pdf">Holy See told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today, warning that such behaviour is often the pretext for other forms of discrimination.

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States, said dialogue among peoples of different religions and cultures was no longer an option, but "something indispensable for peace and for the renewal of international life."

He welcomed the holding of the High-Level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, a two-day meeting starting later this week at UN Headquarters. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim is convening the event.

"The Holy See hopes that the increased interest on the part of non-religious bodies and institutions will contribute to a greater respect for religious freedom everywhere," the Archbishop said. "Today, the right to religious freedom continues to be disregarded and even violated in certain places. Such violation has become a pretext for various other forms of discrimination."

Archbishop Mamberti said non-believers were not the only ones who needed to contribute to a climate of greater religious tolerance.

"If religious leaders and believers expect States and societies to respect them and acknowledge their religions to be truly instruments of peace, they themselves must respect religious freedom; they must show that they are pledged to promote peace and shun violence; they must demonstrate that religion is not and must not become a pretext for conflict; and they must declare without ambiguity that to promote violence or to wage war in the name of religion is a blatant contradiction."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN ENVOY SET TO MEET WITH MYANMAR'S TOP GENERAL

UN ENVOY SET TO MEET WITH MYANMAR'S TOP GENERAL
New York, Oct 1 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Envoy to Myanmar has been told by authorities that he will be able to meet the South-East Asian nation's top general on Tuesday, the United Nations announced today.

Ibrahim Gambari, who was dispatched by Mr. Ban to the region last week in response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, "looks forward to meeting Senior General Than Shwe," UN Spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters in New York.

After arriving in Myanmar on Saturday afternoon, Mr. Gambari spent the evening in the new capital, Naypyitaw.

He was received on Sunday by the Acting Prime Minister, Lieutenant-General Thein Sein, along with the Cabinet Ministers for Information and Culture and the Deputy Foreign Minister.

Later that afternoon in Yangon, Mr. Gambari met for over an hour with opposition leader and Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He also consulted with the UN Country Team and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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

In a telephone conversation today, the Secretary-General asked Mr. Gambari "to call on the Myanmar authorities to cease the repression of peaceful protest, release detainees and to move more credibly and inclusively in the direction of democratic reform, human rights and national reconciliation," Ms. Okabe said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SURVIVORS OF SOUTH ASIA FLOODS MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN, URGE UN AND PARTNERS

SURVIVORS OF SOUTH ASIA FLOODS MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN, URGE UN AND PARTNERS
New York, Oct 1 2007 4:00PM
Warning that the humanitarian crisis in South Asia could worsen, the United Nations and leading relief agencies are calling for increased resources and attention to the plight of the millions in need of assistance after this summer's devastating floods.

A new wave of floods in the past few weeks has submerged vast areas that were just beginning to recover from earlier flooding, stranding another 100,000 people in Bangladesh and leaving millions homeless in India, according to a joint statement issued today in Geneva by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1080">OCHA) and international organizations CARE, World Vision, Save the Children, Oxfam and Mercy Corps.

"Overall, the floods which have struck with devastating effect in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan have now killed more than 4,000 people, and disrupted the lives of more than 66 million – a number larger than the population of France," the statement added.

In addition to the loss of life, the severe weather that occurred during this year's monsoon season has led to the death of livestock and the destruction of agricultural lands and livelihoods. Stagnant flood water, food shortages and the lack of drinking water are contributing to the outbreak of disease.

While the organizations have been carrying out relief efforts over the past several months, they stressed the need for greater resources in order to provide the assistance planned. "A more forceful international response is necessary to prevent an even greater catastrophe that will have debilitating social consequences for the affected population."

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes emphasized that the international aid community has been a "steadfast partner" in the efforts of the affected Governments to assist their people.

"We need to reinforce those efforts, and to look to the protracted process of recovery for those affected this year and above all to improve disaster risk reduction and preparedness for those who will be affected in the years to come," he said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NIGER'S FOREIGN MINISTER SEES CENTRAL ROLE FOR UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

NIGER'S FOREIGN MINISTER SEES CENTRAL ROLE FOR UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
New York, Oct 1 2007 3:00PM
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has a decisive role to play in promoting development as a central United Nations organ, the Foreign Minister of Niger told the General Assembly today.

Welcoming a decision taken by the Assembly on ECOSOC at its last session, Aïchatou Mindaoudou said it entrusted the Council with tasks including policy coordination, the formulation of proposals relating to economic and social development, and the fulfilment of global mandates, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of time-bound anti-poverty targets for slashing a host of global ills.

"We welcome the fact that ECOSOC has already, without delay, begun to carry out these functions at its substantive session in Geneva this past July," she said.

Jean Ping, the Foreign Minister of Gabon, called for action on the recommendations of the High-level Panel on System-Wide Coherence, which was set up to foster greater effectiveness of the world body's operations in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment.

He noted that intergovernmental consultations on "this important issue" have already begun. "The intense activity of the General Assembly these past few years testifies well to its central role as the representative principal organ charged with orienting the work of the Organization," he said.

At the same time, he urged greater efforts to achieve reform o the Security Council, emphasizing the importance of achieving this "for the future of our Organization."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

DRUG TRAFFICKING THREATENS CONSOLIDATION OF DEMOCRACY IN GUINEA-BISSAU, SAYS BAN

DRUG TRAFFICKING THREATENS CONSOLIDATION OF DEMOCRACY IN GUINEA-BISSAU, SAYS BAN
New York, Oct 1 2007 3:00PM
Despite recent progress in the fields of public finance and cooperation with international finance institutions, the consolidation of democracy in Guinea-Bissau is being impeded by numerous challenges, particularly drug trafficking, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a new <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/576">report made public today.

"Drug trafficking threatens to subvert the nascent democratization process of Guinea-Bissau, entrench organized crime and undermine respect for the rule of law," Mr. Ban writes in the report to the Security Council on the latest activities the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (<"http://www.unogbis.org/homepage.html">UNOGBIS).

"There is no reliable data on drug seizures, the volume of drugs in transit through Guinea-Bissau or the local consumption of narcotics," he notes. "However, there is a growing consensus that Guinea-Bissau is a major drug trafficking transit point in the subregion."

Anti-aircraft artillery have been deployed to the Bijagos archipelago after reports that unidentified aircraft have been transporting cocaine, and investigations were resumed in September into the alleged involvement of several high-level officials of former Prime Minister Aristides Gomes in the disappearance of nearly 700 kilograms of cocaine seized by authorities.

"Given the country's inability to combat this new phenomenon alone, a collective response is required," Mr. Ban writes. "Vital technical and financial support from regional and international partners is therefore urgently needed. Guinea-Bissau must join forces with regional and international partners to tackle this growing threat through cooperation within law enforcement frameworks."

Between July and August, civil society organizations raised concerns over infringements of the freedoms of the press and expression with regard to media reports on drug trafficking. Journalists reporting on the drug trade said that they had been pressured and intimidated, the report says.

On 24 July, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) voiced concern to the Government over the case of two journalists, one of whom was charged with libel after allegedly suggesting that the Navy Chief of Staff may have been linked to drug trafficking.

"These developments marked a reversal in the positive trend of the past three years, during which time Guinea-Bissau was not cited by the press watchdog [Reporters without Borders] as being among those countries with a poor record of respect for freedom of the press," the Secretary-General says.

He also appeals for the consolidation of the stability pact signed on 12 March by the country's three main political parties – the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde and Guinea, the Social Renewal Party and the United Social Democratic Party – which led to the swearing in of the Government of Prime Minister Martinho Dafa Cabi.

"I am concerned about the fact that, while the political stability pact continues to provide a platform for a more consensual approach to governance and for Government sustainability, the continuing divisions and rivalry for power among political parties could undermine crucial stabilization efforts and discourage the country's partners and potential investors," he says.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ISRAEL'S FOREIGN MINISTER URGES UN TO ACT ON ITS FOUNDING PRINCIPLES

ISRAEL'S FOREIGN MINISTER URGES UN TO ACT ON ITS FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
New York, Oct 1 2007 3:00PM
The Foreign Minister of <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/israel-en.pdf">Israel today called on the United Nations to act on its founding principles by ensuring that the work of its Human Rights Council is balanced and by standing up to those who openly espouse violence.

"What is the value, we have to ask, of an Organization which is unable to take effective action in the face of a direct assault on the very principles it was founded to protect?" asked Tzipi Livni in her address to the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"It is time for the United Nations, and the States of the world, to live up to their promise of never again," she declared.

She added that "it is also time to see this same kind of moral conviction in the Human Rights Council so that it can become a shield for the victims of human rights, not a weapon for its abusers."

Israel, she said, "has never tried to avoid genuine discussion of its human rights record. But so long as the Council maintains its wildly disproportionate focus on Israel, it weakens the UN's moral voice, and the price of this blindness is paid by the victims of human rights atrocities in Darfur and Myanmar and throughout the world."

The Foreign Minister also issued a call for the development "at the global level what democracies apply at the national one" – namely a universal set of standards for participation in democratic elections.

"We need a universal democratic code that requires that all those seeking the legitimacy of the democratic process earn it by respecting such principles as State monopoly over the lawful use of force, the rejection of racism and violence and the protection of rights of others."

She cautioned against "buying off extremists" in search of a short-term fix to instability. "Instead, groups such as Hamas and Hizbollah must be presented with a clear choice: between the path of violence and the path of legitimacy."

The Israeli Foreign Minister said responsible States agree that "Iran is the most prominent sponsor of terrorism" and that it is actively pursuing means to "wipe a Member State – mine – off the map."

She charged that despite this, "there are still those who, in the name of consensus and engagement, continue to obstruct the urgent steps which are needed to bring Iran's sinister ambition to a halt."

Despite all the obstacles to the Middle East peace process, she said "there is a new moment of opportunity, an alliance that favours peace."

Guided by shared principles regarding the need to establish two States, living side by side in peace and security, "the parties can define a common border and turn the two-State vision into a reality," she said.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS SECURITY COUNCIL SHOULD CONDEMN ISRAELI ACTS

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS SECURITY COUNCIL SHOULD CONDEMN ISRAELI ACTS
New York, Oct 1 2007 3:00PM
The Security Council should condemn a recent Israeli "act of aggression" against Syria, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly in a speech that also urged greater assistance to help Iraqi refugees and non-intervention in Lebanon's upcoming presidential elections.

"The latest act of Israeli aggression against Syria on September 6, 2007 is a proof of Israel's desire to escalate tension," Walid Al-Moualem told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"We reiterate that the failure of the international community, including the Security Council, to condemn this act of aggression would encourage Israel to persist in this hostile pursuit, and lead to an exacerbation of tensions in the region," he said, charging "some sources in the United States" with spreading rumours to justify the act of aggression.

"Syria has the will to make a genuine peace that would recover the usurped rights, return the land to its rightful owners and guarantee peace for all," he said, while the actions of Israel and United States suggested that they do not have the same will.

Regarding the situation in Iraq, he said a solution must begin with national reconciliation and stressed the need for "the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Iraq, subject to the agreement of the Iraqi Government, because this measure will contribute to curbing the violence."

He condemned all terrorist acts committed in Iraq. "Random allegations that combatants are infiltrating into Iraq through the Syrian-Iraqi border cannot be further from the truth," he said. "They fail to acknowledge the strict measures that Syria has put in place to control these borders."

He said the purpose of these allegations "is assigning responsibility for the failure of the occupying power to achieve security and stability in Iraq to others."

With 1.6 million Iraqi refugees in Syria today, he said the country is "bearing enormous financial burdens to satisfy their economic needs and provide them with services." The international community, he added, had "failed to discharge its responsibility toward the Iraqi refugees." Syria had received "almost negligible" assistance to date.

"The occupying power spends hundreds of billions of dollars on military operations inside Iraq but fails to allocate any resources to assist Iraqis who have been forced out of Iraq as a result of occupation and its concomitant repercussions."

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, he said Syria had persistently supported solutions that would serve the common interests of the country's people. "We believe that the run-up to the upcoming presidential elections constitutes a good basis for consensus building among the Lebanese to elect a president in accordance with constitutional prerogatives, free from foreign intervention and in a manner that would safeguard Lebanon's interest and its Arab relations."

Terrorism had spread further since the beginning of the 'war on terrorism,' he said, calling for efforts to address its root causes.

In addition, he said the international community must "firmly distinguish between terrorism and the peoples' legitimate right to resist foreign occupation."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UNESCO HONOURS PROJECTS IN BELGIUM AND US FOR USING ICT TO ENHANCE LEARNING

UNESCO HONOURS PROJECTS IN BELGIUM AND US FOR USING ICT TO ENHANCE LEARNING
New York, Oct 1 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized the Claroline open source eLearning platform project, based in Belgium, and Curriki, a global education community based in the United States, for their use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education.

The two projects were selected as the winners of this year's King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura, on the recommendation of an international jury and from among 68 projects in 51 countries and one non-governmental organization (NGO).

Launched in 2005, the prize rewards the projects and best practices of individuals, institutions and NGOs in using ICT to enhance learning, teaching and overall educational performance.

Mr. Matsuura will present the prize – a diploma and $25,000 each – to the winners at a ceremony at UNESCO's Paris headquarters on 19 December.

Honourable mentions will also be presented to Sésamath Project – Association Sésamath (France), a comprehensive mathematics curriculum honoured for its high quality, and to Enciclomedia – Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicación Educativa (Mexico), an easy-to-use platform installed in 145,000 primary school classrooms that provides digital multimedia resources.

Also today, the agency designated Belizean musician and singer Andy Palacio as a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

One of his country's most popular musicians, Mr. Palacio is also one of the most prominent defenders of the regional Garifuna culture and traditions.

With his band the Garifuna Collective he has created a unique musical style known as Punta Rock, based on Garifuna rhythms. Mr. Palacio also sings in the Garifuna language, which blends many linguistic influences and which UNESCO declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

MULTINATIONAL MISSION NEEDED FOR BREAKAWAY REGION IN MOLDOVA, OFFICIAL TELLS UN

MULTINATIONAL MISSION NEEDED FOR BREAKAWAY REGION IN MOLDOVA, OFFICIAL TELLS UN
New York, Oct 1 2007 2:00PM
A multinational civil mission with an international mandate is needed to resolve the separatist conflict in <"http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/62/2007/pdfs/moldova-eng.pdf">Moldova's Transdniestrian region, the country's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.

Speaking at the annual high-level debate, Andrei Stratan said the "conflict remains a continuous obstacle in promoting reforms and ensuring social and economic development of our country."

Transdniestria has been a breakaway region on Moldova's eastern flank following fighting between Moldovan and separatist forces in the early 1990s, when the country gained its independence.

Mr. Stratan said the negotiation process has remained stalled since April last year "because of the rigid and non-constructive position of the separatist leaders supported from outside of Moldova," adding that "this is serving as a screen for promoting some political and mafia interests foreign to the people of this region."

He said "continuous violation of the fundamental human rights in the Transdniestrian region and the inefficiency of the existing peacekeeping mechanism" meant a multinational civil mission with an international mandate was necessary.

Mr. Stratan also reiterated Moldova's view that the Russian troops remaining on Moldovan territory must withdraw, according to obligations assumed in a 1999 agreement, to "create the necessary premises for ratifying and applying the Adapted Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty."
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN REFUGEE CHIEF CALLS FOR NEW STRATEGIES TO TACKLE GLOBAL DISPLACEMENT

UN REFUGEE CHIEF CALLS FOR NEW STRATEGIES TO TACKLE GLOBAL DISPLACEMENT
New York, Oct 1 2007 1:00PM
With millions of people on the move around the world, the top United Nations refugee official today called for new strategies to tackle the causes, scale and complexity of global displacement and migration.

"The present century is a time of human displacement," UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres <" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/4700b4f24.html">said at the opening of the weeklong annual meeting of the agency's governing Executive Committee. "With each economic opportunity and departing vessel, with every calamity and conflict, the 21st century is being marked by people on the move."

After several years of decline, the number of refugees fleeing conflict and persecution rose last year and continues to climb in 2007, according to UNHCR. At the end of last year, the agency was caring for 32.9 million people, including nearly 10 million refugees, 13 million people displaced internally within their own countries and 5.8 million stateless people.

Mr. Guterres told delegates gathered in Geneva's Palais des Nations that there were several reasons for the dramatic growth in migration, including poverty and the pursuit of a better standard of living. Safeguarding refugees and others in need of protection means that "we must recognize the mixed nature of many present-day population flows."

He highlighted the need for targeted strategies and innovative solutions to address the increasingly interlinked factors causing people to move. "Many people move simply to avoid dying of hunger," he noted. "When leaving is not an option but a necessity, this is more than poverty. On the other hand, natural disasters occur more frequently and are of greater magnitude and devastating impact."

It iscrucial to examine the reasons, scale and trends of present-day displacement, Mr. Guterres said, adding that "it involves much more than understanding refugee flight."

He also noted that the more than 4 million uprooted Iraqis in and outside their country constitute the biggest single group of displaced people and largest ever population of urban refugees. Of the more than 2 million outside Iraq, most are in cities in Jordan and Syria.

The High Commissioner also provided an overview of UNHCR's ongoing internal reforms, including budget restructuring, the out-posting of more than 120 posts from Geneva and other efforts aimed at strengthening the agency's capacity in the field.

Also addressing today's opening session, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes predicted that the demands for humanitarian relief were likely to grow with traditional reasons for flight – conflict and persecution – compounded by new dynamics such as environmental degradation and climate change.

Mr. Holmes called on donors to support UNHCR, emphasizing the vital role the agency was playing in the humanitarian sphere. "A healthy and vigorous UNHCR is fundamental to a healthy and vigorous international humanitarian system," he said.

The UNHCR Executive Committee reviews and approves the agency's programmes and budget, advises on protection issues and discusses a wide range of other topics. Special sessions will focus on issues such as Iraq, refugee protection and mixed migration.
2007-10-01 00:00:00.000

___________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
To listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio go to: http://radio.un.org/

_______________________________

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/