AFGHANISTAN: BAN KI-MOON URGES RELEASE OF ABDUCTED PERSONS

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

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

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

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

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

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FRESH FIGHTING FORCES THOUSANDS MORE TO FLEE HOMES IN SOMALIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TOP UN RIGHTS OFFICIAL WARNS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION IN WEST DARFUR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MIGIRO SEES PROGRESS IN IRAQ COMPACT BUT URGES MORE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR JULIA ORMOND SPOTLIGHTS PROBLEM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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IAEA WELCOMES EUROPEAN CONTRIBUTION FOR AFRICAN NUCLEAR SECURITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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TIMORESE PRESIDENT LAUDS UN VOLUNTEERS FOR ELECTION SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-20 00:00:00.000

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UN HARIRI ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION MAKING PROGRESS, COMMISSIONER SAYS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UN-BACKED COURT IN SIERRA LEONE SENTENCES FORMER REBEL LEADERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG AGENCY OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE

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

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

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

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

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UN CONGRATULATES TIMORESE POLICE FOR RECAPTURING ESCAPED PRISONER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UN FOOD AGENCY AND CHINA BOOST PARTNERSHIP AGAINST GLOBAL HUNGER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES URGE VIGILANCE ON FOOD SAFETY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-19 00:00:00.000

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DARFUR: UN ENVOY CONTINUES HOLDING MEETINGS IN SUDAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BAN KI-MOON ENCOURAGES INCLUSIVE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION PROCESS IN MYANMAR

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

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

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

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

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PROSECUTORS SUBMIT INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS FOR UN-BACKED KHMER ROUGE TRIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UN INSPECTORS VERIFY SHUTDOWN OF DPR KOREA NUCLEAR FACILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2007-07-18 00:00:00.000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES RECENT INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT AFGHANISTAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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