TOP UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR GREATER EFFORT TO END CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF SLAVERY

TOP UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR GREATER EFFORT TO END CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF SLAVERY New York, Aug 23 2008 1:10PM Marking the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) chief today appealed to Member States to renew efforts to end all forms of oppression.

"While we should never forget the atrocities committed in the past, we should be equally vigilant in seeking to abolish the contemporary forms of slavery that affect millions of men, women and children around the world," said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

He noted that despite a tremendous international effort to combat the exploitation of human beings as well as the growing awareness of forced labour and the sale and prostitution of children, flagrant violations of human rights continue.

The Day commemorates the uprising on 23 August 1791, when slaves of Santo Domingo in the Caribbean launched an insurrection which ultimately led to the Haitian revolution and promoted the cause of human rights.

This year's International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition coincides with the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade by the United States of America in 1808.

Also, the freedom from slavery and servitude as a fundamental human right was recognized in Article 4 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

"Let us therefore remember the millions of men, women and children who were subjected to this most invidious denial of human rights, and those who fought tirelessly to end that tyranny," declared Mr. Matsuura.

2008-08-23 00:00:00.000

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DEADLY FLOODING IN SOUTHERN CHADIAN TOWN PROMPTS UN AID ASSISTANCE

DEADLY FLOODING IN SOUTHERN CHADIAN TOWN PROMPTS UN AID ASSISTANCE New York, Aug 23 2008 1:10PM United Nations officials are working alongside local authorities in southern Chad to provide humanitarian assistance after flooding in and around the town of Sarh has left more than 10,000 people homeless.

Three people are reportedly dead after their homes collapsed and an estimated 30,000 others have been affected by the floods, which followed nearly a month of torrential rains starting in late July.

UN officials have voiced fears about possible outbreaks of infectious diseases and about meeting the demand for emergency food aid, shelter and other forms of assistance to people affected by the floods.

"We are working closely with the Government to bring life-saving assistance to those in need as soon as possible," said Kingsley Amaning, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad.

Contingency plans are now being implemented to give shelter, health supplies, nutritional supplements, water purification materials and other items to affected locals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said its biggest concern was to avert waterborne epidemics, especially after more than 120 latrines and showers in Sarh were destroyed as a result of the inundations. The agency has delivered initial stocks of emergency supplies, including medicines for the treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, injuries and common diseases.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided high-protein biscuits for children and pregnant and lactating women, as well as family water kits and mosquito nets.

Officials with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are also in the region, which is close to the border with the Central African Republic (CAR), to assess the extent of damage to agricultural production in what is one of the world's poorest countries.

Southern Chad is already struggling to handle over 55,000 Central African refugees fleeing conflict in their nation, while the east of the country is currently home to more than 255,000 refugees from the conflict in the neighbouring Darfur region of Sudan and at least 185,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from other areas of Chad.

2008-08-23 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN ENVOY CONCLUDES LATEST VISIT TO MYANMAR

TOP UN ENVOY CONCLUDES LATEST VISIT TO MYANMAR New York, Aug 23 2008 1:10PM The senior United Nations envoy to Myanmar today wrapped up his six-day visit to the Asian country by meeting with senior members of the Government and the diplomatic corps.

Ibrahim Gambari, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Myanmar, held open and extensive meetings with Prime Minister Thein Sein, according to a statement issued in Yangon, the country's biggest city.

He also met with members of the State Peace and Development Council, including the Ministers of Information, Foreign Affairs and Culture, for the second time during his visit before going on to brief the local diplomatic community.

This week Mr. Gambari has held numerous meetings with Government officials, discussing issues including national reconciliation and how to help Myanmar tackle its socio-economic challenges.

The Special Adviser travels now to Thailand and Indonesia to continue his consultations with regional leaders as part of his "good offices" mission on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

2008-08-23 00:00:00.000

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SOMALIA: UN ENVOY CONDEMNS DEADLY VIOLENCE IN PORT CITY

SOMALIA: UN ENVOY CONDEMNS DEADLY VIOLENCE IN PORT CITY New York, Aug 23 2008 1:10PM The top United Nations envoy to Somalia today deplored this week's outbreak of deadly violence that has engulfed the southern port city of Kismayo and displaced thousands of people from the area.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN Special Representative for Somalia, said in a statement that the fighting in Kismayo -- which has led to the deaths of many civilians -- was aimed at controlling the city's port for resource generation and not over political or other issues.

He also voiced his sadness at the large number of killings last week in the areas around Mogadishu and Afgoye as a result of fighting between forces backing the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the opposition Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia.

Field reports indicate many civilians were shot dead in a series of indiscriminate attacks against buses on the road between Mogadishu and Afgoye, and that at least another 2000 people were displaced from their homes. Both the TFG and the Alliance have accused each other of carrying out the killings.

The attacks could be serious violations of international law, Mr. Ould-Abdallah said, warning that those responsible may be brought to justice.

"I call upon all parties to the conflict in Somalia to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, and to stand by their commitments under the Djibouti agreement," he said, adding that he offered his sympathies to the victims of the latest violence and their families.

The Djibouti agreement, which was formally signed on Monday by representatives of the TFG and the Alliance, commits the two sides to ending all armed confrontation between them and to stop making inflammatory statements. It was brokered by Mr. Ould-Abdallah as part of UN efforts to bring peace to Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991.

2008-08-23 00:00:00.000

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UN CALLS FOR PROBE INTO REPORTS OF AFGHAN CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN MILITARY OPERATION

UN CALLS FOR PROBE INTO REPORTS OF AFGHAN CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN MILITARY OPERATION New York, Aug 23 2008 1:10PM The top United Nations official in Afghanistan today called for a thorough investigation of reports that large numbers of civilians were killed during an international military operation in the far west of the country.

Kai Eide, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, issued a statement in which he said he had learned late last night that civilians may have been killed during the operations, carried out in Shindand district of Herat province.

He stressed the importance of a thorough investigation to establish the facts "before we jump to any conclusions. The United Nations has always made clear that civilian casualties are unacceptable -- they undermine the trust and confidence of the Afghan people."

Mr. Eide said he had instructed the Herat office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to help provincial authorities to establish and verify the facts.

"Any civilian casualty is one civilian casualty too many," he said. "And every effort that can be made must be made to ensure the safety and welfare of the civilian population where military operations are conducted."

Meanwhile, the Special Representative today told a conference for southern Afghan governors that partnerships with provincial and district authorities are central to improving the effectiveness of aid across the south, which remains the most unstable and violence-wracked region of the country.

Speaking in Kandahar, Mr. Eide noted that it was in the southern districts and provinces "that the lack of effectiveness is most acutely felt. It is here that the lack of coordination has the greatest impact."

He also urged the governors to combat corruption more vigorously, or risk undermining the confidence of Afghans in their State institutions and jeopardizing local security even further.

2008-08-23 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY MONITORS MASS EXPULSION OF CONGOLESE LIVING IN ANGOLA

UN AGENCY MONITORS MASS EXPULSION OF CONGOLESE LIVING IN ANGOLA New York, Aug 22 2008 5:10PM The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is probing the mass expulsion of Congolese nationals from northern Angola, with as many as 85,000 people being forced across the border by authorities in the past three months alone.

<"http://www.unfpa.org/">UNFPA said yesterday that it had launched a joint project with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Caritas Congo to monitor the movements of the expelled population. A contingency plan to help the affected Congolese as they return to their homeland is also being prepared by the humanitarian community.

Nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), many of whom have lived and worked – often illegally – in neighbouring Angola for years, have been expelled by Angolan authorities in large numbers since late 2003.

Since the current wave of expulsions began in late May this year, around 85,000 people have been sent over the border, mainly to Kasaï Occidental and Bandundu provinces in the DRC. This figure includes over 20,000 Congolese in the past month.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) warned that there is insufficient infrastructure in the returning areas of the DRC to handle the sudden influx. It added that another 80,000 Congolese may be affected in the coming months.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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BAN TO CONVENE FORUM ON SUPPORTING TERRORISM'S VICTIMS

BAN TO CONVENE FORUM ON SUPPORTING TERRORISM'S VICTIMS New York, Aug 22 2008 5:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will convene a symposium on supporting victims of terrorism – the first of its kind at the United Nations – next month in New York.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said that the day-long forum seeks to help Member States to stand as one to support the victims of terrorism and to encourage civil society's involvement in a global campaign against the scourge, as laid out in the General Assembly's 2006 Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

That strategy, the first global and common approach to tackle terrorism, called for national systems of assistance to be created to address the needs of victims and their families.

Through the symposium, the Secretary-General seeks to tackle terrorism by supporting its victims. Member States will have the opportunity to share their experiences, while victims can express their needs and views.

"The focus here is not on politics – the Strategy is clear that terrorism is unacceptable," Ms. Okabe said. "The focus of this event is solely on the victims and how states, international organizations and civil society can better address their needs."

Victims, civil society, journalists, regional organizations and all Member States will be invited to the event, which has so far received financial support from Spain, the United Kingdom and Colombia, to be held at UN Headquarters.

"Participants will come from all regions, cultures and religions, representing a diversity of terror-victim experiences and have a record of constructive engagement with governments and civil society in support of victims," the spokesperson told reporters.

Some 13 universal anti-terrorism conventions and three protocols identifying acts of terrorism will be used as benchmarks for selecting participants at the symposium, and invitations will be made based on consultations with victims' groups, civil society and Member States.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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UN WELCOMES $15 MILLION IN DONATIONS SO FAR TO CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

UN WELCOMES $15 MILLION IN DONATIONS SO FAR TO CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS New York, Aug 22 2008 5:10PM The United Nations today welcomed the $15 million received so far from the international community in response to the UN appeal to assist the survivors of May's devastating Wenchuan earthquake, which killed some 70,000 people and left almost 5 million homeless.

Contributions of nearly $11 million came from commitments by Canada ($7 million Canadian), Norway ($1.5 million), Saudi Arabia ($1.5 million), Belgium (€500,000) and the European Union (€300,000).

"We are very grateful for the contributions of the four nations and the European Union," said the UN Resident Coordinator in China Khalid Malik.

"By joining forces with the United Nations on the Appeal, they will help the survivors of the earthquake recover their livelihoods, return to school and have more sustainable access to health care and better living conditions."

The UN Appeal is part of its overall effort to assist the communities affected in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, where an estimated 5 million buildings collapsed, 21 million buildings were damaged and over 40 million people were affected.

"We have emphasized from the beginning that the needs are tremendous. We very much hope that these contributions are the beginning," Mr. Malik said.

The $33 million UN China Appeal for the Wenchuan Earthquake Early Recover Support, launched on 16 July, was designed to bridge the immediate relief effort with longer-term processes of reconstruction.

The UN system in China has already delivered over $18 million in emergency relief to the affected populations and has begun working closely with the Chinese Government and the international community in the reconstruction efforts.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY HELPS SERBIA DEVELOP NEW HOUSING FOR DISPLACED PERSONS

UN REFUGEE AGENCY HELPS SERBIA DEVELOP NEW HOUSING FOR DISPLACED PERSONS New York, Aug 22 2008 5:10PM TThe United Nations refugee agency is working with Serbian authorities and donors to build new public housing for people displaced by conflict and unrest in Kosovo and other regions and close Serbia's collective centres for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

About 6,000 refugees and IDPs now live in Serbia's 60 remaining collective centres, down from about 26,000 people spread across 340 centres in January 2002, according to a press release issued by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/48ad86634.html">UNHCR) yesterday.

UNHCR said it has been working with Serbian authorities for five years on helping move refugees and IDPs but began to intensify its efforts late last year after establishing a joint task force.

That task force identified 30 small centres that can be quickly closed or converted into homes for the elderly and proposed solutions for relocating the residents – many of whom are unemployed – into new or established housing.

Recently UNHCR contributed $440,000 to the construction of an apartment block in the southern Serbian town of Vranje that is now home to former IDPs from Kosovo. The incoming residents will only have to pay for utilities and will receive ongoing support from local social welfare centres.

UNHCR warned that the project is far from completion, despite the construction of hundreds of apartments and other buildings. One reason is that many residents of the collective centres are extremely vulnerable, such as the elderly or the chronically ill, and ineligible for the assistance programme. They are also unable to return to Kosovo or their homes in Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbia is currently host to about 205,000 IDPs from Kosovo and some 97,000 refugees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. An estimated 17,000 people are also deemed stateless.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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FOOD CRISIS THREATENS MILLIONS OF LIVES IN SOMALIA, UN AGENCIES WARN

FOOD CRISIS THREATENS MILLIONS OF LIVES IN SOMALIA, UN AGENCIES WARN New York, Aug 22 2008 4:10PM More than three million Somalis – or roughly half the country's population – will be totally dependent of food aid and emergency assistance over the next 12 months, United Nations agencies are warning.

Up to 70 per cent of the rural population in the south are threatened by food shortages, and some 36 per cent of children in Somalia are underweight, with one in six is suffering from acute malnutrition, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

"We have never been in a situation so severe. Never, ever before," said <"http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/somalia_45269.html">UNICEF representative in Somalia Christian Balslev-Olesen in a statement issued yesterday.

UNICEF and its partners are providing life-saving emergency aid to 5,200 severely malnourished children in camps every month.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) handed out 34,000 tons of food to 1.7 million people this past month, and some 54,000 displaced children under the age of five received supplementary rations from UNICEF.

"The current situation is unprecedented as nearly the whole country is in crisis," a spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Marie Okabe, told reporters today.

The combined effects of drought and decreased cereal production, coupled with general insecurity, the rising cost of living – including escalating food prices – and the devaluation of the Somali currency have caused this humanitarian crisis.

"We do not, for the sake of security, have journalists reporting from Somalia. So you don't see the pictures, you don't see the reality," said Mr. Balslev-Olesen.

"You don't have the impact with the politicians, with public opinion, and therefore, it is a forgotten crisis."
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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BAN REQUESTS 12-MONTH EXTENSION TO UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN LEBANON

BAN REQUESTS 12-MONTH EXTENSION TO UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN LEBANON New York, Aug 22 2008 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by another 12 months until the end of August next year.

In a <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2008/568">letter to the Council's President that was made public today, Mr. Ban notes that the mission "continues to play a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in southern Lebanon, as well as full respect for the Blue Line" along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

<"http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unifil/">UNIFIL is tasked with ensuring that the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River is free of unauthorized weapons, personnel and assets, and also cooperates with the Lebanese armed forces so they can fulfil their security responsibilities.

"I hope that the recent formation of a new government will contribute to an improvement of the overall security environment that would permit, in the near future, the return to southern Lebanon of units of the armed forces that have been redeployed to maintain security in other parts of the country," Mr. Ban writes.

The Secretary-General reiterates that it is essential that the international community help the armed forces to become a more effective military organization.

As of 15 July, UNIFIL – whose mandate is currently due to expire on 31 August – had 12,284 military personnel from 27 troop-contributing countries. Additional units from Indonesia and Malaysia are slated to be deployed soon.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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NEW UN-BACKED REPORTS WARNS OF COSTS OF INACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEW UN-BACKED REPORTS WARNS OF COSTS OF INACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE New York, Aug 22 2008 4:10PM Government leaders must take urgent action to ensure that weather-related hazards, which are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change, do not lead to a corresponding rise in disasters, a new United Nations-backed report released today said.

The new study identified India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Indonesia as being among global warming's "hotspots," or countries particularly vulnerable to increases in extreme drought, flooding and cyclones anticipated in coming decades.

Commissioned by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) and the non-governmental organization (NGO) CARE International, it examined the possible consequences of global warming in the next 20 to 30 years.

The so-called hotspot nations are already facing considerable political, social, demographic, economic and security obstacles, the report said.

"Climate change will greatly complicate and could undermine efforts to manage these challenges," said Charles Ehrhart, one of its authors, who serves as Climate Change Coordinator for CARE International.

The impact of a natural disaster is determined by several factors, such as access to proper equipment and information, as well as the ability to exert political influence, he noted. "The striking lack of these explains why poor people – especially those in marginalized social groups like pastoralists in Africa, women and children – constitute the vast majority of disaster victims."

The report cited the most effective means to curb human vulnerability to disasters are: boosting the ability of local and government institutions to respond to crises; empowering local people to have a stronger say in disaster preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation; and providing services and social protection for the most vulnerable populations.

The authors expressed hope that point out hotspots around the world will spur leaders to take action and encourage aid workers to modify their strategies to take into account the realities of new risks posed by climate change.

The new study's launch coincided with the gathering of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (<"http://unfccc.int/2860.php">UNFCCC) that kicked off yesterday in Accra, Ghana.

The seven-day event is the latest round of UN-sponsored global climate change negotiations, bringing together more than 1,600 participants to discuss future greenhouse gas emission reduction targets ahead of a major summit set for 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY ANXIOUS OVER WORSENING CONDITIONS IN COLOMBIA

UN REFUGEE AGENCY ANXIOUS OVER WORSENING CONDITIONS IN COLOMBIA New York, Aug 22 2008 1:10PM The United Nations refugee agency expressed deep concern today over the humanitarian situation of thousands of Columbians fleeing the conflict embroiling the country's Pacific coast region.

Fighting between two rival guerrilla armies and national forces has forced some 800 people to escape to the small town of Lopez de Micay, where most are sheltered in school buildings with only one meal a day for the past week, reported the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home">UNHCR).

"Their position is very precarious," Andrej Mahecic, a spokesperson for the agency, <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/48aea57f6.html">told reporters in Geneva.

"The majority of the displaced belong to indigenous and Afro-Columbian groups; more than half of them are children."

Another 1,000 people have taken flight from their homes in the mountainous Andes region of Nariño further down the Pacific Coast because of fighting between the Columbian army and an irregular armed group.

"Many have taken refuge in Policarpa, which has been coping with repeated waves of forced displacement in the past few years," Mr. Mahecic said.

The agency is also gravely concerned for some 1,000 civilians trapped by warring factions further north around the villages of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa.

"We urge all actors in the conflict to respect the rights of all civilians to freedom of movement and to protection," Mr. Mahecic said.

Provincial authorities reported earlier in the week that Nariño, which borders Ecuador to the south, alone shelters more than 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), more than a quarter of them in the past year alone.

UNHCR said the growing numbers of IDPs is a trend affecting the entire region.

The cultivation of illicit crops, such as cocaine, along with the presence of irregular armed groups, landmines, killings and summary executions have all contributed to the critical situation facing IDPs in Nariño for more than two years.

The agency also said it was concerned about other Pacific coast areas, with the Government registering over 70,000 people as uprooted in the departments of Cauca, Valle del Cauca and Choco.

"Preliminary figures for the last six months of the year show a similar, or worsening trend," he added.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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BAN TO VISIT ITALY, SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN ON OFFICIAL TRIP STARTING LATE NEXT WEEK

BAN TO VISIT ITALY, SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN ON OFFICIAL TRIP STARTING LATE NEXT WEEK New York, Aug 22 2008 1:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon heads late next week to Italy, Switzerland and Spain on a wide-ranging official visit that will focus on issues that include the global fight against climate change and the importance of water and sustainable development.

Mr. Ban will begin his visit late next week by hosting a two-day retreat for senior managers in Turin, which is home to the UN Staff College, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today.

The retreat's participants will include several incoming staff members who are taking their oaths of office next week, such as the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay; the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Alain Le Roy; the Controller, Jun Yamazaki; and the Legal Counsel, Patricia O'Brien, and her deputy, Peter Taksøe-Jensen.

Mr. Ban then travels to Geneva, where he will address the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<"http://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC) as it opens its latest session on 31 August, which will also be the twentieth anniversary of the panel.

The following day, the Secretary-General is slated to attend a memorial ceremony for the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, lay a wreath for the fallen staff and meet with survivors and the families of victims.

He is also expected to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iraq and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (<"http://www.unctad.org/Templates/StartPage.asp?intItemID=2068">UNCTAD) on science and technology cooperation.

The final leg of the trip will be in Spain, where Mr. Ban will give a speech at Exposition Zaragoza 2008 about the importance of water for social, economic and political security and meet Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos. He then travels to Madrid for talks with Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED GROUP VOICES CONCERN OVER RECENT US MEASLES OUTBREAKS

UN-BACKED GROUP VOICES CONCERN OVER RECENT US MEASLES OUTBREAKS New York, Aug 22 2008 11:10AM A United Nations-backed group seeking to slash measles deaths has expressed concern over the recent surge in reported cases of the virus in the United States.

Thanks to a successful vaccination programme, <"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/">measles – which is highly contagious and can result in serious complications and death – was eliminated in the Americas in 2002.

But 131 cases have been reported in the first half of this year, the highest number since 1996.

Most of the recent US cases were imported or resulted from the importation of the virus from other countries, and the possibility of children contracting it is on the rise as international travel continues to soar.

Some 600 children die every day from measles, which infects 18 million children annually, according to the Measles Initiative, comprised of the UN Children's Fund, UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO), UN Foundation (UNF), the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We must be steadfast in our efforts to reduce measles globally," the group said in a statement issued yesterday.

"It is essential that all children – regardless of where they are born – have the opportunity to be vaccinated against measles, so that they can grow up healthier and without fear of this highly contagious, but entirely preventable, disease."
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN REFUGEE OFFICIAL WRAPS UP MISSION TO GEORGIA, RUSSIA

TOP UN REFUGEE OFFICIAL WRAPS UP MISSION TO GEORGIA, RUSSIA New York, Aug 22 2008 10:10AM United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres today is concluding a four-day visit to Georgia and Russia, visiting people forced to flee their homes by the conflict that began when heavy fighting erupted on 7 August.

Visiting South Ossetia today, Mr. Guterres – the first senior international official to travel to the area since the start of fighting – will assess the humanitarian situation and see first-hand the conditions for the uprooted to return to their homes.

Yesterday, he was in North Ossetia, where he met with Sergey Shoigu, minister for civil defence, emergencies and disaster response, as well as Konstantin Romodanovsky, who heads Russia's Federal Migration Service (FMS).

In the region's capital Vladikavkaz, the High Commissioner visited refugees and displaced South Ossetians, who expressed their desire to return to their homes.

Russian authorities believe over 30,000 people from South Ossetia have fled across the border into North Ossetia, part of Russia.

UNHCR estimates that close to 160,000 people have been uprooted since clashes began between Georgian and South Ossetian forces, with Russian forces becoming involved in South Ossetia and in the region of Abkhazia in north-western Georgia.

Yesterday, Mr. Guterres met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, with their talks focusing on UNHCR-Russian cooperation in supplying aid and humanitarian access, both in areas of Georgia where military actions are still taking place and in South Ossetia.

"We also examined humanitarian assistance and protection in North Ossetia, which has received thousands of people who fled South Ossetia," the High Commissioner said, adding that they explored the process and prospects for the voluntary return of the displaced.

"We also agreed on the principle of the non-discriminatory nature of the right of return for all civilians forced to flee."

UNHCR's large-scale aid distribution is under way, with over 7,000 blankets and 3,200 jerry cans being handed out yesterday in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, in addition to the nearly 10,000 kitchen sets and other supplies already delivered earlier.

The agency approximates that up to 25,000 people are in need of assistance in western and central parts of the country.

Yesterday, the first UNHCR convoy to Gori, just south of South Ossetia, left Tbilisi carrying blankets, tents and jerry cans. Most of the 40,000-strong population has fled the city, with those staying behind being mainly the elderly.

For its part, the World Bank is dispatching an economic assessment team to Georgia at the invitation of the Georgian Government.

The agency said it will work with authorities to assess the economic effects of the fighting and provide recommendations on how to generate growth and prevent poverty.

"Georgia has strong economic fundamentals, the result of a committed reform programme and prudent fiscal management by the Government," Theodore Ahlers, the World Bank's acting Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, said in a statement. "These factors will help the economy to weather the impact of the conflict."

But he warned that economic growth could be dampened by investors' cautious attitudes.
2008-08-22 00:00:00.000

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UN MISSION IN HAITI HOPEFUL OF END TO PARLIAMENTARY IMPASSE OVER GOVERNMENT

UN MISSION IN HAITI HOPEFUL OF END TO PARLIAMENTARY IMPASSE OVER GOVERNMENT New York, Aug 21 2008 5:10PM The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti today welcomed the decision by some of the country's political parties to back the new Prime Minister's political programme, which would end the four-month parliamentary impasse over the formation of a new government.

The mission, known as <"http://www0.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minustah/">MINUSTAH, said in a statement that the move "represents an important step in the efforts that all the political actors should take to reach an agreement that places the best interests of the country and the Haitian people above their own interests."

For more than four months, Haiti has not had a government duly confirmed by the Parliament because of political wrangling, but MINUSTAH said the parties' decision means their lawmakers are set to vote in favour of the declaration by Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis outlining her planned political programme while in office.

In its statement the mission stressed that the absence of a government for so long had affected the ability of the State institutions to operate and had also acted as an obstacle to many cooperative and development projects which the international community had pledged to finance.

MINUSTAH added that the impasse had also harmed the ability of Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, to tackle the soaring prices of basic foods and oil and to reduce the risks to the population from the annual hurricane season.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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UN HEALTH AGENCY HELPS SUDAN COPE WITH HEAVY FLOODING

UN HEALTH AGENCY HELPS SUDAN COPE WITH HEAVY FLOODING New York, Aug 21 2008 5:10PM The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is helping the Sudanese Ministry of Health to deal with the worst flooding the country's southern state of Northern Bahr El Ghazal has seen in years.

Torrential rains that hit Northern Bahr El Ghazal have strained already over-stretched health services in the region.

<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO has provided medical supplies – including a diarrhoea kit, insecticide treated nets and anti-malaria medicines – after the Government received word that cases of acute water diarrhoea and malaria were on the rise in the state.

For its part, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) is helping to assess the water situation in the area and to address the needs of those affected by the floods.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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BAN OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SPAIN AFTER DEADLY PLANE CRASH

BAN OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SPAIN AFTER DEADLY PLANE CRASH New York, Aug 21 2008 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending a letter of condolence to Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero after yesterday's plane crash in Madrid, which killed more than 150 people.

Mr. Ban extends his sympathies to the families of those who died in the crash, and to the Government and people of Spain, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today.

Media reports say the aircraft, which was bound for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, crashed as it was attempting to take off from Madrid's Barajas airport yesterday afternoon.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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UN HEALTH AGENCY SPOTLIGHTS IMPACT OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS

UN HEALTH AGENCY SPOTLIGHTS IMPACT OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS New York, Aug 21 2008 4:10PM The United Nations health agency is launching a new information campaign to highlight the impact of the hepatitis B virus, which is currently found in about 2 billion people worldwide despite being largely preventable by vaccine for more than 25 years.

The World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/index.html">WHO) issued factsheets today about the impact and spread of hepatitis B, which attacks the liver and can cause severe and chronic illness in sufferers, and even death.

More than 350 million people live with chronic liver disease and about 25 per cent of adults who became infected during childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis as a result of the infection. Cirrhosis and liver cancer kill as many as 700,000 people every year.

The virus – which only affects humans – is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, and not through casual contact such as by contaminated food or water, the agency reports.

The common methods of transmission are from mother to child at birth, blood transfusions, sexual contact, unsafe injection practices, and child-to-child.

Hepatitis B is endemic in China and other parts of Asia, with most sufferers infected during childhood. It is also prevalent in the Amazon basin of South America, the Middle East, South Asia and parts of Eastern and Central Europe.

WHO said there is no specific treatment for hepatitis B, a vaccine that is 95 per cent effective has been available since 1982. It called for all infants to be given the vaccine and for all children and adolescents not previously immunized to also be vaccinated.

Members of high-risk groups, such as injecting drug users and people who engage in high-risk sexual behaviour, should also be vaccinated, the agency recommends.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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BAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAKISTAN

BAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAKISTAN New York, Aug 21 2008 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today's double suicide bombing in the north-eastern Pakistani town of Wah, near the capital Islamabad, which has claimed numerous civilian lives and injured many others.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sgsm11757.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "reiterates his rejection of such indiscriminate and reprehensible acts of terrorism."

He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Pakistani Government.

Media reports say that some 60 people have lost their lives in the attack.

Last month, the Secretary-General condemned a suicide bombing in a mosque close to Islamabad and a series of bombings in Karachi.

"The Secretary-General urges all political forces to unite against the scourge of terrorism and expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan," according to a statement issued at the time.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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GEORGIA: POPULATION MOVEMENTS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO NUMBER DISPLACED, UN SAYS

GEORGIA: POPULATION MOVEMENTS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO NUMBER DISPLACED, UN SAYS New York, Aug 21 2008 4:10PM The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2907">WFP) has noted a substantial movement of populations between South Ossetia in Georgia and Russia's North Ossetia region, making it difficult to establish the exact number of people displaced by recent hostilities.

Heavy fighting broke out in South Ossetia between Georgian and South Ossetian forces more than a week ago. Russian forces became involved there and in the separate region of Abkhazia in north-western Georgia.

The Russian Ministry for Emergencies (EMERCOM), which has been coordinating Russia's aid efforts for the displaced from South Ossetia, including the provision of food aid, has said it would welcome a contribution of food assistance from WFP.

The food will be distributed in coordination with the Ministry and local authorities to the displaced population in North Ossetia, where some 30,000 South Ossetians have been taking refuge.

Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres – who is on a four-day mission to Georgia and Russia to review his agency's humanitarian operation – is expected to be in North Ossetia today, following meetings with Georgian officials in the capital, Tbilisi.

The UN refugee agency estimates that nearly 160,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the recent fighting.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN MISSION TRAINS POLICE ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE

DR CONGO: UN MISSION TRAINS POLICE ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE New York, Aug 21 2008 4:10PM The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is holding training sessions for the vast African nation's police in a bid to ensure that victims and witnesses of sexual violence are better protected.

The training courses were carried out by the human rights branch – which monitors and documents rights abuses across the country – of the mission, known by its French acronym <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC.

Given the high rates of sexual violence in the DRC, international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined forces with the Government to tackle the scourge. Under this "joint initiative" framework, the UN is in charge of the legal and judicial aspects to help victims find justice and to protect their human rights.

In a report made public last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that tackling both sexual and gender-based violence poses a "complex challenge" for the DRC.

"While data remains imprecise, there are indications that almost one third of new cases reported through the Joint Initiative emanate from North Kivu, primarily from internally displaced persons (IDPs)," he wrote, adding that sexual violence has also been reported to be on the rise in South Kivu.

The report also raised concerns about impunity for crimes committed, especially by State agents, especially the police.

Nearly 40 police inspectors and investigators in the territories of Beni, Butembo and Lubero in the North Kivu province were educated this month on new laws regarding sexual crimes; procedures for helping victims of such violence; and protection of victims and witnesses, among other topics.

MONUC has also trained Government forces, known as FARDC, in child protection, human rights, sexual violence and military justice.

In June, close to 1,800 soldiers underwent a course in South Kivu as part of the mission's zero-tolerance campaign on recruiting children into armed forces.

This week-long human rights component was part of a broader 12-week course that also covered military tactics, weapons handling, logistics and professional ethics.

To date, MONUC has trained some one dozen 12 FARDC integrated battalions, and it continues to support the efforts of the Congolese Government in the creation of a professional army, with the goal of training 28 FARDC integrated battalions by September 2009.

In a June report, MONUC found that FARDC was one of the biggest human rights violators, with its members being accused of rapes, torture, armed robberies, extortion and arbitrary arrests.

On completing the training, the troops were deployed in South Kivu, an area which sees frequent attacks from militias and foreign armed groups, to consolidate State authority.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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BAN OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SPAIN AFTER DEADLY PLANE CRASH

BAN OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SPAIN AFTER DEADLY PLANE CRASH New York, Aug 21 2008 3:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending a letter of condolence to Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero after yesterday's plane crash in Madrid, which killed more than 150 people.

Mr. Ban extends his sympathies to the families of those who died in the crash, and to the Government and people of Spain, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today.

Media reports say the aircraft, which was bound for Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, crashed as it was attempting to take off from Madrid's Barajas airport yesterday afternoon.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN MISSION TRAINS POLICE ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE

DR CONGO: UN MISSION TRAINS POLICE ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE New York, Aug 21 2008 3:10PM The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is holding training sessions for the vast African nation's police in a bid to ensure that victims and witnesses of sexual violence are better protected.

The training courses were carried out by the human rights branch – which monitors and documents rights abuses across the country – of the mission, known by its French acronym <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC.

Given the high rates of sexual violence in the DRC, international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined forces with the Government to tackle the scourge. Under this "joint initiative" framework, the UN is in charge of the legal and judicial aspects to help victims find justice and to protect their human rights.

In a report made public last month, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that tackling both sexual and gender-based violence poses a "complex challenge" for the DRC.

"While data remains imprecise, there are indications that almost one third of new cases reported through the Joint Initiative emanate from North Kivu, primarily from internally displaced persons (IDPs)," he wrote, adding that sexual violence has also been reported to be on the rise in South Kivu.

The report also raised concerns about impunity for crimes committed, especially by State agents, especially the police.

Nearly 40 police inspectors and investigators in the territories of Beni, Butembo and Lubero in the North Kivu province were educated this month on new laws regarding sexual crimes; procedures for helping victims of such violence; and protection of victims and witnesses, among other topics.

MONUC has also trained Government forces, known as FARDC, in child protection, human rights, sexual violence and military justice.

In June, close to 1,800 soldiers underwent a course in South Kivu as part of the mission's zero-tolerance campaign on recruiting children into armed forces.

This week-long human rights component was part of a broader 12-week course that also covered military tactics, weapons handling, logistics and professional ethics.

To date, MONUC has trained some one dozen 12 FARDC integrated battalions, and it continues to support the efforts of the Congolese Government in the creation of a professional army, with the goal of training 28 FARDC integrated battalions by September 2009.

In a June report, MONUC found that FARDC was one of the biggest human rights violators, with its members being accused of rapes, torture, armed robberies, extortion and arbitrary arrests.

On completing the training, the troops were deployed in South Kivu, an area which sees frequent attacks from militias and foreign armed groups, to consolidate State authority.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TO BEGIN THREE-DAY VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TO BEGIN THREE-DAY VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA New York, Aug 21 2008 2:10PM General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim departs tomorrow night on a three-day visit to the Republic of Korea that will focus on issues ranging from climate change and financing for development to the current food and energy crises.

Mr. Kerim expects to meet with President Lee Myung-bak and Prime Minister Han Seung-soo during the visit, his spokesperson Janos Tisovszky told reporters today.

The Assembly President is also slated to hold talks with Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan on cooperation between the UN and the Republic of Korea in the priority issues of the current General Assembly session, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and UN reforms.

Before returning to headquarters, Mr. Kerim will deliver a lecture at the Graduate School of International Studies at Korea University and meet with members of the UN Association of the Republic of Korea.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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MUSIC-RICH GLASGOW WINS PLACE IN UN CULTURAL NETWORK OF CITIES

MUSIC-RICH GLASGOW WINS PLACE IN UN CULTURAL NETWORK OF CITIES New York, Aug 21 2008 1:10PM Glasgow has been declared a City of Music by the United Nations culture agency, joining its neighbour Edinburgh on its Creative Cities Network, established to promote social, economic and cultural development.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=29008&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) made the announcement yesterday at a ceremony attended by a number of parliamentary dignitaries and hosted by the Lord Provost of Glasgow.

In preparing for its bid, Glasgow counted an average of 130 music events a week – ranging from pop and rock to Celtic music and opera.

It is estimated that the music business contributes around $150 million a year to Glasgow's economy, UNESCO said in a press release today.

"We at UNESCO believe that culture not only makes an economic contribution, it provides meaning and a sense of identity and continuity that is integral to the life of all societies," said the UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

Glasgow is the 12th city to join the Creative Cities Network, following Bologna and Seville as an official city of music.

"The cities that join the global network promote their local creative scene, share their experience with a wider audience and create new opportunities both for themselves and others," UNESCO said.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES SUPPORT LAO GOVERNMENT EFFORTS AGAINST WIDESPREAD FLOODING

UN AGENCIES SUPPORT LAO GOVERNMENT EFFORTS AGAINST WIDESPREAD FLOODING New York, Aug 21 2008 1:10PM United Nations humanitarian agencies are assisting the Lao Government to bring relief to more than 150,000 people who have been affected by some of the worst flooding in a century in the South-East Asian country.

A rapid assessment task force, linking UN agencies, the Government, donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), was set up earlier this week to coordinate the response to the floods, which have inundated towns, villages and farmland along the Mekong River.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/">WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/">FAO), the World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO) and the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) are among the agencies helping in the relief efforts, according to a press release issued by <"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF on Tuesday.

Preliminary information from Lao officials indicates that at least 150,000 people have been affected across seven provinces of the landlocked country, with information not yet received from three other provinces.

UNICEF and WHO have voiced particular concern about potential public health problems emerging from the congestion and poor sanitation and hygiene at evacuation centres in the capital, Vientiane.

UN staff members in Laos are also working alongside local volunteers to sandbag along the Mekong in the capital and at the airport.

Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator, praised both the Government for its response to the floods and "the spirit of solidarity among the Lao people who tirelessly help in building up protection walls along the river."
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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SUCCESSFUL TRADE TALKS CAN BOOST GLOBAL ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOODS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL

SUCCESSFUL TRADE TALKS CAN BOOST GLOBAL ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOODS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL New York, Aug 21 2008 1:10PM A successful outcome to global trade talks is vital to strengthening the world economy and improving the livelihoods of millions of poor and vulnerable people, the head of the United Nations Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) said today, following the recent collapse of the Doha round of trade liberalization negotiations.

The seven-year-long round of global negotiations, led by the World Trade Organization (<"http://www.wto.org/">WTO), broke down at the end of July after countries failed to reach agreement on a safeguard that would allow developing nations to raise tariffs temporarily in the face of import surges and falling prices.

"It is clear that an agreement was close to being reached that, while not perfect, would nonetheless have been beneficial to developing countries and the world economy," UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis said in a statement issued today.

"It is very desirable that the remaining obstacles to an agreement, especially regarding a special safeguard mechanism for agriculture, be overcome," he added.

Mr. Dervis noted that while in some cases bilateral and regional trade agreements are beneficial to those participating, they cannot replace a truly multilateral system.

This is especially the case, he said, for developing countries, which can benefit from many of the rules and the dispute settlement mechanism of the multilateral trade regime.

"A balanced, equitable, open and multilateral trading system is desirable, particularly given both the current and foreseeable difficulties of the world economy owing to the financial crisis and high volatility of energy and food prices, which themselves are partly the result of sub-optimal trade policies," stated Mr. Dervis.

He added that the next few weeks will be critical to revitalizing the negotiations.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed similar sentiments in a statement issued last month, in which he said that "success was particularly important at this juncture when the world faces major development challenges," including climate change, poverty, increasing protectionism, limited progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the current food, fuel and financial crises.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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UN CLIMATE CHANGE TALKS KICK OFF IN GHANA

UN CLIMATE CHANGE TALKS KICK OFF IN GHANA New York, Aug 21 2008 10:10AM The latest round of United Nations-sponsored global climate change negotiations began today in Accra, Ghana, bringing together more than 1,600 participants to discuss future greenhouse gas emission reduction targets ahead of a major summit set for 2009.

Government delegates from 160 countries and representatives from business and industry, environmental organizations and research institutions are attending the one-week meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Accra meeting is part of a series of UN-sponsored talks in the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

The aim of the negotiations is to create a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol, with first-round commitments ending in 2012, on greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

"Parties meeting under the Kyoto Protocol must swiftly reach agreement on the rules and tools that will be available to developed countries to meet future emission reduction targets," said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer.

"This is essential because the toolbox will in turn determine the level of ambition of developed countries when setting their new targets," he added.

At the Accra meeting, which was opened by Ghana's President, John Agyekum Kufuor, participants will discuss, among other things, policies and incentives to reduce emissions from deforestation – which accounts for 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions – and forest degradation in developing countries.

Also, for the first time, there will be a joint discussion on both the finance and technology needed to limit emissions and adapt to climate change. "Parties will look not only at what is needed in terms of funding, but also at how funding should be generated in the context of a new international deal, and precisely what technologies are required," said Mr. de Boer.

"The debate will also give an indication of the infrastructure needed to implement a shared vision in the areas of finance, technology and capacity building," he stated.

The previous round of UN-sponsored negotiations was held in Bonn, Germany, in June. Another set of talks is scheduled to be held in Poznan, Poland, from 1 to 12 December.
2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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TIMOR-LESTE MAKING STRIDES IN HUMAN RIGHTS BUT FURTHER EFFORTS NEEDED - UN

TIMOR-LESTE MAKING STRIDES IN HUMAN RIGHTS BUT FURTHER EFFORTS NEEDED – UN New York, Aug 21 2008 9:10AM Timor-Leste is making progress in key human rights areas, including adherence to the rule of law, strengthening of the judicial system and addressing past violations, but it needs to do more to consolidate these gains, the United Nations said today.

In a new report released in Dili, the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) noted that the 11 February attacks against President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão constituted a significant security challenge.

"The national authorities responded to these challenges in a way which indicates increasing institutional stability and adherence to the rule of law," according to a news release issued by the Mission. "The cooperation between the military and police, as well as the successful efforts to apprehend those wanted in connection with the attacks without resorting to use of force, were positive developments."

However, important challenges remain, according to the report, which covers the period September 2007 to June 2008.

"The notable increase in the number of cases of ill-treatment by members of the security forces reported during the state of exception is of particular concern," the Mission said.

UNMIT also received reports of death-threats and arrests that did not follow legal procedures. While national leaders made commitments to address such violations, accountability mechanisms remain "weak."

The report also noted some progress in strengthening the justice system, including the growing number of Timorese judicial personnel and their increased presence in the districts.

"However, effective access to justice remains constrained," the Mission stated, pointing out that the backlog of cases has grown to an estimated 4,700 criminal cases. In addition, key legislation for dealing with gender-based violence – which continues to be a major concern – has not yet been adopted.

In terms of justice for past violations, the final report of the Indonesia–Timor-Leste Commission of Truth and Friendship was submitted to the Presidents of Indonesia and Timor-Leste on 15 July. The two Presidents issued a joint statement recognizing that gross violations of human rights had occurred, expressing remorse to all those who suffered.

"However, progress towards holding accountable those responsible for criminal acts during the 2006 crisis was slow," said UNMIT.

Timor-Leste – which the UN shepherded to independence in 2002 – is now at a "human rights crossroads," noted Louis Gentile, Chief of UNMIT's Human Rights and Transitional Justice Section.

"The Timorese people and state institutions can continue to build on progress achieved – or can turn back towards a more violent past. The United Nations stands ready to assist them to move forward," he stated.

The report, which is the second produced by UNMIT on the country's human rights situation, contains a list of recommendations relating to key human rights developments in relation to the security sector and access to justice.

2008-08-21 00:00:00.000

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MIXED PICTURE IN MIDDLE EAST, UN OFFICIAL TELLS SECURITY COUNCIL

MIXED PICTURE IN MIDDLE EAST, UN OFFICIAL TELLS SECURITY COUNCIL New York, Aug 20 2008 7:10PM Israel and the Palestinians are continuing their negotiations aimed at devising a durable settlement to their long-running conflict, but intra-Palestinian violence has spiked over the past month, the top United Nations political official told the Security Council today.

In his monthly <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/sc9431.doc.htm">briefing to the Council on the situation in the Middle East, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe said that negotiations between the two sides as part of the so-called Annapolis peace process had been ongoing at both the political and technical levels.

"It would appear that gaps between the parties' positions remain and I reiterate the Secretary-General's call for the need to press ahead to make real progress in overcoming differences to reach the goal of an agreement by the end of this year," he said.

The Middle East diplomatic Quartet, comprising the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States, will meet in New York next month on the margins of the General Assembly to assess the situation in the region.

Mr. Pascoe noted that indirect talks between Israel and Syria are continuing under Turkish auspices, although a round of talks scheduled for this month has not been held following the news that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will soon be stepping down.

"The fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continues to hold," he added, although talks for the release of the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit have stalled and 10 rockets and one mortar were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel without causing casualties.

The Under-Secretary-General voiced concern at a surge in deadly intra-Palestinian violence and political tensions sparked by tensions between members of Hamas and Fatah in Gaza, contributing to the overall total of 43 Palestinians killed and 366 injured during the current reporting period.

Hamas forces have seized control of the remaining Palestinian Authority institutions in Gaza and detained several governors, he said.

"These actions severely prejudice the prospects for Palestinian reunification within the framework of the legitimate Palestinian Authority. We are also concerned at the potential consequences for UN operations in Gaza."

In addition, Mr. Pascoe said Palestinian security forces in the West Bank had arrested dozens of Hamas activists and closed a number of Hamas-linked institutions, and he called for the release of these detainees by both sides, saying it "could serve as a first step in a process leading to reconciliation."

The situation on the ground in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains a cause for concern as well, with three Palestinians – including two children – killed in the past month and 185 others injured.

The two children who were killed were shot by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) using live ammunition against Palestinian demonstrators at a village, while Mr. Pascoe said there has also been a rise in settler violence against Palestinians. Settlement activity also continued, he noted.

Turning to Lebanon, Mr. Pascoe said the past month had been marked by both positive political developments and ongoing security concerns.

Notably, last week the Lebanese cabinet's ministerial declaration received an overwhelming vote of confidence from the Parliament, which he called "a new and important milestone in the implementation of the Doha agreement" that was struck to resolve internal political tensions.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES CONTINUE TO RUSH AID TO GEORGIA

UN AGENCIES CONTINUE TO RUSH AID TO GEORGIA New York, Aug 20 2008 6:10PM The United Nations is continuing to send much-needed assistance to the Georgian city of Gori, most of whose population has fled since the start of the conflict in the Caucasus nation.

Since the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the UN and other aid agencies, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_45257.html">UNICEF) and the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) have sent 15 tons of food, bottled water and hygiene kids for 400 families.

Sheldon Yett, who heads UNICEF's team rushing supplies to Gori, described the city as a ghost town. "There was some shell damage to buildings, plus signs of widespread looting," he said.

The majority of Gori's 40,000 residents have left for the Georgian capital Tbilisi, and many basic services have been cut off. Most of those remaining are the elderly who could not or were unwilling to leave their homes.

Heavy fighting broke out in South Ossetia between Georgian and South Ossetian forces more than a week ago. Russian forces became involved there and in the separate region of Abkhazia in north-western Georgia. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/48ac46124.html">UNHCR) estimates that nearly 160,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) noted that humanitarian access has improved in recent days, with aid convoys passing though roadblocks and allowing assistance to reach previously inaccessible areas.

WFP said that it has supplied wheat flour, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, high-energy biscuits and bread to over 120,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

For the first time, WFP aid has been delivered to western Georgia, to the Kaspi district and the town of Senaki, but delivery to the Akhalgori district adjacent to South Ossetia was called off because of people moving out of the area.

UNHCR today delivered its first batch of supplies to western Georgia, with food for thousands of people being flown into the area while the agency will tomorrow distribute jerry cans, kitchen sets and blankets for more than 3,000 people.

High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres arrived in Tbilisi yesterday to kick off a four-day visit to Georgia and Russia, where some 30,000 South Ossetians have been taking refuge.

"All those who are in need have to be supported and aid has to be available for them," he said after visiting two collective centres which together house over 1,200 uprooted people in desperate conditions. "We have to create conditions on the ground to make it possible to assist them."

Yesterday, Mr. Guterres met with senior Georgian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze and Minister of Reintegration Temuri Yakubasvili.

He appealed to the international community to contribute to the humanitarian aid effort under way in Georgia, given that UNHCR – which has six offices in the country – is in urgent need of funds to ensure that the newly displaced in the region receive help.

"I am impressed by the number of volunteers – young Georgians who show their deep solidarity with the displaced," the High Commissioner said.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN PEACEKEEPERS DEPLOYED TO EAST AFTER REBEL ATTACKS

DR CONGO: UN PEACEKEEPERS DEPLOYED TO EAST AFTER REBEL ATTACKS New York, Aug 20 2008 5:10PM United Nations peacekeepers and soldiers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been jointly deployed in the eastern provinces of Ituri and Orientale to protect civilians after attacks by the rebel group known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).

A spokesman for the UN Mission in Congo (<"http://www.monuc.org/Home.aspx?lang=en">MONUC), Michel Bonnardeaux, told a press briefing today that the Ugandan rebel group had attacked and robbed villages around Duru over the past week. He said the Ituri Patriotic Front had also launched sporadic attacks in the Irumu area, and remained a serious threat.

MONUC went on to report further unrest in eastern DRC, including continued regrouping and recruitment by the Mayi-Mayi in North Kivu.

Meanwhile, the head of MONUC in Goma, Alpha Sow, has welcomed a decision by the Congolese armed forces to set up committees to deal with rapes and other human rights abuses by their soldiers. These committees, which will be established in all DRC's military regions, will include officers from the regional military unit and from MONUC. They will be charged with monitoring human rights violations by DRC forces, caring for victims and ensuring that the legal process takes its course.

"MONUC's mission here is to support every effort to protect the population, particularly women and children," Mr. Sow said. "Our support for these committees is unconditional."

Aid agencies say that eastern DRC continues to be plagued by serious human rights abuses, seven months after the signing of peace accords at the Kivus conference in January.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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MYANMAR: UN ENVOY MEETS WITH MINISTERS ON THIRD DAY OF VISIT

MYANMAR: UN ENVOY MEETS WITH MINISTERS ON THIRD DAY OF VISIT New York, Aug 20 2008 4:10PM The top United Nations envoy to Myanmar met with the country's planning and health ministers today to discuss ways to tackle the socio-economic conditions in Myanmar on the third day of his five-day trip.

Ibrahim Gambari, Special Adviser on Myanmar, also held 10 separate meetings focusing on the need for national inclusive dialogue and a credible political process, as well as the country's socio-economic challenges.

Participating in the meetings were political parties, civil society groups, including members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), student representatives and elected individuals from the 1990 elections.

Yesterday, Mr. Gambari also visited the delta region affected by Cyclone Nargis, and met with members of the State Peace and Development Council to exchange views on a range of issues, including the release of political prisoners.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe noted that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, following his discussions with the Myanmar leadership during his visit to the country after the cyclone, said that he expects his good offices to be "deepened and broadened" by the continued engagement of his Special Adviser.

"He has also indicated his intent to return to Myanmar when conditions are right to continue his dialogue with the Myanmar leadership. At this point it is too early to confirm the Secretary-General's calendar," Ms. Okabe said in response to press reports on Mr. Ban's visit later this year.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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EFFORTS TO CURB CHILD EXPLOITATION MUST BE STEPPED UP, SAYS UN-BACKED GROUP

EFFORTS TO CURB CHILD EXPLOITATION MUST BE STEPPED UP, SAYS UN-BACKED GROUP New York, Aug 20 2008 2:11PM Further measures are necessary to curb child exploitation across East Asia and the Pacific, despite the recent positive steps taken to tackle the issue in the region, a United Nations-backed gathering said today.

"The region's governments need to take their anti-exploitation efforts to another level and push through much tougher anti-child sex measures," said Anupama Rao Singh, Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific of the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF).

Hundreds of experts, government officials and activists from the region attended a two-day meeting in Bangkok organized by UNICEF, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (<"http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2008/aug/g36.asp">ESCAP) and the non-governmental organization (NGO) ECPAT International.

"While acts of commercial sexual exploitation are acts of violence as well as violations of human rights, they are not always treated as crimes," said Shigeru Mochida, ESCAP's Deputy Executive Secretary.

Participants conferred on setting goals to address child prostitution, trafficking, cyber crimes, and abuse in travel and tourism. Targets discussed included setting up child sex offender registries in every country to make sure abusers are monitored and prevented from travelling abroad, and stepping up Internet protections through such means as having more specific laws to criminalize all forms of child pornography.

The Bangkok gathering, which wrapped up yesterday, will be followed by the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November. The three-day event is expected to draw over 3,000 people.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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TURTLES THREATENED BY DEVELOPMENT AND HARMFUL FISHING, WARNS UN AGENCY

TURTLES THREATENED BY DEVELOPMENT AND HARMFUL FISHING, WARNS UN AGENCY New York, Aug 20 2008 2:10PM Marine turtle populations in the Indian Ocean region and South-East Asia are under threat from coastal tourism, and commercial and illegal fishing practices, the United Nations environment agency reported today ahead of a meeting in Bali to sign a conservation agreement.

The UN Environment Programme (<"http://www.unep.org/">UNEP) reported mixed results in the attempt to protect IOSEA marine turtles, according to a <"http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=543&ArticleID=5898&l=en">press release.

While South Africa's Loggerhead turtle population has grown in the past 40 years, with the number of nests rising from 250 to 1,750, the numbers in eastern Australia and Madagascar have suffered a serious decline.

"Participating countries have made progress in many areas, but there is still room for improvement… only a few are carrying the burden of supporting international coordination efforts," said Douglas Hyke, coordinator of the agreement's activities for UNEP in Bangkok.

Although the most common threat to marine turtles are their natural predators, incidental capture in coastal harvesting, unsustainable egg collection, poaching and a resurgence in destructive fisheries, such as the use of dynamite and poison, contribute to their decline significantly.

"Coastal development – especially for tourist facilities – has been proceeding very fast in much of the Indian Ocean region," said the Chairman for the programme's Advisory Committee Jack Frazier.

"The chances for negative impacts on nesting beaches, as well as on inshore foraging and resting areas for turtles have increased, and are continuing to increase dramatically," he added.

Delegations from more than 30 countries at the Bali conference will review the implementation of a conservation and management plan giving particular attention to coastal development issues and fisheries interaction with marine turtles.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY EXPANDS FOOD RELIEF PROGRAMME IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

UN AGENCY EXPANDS FOOD RELIEF PROGRAMME IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES New York, Aug 20 2008 2:10PM The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is continuing to dispatch hundreds of tons of rice to families displaced by the violent clashes in the southern Philippines between Government forces and Muslim rebels.

<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?">WFP announced today in a press release that it has already sent 325 tons of rice to some 13,000 families on the island of Mindanao, where the fighting is occurring.

The agency has also agreed to provide 250 tons of rice for 10,000 other families in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte – where tens of thousands of people have become displaced – for at least a month.

Stephen Anderson, WFP's Country Director, said the increased assistance follows a rapid assessment by aid officials across the region. The provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani have also been affected by the recent violence.

"We hope for peace and stability so that affected families in Mindanao can soon return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives," he said.

"In the current unpredictable security situation, vulnerable victims of these clashes urgently need to receive humanitarian assistance, especially essential food among other complimentary relief items."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement last week voicing concern about the fighting on Mindanao and the unfolding humanitarian crisis as a result.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT WELCOMES SOMALI ACCORD

UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT WELCOMES SOMALI ACCORD New York, Aug 20 2008 2:10PM The United Nations Independent Expert on human rights in Somalia has welcomed Monday's signing of a peace agreement between the country's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and an opposition group, calling it "a hopeful sign" in the war-torn nation.

"The Djibouti agreement offers hope," Shamsul Bari said in a statement issued by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (<"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx">OHCHR). "Now both sides have to seriously commit to it so that civilians can be protected and lasting peace can start to take root."

But Dr. Bari added that he remained deeply concerned by the continued escalation of violence and the deterioration of human rights in Somalia, evidenced by last week's killing of innocent civilians on two buses between Afgooye and Mogadishu. Each party to the conflict has blamed the other for the attack.

Dr. Bari appealed for calm and the immediate implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and urged all parties to the conflict to abide by the provisions of international humanitarian law and human rights. He encouraged the Joint Security Committee and the High Level Committee – both established by the Djibouti agreement – to address these violations, the culture of impunity and national reconciliation.

Under Monday's agreement between the TFG and the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia, both sides committed to ending all armed confrontation between them and to cease making inflammatory statements. The agreement was brokered by Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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UN ANTI-DRUGS AGENCY LAUDS RECORD HEROIN SEIZURE IN THE GULF

UN ANTI-DRUGS AGENCY LAUDS RECORD HEROIN SEIZURE IN THE GULF New York, Aug 20 2008 1:10PM The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has hailed the efforts of the authorities in the United Arab Emirates in seizing 202 kilograms of heroin, worth some $11 million, in what is being called the largest-ever heroin bust in the Arab world.

The police also arrested 19 Afghans in last week's seizure, which took place in the Emirate of Sharjah, where the suspects ran a fruit and vegetable business as a cover.

UNODC's Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, Mohamed Abdul-Aziz, <"http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/record-heroin-seizure-in-the-gulf-.html">called the seizure "a spectacular success for the law enforcement authorities."

The drugs were smuggled in modified fuel tanks of trucks imported into the UAE, and the suspects were making arrangements to ship the drugs for sale outside the country.

The 19 were arrested in separate raids by the Sharjah and Dubai Police anti-narcotic departments, which were acting off a tip that the men were packaging, processing and stockpiling drugs in their warehouses and dealing on a massive scale.

"Devious as the traffickers were, the police were always one step ahead. I congratulate the Sharjah and Dubai police for their cooperation, daring and professionalism," said Mr. Abdul-Aziz.

UNODC has been offering technical assistance to Dubai police in the field of drug control and drug law enforcement since 2001, as well as training some of Dubai's officers in advanced drug law enforcement surveillance and intelligence-led policing.

The training has improved their search techniques, data analysis, covert operations, and intelligence gathering. "Obviously the training is paying off," said Mr. Abdul-Aziz.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS ON DECLINE, UN MISSION IN LIBERIA REPORTS

SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS ON DECLINE, UN MISSION IN LIBERIA REPORTS New York, Aug 20 2008 12:10PM Allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) against personnel serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have fallen, according to a new report from the mission.

Five allegations were made between January and June 2008, as compared to the second half of 2007 when nine were reported.

Ellen Margrethe Løj, who heads UNMIL, said that "we are happy with the number of reported SEA allegations has gone down," but noted that "we are concerned about the possibility of under-reporting."

She added that the mission will ensure that the necessary disciplinary measures are taken if any misconduct is proven.

UNMIL personnel are instructed to follow the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on SEA, and receive compulsory training upon induction. Between January and June of this year, over 23,000 of UNMIL's military personnel went though an integrated mission programme on abuse.

To sensitize Liberian communities about SEA, the mission has trained 700 members of 45 local organizations on prevention and reporting, who in turn will educate their own communities.

These training sessions – targeting people in close proximity to UN installations and border areas – were conducted by UNMIL's Conduct and Discipline Unit (CDU) and focused on raising awareness of abuse-related issues and boosting local communities' capacity to respond to SEA incidents involving the mission's personnel.

As of 31 July, UNMIL had 12,815 uniformed personnel, 1,086 police, 496 international civilian personnel, 939 local staff and 210 UN Volunteers (UNV).
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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UN ENVOY URGES AFGHANS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

UN ENVOY URGES AFGHANS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION New York, Aug 20 2008 11:10AM The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan has urged everyone in the South Asian nation, from citizens to Government officials to the media, to stand up against corruption, stressing its damaging impacts on peace and development efforts.

"Corruption in Afghanistan is endemic, it hurts the poorest people disproportionately, pushes people away from the state and undermines our joint efforts to build peace, stability and progress for Afghanistan's peoples," the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Kai Eide, said today in Kabul.

Mr. Eide, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), made his call at the launch of the Asia-Pacific Regional Human Development Report, entitled "Tackling Corruption, Transforming Lives."

Produced by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the report states that Governments and citizens across Asia and the Pacific can tackle corruption together by focusing on areas which impact daily life such as health, education, the police and natural resources.

Mr. Eide welcomed recent "vital" steps taken by the Afghan Government, including becoming a State Party to the UN Convention against Corruption, adopting new anti-corruption legislation and the establishment of a new anti-corruption body.

At the same time, he noted that corruption must also be tackled "from the bottom up" with the people, Afghan civil society and the media having a crucial role in supporting Government efforts.

"Together they can act effectively as a watchdog to ensure that public services reach those most in need and that Government officials are held accountable to the people they serve," he stated. "We must all stand up and say 'no' to the corrosive influence of corruption."

The Special Representative pledged the UN's continued assistance to the Government and people of Afghanistan in working together to remove the scourge of corruption.

According to a recent survey by Integrity Watch Afghanistan, the average Afghan household pays an estimated $100 in petty bribes every year – this in a nation where around 70 per cent of the population survives on less than $1 per day.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT MONITORING EVENTS IN GEORGIA, CONFIRMS PROSECUTOR

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT MONITORING EVENTS IN GEORGIA, CONFIRMS PROSECUTOR New York, Aug 20 2008 10:10AM The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court confirmed today that his Office is analysing information related to alleged crimes committed in Georgia in recent weeks that fall under the Court's jurisdiction.

Heavy fighting began earlier this month in South Ossetia between Georgian and South Ossetian forces, with Russian forces becoming involved there and in the separate region of Abkhazia and other parts of Georgia in the following days. The violence has uprooted almost 160,000 people in recent weeks.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said today that his Office is analying information alleging attacks on civilians in Georgia, which is a State Party to the Rome Statute that established the Court.

"My Office considers carefully all information relating to alleged crimes within its jurisdiction – war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide – committed on the territory of States Parties or by nationals of States Parties, regardless of the individuals or groups alleged to have committed the crimes," he said.

The Office has been closely monitoring all information on the situation in Georgia since the outbreak of violence, including information from public sources, according to a news release from the ICC.

In addition, both the Georgian and Russian Governments have offered information to the Court on the situation. "The Office will proceed to seek further information from all actors concerned," the news release added.

Other situations under analysis by the Office of the Prosecutor include Colombia, Afghanistan, Chad, Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire.

The Office is currently conducting investigations in four situations – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Uganda, the Darfur region of Sudan, and the Central African Republic.

The ICC is the first independent, permanent court to investigate and prosecute persons accused of the most serious crimes, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, if national authorities with jurisdiction are unwilling or unable to do so.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACK WILL NOT DETER ALGERIANS FROM PATH OF PEACE - BAN

DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACK WILL NOT DETER ALGERIANS FROM PATH OF PEACE – BAN New York, Aug 20 2008 9:10AM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the terrorist attack that reportedly killed at least 43 people in Algeria, stressing that violence will not deter the country's people from the path of peace and reconciliation.

A statement issued last night by Mr. Ban's spokesperson noted that most of the victims of yesterday's suicide bombing at a gendarmerie training academy in Issers, some 60 kilometres east of the capital, Algiers, were between the ages of 18 and 20.

"The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the people of Algeria and in particular, to the families of the victims," the statement said, adding that Mr. Ban once again urges the international community support the Government's efforts to combat terrorism.

The attack also sparked condemnation from the Security Council, which issued a presidential statement yesterday stressing the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the bombing to justice.
2008-08-20 00:00:00.000

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