FOOD AND FUEL CRISES REQUIRE RESULTS, NOT JUST PROMISES, MALAYSIA TELLS UN DEBATE

FOOD AND FUEL CRISES REQUIRE RESULTS, NOT JUST PROMISES, MALAYSIA TELLS UN DEBATE New York, Sep 27 2008 10:10PM The global food and fuel crisis will be not resolved unless countries start turning their statements and promises of assistance and reform on the issue into reality, Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim told the General Assembly tonight, calling for a multi-track approach to tackling the problems.

Affluent countries have a particular responsibility to fulfil their commitments on providing aid and official development assistance (ODA) to needy nations, Mr. Yatim told the fifth day of the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

If they live up to those pledges, they would "set a standard for entire world, rather than on trying to pass the burden of action on to the developing world."

Governments can and should also play a greater role than the private sector, particularly in developing infrastructure and transferring technology, than the private sector.

"The developing world is still infrastructure-deficient. Pure market solutions to technology transfer cannot be regarded as effective solutions for achieving sustainable development. Government intervention is required if these technologies are to be made available at concessionary rates."

Long-standing conflicts and tensions around the world, especially those in volatile regions that are also home to leading producers and distribution channels of oil, must be resolved.

"The United Nations must play a more forward thrust in the need for peace and security. Energy and food are truly needs of humanity. As such, the UN must create a synergy of human rights into the matter so that oil and food become basic rights for humanity."

Speaking to the Assembly debate earlier today, Peruvian Foreign Minister José Antonio García Belaúnde said the food and fuel crises were having a disproportionate burden on the poor.

Mr. García Belaúnde welcomed the Assembly's recognition of poverty as an issue that required a comprehensive global response, adding that new and ambitious strategies and programmes are going to be necessary to help the poorest.

He warned that the threats posed by the crises were overwhelming existing initiatives to fight poverty and making it harder for struggling countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the set of eight targets for slashing social and economic ills, by 2015.

Franck Biancheri, Government Counsellor for External Relations and International Economic and Financial Affairs of Monaco, said the current situation in many parts of the world was so dire as a result of the food and fuel crises and climate change that drastically stepped-up efforts are needed to achieve the MDGs.

Monaco plans to increase its ODA by 25 per cent every year and to focus its support on the States classified as the least developed countries (LDCs), he said, as part of a plan to reach a target of spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on assistance by 2015.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said yesterday in his address that the focus of international assistance should be on sub-Saharan Africa, which is lagging the most in the race to reach the MDGs.

But he said there had been some noteworthy progress in Africa, too, with the lifting of 400 million people out of extreme poverty, improvements in gender equality and education, and a 27 per cent drop in the infant mortality rate.

For his part, Belgium's Foreign Minister Karel de Gucht said today that the impact of the crises meant it was critical to find the political will to re-start the stalled Doha round of global trade liberalization talks.

Mr. de Gucht said wealth-sharing remained deeply unequal, despite some of the positive steps taken as a result of globalization and its gradual impact on free trade.

Some of the new emerging economies such as Brazil, China and South Africa need exchanges that are open and equitable so that they can develop at the pace they deserved, he added.

Slovakian Foreign Minister Ján Kubiš, speaking last night to delegates at the Assembly, backed the work of the Task Force on the Global Food Crisis under the leadership of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, which was set up earlier this year.

Developing countries need much more support from richer States to increase their food supply, he said in his address.

"Furthermore, fairer international trade rules must be adopted to stimulate agriculture production, first of all in developing countries, and allow access to foodstuffs," according to Mr. Kubiš.

Andorra's Head of Government Albert Pintat, who addressed the debate on Thursday, said that the process of liberalizing of trade must be "reinvented" so that small-scale farmers and producers are not unduly hurt, with different rules set for different circumstances in each country.

"Liberalization would also have to involve an expansion of productivity, the development of human resources, basic infrastructures, access to technology and knowledge and respect for the environment," he said.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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BLACK SEA REGION NEEDS GREATER UN PRESENCE, COUNTRIES TELL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BLACK SEA REGION NEEDS GREATER UN PRESENCE, COUNTRIES TELL GENERAL ASSEMBLY New York, Sep 27 2008 9:10PM Senior officials from Romania and Bulgaria have called on the United Nations to play an enhanced role in promoting democracy and regional peace and stability across the Black Sea area, saying the recent conflict in Georgia signalled some of the challenges the region faces.

Romanian Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/romania_en.pdf">told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today that the benefits that would flow from a more stable region are enormous.

"If we take a closer look we see a region with a large population, an important hub for energy and transport flows, a great economic potential," he said.

"The United Nations should be there to assist the region not only in de-frosting conflicts, but also to help coastal countries in cooperating to solve problems related to pollution, illegal migration, organized crime and drug trafficking, so as to project stability and to support development."

Mr. Comanescu said the conflict in August in Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region, "with its reverberations in Abkhazia and the entire State of Georgia and beyond, should focus the attention of the international community on all protracted conflicts in the area, including Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh."

In his <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/bulgaria_en.pdf">address yesterday to the Assembly, Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said the UN's experience in peacemaking and conflict prevention could be much better utilized by the Black Sea region.

"Democracy, security and cooperation still have their further way to go in the Black Sea region," he said. "More coherent efforts are needed for the ultimate settlement of the protracted conflicts there. Frozen conflicts should not be neglected because they tend to re-ignite tension time and again."

Mr. Stanishev said the fighting in South Ossetia between Georgian, Russian and South Ossetian forces provided "ample evidence" of the need to resolve frozen conflicts sooner rather than later.

"Should the plans for a regional centre for UN mediation in the Western Balkans/Black Sea area meet approval by Member States, Bulgaria stands ready to host it in Sofia, and to facilitate in every possible way its activities in South-East Europe, in the South Caucasus and other neighbouring areas," he added.

Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, also <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/croatia_en.pdf">speaking yesterday in the General Debate, said it was vital to keep working towards greater stability across South-East Europe, particularly given the "unfinished business" in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The foundations for stability in this country reside in the respect for equal rights for all three constituent and sovereign people: Croats, Bosniaks and Serbs," Mr. Sanader said.

"The Republic of Croatia, along with the international community, stands ready to support and assist Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as all the countries in the region, through an active policy of cooperation. Such cooperation paves the way for long-standing security and prosperity in South-East Europe."
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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AT UN, MALTA CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH LARGE-SCALE MIGRATION

AT UN, MALTA CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH LARGE-SCALE MIGRATION New York, Sep 27 2008 9:10PM Malta has called on United Nations Member States to work together to devise solutions to deal with the problems caused by an "unprecedented increase" recently in irregular immigration to the Mediterranean island country.

Large numbers of illegal immigrants, mainly from Africa, have arrived in Malta over the past few years, the country's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/malta_en.pdf">told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate yesterday.

While he said Malta was aware of its responsibilities, "it is extremely difficult for us to continue to carry such a burden, which is so acutely disproportionate to the size of the country and its population."

Mr. Gonzi said his country has continuously asked for assistance in tackling the problems raised by the surge in migration, including from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and from countries in Europe and elsewhere.

"Malta is grateful to those countries which have come forward to assist us in coping with this phenomenon. Nevertheless, much more needs to be done by us all, including the countries of origin and the countries of transit," he said.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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HUNGARY, CZECH REPUBLIC URGE UN TO PLAY ONGOING ROLE WITH KOSOVO

HUNGARY, CZECH REPUBLIC URGE UN TO PLAY ONGOING ROLE WITH KOSOVO New York, Sep 27 2008 8:10PM The United Nations needs to play a continuing role in Kosovo – which declared its independence from Serbia in February – to ensure that there is stability across the Balkans, top officials from two European countries told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate today.

"Without a stable Kosovo, there is no stability in the Balkans," Hungarian Foreign Minister Kinga Göncz said in her <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/hungary_en.pdf">address today, urging the ongoing presence of the international community based on the Security Council resolution from 1999 that established the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

"We also remain committed to contributing to the stability of Kosovo through the EULEX [the European Union Rule of Law Mission], KFOR [the NATO-led Kosovo Force] and an international civilian office as part of the international presence," she added.

Ms. Göncz stressed that the resolution of the Kosovo Assembly and its new constitution must fully commit Kosovo to democracy, the rule of law, the protection of Serbs and other minority communities, and the protection of cultural and religious heritage.

Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg told the Assembly today that the UN, the EU and NATO need to continue to cooperate in Kosovo, which has a majority ethnic Albanian population, to benefit of the wider Balkans as a whole.

"Let me assure you that both democratic and prosperous Serbia and Kosovo do have a place in the European family and that the Czech Republic is ready to lend them a helping hand," he <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/czechrepublic_en.pdf">said.

Mr. Schwarzenberg also welcomed the recent arrest and transfer of Radovan Karadži&#263;, the former Bosnian Serb leader facing war crimes charges, to the UN-founded International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague.

Calling it "a promising sign of cooperation of the new Serbian Government with the international community," he urged the Security Council to provide sufficient time for the ICTY to complete its work.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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FIJIAN LEADER TELLS UN THAT PLANNED PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS MUST BE DELAYED

FIJIAN LEADER TELLS UN THAT PLANNED PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS MUST BE DELAYED New York, Sep 27 2008 8:10PM Fiji will not be able to hold democratic parliamentary elections by March next year, as previously scheduled, because it first needs to reform its electoral system, the country's Prime Minister has told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/fiji_en.pdf">Speaking yesterday before the Assembly in New York, Commodore Josaia Bainimarama – who came to power in December 2006 and is still Commander of Fiji's military forces – said the delay was unavoidable.

"This is due to work still in progress towards agreeing on a democratic electoral system, one acceptable to the people of Fiji, and which is agreed to by all political stakeholders, through political dialogue," he said.

Although he agreed that general elections must be held as soon as practically possible, "this will be done only after we have achieved broad consensus in Fiji for a non-racial and truly democratic electoral system, and agreed on a constitutional and legal way to introduce the changes.

"It is necessary to change our current electoral system because it is undemocratic and it does not provide for a free and fair election. It contravenes the principle of equal suffrage, as set out in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights."

The Pacific archipelago has suffered prolonged internal tensions between its indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities, and had four coups since 1987.

Mr. Bainimarama reiterated an earlier call for the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations to help with the proposed President's Political Dialogue Forum, which he said would be central to the process of developing national consensus about the way forward.

The Forum is supposed to lead to a draft Peoples Charter, an initiative he sad he hopes will "empower the people of Fiji at large to find just and sustainable solutions to our deep-rooted and persistent problems.

"I wish to assure the international community that I am personally deeply committed to breaking the cycle of coups. Equally important, I am committed to breaking the cycle of bad and unjust governance which Fiji has suffered since May 1987.

"To remove the 'coup culture,' and to commit to democratic and just governance and the rule of law, it is imperative that policies which promote racial supremacy, and which further the interests of self-seeking political, religious and traditional elites, are removed, once and for all."

But Mr. Bainimarama said his hopes and efforts have been somewhat stymied so far because of opposition from the international community to the coup, which has included travel sanctions from several key countries – Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Pressure has been mounted, on regional and multilateral agencies, not to extend to Fiji the much-needed financial, development and technical assistance," he added. "As a result we have not been able to make as much progress as we should have."
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN FOOD AGENCY ISSUES CALL FOR URGENT SUPPORT FOR STORM-BELEAGUERED HAITIANS

UN FOOD AGENCY ISSUES CALL FOR URGENT SUPPORT FOR STORM-BELEAGUERED HAITIANS New York, Sep 27 2008 8:10PM The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2948">WFP) today appealed to donor nations to supply the funds needed to feed Haitians and repair infrastructure in the Caribbean nation, which is trying to recover after being battered by a series of severe storms since mid-August.

"The misery index is rising daily and this will require a massive effort to help people stave off hunger and save lives," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran, wrapping up a two-day visit to Haiti, the first by the head of a UN agency since the catastrophe struck.

Since 5 September, WFP has supplied food for nearly 300,000 people in dozens of shelters across the hard-hit city of Gonaïves, and is working in concert with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other humanitarian partners.

The agency urgently requires $54 million for food, logistics and emergency communications to help 800,000 people across the country. To date, the United States, Japan, the European Community, Switzerland and Canada have contributed over $10 million, allowing WFP to feed those in need until the end of next month.

"Despite this show of generosity from many nations, we need more help so we can continue with the emergency operation and our other programmes here that will contribute to the longer-term solution President [Rene] Préval and the people of Haiti so desperately need," Ms. Sheeran said.

Nearly one month has passed since the storms thrashed Haiti, destroying roads and 3,000 homes in Gonaïves, and 50,000 people are still taking refuge in shelters. Some 3 million cubic metres of mud still need to be removed from the city.

WFP is feeding workers helping to clear mud from 50 schools, mostly in Gonaïves, so they can re-open their doors on 1 November.

The agency has also established a food distribution system across that city, focusing on women to ensure that children are receiving the necessary nutrition. There is concern over the spread of skin diseases, respiratory infections, dysentery, hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid and malaria.

In addition, the rains destroyed large areas of crops, further exacerbating the problems Haiti is facing. "We are determined to help the Haitian people out of this emergency and work toward longer-term sustainable solutions as we do," Ms. Sheeran said.

She was scheduled to meet today with Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis and other Government officials in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as international donors, partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN representatives, to discuss the best way forward.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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INDONESIA CALLS FOR MUSLIM REPRESENTATION ON SECURITY COUNCIL

INDONESIA CALLS FOR MUSLIM REPRESENTATION ON SECURITY COUNCIL New York, Sep 27 2008 7:10PM The world's estimated 1.1 billion Muslims deserve specific representation on an expanded Security Council, Indonesia's Foreign Minister <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/indonesia_en.pdf">said today, calling for any reform of the 15-member body United Nations body to consider the need for a variety of constituencies as well as greater geographic distribution.

Hassan Wirajuda told the General Assembly's annual General Debate that the Council was in urgent need of reform, saying that in a series of recent conflicts and tensions – over Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Iraq and Afghanistan, among others – the panel "should have been more decisive."

Mr. Wirajuda said it was clear that the Council's inability to deal adequately with these challenges was due mainly to what he described as its lack of democracy.

"To make the Council more democratic, the application of veto power of the permanent five [members] must be regulated," he said, referring to China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. "The misuse of the veto by any one permanent member should no longer be allowed to paralyze the entire Council."

He said that true democratization of the Council "also means an equitable distribution of its membership – not only in terms of geographical representation, where we already have imbalances – but also in terms of constituencies. Hence, the world's major civilizations should be proportionately represented. The world's community of 1.1 billion Muslims must be represented on the Council if it is to be truly democratic."

Uruguay's External Relations Minister, Gonzalo Fernández, told the Assembly that his country would not support reform of the Council if it meant the creation of new members with veto rights.

Mr. Fernández <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/uruguay_es.pdf">said the veto right "constitutes a privilege that goes against the democratization of our Organization" and would in any case not be allowed under any intergovernmental negotiations package.

Earlier this month the General Assembly adopted a decision to begin intergovernmental negotiations on Council reform in informal plenary by February next year.

However, Mr. Fernandez said he was disappointed that countries have not yet reached consensus on reform, and taken on "timid steps forward" on changes to the UN Secretariat and the General Assembly.

Paula Gopee-Scoon, Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/trinidadandtobago_en.pdf">said reform of Council was indispensable to the wider transformation of the UN.

"Failure to reform the Security Council could serve to undermine that organ's authority as the agency with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," she said.

Mrs. Gopee-Scoon said small States such as her own deserved "equity of access" on any expanded Council and she added that there was a need for all the world's regions to be represented in the permanent membership.

For his part, Pham Gia Khiem, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam, <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/vietnam_en.pdf">said reform of the UN should not be confined to just the Security Council, but include the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and specialized agencies as well.

Such reforms "will make this Organization more effective and efficient in the areas of work mandated by the [UN] Charter," he said.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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DPR KOREA COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF NUCLEAR ISSUE, UN TOLD

DPR KOREA COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF NUCLEAR ISSUE, UN TOLD New York, Sep 27 2008 7:10PM A senior official from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/dprkorea_en.pdf">told the General Assembly today that the country hopes to resolve issues regarding its nuclear programme peacefully, but warned that it will take action in response to recent moves by the United States.

"The Government of the DRPK remains consistent in its position to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue and negotiations," Pak Kil Yon, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the Assembly's annual high-level segment.

He noted that the country had in "good faith" honoured its commitments under the six-party talks, which also include China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the US, with its nuclear facilities in the final stages of being shut down.

"This notwithstanding, the US has laid an artificial obstacle to implementing the October 3 agreement by refusing to implement her obligations and put forward such an unjust demand as verification of the 'international standard' never agreed on among the six parties or between the DPRK and the US," the official said.

That standard is an attempt by the US to infringe upon his country's sovereignty, he added.

The US is now using the "pretext of verification" as an excuse to hold off on removing the country from its list of State sponsors of terrorism even after officially declaring that the DPRK is not such a nation, Mr. Pak said.

"This is little short of admitting that the list is not related to terrorism in actuality."

He added, "now that the US has broken the agreement, the DPRK is inevitably taking relevant countermeasures on the basis of the principle of 'action for action.'"

On 24 September, it was announced that the DPRK will restart nuclear activities at its reprocessing plant in Yongbyon, shut down last year, and is terminating the United Nations atomic watchdog agency's access to the facilities.

Two days earlier, Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/index.html">IAEA), said that the DPRK had asked the body to remove seals and surveillance from the Yongbyon plant.

"This work was completed today. There are no more IAEA seals and surveillance equipment in place at the reprocessing facility," the agency <"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressReleases/2008/prn200813.html">said in a news release.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UZBEKISTAN, AT UN, CALLS FOR 'RADICAL' NEW APPROACH TO PROBLEMS IN AFGHANISTAN

UZBEKISTAN, AT UN, CALLS FOR 'RADICAL' NEW APPROACH TO PROBLEMS IN AFGHANISTAN New York, Sep 27 2008 6:10PM A radical overhaul of policies focusing more on economic and social assistance rather than military strength is needed if Afghanistan is to ever achieve peace and stability, Uzbek Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov told the General Assembly today.

In an address to the fifth day of the Assembly's General Debate at United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Norov said the situation inside Afghanistan was clearly deteriorating, despite the "enormous efforts and measures being undertaken" by the coalition forces and the wider international community.

Militants are carrying out more terrorist attacks, drug trafficking is growing in volume and the population is becoming more radicalized, he noted, adding it was clear that a mainly military-based approach to reviving the country had failed.

"The war which has already been ongoing for 30 years destroyed both economic and social infrastructure, led to the impoverishment of the population, and, this should be admitted, deprives people of any belief to their perspective and nurtures a feeding ground for recruiting the new militants," Mr. Norov said.

He said the situation was now so dire that it was time to "radically reconsider the approaches towards the resolution of the Afghan problem… The main priority must become rendering of purposeful economic aid to Afghanistan, construction and establishment of economic and social infrastructure, ensuring population's employment, and resolution of acute problems of combating poverty."

The Foreign Minister also said it was critical "to do everything to provide for a respectful attitude towards national and religious values, centuries-old traditions and customs of the multinational and multi-confessional people of Afghanistan," and to build on that to bridge divisions between different groups in the country.

Earlier this week, the Security Council voted unanimously to extend the mission of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for another year and called for it to be strengthened in the face of increased violence and terrorism from the Taliban, Al-Qaida and drug smugglers.

The nearly 50,000-strong force was created after United States-led forces ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001 to help the then-interim authorities maintain security across the impoverished nation.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was also established in early 2002 to support the country's recovery, in part by coordinating all UN-led humanitarian and development activities.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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CYPRIOTS THEMSELVES MUST FIND SOLUTION TO DISPUTE, GREEK OFFICIAL TELLS UN

CYPRIOTS THEMSELVES MUST FIND SOLUTION TO DISPUTE, GREEK OFFICIAL TELLS UN New York, Sep 27 2008 6:10PM Only Cypriots themselves can find a solution regarding the Mediterranean island's reunification, Greece <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/greece.pdf">said at the United Nations today, welcoming the role played by the world body in facilitating a "mutually acceptable" solution to the dispute.

"Greece has consistently supported Cyprus in its natural and justified desire to see the withdrawal of all occupation forces as part of a settlement for its reunification as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with inter-communal equality, a single sovereignty, a single citizenship, and a single international persona," said Dora Bakoyannis, Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Over four decades have passed since the 1974 "invasion of Cyprus," and "Turkey continues to occupy over one-third of the island's territory with nearly 40,000 troops," characterizing this as an "unacceptable situation."

Addressing the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, she noted that UN resolutions and principles exist to serve as the framework for a solution.

Greece welcomes the recently resumed talks between Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat under UN auspices, Ms. Bakoyannis said.

A successful outcome requires negotiations between the two communities "without artificial deadlines and arbitration," she said.

"We shall continue to do everything possible to facilitate a settlement and hope that Turkey will also demonstrate flexibility and goodwill toward that end," the Minister said.

The full-fledged negotiations between Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat, which began earlier this month, are slated to resume on 8 October, with an initial focus on issues of governance and power-sharing.

In May, Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat committed to a partnership that will comprise a Federal Government with a single international identity, along with a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON IRAN TO COMPLY WITH NUCLEAR OBLIGATIONS

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS ON IRAN TO COMPLY WITH NUCLEAR OBLIGATIONS New York, Sep 27 2008 5:10PM The Security Council today called on Iran to comply fully and immediately with its previous resolutions ordering the country to stop uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and to cooperate with inspectors from the United Nations atomic watchdog.

In a resolution adopted unanimously, the 15-member Council also reaffirmed its commitment "to an early negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue" and welcomed continuing efforts on that front.

The text calls on Tehran "to comply fully and without delay with its obligations" under a series of Council resolutions between 2006 and this year, and to meet the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

It also notes the statement in March from China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the support of the European Union, outlining the dual-track approach to resolving the issue involving negotiations and sanctions.

The Middle Eastern nation's nuclear programme – which its officials have stated is for peaceful purposes, but some other countries contend is driven by military ambitions – has been a matter of international concern since the discovery in 2003 that the country had concealed its nuclear activities for 18 years in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

A Council resolution in December 2006 banned trade with Iran in all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to the country's enrichment-related, reprocessing or heavy water-related activities, or to the development of nuclear-weapon delivery systems.

In March 2007, the Council tightened the sanctions by imposing a ban on arms sales and expanding the freeze on assets, and then it imposed further sanctions this March. These included the inspection of cargo suspected of carrying prohibited goods, the tighter monitoring of financial institutions and the extension of travel bans and asset freezes, over its nuclear programme.

Speaking before the vote during today's Council meeting, Indonesian Ambassador Marty Natalegawa said it would not have been able to support today's resolution if it had contained language specifying additional sanctions against Iran.

He stressed the need for a negotiated solution to the nuclear issue that protects multilateral arrangements, including the NPT and the IAEA.

On Monday, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei told his agency's Board of Governors – which was meeting in Geneva – that Iran needs to be more transparent about its nuclear activities.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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RUSSIAN RECOGNITION ENSURES SAFETY OF BREAKAWAY GEORGIAN REGIONS, UN HEARS

RUSSIAN RECOGNITION ENSURES SAFETY OF BREAKAWAY GEORGIAN REGIONS, UN HEARS New York, Sep 27 2008 5:10PM The security of the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia could only be guaranteed by recognizing their independence, Russia told the General Assembly today, voicing its disapproval of the "unipolar world ideology" that it said had contributed to the August conflict.

Last month's recognition move taken by Russia "was the only possible measure to ensure their security and the very survival of their peoples," Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/russia_en.pdf">said on the fifth day of the Assembly's annual high-level segment.

In the wake of the September 2001 attacks on the United States, the world has witnessed the use of mechanisms associated with a unipolar world order that eschews genuine cooperation, he said.

"The illusion of a unipolar world confused many. For some people, it generated a desire to make an all-in stake on it. In exchange for total loyalty they expected to receive a carte blanche to resolve all their problems by any means," he said.

"The all-permissiveness syndrome that they developed went rampant, out of all possible control, on the night before 8 August when the aggression was unleashed on South Ossetia."

That attack against civilians and peacekeepers "trampled under foot all settlement agreements, thus putting an end to the territorial integrity of Georgia," the Foreign Minister told delegates.

He called for the implementation of the six-point plan agreed to between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, which includes a commitment by all parties to renounce the use of force; the immediate and definitive cessation of hostilities; free access to humanitarian aid; the withdrawal of Georgian forces to their places of permanent deployment; and the convening of international discussions on lasting security arrangements for Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

The other principle stipulates the withdrawal of Russian forces to their lines of deployment before 7 August, and includes the additional provision that Russian peacekeeping forces may implement additional security measures pending the definition of an international mechanism.

But Mr. Lavrov expressed concern that putting the plan into action will be undermined "by the attempts to rewrite it post factum to please Tbilisi."

The conflict in Georgia calls attention once gain to the danger of addressing problems in the blind folds of the unipolar world," he said. "The price we have to pay in lives and destiny of people is too high."
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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INDIA: BAN DEPLORES RECENT STRING OF BOMB ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS

INDIA: BAN DEPLORES RECENT STRING OF BOMB ATTACKS AGAINST CIVILIANS New York, Sep 27 2008 5:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his deep concern over recent bombings in Indian cities that target civilian areas, after a blast today at a market in the capital, Delhi, killed a 13-year-old boy and injured many others.

Mr. Ban "strongly condemns these reprehensible acts that have caused the death and injury of many civilians and calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice," according to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3448">statement issued by his spokesperson.

Further, he "reiterates his consistent position that no cause or grievance can justify the resort to terrorism."

In the statement, the Secretary-General also extended his sympathies to the families of those killed and injured, as well as to the Government and people of India.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN MISSION DEPLOYS EXTRA POLICE AS FIGHTING CONTINUES IN EASTERN DR CONGO

UN MISSION DEPLOYS EXTRA POLICE AS FIGHTING CONTINUES IN EASTERN DR CONGO New York, Sep 27 2008 4:10PM Fighting continues to rage in the North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between Government forces and rebels, the United Nations peacekeeping mission to the country reported today as it stepped up efforts to stabilize the volatile region.

A reinforced platoon of 40 Indian police officers was deployed today in Goma, the provincial capital, to help support Congolese national police in that city, the UN mission – known as MONUC – said in its latest update on the situation in North Kivu.

The police officers with MONUC will train their local counterparts and help maintain and restore public order by conducting joint patrols and interventions, according to the update.

The new efforts come amid fighting between Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the rebel National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) in recent weeks, leading to some of the worst violence and civilian suffering in more than a year.

The mission has made repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the Actes d'engagement, the January accord that was supposed to end hostilities.

MONUC peacekeepers have now been increased in Ntamugenga and Mutabo to ensure the safety of civilians in those areas, while blue helmets arre acting as intermediaries between the warring parties in Katsiru, Nyanzale and Tongo.

In Nyanzale, about 80 kilometres from Goma, major troop movements have been observed on both sides of the conflict, according to the mission. But the town of Kabizo has been occupied by FARDC since last night.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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BAN DEPLORES DEADLY TERRORIST BOMBING IN SYRIAN CAPITAL

BAN DEPLORES DEADLY TERRORIST BOMBING IN SYRIAN CAPITAL New York, Sep 27 2008 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned today's terrorist bombing on the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 17 civilians.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3447">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban extended his condolences to the Government of Syria and the victims' families, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.

"The Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice," it added.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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MYANMAR: BAN REVIEWS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITH 'GROUP OF FRIENDS'

MYANMAR: BAN REVIEWS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITH 'GROUP OF FRIENDS' New York, Sep 27 2008 3:10PM Members of a group of nations helping Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his efforts to spur change in Myanmar today encouraged the Government of the Asian country to work more closely with the UN to deal with issues of concern, including the release of the long-detained political prisoner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Group of Friends on Myanmar, which comprises 14 countries and one regional bloc, also called on the Government to respond more positively on other key issues, such as the initiation of an all-inclusive dialogue with the opposition.

The Group's comments were made in a statement issued by the spokesperson of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened and chaired a high-level meeting of the countries in New York today.

That statement described today's meeting as "a useful and constructive discussion," and noted that the involvement of so many high-level officials indicated "the importance that the international community attaches to the situation in Myanmar."

The participants included the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the High Representative of the European Union (EU), as well as government ministers from concerned countries.

Mr. Ban's statement added the Group members were unanimous in voicing strong support for the Secretary-General's good offices and its implementation through his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari.

"While noting the recent actions taken by the Government of Myanmar, members of the Group also further encouraged it to work more closely with and respond more positively with the United Nations good offices to address key issues of concern to the international community, especially the release of prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the initiation of an all-inclusive dialogue between the Government and the opposition."

Ms. Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years and her current period of detention started in 2003.

The Group of Friends also "encouraged all parties in Myanmar to seize the opportunity of the UN good offices, while stressing the responsibility of the Myanmar Government to demonstrate its stated commitment to cooperation with the good offices through further tangible results."

The Group, founded in December last year, represents a balanced range of views on Myanmar and was set up to hold informal discussions and develop shared approaches to support UN efforts. The Friends are: Australia, China, the EU, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Viet Nam.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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FREEDOM OF SPEECH MISUSED TO ATTACK RELIGIONS, EGYPT WARNS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FREEDOM OF SPEECH MISUSED TO ATTACK RELIGIONS, EGYPT WARNS GENERAL ASSEMBLY New York, Sep 27 2008 2:10PM Freedom of expression is misused too often to insult the faiths and beliefs held dearly by millions of people, Egypt's Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, voicing concern at the "unconstructive state of cultural tension" in the world today.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/egypt_en.pdf">told the high-level segment of the Assembly's annual debate, taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, that speech was being used to incite hatted based on religion.

"I emphasize here – with the utmost respect to the importance of the freedom of expression – that we reject any depiction of the repeated affronts to religions and sanctities as a legitimate exercise of the freedom of expression, for there are many glaring slogans in the name of which crimes have been committed against thousands and millions of people through offending them and their beliefs and faiths," he said.

"Egypt calls upon all to consider this matter sagely and objectively with a view to reaching the desired balance that protects the freedom of expression of some, and respects the rights and sentiments of others."

Mr. Aboul Gheit said the attacks against religion were part of a broader problem that had led to increased cultural tensions, causing "severe digressions of both opinions and actions that inflame public emotions and increases the temperament and severity of the polarization between the followers of different cultures and creeds."

He called for further action from "the creators of public opinion in all societies to promote moderation and to dissociate them from opinions and policies that only nourish tension and violence."

In his address the Foreign Minister also turned to the question of human rights, saying it was unfortunate that economic, social and cultural rights were not "accorded the commensurate attention" that civil and political rights receive.

"This negatively affects on the public perception in many of our societies, particularly those which fare dire, and occasionally abrasive, economic and living conditions. To those people, it is believed that continuous talk about human rights represents a luxury they cannot afford and neglects their basic requirements for sustenance.

"Therefore, the promotion of economic and social rights must be seen as a vital reinforcement of the human rights regime that is indispensable for strengthening the implementation and awareness of other components of this regime."
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY CHIEF MARKS WORLD TOURISM DAY WITH CALL FOR GREENER INDUSTRY

UN AGENCY CHIEF MARKS WORLD TOURISM DAY WITH CALL FOR GREENER INDUSTRY New York, Sep 27 2008 1:10PM Global tourism can play a much bigger role in efforts to combat climate change and alleviate poverty if industry operators and governments change their habits and adopt greener and more sustainable technology and practices, the head of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (<"http://www.unwto.org/media/news/en/press_det.php?id=2761&idioma=E">UNWTO).

Francesco Frangialli, Secretary-General of the Madrid-based agency, said in a message to mark World Tourism Day – which is being observed today – that the tourism sector needs to move more quickly towards becoming carbon-neutral.

"We encourage urgent adaptation of a range of policies which promote sustainable tourism that reflects environmental, socio-economic and climate responsiveness," he said.

Responding to the challenges posed by climate change is the theme of this year's Day, and Mr. Frangialli noted that the UNWTO had stepped up its efforts over the last year to press the tourism industry to become as close to carbon-neutral as possible.

"Our call to action is hence to change habits and position renewable energy at the forefront of international response by promoting the action-oriented Davos Declaration Process, encouraging tourism stakeholders to adapt, to mitigate and use new technology and secure financing for the poorest countries to face the challenge of climate change."

UNWTO is hosting a think-tank in Lima, Peru, today in which government tourism ministers, industry officials and operators will gather to discuss possible solutions and strategies to help mitigate climate change, especially in developing countries, where the industry is often a major source of employment and income.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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SYRIA TELLS UN THAT TALKS WITH ISRAEL COULD ENGENDER PEACE

SYRIA TELLS UN THAT TALKS WITH ISRAEL COULD ENGENDER PEACE New York, Sep 27 2008 1:10PM Indirect talks under way with Israel could pave the way towards peace, Syria's Foreign Affairs Minister <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/syria_en.pdf">said at the General Assembly's annual high-level segment today, but he cautioned that their outcome hinges on several factors.

Walid Al-Moualem echoed President Bashar Al-Assad's hope that the current negotiations, under Turkish auspices, will ultimately lead to direct talks backed by international parties.

"This, however, requires a genuine Israeli will capable of accommodating the exigencies of peace-making," the Minister told the General Debate.

"It also requires the will to include the peace in the Middle East on the American list of priorities after years of deliberately ignoring and failing to acknowledge it in such a way that has exacerbated the situation in the region."

Mr. Al-Moualem said his country plays an "essential part" in finding solutions to problems in the Middle East due to its location and "aspirations of its people."

The recent summit convened by Mr. Al-Assad in Damascus – attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan – shows that these nations have a stake in the region's stability, the Minister said.

The four leaders "recognized that stasis, the suffering resulting from the Israeli occupation of Arab territories that has continued since 1967 and the disregard for the Palestinian people's rights throw the region in a state of despair," he added.

By calling for this summit, Syria "stressed that the just and comprehensive peace is its strategic choice and that it is striving to attain it in cooperation with regional and international partners who share Syria's vision," Mr. Al-Moualem noted.

Peace can only be achieved with the participation of all those with a stake in the issue, or those who can influence "the outcomes to evince the necessary political will," he told the Assembly.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA EXPRESS VIEWS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH AT UN DEBATE

AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA EXPRESS VIEWS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH AT UN DEBATE New York, Sep 27 2008 12:10PM Top officials of Azerbaijan and Armenia have offered their views on the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan at the General Assembly's annual high-level debate this week.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister today <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/azerbaijan.shtml">noted that earlier this year, the Assembly adopted a resolution which reaffirmed the body's "continued respect and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders."

That document also "demanded withdrawal of Armenian forces from all the occupied territories" of his country, Elmar Mammadyarov said.

"The soonest resolution of the armed conflict in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan remains a primary task for us," he said, with principles laid out in the resolution forming the basis of negotiations with Armenia.

Addressing the General Debate on Thursday, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan pointed out that that document was adopted with "only 39 States out of 146 voting 'for'."

He said that Armenia does not "insist on and actually [opposes] the idea that each claim for self-determination should be through secession. However, we witness that that outcome more often than not becomes the solution for the conflicts."

A solution to the issue must be supported by all parties involved, Mr. Sargsyan said, stressing the importance of active negotiations with Azerbaijan under the framework of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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'OBSOLETE' MARKET SYSTEM TO BLAME FOR DEFORESTATION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA TELLS UN

'OBSOLETE' MARKET SYSTEM TO BLAME FOR DEFORESTATION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA TELLS UN New York, Sep 27 2008 11:10AM The current global economic system is to fault for deforestation, Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister told the General Assembly's high-level debate today, stressing the need to protect the South Pacific nation's rainforests from degredation.

"Deforestation is a complex subject, but – put simply – it is driven by the fact that the world values forests more dead than alive!" Puka Temu said. "Traditional economic theory – which considers ecosystem services a 'common good' and thus free to all – is primarily responsible for the massive loss of the world's forests!"

Rural communities, which depend on and care for the forests, are forced to seek alternate ways of making a living, giving up opportunities to be gained from producing products such as timer, palm oil, coffee and cocoa, he said.

"The international commodity markets, in fact, have hardly changed from colonial times," the official pointed out.

"The environment is devastated, rural communities stay poor, and the rich shift the blame," he said.

Wealthier nations blame developing countries' "lack of governance and corruption," but Mr. Temu said that "symptoms of obsolete market constructs" are what in fact propel deforestration.

He called on world leaders to formulate a new economic theory and market system that allow for a sustainable future.

Roughly $20 billion will be needed annually to slash carbon emissions from deforestation by half. "But this would be a wise investment, even for this one ecosystem service alone," the Deputy Prime Minister told the Assembly's General Debate.

Earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at combating climate change through creating incentives to reverse the trend of deforestation.

The UN Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Programme is designed to tip the fiscal balance in favour of sustainable management of forests, simultaneously bringing economic benefits to participating countries and contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Initially nine countries – Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tanzania, Viet Nam and Zambia – will receive assistance through the Programme to reduce the role deforestation plays in amassing greenhouse gases.
2008-09-27 00:00:00.000

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CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENS INTERNATIONAL PEACE, PACIFIC ISLAND STATES TELL UN DEBATE

CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENS INTERNATIONAL PEACE, PACIFIC ISLAND STATES TELL UN DEBATE New York, Sep 26 2008 9:10PM Pacific Island States spoke out at the General Assembly today on the issue of climate change, promising to table a draft resolution during the climate session that will call on the United Nations to investigate the threat posed by global warming to international peace and security.

Tonga's Prime Minister Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele used his address to the Assembly's annual General Debate to urge other Member States outside the region to show their support for the draft resolution.

"The prospect of climate refugees from some of the Pacific Island Forum countries is no longer a prospect but a reality, with relocations of communities due to sea level rise already taking place," he said. "Urgent action must be taken now."

The resolution is expected to ask Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to commission a report on climate change and security, and to invite the Security Council and the General Assembly to work together on possible recommendations to deal with any problems identified.

Speaking earlier today, Tuila'epa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa, urged countries to convert the commitments they made about greenhouse gas reduction – whether during the landmark summit in Bali last year or elsewhere – into reality.

"Only through selfless and concerted efforts by all countries led by the major greenhouse gas emitters can we have a fighting chance of lessening the destructive impact of climate change," he said, adding that it also enhances the chances of a credible agreement beyond the current Kyoto Protocol.

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Derek Sikua said he feared that the magnitude of climate change has already outgrown the existing capacity of the UN system to respond.

Many smaller countries were being left to fend for themselves against the impact of global warming, as regional groups and other organizations charted their own course.

The Prime Minister called for the UN's Small Islands Developing States Unit to be strengthened so that it can help countries, such as those in the Pacific Ocean facing rising sea levels, with special needs.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY: AFRICAN STATES URGE RICH NATIONS TO MEET AID, TRADE PLEDGES

GENERAL ASSEMBLY: AFRICAN STATES URGE RICH NATIONS TO MEET AID, TRADE PLEDGES New York, Sep 26 2008 9:10PM Wealthy countries need to fulfil their much-vaunted commitments to spend more on aid and development to the world's poorest nations and to liberalize international trade rules, the representatives of four African States have told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate in New York.

Speaking during this morning's session of the debate, Burundi's Second Vice-President Gabriel Ntisezerana called on developed countries to live up to their collective pledge to contribute the equivalent of 0.7 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) for aid and development, despite the current turbulence in international markets.

"Special attention must be paid to the problem of order in international financial markets, the need to increase investments in Africa, the rational management of hydraulic and energy resources, the transfer of technology and international trade agreements, the issue of climate change and the management of toxic wastes," he said.

"It is more urgent than ever that we harmonize the procedures and instruments to realize our common goals, namely the battle against hunger, the reduction of world poverty and the consolidation of peace," Mr. Ntisezerana added.

Guinea's Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane added his voice to the chorus calling for greater assistance from affluent countries to those in need, noting the massive inequalities between different States.

"I call on world leaders, especially those of rich and emerging countries, to increase their support for poor nations," he said. "A lasting peace cannot be built on the present asymmetrical fissures of our world."

Mr. Tidiane cited the removal of all barriers to exporting poor countries' produce as essential to their emergence from marginalization and said a reformed and revitalized UN adapted to the changes of the world was the appropriate forum for facing the current global challenges.

João Bernardo de Miranda, External Relations Minister of Angola, <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/angola_en.pdf">said it was critical that the international trade rules be liberalized if the world is going to resolve the food crisis. The latest set of talks, known as the Doha round, has stalled amid disagreements between rich and poor countries.

"The agricultural subsidies provided by developed countries to their farmers are ruining the production of farmers in poor countries, limiting their access to international markets," Mr. Miranda said.

He noted that the collapse of the Doha round has "eliminated the chances of concluding, in the short term, a general trade agreement that would remove such subventions and other obstacles to international commercial exchanges."

Mr. Miranda urged the key participants in the trade liberalization talks to "show the necessary flexibility so that countries that are underprivileged as a result of the lack of a global trade agreement will not remain eternally marginalized from the global economy."

In his address yesterday, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/saotomeandprincipe.shtml">said the international community must translate its promises and commitments into action, or risk many countries in sub-Saharan Africa missing out on achieving the anti-poverty targets know as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the scheduled date of 2015.

Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes said his own country, a small archipelago, had made strenuous efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure food security, but was struggling to meet the Goals because of the combined impact of the current global food and financial crises.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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BLUE HELMETS SHOULD BE DEPLOYED IN SOMALIA, GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOLD

BLUE HELMETS SHOULD BE DEPLOYED IN SOMALIA, GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOLD New York, Sep 26 2008 9:10PM Somalia urgently needs a fully-fledged United Nations peacekeeping force to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country, the Foreign Minister of its Transitional Federal Government (TFG) told the General Assembly tonight.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/somalia_en.pdf">Addressing the high-level segment of the General Assembly, Ali Ahmad Jama Jengeli said the deployment of a force of UN blue helmets would also help "create a secure environment for institution-building and socio-economic development."

The UN-backed African Union Mission to Somalia, known as AMISOM, is currently trying to stabilize Somalia, which has been wracked by protracted war and humanitarian suffering since its last functioning national government was toppled in 1991.

But a peace accord between the TFG and the rebel Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS), signed last month in neighbouring Djibouti, calls on the UN to replace AMISOM with its own peacekeeping force, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has begun contingency planning for such an operation.

"We are now in the process of implementation [of the Djibouti Agreement] – hopefully without undue delays," Mr. Jengeli told the Assembly. "But we are also mindful, after 18 years of conflict, that delays occur… [because] of the tactics of those who have developed vested interests in anarchy and chaos.

"It is also important that the leadership, both on the Government side and on the opposition, show resolve and leadership in order for this process to succeed, and succeed it must."

He also called on the international community to take "resolute action" against piracy in the waters off Somalia, which has become a massive problem in recent years. Many ships trying to deliver humanitarian relief supplies have been hijacked or robbed before they can reach their destinations.

"These criminal acts of piracy are unacceptable and should be put to an end," he said, adding that the French Government deserves credit for its support of Somalia on this issue.

Mr. Jengeli's address to the General Debate took place amid mounting concern from UN aid agencies after at least 15,000 residents of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, fled their homes this week because of deadly fighting in the city between the rebels, Government forces and the allied Ethiopian military force.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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CURRENT GLOBAL CRISES REQUIRE MULTILATERAL SOLUTIONS, GERMANY TELLS UN

CURRENT GLOBAL CRISES REQUIRE MULTILATERAL SOLUTIONS, GERMANY TELLS UN New York, Sep 26 2008 9:10PM Key issues facing the world today – ranging from bringing stability to Afghanistan and Pakistan, promoting peace in the Middle East and achieving disarmament – can only be solved by having all of the world's nations pool their efforts, Germany's Foreign Affairs Minister told the General Assembly today.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/germany_en.pdf">stressed that we must resist viewing the world through the lens of "oversimplified categories" such as good and evil, East against West and North against South.

"This is yesterday's thinking," he told the Assembly's annual high-level debate. "It no longer has a place in today's world. For us to resolve the problems of today and tomorrow, we all need more partners and not more opponents."

Problems in areas such as Georgia, Afghanistan and the Middle East underscore the need for the establishment of a new stable world older, Mr. Steinmeier, who is also Deputy Federal Chancellor, said.

Likewise, the disarmament movement would gain momentum if a "global responsibility partnership" were to be created, he added.

Germany believes in dialogue and reconciliation, but "this does not mean dialogue for the sake of discussion without any results. Nor does reconciliation of interests imply we are prepared to abandon our own principles," the Minister said.

But he reminded delegates of other pressing matters, such as the fight against hunger and poverty. "The pledges we made at the turn of the millennium must not remain a mere piece of paper," he said, referring to the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline.

To accelerate progress towards these Goals, Germany will boost its poverty reduction and global fairness efforts, raising its Official Development Assistance (ODA) by $1.2 billion in the coming budget alone, Mr. Steinmeier declared.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored that the United Nations and the European Union (EU) share a responsibility to show that multilateralism works, that it delivers results and can address current and future crises.

"As organizations, the United Nations and the European Union embody a belief in the power of multilateralism," Mr. Ban told a seminar on UN-EU cooperation in crisis management and security.

However, "if we are not effective, or are seen as compromised, competing visions based on more traditional balance of power concepts could take hold. Unilateral action could increase," he cautioned.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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ITALY SAYS UN MUST CONTINUE TO LEAD EFFORTS TO RESOLVE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS

ITALY SAYS UN MUST CONTINUE TO LEAD EFFORTS TO RESOLVE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS New York, Sep 26 2008 9:10PM The United Nations should be at the forefront of efforts to tackle the global food crisis, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told the General Assembly tonight, saying the world body's agencies are best placed to both alleviate hunger and guarantee food security.

But Mr. Frattini <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/italy_en.pdf">stressed that a partnership involving governments, the business sector and others is also necessary if the world is to successfully ameliorate the effects of the food crisis or any other of today's major challenges, such as climate change.

"We must enable the Organization to tackle it effectively," he said, referring to the food crisis and citing the work so far of the Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/">FAO), the World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/">WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (<"http://www.ifad.org/">IFAD), which are all headquartered in Rome.

The UN held a major summit in June in the Italian capital to discuss the crisis and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also set up a global high-level task force to spearhead efforts to find solutions, such as boosting agricultural production.

"We also encourage a direct involvement of the private sector in bringing agriculture back to its rightful place at the centre of economic policies," Mr. Frattini said. "A global partnership that will increase the flow of investments and know-how, increase productivity, and contribute to the development of national agro-industry."

The soaring cost of many basic foods, such as rice, over the past two years has driven at least 75 million people into poverty, taking the total number of hungry poor to over 900 million people, according to the most recent UN figures.

The food crisis has undermined efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), the set of eight internationally-backed targets for slashing social and economic ills, all by 2015.

Mr. Frattini urged delegates at the Assembly to make the pursuit of the MDGs "an absolute priority" so as to bring meaningful difference to the lives of nearly a billion people.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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MOROCCO SAYS ITS AUTONOMY PROPOSAL FOR WESTERN SAHARA SHOULD END STALEMATE

MOROCCO SAYS ITS AUTONOMY PROPOSAL FOR WESTERN SAHARA SHOULD END STALEMATE New York, Sep 26 2008 8:10PM Morocco's proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara is the result of broad international consultation and should end the stalemate on the issue at the United Nations, the country's Prime Minister told the General Assembly today.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/morocco_en.pdf">Speaking at the annual General Debate, Abbas El Fassi said the Initiative for Negotiating an Autonomy Statute for the Saharan Region was proposed "in the aim to put an end to this artificial conflict and overcome the stalemate."

He added that the initiative has already been described as serious and credible by the Security Council and follows international negotiations and "a process of extensive national negotiations with the population of the Sahara region."

Mr. El Fassi stressed that Morocco remained strongly committed to the UN-backed negotiations with the Frente Polisario to find a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara "that is respectful of its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and where the autonomy applied to this region benefits its population."

He added that a solution to Western Sahara would also help bring a stronger and more integrated Arab Maghreb Union in North Africa.

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has been in the Territory since September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Frente Polisario.

Morocco holds that its sovereignty over Western Sahara should be recognized, while the Frente Polisario's position is that the Territory's final status should be decided in a referendum that includes independence as an option.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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FINAL DAY OF UN EVENT SPARKS ENDORSEMENT OF 11 TREATIES

FINAL DAY OF UN EVENT SPARKS ENDORSEMENT OF 11 TREATIES New York, Sep 26 2008 8:10PM On the final day of the United Nations treaty event to promote universal participation and implementation of multilateral pacts, six Member States undertook nine treaty actions by signing or ratifying separate conventions, agreements, treaties and optional protocols.

Following Uganda's lead from yesterday, Austria ratified both the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet personally ratified a second optional protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at eliminating the death penalty.

Timor-Leste's President, José Ramos-Horta, similarly took part in the event, signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The Bahamas actively endorsed four treaties, ratifying the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and three additional protocols concerning human trafficking and the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms.

Small island nation Kiribati followed Burundi's example and ratified the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

In total 30 States took 57 actions during this year's treaty event, the tenth in the series held on the sidelines of the General Assembly's General Debate at UN Headquarters.

As 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year's event – which began on 23 September – centred on the theme "Universal Participation and Implementation – Dignity and Justice for All of Us."
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UP TO 170,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN WESTERN NEPAL TO RECEIVE UN EMERGENCY AID

UP TO 170,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN WESTERN NEPAL TO RECEIVE UN EMERGENCY AID New York, Sep 26 2008 8:10PM The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) said today it is mobilizing emergency assistance for up to 170,000 people in western Nepal who have been displaced by the severe flooding that claimed more than 30 lives earlier this month.

Flash floods have affected over 24,000 families in the worst hit districts of Kanchanpur and Kailali.

WFP will provide a "mixed-commodity basket" of rice, lentils, vegetable oil and salt, as part of this new $2.5 million emergency operation.

Yesterday the UN and its humanitarian partners launched a $15.5 million appeal to help 70,000 people in eastern Nepal who were displaced after heavy monsoon rains caused a dam to break, breaching the eastern embankment of the Kosi River, one of the largest river basins in Asia.

The force of the water led to 80 per cent of the river changing course, and the resulting flooding has impacted an already vulnerable population.

The appeal launched yesterday is supplementing a $102 million Transition Appeal for Nepal for 2008, which has received less than half of the support needed.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED MIDDLE EAST QUARTET CALLS ON ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS TO DISCUSS CORE ISSUES

UN-BACKED MIDDLE EAST QUARTET CALLS ON ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS TO DISCUSS CORE ISSUES New York, Sep 26 2008 7:10PM The international grouping, including the United Nations, which is seeking to promote peace in the Middle East today called on all Palestinians to commit themselves to non-violence and recognition of Israel, and on Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001.

The so-called diplomatic Quartet – comprising the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States – commended Palestinian Authority efforts to reform the security sector and confront militias and terrorism, as well as Israeli steps to ease access and movement.

"We had a very fruitful meeting and exchange of views on the way forward and agreed to support the negotiation process between the parties and to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters after the Quartet's meeting at UN Headquarters in New York

The Quartet, which champions the Road Map plan foreseeing a two-State solution with Israel and the Palestinians living side by side in peace, reaffirmed its support for the bilateral and comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and commended the parties for their serious and continuous efforts.

"The Quartet expressed its desire to see the continuation of the solid negotiating structure, involving substantive discussions on all issues, including core issues without exception," the group said in a communiqué.

It encouraged further steps to ease conditions for Palestinian civilian life and the economy, and called on the parties to re-double their cooperative efforts on security to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians live in peace and safety.

"The Quartet expressed deep concern about increasing settlement activity, which has a damaging impact on the negotiating environment and is an impediment to economic recovery," the communiqué added.

It called on the parties to avoid actions that undermine confidence and could prejudice the outcome of the negotiations, condemning the recent rise in settler violence against Palestinian civilians and urging the enforcement of the rule of law without discrimination or exception.

It also condemned acts of terrorism against Israelis, including any rocket attacks emanating from the Palestinian territories, and stressed the need for further Palestinian efforts to fight terrorism and dismantle the infrastructure of terror, as well as foster an atmosphere of tolerance.

The Quartet commended Egypt for its efforts to overcome Palestinian divisions and reunite the West Bank and Gaza under the legitimate Palestinian Authority, and voiced the hope that continuing calm between Gaza and southern Israel would lead to further relief for Gaza's civilian population, including the regular opening of crossings for both humanitarian and commercial flows.

Mr. Ban was joined today by European Union (EU) High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Also present were European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner of France, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Representative for the Quartet.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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TWO FORMER CONGOLESE REBEL LEADERS TO STAND TRIAL AT INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

TWO FORMER CONGOLESE REBEL LEADERS TO STAND TRIAL AT INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT New York, Sep 26 2008 7:10PM The International Criminal Court (http://www.icc-cpi.int/press/pressreleases/425.html) has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal cases against two former Congolese rebel leaders for crimes allegedly committed by their militias in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2003.

Germain Katanga, a senior commander from the group known as the Force de Résistance Patriotique en Ituri (FRPI), faces three counts of crimes against humanity and six counts of war crimes for a deadly assault on the village of Bogoro, in the province of Ituri. Hundreds of people were killed and many women forced into sexual slavery in that February 2003 attack.

Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui is a former commander of the rebel National Integrationalist Front (FNI). He faces three counts of crimes against humanity and six of war crimes, and is alleged to have played a key role in designing and carrying out the Bogoro attack.

Among the crimes the two men are accused of is using children under the age of 15 in active hostilities, including as bodyguards and combatants, during the deadly assault on Bogoro.

The ICC is an independent, permanent court that tries persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern – namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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NUCLEAR SOURCES COULD DELIVER ENERGY, MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIA TELLS UN

NUCLEAR SOURCES COULD DELIVER ENERGY, MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIA TELLS UN New York, Sep 26 2008 7:10PM India's rapid economic growth is driving it to pursue all avenues to locate sources of clean energy, the South Asian nation's Prime Minister <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/india_en.pdf">told delegates at the annual high-level segment of the General Assembly today.

"The opening of international civil nuclear cooperation with India will have a positive impact on global energy security and on efforts to combat climate change," Manmohan Singh said in New York.

"This is a vindication of India's impeccable record on non-proliferation and to our long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament that is global, universal and non-discriminatory."

The Prime Minister called attention to the ties that poverty alleviation and livelihood security have with energy security. "We need to think of ways and means, such as early warning mechanisms, to help countries cope with oil shocks."

He also cited the need for the creation of a new global network bringing together both developed and developing countries to research energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and renewable sources of energy.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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ICELAND URGES SCHOOL CURRICULA WORLDWIDE TO HIGHLIGHT WORK OF UN

ICELAND URGES SCHOOL CURRICULA WORLDWIDE TO HIGHLIGHT WORK OF UN New York, Sep 26 2008 6:10PM Iceland today called for the work of the United Nations to be included on the school curriculum in every Member State of the Organization, saying this offers an effective method of spreading the world body's multilateral ideals to future leaders.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/iceland_en.pdf">Addressing the General Assembly's annual General Debate, Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde said his country intends to make the UN's work "an integral part of the curriculum at the primary and secondary levels of education in our country, in addition to the existing and more selective activities at higher levels."

Mr. Haarde said Iceland strongly encouraged all Member States to do the same with their school curricula.

"This may prove to be an effective means of offering the multilateral ideal of the UN as a part of the world-view imparted to future leaders and citizens around the globe."

He added that he was optimistic that the UN will be able to rise to the challenges posed by globalization and become more efficient at delivering results.

"The UN is a long way from being a perfect mechanism, but its role in the international system is indispensable. If we settle for a UN which sometimes appears to be an abstract objective in itself, we will never fully realize the potential of this universal gathering of nations.

"On the other hand, if we encourage a high-level of ambition and adaptability, I am convinced that the UN will live up to the ideals of its founders and be celebrated as a cornerstone of the international architecture on the centenary of the [UN] Charter in 2045."
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN CO-CHAIRS AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

UN CO-CHAIRS AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN New York, Sep 26 2008 6:10PM The United Nations today co-launched a conference on autism designed to promote quicker intervention, more compassion and greater acceptance of those afflicted.

"Not too long ago, those affected by autism-related disorders were set aside: placed in institutions or dismissed as untreatable 'lost cases'," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's wife, Ban Soon-taek, who co-sponsored the event with First Ladies Laura Bush of the United States and Dorrit Moussaieff of Iceland.

"Today, sadly, this reality is still prevalent in some parts of the world. That is why it is crucial that professionals and society at large become more involved, compassionate and accepting of this complex condition," she added, at the UN World Focus on Autism conference held on the sidelines of the General Assembly's annual General Debate.

The Mission of Qatar, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Society of America, joined the UN in launching the conference to advance the concept of an annual observance devoted to promoting awareness of the condition on 2 April, which the General Assembly last year proclaimed as World Autism Awareness Day.

Mrs. Ban cited data showing that one child in 150 is affected with autism, which is now the fastest-growing neuro-developmental condition. "These boys and girls need early intervention – such as appropriate assistance on developing communication, social and cognitive skills," she said

"I would like to highlight the international dimension of this condition. Autism affects all countries, regardless of race, creed, educational levels or financial income."
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY URGES GLOBAL UPTAKE OF FLOOD DEVASTATION PREVENTION MEASURES

UN AGENCY URGES GLOBAL UPTAKE OF FLOOD DEVASTATION PREVENTION MEASURES New York, Sep 26 2008 6:10PM With 200 million people worldwide living in coastal flood zones, the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is urging States to take measures to prevent flooding from turning into a disaster.

The devastation caused by floods was evident recently in Bangladesh, Nepal and India, where thousands of villages were submerged as rivers burst their banks, according to a news release issued by the ISDR Secretariat in Geneva.

"Flooding is already on the rise due to increasing populations living in flood plains, and climate change will make floods more frequent and severe, with a particular impact on deltas. The recent floods… are glimpses of a future that we need to start adapting to now," said <"http://www.unisdr.org/">ISDR chief Sálvano Briceño.

Successful flood control systems have been implemented across several countries such as Viet Nam, which has used mangrove reforestation to considerably reduce the impact of flooding on coastal populations. Meanwhile, China has spent around $3 billion in flood control efforts between 1960 and 2000, helping to avert an estimated $12 billion in losses.

Cost-effective methods to prevent flooding from turning into disaster include risk assessments, evacuation plans, education and not building in flood-prone areas, all of which would require community participation.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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UN-EUROPEAN UNION TIES CAN PROVE THAT MULTILATERALISM WORKS - BAN

UN-EUROPEAN UNION TIES CAN PROVE THAT MULTILATERALISM WORKS – BAN New York, Sep 26 2008 6:10PM The United Nations and the European Union (EU) share a responsibility to show that multilateralism works, that it delivers results and can address current and future crises, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"As organizations, the United Nations and the European Union embody a belief in the power of multilateralism," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2008/sgsm11833.doc.htm">told a seminar on UN-EU cooperation in crisis management and security.

However, "if we are not effective, or are seen as compromised, competing visions based on more traditional balance of power concepts could take hold. Unilateral action could increase," he cautioned.

To avoid this, the Secretary-General stressed the need to ensure that joint efforts are coherent, noting that, in specific instances, a division of labour may be desirable, based on the strengths and added value of each organization.

Also important was better information-sharing, both to keep situations from turning into crises and, once a crisis has erupted, to clarify common objectives.

In addition, he emphasized that multilateralism means inclusiveness. "UN-EU cooperation must not be a private club. It should reach out to other regional and subregional organizations, as well as to international financial institutions and civil society actors, to build the global networks required to address today's crises," he stated.

In a new <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2008/531">report released today, the Secretary-General highlighted cooperation between the UN and other regional and intergovernmental organizations, including the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He noted that the UN and AU have deepened their collaboration with the establishment of the AU-UN Hybrid Mission in Darfur (<"http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unamid/">UNAMID) and the planning and support for the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Meanwhile, Alexander Stubb, Foreign Minister of Finland and Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), today briefed the Security Council, telling the 15-member body that recent crises, such as last month's conflict in Georgia, had underlined the critical importance of collaboration between the UN and the OSCE.
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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PALESTINIAN LEADER VOICES HOPE AT UN THAT ARAB-LED INITIATIVE WILL BRING PEACE

PALESTINIAN LEADER VOICES HOPE AT UN THAT ARAB-LED INITIATIVE WILL BRING PEACE New York, Sep 26 2008 6:10PM Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/palestinianauthority_en.pdf">told the General Assembly's annual high-level gathering today that an Arab-led peace proposal provides a "historic opportunity" to bring peace and security to the region.

The Arab Peace Initiative, a plan based on the principle of land for peace adopted in Beirut in 2002, calls for Israel to withdraw from all Arab lands occupied since 1967, recognize an independent Palestinian State and provide a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees. In return Arab countries would recognize Israel, end their conflict and normalize relations.

Mr. Abbas reiterated his call "to all concerned parties, including Israel, and all concerned regional and international powers to seize the opportunity provided by the Arab Peace Initiative, an opportunity that should not be missed or treated lightly."

In the context of that proposal, he expressed his support for the indirect talks between Israel and Syria under Turkey's auspices. "We hope this process will succeed in the achievement of justice and the implementation of international resolutions and the affirmation of international legitimacy."

Also paramount is the peace proposal launched in the United States city of Annapolis late last year, the President noted.

An agreement on all final status issues "would lead to the realization of peace within our region, allowing it to enter a new era of relations characterized by good neighbourliness, mutual recognition, security and open borders and not by walls and barriers," he told delegates at United Nations Headquarters.

The conference held in Annapolis in November 2007 witnessed the largest number of countries come together to discuss the issue, resulting in the consensus that obstacles – namely Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially East Jerusalem – be removed, Mr. Abbas said.

Earlier this month, a senior UN official told the Security Council that the peace process is at a crossroads and needs to make decisive advances in the months ahead, as disturbing developments counter-balance recent positive steps.
"It appears so far that no agreement has been reached on the core issues," UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Robert Serry told the 15-member body. "However, it also appears that there have been substantive discussions, the potential of which must be built on with a continuation of intensive negotiations."
2008-09-26 00:00:00.000

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