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| AFGHANISTAN: BAN APPEALS TO MEMBER STATES FOR EXTRA SECURITY FOR UN STAFF AND PREMISES
October 29, 2009 at 7:10 pm
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| AFGHANISTAN: BAN APPEALS TO MEMBER STATES FOR EXTRA SECURITY FOR UN STAFF AND PREMISES
New York, Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today he will ask Member States to expedite measures to strengthen security to respond to the "dramatically escalated" threat against the United Nations, as witnessed by the deadly attack yesterday in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed five UN staff and injured several others. "Increasingly, the UN is being targeted, in this case precisely because of our support for the Afghan elections," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1337">told reporters after a closed-door meeting with the Security Council. He noted that, not counting peacekeepers, 27 UN civilian personnel have lost their lives to violence so far this year, more than half of them in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The UN is a civilian operation," he stressed. "We are working there to help Afghanistan's people but our mission is not safe and [is] vulnerable. We need the full support of the Afghanistan Government and the international community." Yesterday both Mr. Ban and his Special Representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, pledged that the UN will continue its work in the country despite the attack on a guest house in Kabul, for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility. In his briefing to the Council, Mr. Ban told the 15-member body of the heroism of the security officers of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (<"http://unama.unmissions.org/default.aspx?/">UNAMA) during the early morning attack. "For at least an hour, and perhaps more, they held off the attackers, fighting through the corridors of the building and from the rooftop, giving their colleagues time to escape," he said. "Without their heroism, there could have been more casualties, victims." He added that the UN is considering a number of immediate short-term measures, including the consolidation of UN staff in Kabul, as well as the feasibility of bringing in extra security units to guard UN facilities. "We cannot do it alone. We need the support of the Member States," said the Secretary-General. "We must realistically assess the situation and put in place more effective protections for our staff as they perform their crucial tasks." The Council, in a presidential statement, voiced support for the measures already taken by Mr. Ban to ensure staff security and said it looked forward to further detailed proposals by him. It also commended the determination of the UN not to be deterred by the tragic incident and to carry on its mission in Afghanistan. UN agencies in Afghanistan met today to review security for their staff in the wake of the attack, which occurred just days ahead of the presidential run-off scheduled for 7 November. "A number of recommendations for immediate actions have gone forward, and further discussion of longer-term measures will continue in the coming days," UN spokesperson Michele Montas said at a press briefing in New York. Asked whether the elections will be postponed, Ms. Montas said that was not planned, adding that the UN is determined to continue with its support to the elections. Earlier today, Mr. Ban stressed the need for a strengthened and unified security management system, as he presented his budget proposals for the Organization for the biennium 2010-2011. The proposals, he said, will enable the UN to strengthen security for its staff, their dependents and UN premises. He urged Member States to consider the proposals favourably, saying, "After all, our people are your people." Mr. Ban will take his request for strengthened security measures to the full membership of the UN when he briefs the Assembly tomorrow. "I will ask for expedited action for our security measures, so that we can meet the dramatically escalated threat to UN staff, now widely considered to be a 'soft target,' as well as provide support for victims and their families," he stated.
Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
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| UN SECRETARIAT SEEKS MORE THAN $5 BILLION TO COVER WORK FOR NEXT TWO YEARS
October 29, 2009 at 7:10 pm
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| UN SECRETARIAT SEEKS MORE THAN $5 BILLION TO COVER WORK FOR NEXT TWO YEARS
New York, Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today proposed a budget of just over $5 billion to cover the work of the United Nations Secretariat for the next two years, telling a General Assembly committee that only a slight increase over the budget is needed despite increased demands for the UN's services.Under Mr. Ban's proposal, which is being examined by the Assembly's Fifth Committee (administrative and budgetary), the Secretariat is requesting $5.06 billion for 2010 and 2011, which represents real growth of $22.4 million, or half a percentage point, over the previous biennium. There would be a net reduction of 24 posts for the world body, with an increase in the Secretariat's Professional category being offset by a cut in jobs in General Service and related categories. Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4196">told the committee that the proposals take into account the global economic and financial crisis and reflect strict budgetary discipline, balancing growth in some areas with reallocation and realignment in others. "The United Nations faces increasing demands for its services," Mr. Ban said. "As Chief Administrative Officer, I am committed to management reform and to greater transparency, accountability and efficiency." To that end, Mr. Ban highlighted the continuing costs of implementing a new information and communications technology (ICT) system to help the world body better plan and manage its resources, personnel needs and reporting process. He also drew attention to the expense of training related to International Public Sector Accounting Standards. Mr. Ban noted that resources have also been allocated to ensure that staff have the skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the Organization. "In order to achieve the goals of the Secretariat-wide ICT Strategy, there is an urgent need to create a budgeting environment in which major ICT projects are considered strategic and different from recurring operational expenses. "Without this kind of 'capital' budgeting arrangement for ICT, it will be impossible to overcome systemic under-investment in ICT, which has seen the Secretariat fall far behind other organizations in overall effectiveness and efficiency," said Mr. Ban. A strengthened and unified security management system is among a number of significant expenditures likely to be presented in separate report to the General Assembly. "My proposals will enable us to strengthen security for our staff, their dependents and UN premises," said Mr. Ban, urging Member States to consider these proposals favourably. "After all, our people are your people."
Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
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| GUINEA-BISSAU CLOSER TO POLITICAL STABILITY AND SECURITY, SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS
October 29, 2009 at 7:10 pm
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| GUINEA-BISSAU CLOSER TO POLITICAL STABILITY AND SECURITY, SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS
New York, Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed cautious optimism over the progress of democracy in Guinea Bissau, where a series of political assassinations earlier this year threatened stability in the impoverished West African country.In his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2009/552">report on the country to the Security Council, released today, Mr. Ban commended its people for the "peaceful and well organized" presidential elections in June and July, where Malam Bacai Sanhá won a run-off round against Mohamed Yalá. But he noted that the record voter abstention rate points to the need for Guinea-Bissau's political leaders to "foster dialogue and accountability towards their constituents, in order to reinforce democracy and regain the confidence of citizens." The period under review was dominated by the tension that followed the assassinations of presidential candidate Baciro Dabó and the former defence minister Helder Proença in early June on the eve of the official launch of the electoral campaign. In March then president João Bernardo Vieira was also assassinated amid tensions between the Government and the military forces in a country marked by decades of civil conflicts, coups d'état and uprisings. The Secretary General urged the successful completion of the ongoing investigations into those political assassinations, which will "assist in combating impunity and will contribute to justice and national reconciliation." "It will also improve the image of Guinea-Bissau and restore the confidence of the international community," added Mr. Ban. He also pledged the support of the UN Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), which will be succeeded on 1 January 2010 by the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS). The new office will be responsible for, among others, strengthening the capacity of national institutions, supporting the establishment of efficient law enforcement and helping to mobilize international assistance. "There is a window of opportunity in Guinea-Bissau that must be seized," added Mr. Ban, urging the country's leaders to capitalize on the success of the elections and public optimism to also improve the country's social and economic conditions. Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's poorest countries, and over the past year the cost of rice and other cereals have soared by as much as 30 per cent. But the Secretary-General said there are also some encouraging signs, with stronger-than-expected sales of cashew nuts – the nation's main export crop – ensuring that the forecast economic decline in Guinea-Bissau will not be as severe as anticipated.
Oct 29 2009 7:10PM
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| BAN NAMES SENIOR OFFICIAL TO LEAD EFFORTS TO COMBAT GROWING NUMBER OF HUNGRY
October 29, 2009 at 6:10 pm
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| BAN NAMES SENIOR OFFICIAL TO LEAD EFFORTS TO COMBAT GROWING NUMBER OF HUNGRY
New York, Oct 29 2009 6:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today named a Special Representative on Food Security and Nutrition to stem and reverse the mounting number of children, women and men worldwide suffering from chronic hunger.David Nabarro, who has been appointed to the new role, is tasked with developing a more coherent international response to combat food insecurity and malnutrition which now affects over one billion people globally, with a focus on multilateral agencies taking the lead and increased international assistance. Dr. Nabarro, a qualified physician from the United Kingdom, has had a long career working on national health programmes around the world, including as the Executive Director of the World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO), and since January has been responsible for coordinating the UN High Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis. The Task Force – consisting of UN agencies, funds and programmes; international financial institutions; and the World Trade Organization (<"http://www.wto.org/">WTO) – was set up to respond to the plight of the hundreds of millions of people affected by food insecurity and to the need for longer-term investment in agricultural development, fair trade, social protection and nutrition. Mr. Nabarro told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York last month that the lack of "enough food to eat, or food insecurity, is the ultimate degradation for humanity," adding that it weakens and imperils individuals, while disempowering and destabilizing societies. He emphasized a need for greater national planning for food security, a transformation of markets and trading systems in the agricultural sector to work more in the interest of poor people and their countries, stronger social protection and safety nets in development programmes and a re-engagement in the fight against malnutrition, which affects 50 million women and children at any one time.
Oct 29 2009 6:10PM
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| UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG RECEIVES INITIAL RESPONSE FROM IRAN ON FUEL AGREEMENT
October 29, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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| UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG RECEIVES INITIAL RESPONSE FROM IRAN ON FUEL AGREEMENT
New York, Oct 29 2009 5:10PM
Iran has submitted an initial response on a draft agreement on fuel for its civilian nuclear research facility to the head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/PressReleases/2009/prn200914.html">IAEA), it was announced today.Last week, the country asked for more time to consider the proposal on the provision of fuel for the site in Iran's capital, Tehran, which, among other activities, produces medical radioisotopes for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The agreement was announced at the end of a three-day meeting – also attended by representatives from France, Russia and the United States – at IAEA headquarters in Vienna on 21 October. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei had given the nations involved until last Friday to approve the proposal, but Iran asked for more time to consider the draft while the three other parties signalled their endorsement. Mr. ElBaradei is consulting with the Iranian Government and others "with the hope that agreement on his proposal can be reached soon," according to an IAEA press release. Last week, he characterized the draft text as a "balanced approach on how to move forward," adding that its endorsement by all four countries would be a "very important confidence-building measure that can defuse the crisis that has been going on for a number of years and open space for negotiations." The IAEA chief also voiced hope that if approved, the agreement will "open the way for a complete normalization of relations between Iran and the international community." Over the weekend, IAEA inspectors visited a recently-disclosed uranium enrichment facility in the Iranian city of Qom, southwest of Tehran, whose existence and construction the agency was informed of late last month. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said the facility violates Security Council resolutions because of the delay in its disclosure and has repeated his call for Iran to implement Council resolutions and cooperate with the IAEA on resolving outstanding concerns regarding its nuclear programme. Iran has stated that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some other countries contend it is driven by military ambitions. The issue has been 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).
Oct 29 2009 5:10PM
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| SUDAN: UN SEEKS RELEASE OF STAFF MEMBERS TAKEN HOSTAGE IN DARFUR
October 29, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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| SUDAN: UN SEEKS RELEASE OF STAFF MEMBERS TAKEN HOSTAGE IN DARFUR
New York, Oct 29 2009 4:10PM
The top African Union-United Nations peacekeeping official in Sudan met with leading Government ministers this week to urge them to step up efforts for the safe release of abducted UN and other humanitarian workers in the strife-torn Darfur region, calling it a "hostage crisis." Henry Anyidoho, Acting Joint Special Representative of the AU–UN Mission in Darfur, know as (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unamid/">UNAMID), discussed the release and steps to pre-empt recurrences with Sudanese Interior Minister Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Al Saman Al Wasila while on his way to Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the AU Peace and Security Council meeting on Darfur. Two UNAMID civilian staff members were abducted from their home in the West Darfur town of Zalingei at the end of August and have yet to be released. Last week, a staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), French-British national Gauthier Lefevre, was snatched by gunmen while retuning to El Geneina, capital of West Darfur state, from a field mission to help local communities obtain clean drinking water. A week before that, an armed rebel group in North Darfur state released two staffers of the international non-governmental organization (NGO) GOAL after they had spent three months in captivity. Mr. Anyidoho discussed the current security situation and strategies to reduce banditry and criminality in Darfur with the two ministers, thanked them for their cooperation with UNAMID and sought continued and enhanced cooperation in executing the mission's mandate. Both ministers assured him of the Government's full commitment to upcoming talks with Darfur rebel movements aimed at bringing peace to a region where at least 300,000 people are estimated to have died and another 2.7 million more have been driven from their homes in over six years of fighting between the Government, its militia allies and various armed groups.
Oct 29 2009 4:10PM
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| Today's Tech News: Garmin Nuvifone G60 adds cellphone to GPS unit
October 29, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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| CÔTE D'IVOIRE: SECURITY COUNCIL EXTEND SANCTIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR
October 29, 2009 at 2:10 pm
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| CÔTE D'IVOIRE: SECURITY COUNCIL EXTEND SANCTIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR
New York, Oct 29 2009 2:10PM
The Security Council today extended the sanctions imposed on Côte d'Ivoire, warning that the situation in the divided West African nation continues to pose a threat to international peace and security for the region.In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council voted to maintain for another year an arms embargo, restrictions for certain individuals on travel and financial movements, and the ban on any State importing rough diamonds from Côte d'Ivoire. The Council pledged to review these measures no later than three months after the holding of open, free, fair and transparent presidential elections, which were originally scheduled as far back as 2005 but are now slated for the end of next month. In addition, the Council's resolution called on the UN peacekeeping operation in Côte d'Ivoire (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unoci/">UNOCI), and the French force that supports it, to fully uphold the enforcement of the arms embargo on the country, which has been split for more than seven years between the Government-controlled south and the rebel Forces Nouvelles-held north. Earlier this week, the Group of Experts set up in 2005 to monitor the sanctions told the Council in a report that the northern part of the country bears more resemblance to a warlord economy than to a functioning government administration. Largely independent military 'zone commanders' of the Force Nouvelles control and exploit natural resources, providing both motive and means to sustain territorial control in northern Côte d'Ivoire, the report said. Despite the arms embargo, northern and southern Ivorian parties are rearming or re-equipping with related materiel, the experts' report said. The Group identified seven separate cases in which the Government and the Forces Nouvelles acquired arms and related materiel in breach of the sanctions regime. It was particularly concerned by the systematic transfer of weapons and ammunition from neighbouring Burkina Faso to the Forces Nouvelles-controlled north of the country, which may be linked to cocoa smuggling. On diamonds, the Group noted that the absence of effective border controls allows the rough diamond trade in Côte d'Ivoire to extend, almost seamlessly, into Burkina Faso and Mali. There is also concern that Ivorian diamonds may be illegally exported through Guinea and Liberia. In addition, the experts voiced concern that two of the three individuals subject to assets freezes and travel bans continue to access and accrue revenues despite the sanctions imposed on them. The Security Council also decided to extend the mandate of the Group of Experts until 31 October 2010, requesting the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures.
Oct 29 2009 2:10PM
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| Entertainment news: It's time for November sweeps
October 29, 2009 at 1:28 pm
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| Books news: 'Wheel of Time' saga comes full circle
October 29, 2009 at 1:19 pm
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| UN FINDS MORE ROCKETS AIMED AT ISRAEL FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON
October 29, 2009 at 1:10 pm
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| UN FINDS MORE ROCKETS AIMED AT ISRAEL FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON
New York, Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
A day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged maximum restraint by all sides, United Nations peacekeepers today found four more rockets, three of them set to be fired, in an area of southern Lebanon from which a missile zoomed into Israel on Monday."Such attacks are evidently aimed at provoking renewed hostilities to undermine the security and stability in south Lebanon," the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/">UNIFIL) said in a news release, in which it also voiced concern at Israel's return fire of artillery shells on Monday. It noted that rocket fire from Lebanon is a serious violation of Security Council resolution 1701 of 2006, which calls for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah militants, respect for the so-called Blue Line separating the Israeli and Lebanese sides, disarming of militias and an end to arms smuggling. "In recent months, a number of serious incidents took place in UNIFIL's area of operations," it said. "Such incidents constitute a significant challenge for the parties as well as for UNIFIL and have particularly strained the security and liaison arrangements that are in place to maintain the cessation of hostilities." The mission said UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese army, had been able to contain the incidents, working in close coordination with the parties to prevent any further escalation, and it strongly urged the sides to continue to resort to the existing liaison and coordination mechanism. "On its part, UNIFIL will do its utmost to ensure full respect of the relevant provisions of resolution 1701 that include taking all necessary action, in close cooperation with the LAF [Lebanese armed forces], to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind," the statement concluded.
Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
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| UN EXPERT CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF TORTURE AFTER BEING BLOCKED BY ZIMBABWE
October 29, 2009 at 1:10 pm
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| UN EXPERT CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF TORTURE AFTER BEING BLOCKED BY ZIMBABWE
New York, Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
The United Nations independent expert on torture today voiced concern over reports of ill treatment in Zimbabwe, 24 hours after his invitation to visit the country was suddenly revoked."I deeply regret that the Government has deprived me of the possibility to objectively assess the situation of torture and ill-treatment through gathering on the spot evidence from all available sources, including governmental and non-governmental sources, victims and witnesses, as well as visits to various places of detention," Manfred Nowak, the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, said. "Each hour is critical," he emphasized. Earlier this year, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by Morgan Tsvangirai, and President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party agreed to form a Government of National Unity, following months of tensions after disputed presidential elections. Allegations that MDC supporters and human rights defenders have been arrested, harassed and intimidated in recent days underscore the urgent need for an objective fact-finding mission by an independent UN expert, Mr. Nowak has stressed. On 1 October, he was invited by the Zimbabwean Government to conduct a fact-finding mission from 28 October to 4 November. While in transit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday, he was informed that Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister had decided on Monday to postpone his visit, citing consultations between the Government and the South African Development Community (SADC). But while waiting for his flight on to Zimbabwe, Mr. Nowak received a later dated 27 October that Mr. Tsvangirai, who serves as Prime Minister, wished to meet him in his office in the capital, Harare, today. Consequently, the Rapporteur flew to Harare last night, but upon arrival, he was met by the head of airport immigration, who said that despite his valid visa, his entry into the country had not been cleared by the Foreign Minister. After spending the night at the airport, he was sent back on the first flight to Johannesburg this morning, in spite of efforts by the UN, the Prime Minister and other authorities to facilitate his entry into the country. "A high-level delegation sent by the Prime Minister to go to the airport was even denied access and told that the Special Rapporteur was no longer held at the airport," according to a press release issued by the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Mr. Nowak said that he strongly protests his treatment, urging the Government to fully investigate the incident and identify who is responsible for denying his access to Zimbabwe.
Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
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| GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGAIN CALLS FOR LIFTING OF UNITED STATES EMBARGO AGAINST CUBA
October 29, 2009 at 1:10 pm
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| GENERAL ASSEMBLY AGAIN CALLS FOR LIFTING OF UNITED STATES EMBARGO AGAINST CUBA
New York, Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
The General Assembly has voted for the 18th consecutive year to condemn the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba for the past half century and called for it to be lifted.Member States voted overwhelmingly yesterday to adopt a non-binding resolution that voices concern that the embargo is having "adverse effects" on the Cuban people and on Cuban nationals living in other countries. The text of the resolution reiterates previous calls on countries "to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures" that do not conform to their obligations to reaffirm freedom of trade and navigation. It also urges States to repeal or invalidate any such laws as soon as possible and asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon prepare a report for the General Assembly on the implementation of the resolution. There were 187 votes in favour of the resolution, three votes against (the United States, Israel, Palau) and two abstentions (Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands). Oct 29 2009 1:10PM
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| BAN CALLS FOR SCALED-UP FUNDING TO ENSURE PEACE IN COUNTRIES EMERGING FROM CONFLICT
October 29, 2009 at 12:10 pm
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| BAN CALLS FOR SCALED-UP FUNDING TO ENSURE PEACE IN COUNTRIES EMERGING FROM CONFLICT
New York, Oct 29 2009 12:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged international donors to step up funding of recovery and development efforts in countries emerging from violent conflict to give these nations hope of a durable peace."As countries come out of conflict, they need basic services: water and sanitation, health and primary education, and sound food and agriculture systems," Mr. Ban told a gathering at United Nations Headquarters in New York, examining the connection between the security and socio-economic aspects of peacebuilding. "They need support for the safe and sustainable return and reintegration of internally displaced persons [IDPs] and refugees," Mr. Ban told the Forum on Food and Economic Crises in Post-Conflict Countries. Noting that successful peacebuilding involves a combination of humanitarian action and efforts to strengthen peace and security, human rights and development, he said that the years after a brokered peace deal require urgent attention to social and economic needs. "Civil conflict deeply disrupts economic and social life. It is devastating for human capital," he told the forum, which was jointly organized by the UN's Economic and Social Council (<"http://www.un.org/ecosoc/">ECOSOC), Peacebuilding Commission and World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/">WFP). Mr. Ban said that on top of the challenges of rebuilding public administration systems, strengthening the rule of law, reforming the security sector and rehabilitating infrastructure, countries emerging from conflict in recent years have had to cope with the added impacts of high and volatile food and fuel prices and a decline in international aid. "When international food prices soared in 2007 and 2008, net food importing countries, including many countries in conflict or emerging from it, were directly hit," he said, adding that 30 countries were beset with rioting and "at least one government fell." Mr. Ban stressed that establishing basic security and providing early peace dividends in the immediate post-conflict period is key to harnessing confidence in a peace process. "Too often, it takes many months before essential government functions resume or basic services are available. The result can be resumed conflict," said Mr. Ban. "We must find ways to close the gap between humanitarian and development funding and maintain adequate levels of humanitarian financing in the period immediately after conflict."
Oct 29 2009 12:10PM
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| Daily Travel News: Zeppelins are the unsung heroes of air travel
October 29, 2009 at 11:51 am
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| ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON PRESIDENT IS ATTACK ON ALL SOMALIS, UN SAYS
October 29, 2009 at 11:10 am
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| ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON PRESIDENT IS ATTACK ON ALL SOMALIS, UN SAYS
New York, Oct 29 2009 11:10AM
Two recent attempts to kill Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed are assassination attacks on all Somalis, the top United Nations official for the strife-torn country said today."After failing at an attempted coup in May – act strongly condemned by the whole of the international community – extremists are again trying to terrorize the Somali people and wreak further havoc on the nation," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah said in a <"http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/JBRN-7XAJCB?OpenDocument">news release. Extremists yesterday tried to assassinate the president as he was returning to Mogadishu. This followed a similar attempt last Thursday at Mogadishu airport as he boarded a plane for Uganda to attend an African summit. "Resorting to political assassinations that kill innocent Somali bystanders, including women and children, is not only condemnable but absolutely not the way to access power," Mr. Ould-Abdallah said. "Committing suicide goes against all religious teachings," he added, citing a verse from the Koran: "Do not kill yourselves, for truly Allah has been to you most merciful. If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall we cast him into the fire." He stressed: "An assassination attempt on the life of the President is also an assassination attempt on all Somalis, as it undermines the efforts of those who have been struggling for some semblance of normalcy and stability for so long." "Those who ordered and those who carried out these assassination attempts clearly have no intention of participating in dialogue or any interest in contributing to the peace process in Somalia or in the region." The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) headed by Mr. Ahmed is battling Islamist extremists in a country that has been ravaged by factional fighting and has not had a functioning central government since 1991.
Oct 29 2009 11:10AM
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| UN BODY OVERSEEING WORLD'S GREAT HERITAGE SITES ELECTS 12 NEW MEMBERS
October 29, 2009 at 11:10 am
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| UN BODY OVERSEEING WORLD'S GREAT HERITAGE SITES ELECTS 12 NEW MEMBERS
New York, Oct 29 2009 11:10AM
The United Nations body that seeks to preserve internationally renowned cultural and natural sites around the world, from the pyramids of Egypt to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has elected 12 new members as the number of sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List nears 900. At a meeting in Paris ending yesterday, the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=46799&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">adopted by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=29008&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) in 1972, replaced more than half the 21 members of the World Heritage Committee that oversees the treaty. Cambodia, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Mali, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and United Arab Emirates now join Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, China, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria and Sweden for a four-year term in reviewing States' requests for the inscription of new sites and determining which of those already on the list are in danger of serious deterioration. The 890 sites inscribed so far range from the minaret and archaeological remains of Jam and the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, both considered endangered, to Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe National Monument in Zimbabwe. Ratified by 186 countries to date, the World Heritage Convention enjoys almost universal endorsement. During a debate about the future of the convention, the Paris meeting focused on such issues as conservation and sustainable development and the need to help States develop the skills needed to look after their heritage. The committee's next session will take place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 25 July to 3 August.
Oct 29 2009 11:10AM
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| Today's News from TheEagle.com
October 29, 2009 at 10:15 am
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| 'A Day in the Life' Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Rain, a Beatles tribute band, plays at Rudder Theatre on Wednesday. The performance featured costume changes that depict the iconic band in each phase of its career. Another performance will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit ... | | B-CS economy faltering Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT The Bryan-College Station economic index fell for the ninth consecutive month in September, dropping from 119.6 in August to 118.2.The index is down 7 percent compared to September 2008.Karr Ingham, an Amarillo-based economist who compiles the econom ... | | Golf course project begins Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Traditions Golf & Country Club broke ground Wednesday on a long-awaited $6 million clubhouse.And that's just the beginning, officials said.Plans are in the works to add a hotel, retail space and a larger fitness center, said Spencer Clements, one ... | | Police urge caution on Halloween night Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Area law enforcement officers are gearing up for a busy Halloween weekend while urging trick-or-treaters and their parents to be safe.Bryan officers and Brazos County officials will be watching the homes of registered sex offenders on Saturday to mak ... | | CS' 'Channel Fright-teen' will aim to entertain, inform Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT City property tax and utility bills could be considered frightening, but the city of College Station is hoping to give residents a different kind of scare this Halloween.Government access Channel 19 will be known as "Channel Fright-teen" when it high ... | | Wanted posters aid BV authorities Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Three people wanted by Brazos County authorities were arrested the day their photos were featured with seven others in a wanted poster advertisement in The Eagle. "The wanted fugitive part of our program has been very successful," said Brazos County ... | | Soft market good for renters Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Residents looking for new apartments have entered the market in Bryan-College Station at a prime time. With competition tightening due to recent market trends, apartment managers are offering perks to residents who are quick to sign a lease. In Bryan ... | | Bryan leader dead at 67 Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Former Bryan City Councilwoman Annette Stephney was a true community servant, friends and family members said. Funeral services are pending for Stephney, who died Wednesday morning after developing a blood clot from knee surgery at the College Statio ... | | St. Joseph wins recognition Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT St. Joseph Regional Health Center recently received an Outstanding Patient Experience Award, along with Excellence Awards for spine and vascular surgery from Health Grades, a national health care ratings organization. The Bryan-based hospital also re ... | | CS man found guilty of assaulting officer Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT A Brazos County jury found a 44-year-old College Station man guilty Wednesday of two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and one count of evading arrest with a vehicle.Authorities said Geoffrey Elder tried to run over police officers with ... | | Nobel laureate to address Aggie grads Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT A Nobel laureate will be the commencement speaker for Texas A&M University's fall graduation. Dudley Herschbach, a Texas A&M physics and chemistry professor, will speak at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 in Rudder Theatre. The San Jose, Calif.-native wo ... | | Rock Prairie section closed for repairs Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT A section of Rock Prairie Road West in College Station was closed Wednesday to allow workers to repair a collapsed drainage pipe and to stabilize the road.The portion of the road, northeast of the Great Oaks subdivision, will remain closed until Nov. ... | | Texas inmates not priority for swine flu vaccine Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT AUSTIN, Texas -- State health officials say Texas prisoners are not a priority to get swine flu vaccine and will not be vaccinated ahead of the general public.The Department of State Health Services says Texas has not allocated any H1N1 vaccine to ... | | Man charged with hitting deputy's car Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT A 22-year-old Buffalo man remained behind bars without bail Wednesday after running into a Brazos County sheriff deputy's patrol car, officials said.Witnesses told the deputy that people were shooting deer on private property off Long Trussel Road, a ... | | Navasota forum to discuss district post Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT A representative from the Texas Association of School Boards will visit Navasota on Thursday to talk to residents, Navasota school district employees and students about the district's search for a superintendent.The community forum, set for 6 p.m. in ... | | Health measure ready in House Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT WASHINGTON -- House Democrats reached agreement Wednesday on key elements of a health care bill that would vastly alter America's medical landscape, requiring virtually universal sign-ups and establishing a new government-run insurance option for mil ... | | Charges thrown out in '91 deaths Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT AUSTIN -- A judge on Wednesday dismissed murder charges against two men awaiting retrial in the 1991 slayings of four teens at an Austin yogurt shop after prosecutors admitted they weren't ready to take the case to a jury.Robert Springsteen was sent ... | | Doctors' lobby is losing ground Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT WASHINGTON -- Does the AMA matter in the health care debate? Congress is beginning to have its doubts, despite the medical association's deep pockets and platoons of lobbyists.It's lost its principles, some lawmakers and physicians say. Perhaps more ... | | Free lemonade -- sort of Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 PM PDT Matt McClellan hands a cup of lemonade to fellow A&M student Lauren Cox on campus Wednesday during "E-lemon-ate The Debt," a tongue-in-cheek program sponsored by Concerned Youth of America. A cup costs 25 cents, but the customer fills out an IOU, ... | | 4 new businesses celebrate openings Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:36 PM PDT Four local businesses are celebrating ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Royalty Pecan Farms, at 10600 Texas 21 East in Caldwell, will host its ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Family Dentistry by H. Lee Kavanagh, DDS, at 1817 Brothers Blvd. in Co ... | | Companies sought for career fair Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:35 PM PDT The Youth to Career Fair encourages local eighth-graders, including private-school students and home-schooled children, to look at various career paths and explore occupations they are interested in pursuing. The event, sponsored by Sylvan Learnin ... | | After Hours event planned for Nov. 5 Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:35 PM PDT The Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours on Nov. 5. The free program will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chrome: A Salon Experience, 1501 University Drive, Suite 210 in College Station. Food, drinks and net ... | | Spoon's Yogurt shop opens in CS Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:34 PM PDT A new yogurt shop has opened in College Station. Centro Properties Group announced a 1,286-square-foot Spoon's Yogurt on the northwest corner of Texas Avenue South and Harvey Road. The self-serve, pay-by-weight yogurt shop is Aggie-owned and -o ... | | Tech company on BuyBoard Contract Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:33 PM PDT BVOS Business Technologies has been awarded a position as a qualified vendor on the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative's BuyBoard Contract. With the award, the company can expand its office equipment to include computer equipment, busin ... | | Greyhound buses have a new stop in Bryan Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:32 PM PDT Greyhound Lines has a new location in Bryan as of Tuesday. Greyhound will now service from Rattlers No. 3, 891 Earl Rudder Freeway, with two daily schedules connecting to Dallas or Houston. This facility is open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 ... |  |
| ASIA-PACIFIC MUST RE-THINK TRADE-LED DEVELOPMENT, SAYS UN
October 29, 2009 at 10:10 am
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| ASIA-PACIFIC MUST RE-THINK TRADE-LED DEVELOPMENT, SAYS UN
New York, Oct 29 2009 10:10AM
Asia-Pacific exports are on the upswing, but the region must use trade to create jobs and alleviate poverty, according to a new United Nations report.The study, by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (<"http://www.unescap.org/">ESCAP), said that exports are forecast to surge by 6.3 per cent next year in the region, whose development is due in large part to trade, but that the economic crisis offers opportunities for new approaches for growth. "We cannot assume business as usual," <"http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2009/oct/g74.asp">said Noeleen Heyzer, ESCAP Executive Secretary. "There is a need to make trade work for the poor by linking trade directly to job creation and poverty reduction rather than promote trade for its own sake." The crisis has revealed that the region needs to stimulate domestic demand, which in turn must complement, not substitute, exports as a source of growth, she added. Although intraregional trade can play a key role in curbing poverty, barriers to trade among Asia-Pacific's developing national are still high, according to Ravi Ratnayake, Director of ESCAP's Trade and Investment Division. "By eliminating all tariffs among each other, the region can reduce the number of people living on less than $1 a day by 43 million," he said.
Oct 29 2009 10:10AM
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| Daily Briefing: Obama honors fallen soldiers at Dover
October 29, 2009 at 7:16 am
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| Lee, Utley dominant as Phillies shut down Yankees in Game 1 of World Series
October 29, 2009 at 6:08 am
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| 10/29 NBA.com - Assist of the Night
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| Assist of the Night
October 27, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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| | Paul Pierce throws a wonderful pass to Kendrick Perkins. The big man gets fouled and sinks the layup. | | |  |
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| 10/29 KPHO.com - Video
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| Personal Information Saved From Auction
October 28, 2009 at 11:43 am
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| | The case files from the National Center for Missing Adults are safe after Allstate Self Storage decides not to auction off a storage locker's contents. | | |  |
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| 10/29 NBA.com: Lakers News
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| 2009 Lakers Championship Ring Ceremony
October 28, 2009 at 6:56 pm
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| | Watch the full 2009 Lakers Championship Ring Presentation and Banner raising and check out an exclusive photo gallery from the night's events. |  |
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| 10/29 NBA.com - Play of The Day
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| 10/29 NBA.com - Dunk of the Night
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| Dunk of the Night
October 27, 2009 at 2:52 pm
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| | LaMarcus Aldridge throws a back door pass to Martell Webster who finishes it a beautiful dunk. | | |  |
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| 10/29 Arizona Cardinals : News
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| One Night In Carolina
October 28, 2009 at 9:41 pm
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| | Fortunes shifted for Cards, Panthers the last time teams met |
| An Aggressive Bent
October 27, 2009 at 7:52 pm
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| | Whisenhunt doesn't want to pass on taking chances | | |  |
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| 10/29 azcentral.com | asu sports
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| ASU RB Bass eager for a chance
October 28, 2009 at 1:03 am
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| | Notes: Arizona State tailback Ryan Bass is ready to prove his worth Saturday against California. | | |  |
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| 10/29 Phoenix Local News
October 29, 2009 at 12:00 am
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| UN RIGHTS EXPERT VOICES CONCERN OVER USE OF UNMANNED DRONES BY UNITED STATES
October 28, 2009 at 7:10 pm
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| UN RIGHTS EXPERT VOICES CONCERN OVER USE OF UNMANNED DRONES BY UNITED STATES
New York, Oct 28 2009 7:10PM
The use of pilot-less drones by the United States to target militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan will be regarded as a breach of international law unless Washington can demonstrate that it follows the appropriate precautions and accountability mechanisms, an independent United Nations human rights expert warned.Philip Alston, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, yesterday presented his latest report to the General Assembly's Third Committee (social, humanitarian and cultural) at UN Headquarters in New York, telling committee members that his concern about the issue has "grown dramatically" in recent months. The US military has used unmanned drones and so-called "predators" to carry out the targeted executions of Taliban members and other militants operating in neighbouring Pakistan and Afghanistan, he noted to journalists after presenting the report. "While there may be circumstances in which the use of such techniques is consistent with applicable international law, this can only be determined in light of information about the legal basis on which particular individuals have been targeted, the measures taken to ensure conformity with the international humanitarian law principles of discrimination, proportionality, necessity and precaution, and the steps taken retrospectively to assess compliance in practice," Mr. Alston told the committee. Responding later to questions from journalists, the Special Rapporteur said the US position that the General Assembly and Human Rights Council – to which he reports – have no role in relation to killings that occur in the context of an armed conflict was a "simply untenable" response. "That would remove the great majority of issues that come before these bodies right now," he said, calling on US authorities to be more "upfront" about aspects of its programme. "Otherwise you have the really problematic bottom line, which is that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is running a programme that is killing a significant number of people, and there is absolutely no accountability in terms of the relevant international law." In his report Mr. Alston also discussed recent visits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Colombia, and sounded the alarm about the apparently widespread practice worldwide of vigilante or "mob justice" killings. "Covert or overt official involvement in, or encouragement of, vigilante killings is quite common," he said, observing that all too often senior government officials do not publicly denounce instance of vigilante justice. "Where vigilante killings persist for a sustained period, and the relevant police or municipal authorities have failed to take measures to reduce or eliminate them, national governments should introduce a system of penalties designed to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken… The prompt investigation, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators is crucial." Mr. Alston serves in an independent and unpaid capacity and reports to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Oct 28 2009 7:10PM
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| Today's Tech News: Change passwords: Crooks want keys to your e-mail
October 28, 2009 at 6:30 pm
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| Change passwords: Crooks want keys to your e-mail | | | By Byron Acohido, USA TODAY
Phishing attacks suddenly spiked 200% from May through September, according to IBM's X-Force research team, and phishers are going after log-ons to Web mail, social networking and online gaming accounts, security experts say. Read more | |
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| UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR INCREASED ASSISTANCE TO NATIONS RAVAGED BY CONFLICT AND DISASTER
October 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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| UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR INCREASED ASSISTANCE TO NATIONS RAVAGED BY CONFLICT AND DISASTER
New York, Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
On the heels of a four-nation trip to see first-hand the damage caused by conflict and natural disasters, the top United Nations humanitarian official today appealed for international support to help these countries recover and rebuild.The conflict in northern Yemen, which he visited earlier this month, remains "pretty neglected" both by the international community and the media, John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told reporters. More than 50,000 people have been uprooted since the fighting between the Government and Al Houthi rebels resumed in earnest in August, bringing the total number of people forced from their homes since the conflict first started in 2004 to 150,000. "There's no doubt from the humanitarian angle that the situation is getting worse," Mr. Holmes said. UN requests to both the Government and rebels for a humanitarian pause in fighting to allow urgently-needed supplies to reach civilians have so far been unsuccessful, he noted. Further, the official pointed out that just over 36 per cent of the $24 million flash appeal for Yemen launched last months has been funded so far. Also facing a funding shortfall are the appeals for the Philippines and Indonesia, which he also visited this month. The Philippines was battered by successive storms which affected over 6 million people, killing some 800 people and displacing scores of thousands of others, and caused crop damage estimated at over $160 million. With fears of communicable disease outbreaks high and water levels still high in some areas, Mr. Holmes said that "there is quite a long way to go" in recovery. Only one third of the $74 million appeal has been secured, he told reporters. The $38 million appeal for Indonesia, where a recent 7.9-magnitude earthquake claimed over 1,100 lives and damaged 200,000 homes, is also under-funded, he said. Mr. Holmes, who also serves as the UN's Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged donors for their support as the long-term rebuilding operation in the South-East Asian nation gets under way. Also in need of increased international assistance is Uganda, which he visited last week and met victims of the notorious rebel group known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in the north of the country. "The good news there is that 85 per cent of the 2 million IDPs [internally displaced persons] who had been displaced have been able to go home," the Under-Secretary-General said. With the LRA – currently wreaking havoc in neighbouring nations – having left northern Uganda, emergency relief efforts are winding down, but support is vital to make sure that basic services and facilities are in place in areas of return, and "there is still a long way to go," he emphasized.
Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
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| JERUSALEM MUST BE CAPITAL OF BOTH ISRAEL AND PALESTINE, BAN SAYS
October 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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| JERUSALEM MUST BE CAPITAL OF BOTH ISRAEL AND PALESTINE, BAN SAYS
New York, Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
Jerusalem must be the capital of two States – Israel and Palestine – living side-by-side in peace and security, with arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all, if peace in the Middle East is to be achieved, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today."This is the road to the fulfilment of both the vision of [United Nations] Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and the yearning for peace of people from all over the world," he said in a message to the Jerusalem International Forum in Rabat, Morocco, in which he stressed that the international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem. He cited as obstacles to peace continued Israeli evictions and house demolitions in East Jerusalem, the latest occurring yesterday, closure of Palestinian institutions there, and the expansion of settlements contrary to international law and the Roadmap peace plan espoused by the Quartet – UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States – that seeks a two-State solution to the conflict. "These actions exacerbate tensions, prejudge final status issues, and often have tragic human consequences," he added in the <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4192">message, delivered by Robert H. Serry, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Mr. Ban's Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. "I reiterate the repeated calls of the Quartet and the wider international community for Israel to freeze settlement activity, cease provocative and unilateral actions, and reopen Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem." Mr. Ban voiced concern at recent episodes of tension at the Haram Ash-Sharif/Temple Mount compound in East Jerusalem, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, and the potential for further clashes, also citing the "sensitive excavations" by Israel in reconstructing a ramp to the site. "We all share a responsibility to promote calm," he declared. "Today, access into East Jerusalem remains severely restricted by checkpoints, permits and the [Israeli] barrier, whose route is contrary to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. "These measures separate families, limit Palestinian economic development and make it difficult for residents of the West Bank to access specialized medical facilities," he added, urging Israel to respect the "organic relationship" between East Jerusalem and the remainder of the West Bank. "Only with the achievement of a two-State solution, and a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace, will Jerusalem be fully restored to its rightful place as a symbol of sanctity, brotherhood and peace for the entire world," he concluded. At a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1334">news conference in New York, Mr. Ban reiterated his warning that disturbances at the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount compound and other events in Jerusalem can undermine trust throughout the region. "I call upon all to avoid provocative acts," he said. He also called on Israel to re-open its borders with Gaza to allow in reconstruction material 10 months after the end of its three-week assault on Hamas there, noting that a donors' conference in Egypt raised $4.5 billion in financial aid for the purpose. "Little if any of that money has been delivered," he said. "Families have not been able to rebuild their homes. Clinics and schools are still in ruins. I urge Israel to accept the UN reconstruction proposals as set forth, recognizing that the only true guarantee of peace is people's well-being and security." He called on both Israel and the Palestinians to carry out "full, independent and credible investigations" in accordance with the recommendations of a UN commission led by Justice Richard Goldstone, a former prosecutor at the UN war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, which found evidence that both sides committed serious war crimes in the Gaza war. He said he was aware both were now going to have their own investigations. "I have not received any further details, but that is positive, I would say," he added. "I have been repeatedly urging the Israeli Government to institute a credible domestic investigation process."
Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
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| GUINEA: SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR TRIAL OF PERPETRATORS OF BLOODY CRACKDOWN
October 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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| GUINEA: SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR TRIAL OF PERPETRATORS OF BLOODY CRACKDOWN
New York, Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
The Security Council today again called on Guinean authorities to charge and try the perpetrators of last month's deadly crackdown on unarmed demonstrators that reportedly killed 150 people and wounded hundreds more, warning that situation might pose a risk to regional peace."The Security Council reiterates the need for the national authorities to fight against impunity, bring the perpetrators to justice, uphold the rule of law, including the respect for basic human rights and release all the individuals who are being denied due process under the law," the 15-member body said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sc9777.doc.htm">presidential statement read by Ambassador Le Luong Minh of Viet Nam, which holds this month's presidency. Beyond the deaths and injuries that resulted from the crackdown on 28 September in Conakry, the capital, the statement cited "other blatant violations of human rights including numerous rapes and sexual crimes against women, as well as the arbitrary arrest of peaceful demonstrators and opposition party leaders." The Council endorsed efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis, particularly its insistence on the establishment of a new transitional authority to ensure credible, free and fair elections in which Captain Moussa Dadis Camara and other coup leaders would not be candidates. Capt. Camara is head of the National Council for Democracy and Development (NCDD), which seized power in December in a coup d'état after the death of then president Lansana Conté. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will soon set up an international and independent commission of inquiry into the crackdown following its acceptance by local and regional stakeholders, including Mr. Camara, who pledged full cooperation during a recent visit from UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios.
Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
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| LAWMAKERS VOW TO TAKE URGENT MEASURES STRENGTHENING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS
October 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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| LAWMAKERS VOW TO TAKE URGENT MEASURES STRENGTHENING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS
New York, Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
Parliamentarians from some 115 countries pledged to promote sexual and reproductive health as well as women's rights to decide how and when they give birth, at a United Nations-backed gathering which wrapped up today.The two-day gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw hundreds of legislators and ministers support the principles and goals of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994, when 179 governments explicitly recognized sexual and reproductive health as a human right. "We are here to ensure that greater progress is made to advance human rights, including the right to sexual and reproductive health, and to hold governments accountable," UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said yesterday at the fourth global parliamentarians' conference on population and development. UN estimates in 2005 showed that, every minute, a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, adding up to more than 500,000 women dying annually, and almost all in developing countries. "Participants unanimously adopted the Addis Ababa Statement of Commitment, in which they pledged to exercise their oversight responsibilities to break the silence around gender discrimination and to promote sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights," UNFPA said in a news release. The delegates said that although some progress has been made in achieving universal access to reproductive health and a sharp reduction in maternal deaths by 2015, advances have been slow in many countries. In addition, the urgency to act has been heightened by conflicts, foreign occupation and emerging issues, including climate change, demographic challenges, environmental degradation, and the food and financial crises. Around 400 parliamentarians attending the conference committed to supporting accessible and affordable health services that promote family planning, HIV prevention and the health and well-being of women and girls. The participants also pledged to increase funding to at least 10 per cent of national budgets and development assistance budgets for population assistance, and to review laws and practices that still restrict access to sexual and reproductive health. The Addis Ababa gathering followed three similar global conferences in Bangkok in 2006, Strasbourg in 2004 and Ottawa in 2002.
Oct 28 2009 5:10PM
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| UN'S BALKAN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL RE-ELECTS PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT TO NEW TERMS
October 28, 2009 at 2:10 pm
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| UN'S BALKAN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL RE-ELECTS PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT TO NEW TERMS
New York, Oct 28 2009 2:10PM
The two most senior officials of the United Nations war crimes tribunal set up to try people accused of committing the worst offences during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s have been elected to another stint in office, the court announced today.Judge Patrick Robinson of Jamaica and Judge O-Gon Kwon of the Republic of Korea (ROK) were re-elected on Monday as President and Vice-President by the permanent judges of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.icty.org/sid/10255">ICTY). The tribunal, which is based in The Hague, elected President Robinson and Vice-President Kwon by acclamation to new two-year terms starting on 17 November. Both judges took up their posts on the same date in 2008. Since its establishment in 1993, the ICTY has indicted 161 people suspected of war crimes. While proceedings are ongoing against 41 of the accused, including the former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžic, proceedings have been concluded against 120, with two suspects – Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic and the ethnic Serb politician Goran Hadžic – still at large.
Oct 28 2009 2:10PM
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| UN TO AIRLIFT TENTS AND EMERGENCY AID FOR ANGOLANS EXPELLED FROM DR CONGO
October 28, 2009 at 2:10 pm
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| UN TO AIRLIFT TENTS AND EMERGENCY AID FOR ANGOLANS EXPELLED FROM DR CONGO
New York, Oct 28 2009 2:10PM
United Nations agencies are preparing to airlift tents and an emergency response team to help scores of thousands of Angolans expelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as each country continues to drive out its neighbour's nationals.According to the Angolan Ministry of Social Affairs and Reintegration, the number of Angolans expelled from DRC has risen to 60,000, including an undetermined but perhaps significant numbers of refugees, double the previous estimate, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) reported today. The number of Congolese expelled from Angola has subsided in Kasai and Bandundu provinces, but remains high in Bas-Congo, growing from 2,000 in July to 18,000 in September. The daily rate of Congolese has decreased from 500 to 150, the vast majority of them irregular migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The total expelled from Angola since December is estimated to be 160,000, 28 per cent of them children about 23.5 percent women. Most of the deported Angolans had been living in Bas-Congo province, and the forced returns are in response to the waves of expulsions of large numbers of Congolese from Angola since December, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/search?page=search&docid=4adde3aa9&query=angola">UNHCR). UNHCR is preparing an airlift to deliver tents and deploy an emergency response team for the expelled Angolans, while the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) is providing water treatment equipment, chlorine tablets, baby formula bottles, water bladders, latrine slabs and soap. UNICEF has also provided emergency education kits, but warns that integrating children into the Angolan educational system will pose challenges as many are not proficient in the Portuguese language and have no papers indicating what grades they were in while in DRC. The Angolan Government has provided 537 metric tons of food for those expelled in the provinces of Zaire, Uige and Cabinda, while UNICEF has sent a shipment of plumpy-nut – a ready-to-eat formula to prevent acute malnutrition of vulnerable children. The UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/">WHO) has provided emergency kits of essential drugs in Zaire province to meet the needs of 10,000 people. UNICEF and IOM have each provided one vehicle to the Government to assist in transporting those expelled, but with the onset of the rainy season, more trucks will be needed due to poor road conditions. The UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) Mine Action programme has assessed proposed sites for shelter. In DRC the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/">FAO) is closely monitoring the situation of households expelled from Angola through a pilot project providing 4,800 families with agricultural inputs and technical training, while WHO has sent essential drugs to six health posts in Luiza and Tshikapa territories, which are now providing free health services. UNICEF and WHO are also organizing a campaign to vaccinate under-fives against measles and pregnant women against tetanus, while the UN Population Fund (<"http://www.unfpa.org/">UNFPA) has provided delivery kits to the Government. UNICEF, through a partnership with the non-governmental Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is providing non-food items to some of those expelled from Angola.
Oct 28 2009 2:10PM
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| BAN VOICES CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AHEAD OF COPENHAGEN CLIMATE CONFERENCE
October 28, 2009 at 1:10 pm
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| BAN VOICES CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AHEAD OF COPENHAGEN CLIMATE CONFERENCE
New York, Oct 28 2009 1:10PM
Although much work remains to be done ahead of December's climate change conference in Copenhagen, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he is optimistic that world leaders will reach an ambitious agreement in the Danish capital.Provided that four key benchmarks are decided upon, the gathering will be a success, Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1333">told reporters today during his monthly press conference. Those four criteria, he said, are: emissions reductions targets by both developed and developing nations; adaptation measures; the provision of financing and technology for poorer nations; and the creation of an equitable global governance structure. "We are not lowering expectations" ahead of the Copenhagen meeting, the Secretary-General stressed, noting that he has been working closely with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who is holding discussions with governments on the substance and form of an agreement that could emerge from the summit. "There is a long way to go still," he said, with only five weeks to go before that meeting. Post-Copenhagen, Mr. Ban emphasized to reporters that countries must endeavour to ensure that any agreements reached during the technical negotiations in Denmark can be built upon to become legally binding. Negotiators are set to meet next week in Barcelona, Spain, for the last round of negotiations before the two-week Copenhagen gathering kicks off on 7 December. In an <"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/opinion/26iht-edban.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=ban%20ki-moon&st=cse">opinion article published earlier this week in the <i>New York Times</i>, Mr. Ban wrote that despite the gridlock at the last round of climate negotiations held in Bangkok, Thailand, in early October, "the elements of a deal are on the table." All that is needed to put them in place is political will, he said. "We need to step back from narrow national interest and engage in frank and constructive discussion in a spirit of global common cause." The leadership of the United States in this endeavour, the Secretary-General said, is vital, noting that he is encouraged by last week's bipartisan initiative in the US Senate. "We cannot afford another period where the United States stands on the sidelines," he emphasized, adding that an "indecisive or insufficiently engaged" US will result in unnecessary and unaffordable delays in tackling global warming.
Oct 28 2009 1:10PM
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