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UN inspectors in Iraq

Iraq invites top UN inspector for talks ahead of Security Council briefing next month

31 December 2002
As inspections continued on the ground in Iraq, the United Nations today confirmed that Baghdad has invited the chief UN arms expert for further discussions on the international probe into the country's weapons programmes.

IAEA inspectors leave DPR of Korea

31 December 2002
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) left the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) today while the Agency's governing board prepared to take up the issue next week.

DR of Congo: UN mission helps rebel factions in northeast reach ceasefire accord

31 December 2002
The United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has helped three armed rebel movements that have been fighting in the northeastern part of the country to reach a ceasefire agreement, according to a UN spokesman in New York.
Eritrean refugees returning from the Sudan

Eritreans in Sudan to lose refugee status, UN agency says

31 December 2002
With today marking the end refugee status for more than 320,000 Eritreans in the Sudan, thousands of people are coming forward seeking continued protection while others are asking to be taken home or applying to remain as immigrants, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has reported.

UN report finds peace operations yield major dividends for many countries in 2002

31 December 2002
Ranging in scope from disarmament to protecting human rights, United Nations peace operations around the globe yielded major dividends for a number of countries in 2002, according to a report published by the UN Department for Public Information (DPI).

UN's Bosnia mission wraps up operations, leaves behind police force 'fit for Europe'

31 December 2002
After successfully completing the most extensive police reform and restructuring mandate ever undertaken by the United Nations, the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) will cease operations at midnight tonight.

Dry spell leaves more than 11 million Ethiopians facing severe food shortages – UN

30 December 2002
A prolonged dry spell that led to a poor harvest in many parts of Ethiopia now threatens to leave more than 11 million people facing serious food shortages and possible starvation, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).

Disarmament in northern Afghanistan yields nearly 200 weapons, UN mission says

30 December 2002
Nearly 200 weapons have been collected since the resumption of the disarmament process in northern Afghanistan, the United Nations mission in the country has reported.

Annan spotlights women in Africa’s battle against AIDS and famine

30 December 2002
Shining the spotlight on the plight of women during African crises, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged that more attention be devoted towards saving these traditional caretakers as the continent currently battles the twin threat of famine and AIDS.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Kenya: Annan welcomes peaceful elections, congratulates new President

30 December 2002
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed news of the peaceful elections in Kenya and congratulated new President Mwai Kibaki and the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) for their victory.