Europe

Closure of Chechen refugee camps could endanger safe haven principle - UN

20 January 2004
The United Nations refugee agency has warned that the possible closing of three tented camps in the Russian republic of Ingushetia, where more than 7,000 Chechens are being sheltered, would seriously jeopardize the principle of safe haven if no realistic alternative shelter is provided.

Georgia: citing 'painfully slow' progress, Annan urges extension of UN mission

19 January 2004
In a report released today that says progress in resolving the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict remains "painfully slow," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appeals to the Abkhaz side to abandon its "uncompromising position" and negotiate a settlement with the new Georgian Government.

Annan to seek help of business leaders at Davos in promoting equitable globalization

15 January 2004
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will seek to recruit business leaders at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week in what he sees as the crucial task of making globalization work for the world's people.

UN-organized forum calls for recommitment to Cairo population summit goals

14 January 2004
A United Nations-organized conference of European population and reproductive health experts wound up a three-day meeting today with a plea to mobilize the funds needed to achieve the goals of the 1994 Cairo population summit, which called for gender equality and the universal right to education and development.
Harri Holkeri speaking at the reception

UN envoy urges Kosovo to take the high road towards peace in 2004

13 January 2004
Declaring that Kosovo is at a crossroads in its history, the senior United Nations envoy to the province today urged its people to choose the peaceful, democratic path taken by the nations of Central and Eastern Europe after the end of the Cold War.

UN's European population forum to examine region's low fertility

12 January 2004
The causes and effects of Europe's low fertility rates and the continent's support for health services in the developing world featured high on the agenda at a three-day United Nations meeting which opened today in Geneva.

Hailing 'sea change,' UN refugee agency closes last field offices in Croatia

7 January 2004
The UN refugee agency has closed its three remaining field offices in Croatia, marking the end of an era in which it helped repatriate over 100,000 Croatian Serbs over 12 years and signalling what it called a 'sea change' in the region that gave birth to the term "ethnic cleansing."

UN agencies to help monitor Georgian elections

2 January 2004
As Georgia prepares to elect a new leader on Sunday after widespread turmoil forced the resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze last month, United Nations agencies have joined other international organizations to help ensure a free and fair presidential ballot.