Europe

UNOMIG's Tbilisi Headquarters, Georgia

Despite mission’s withdrawal, UN to continue engagement in Georgia – Ban

30 June 2009
In spite of the start of the withdrawal of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reaffirmed that the world body will remain engaged in the region.
Special Representative Tayé-Brook Zerihoun announces opening of Yesilirmak/Limnitis crossing

Cypriot leaders agree to open new crossing point during UN-backed talks

26 June 2009
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to open a new crossing point linking the two communities on the Mediterranean island, the United Nations envoy to the country announced today.
Dresden Elbe Valley

Dresden dropped from UN World Heritage List owing to new bridge

25 June 2009
The United Nations cultural agency today removed Germany’s Dresden Elbe Valley from its World Heritage List due to the building of a four-lane bridge in the heart of the cultural landscape, marking only the second time that it has ever delisted a site.
Asylum-seekers on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa (file)

UN urges Sweden to stress refugee rights during upcoming European Union presidency

23 June 2009
The United Nations refugee agency has called on Sweden to use its upcoming Presidency of the European Union, which begins on 1 July, to highlight the need to ensure that refugees, asylum-seekers and others requiring protection are able to find it throughout the Union.
Personal Envoy Matthew Nimetz

Greece and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia meet with UN envoy on ‘name’ issue

22 June 2009
Representatives of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia met today in Geneva to continue discussions on the latter’s name, in a meeting initiated by the United Nations envoy dealing with the issue.
Human Rights Council in Geneva

UN rights expert warns of adverse impact of Romania's growing migration trend

21 June 2009
The rising flow of workers moving in and out of Romania has delivered a significant blow to parts of the population in the Eastern European country, an independent United Nations human rights expert has warned.
Local aid workers distribute food to some of the foreigners who have been living in makeshift shelters in the Calais area

New UN office aims to help hundreds of refugees, asylum-seekers in Calais

18 June 2009
The United Nations refugee agency said it plans to establish a full-time presence in the northern French port of Calais beginning in July to assist hundreds of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers who are living in “squalid” settlements hoping to cross to the United Kingdom.

Ban to receive award from Rotary International on visit to Birmingham

18 June 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is set to travel over the weekend to Birmingham, United Kingdom, at the invitation of Rotary International, to receive an award for his contribution and efforts on the eradication of polio, his spokesperson announced today.
Lamberto Zannier (right), Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo addresses Security Council

Kosovo operation now different, but still vital to ensuring stability – UN envoy

17 June 2009
While the United Nations mission has reconfigured itself in response to the prevailing situation on the ground after Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia last year, it still has an important role to play in ensuring stability in the area, its chief said today.

Secretary-General appeals for continued support for UN’s Kosovo mission

15 June 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for cooperation and constructive engagement from all concerned for a reconfigured United Nations mission in Kosovo, which he says is continuing to play an important role amid the changing reality on the ground following Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia last year.