Africa

Côte d'Ivoire requests UN assistance for upcoming elections

2 September 2003
As preparations for upcoming general elections get underway in Côte d'Ivoire, the country's fledgling government has asked the United Nations to help lay the groundwork for the 2005 ballot and to monitor the procedures to ensure fair and creditable outcome.

Western Sahara: Annan hails Polisario's release of over 200 war prisoners

1 September 2003
Reacting to the latest developments concerning Western Sahara, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the release by the Frente Polisario of 243 prisoners of war who were repatriated to Morocco by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Top UN health official urges treatment for AIDS patients in Africa

1 September 2003
The senior United Nations health official today made an impassioned plea for urgent treatment for AIDS patients in Africa, where more than 30 million people are now HIV-positive.