Americas

UN refugee chief hails Latin American efforts to boost refugee protections

17 November 2004
Against a backdrop of growing national security concerns, the fight against terrorism and increasing migration controls in the Americas, Latin American countries have approved a plan of action to improve refugee protection in what the head of the United Nations refugee agency has called a triumph for human rights.

Annan phones Rice to congratulate her on appointment as US Secretary of State

17 November 2004
Secretary-General Kofi Annan last night phoned United States National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to congratulate her on her appointment as the new Secretary of State and is looking forward to "a constructive and collaborative relationship," his spokesman said today.

UN seeks $1.8 million to feed Bolivians hit by drought

16 November 2004
United Nations humanitarian agencies today announced an appeal for $1.8 million to bring emergency aid to 180,000 people in Bolivia's drought-stricken El Chaco region over the next seven months.

Two thirds of projected UN peacekeeping force in Haiti already in place

15 November 2004
More than two thirds of the military and police forces planned for the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Haiti have already arrived to help foster a democratic political transition in the strife-torn Caribbean country after widespread unrest last March led to the departure of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

As UN closes Guatemala mission, Annan hails it as model of success

15 November 2004
As the United Nations today formally closed its Guatemala mission - which for the past decade has been keeping watch on the peace process - United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan hailed its accomplishments as a model to be emulated elsewhere.

Annan thanks Powell for 'close and productive' relationship

15 November 2004
Following the resignation announcement by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today praised Mr. Powell's "wise counsel and objective approach" and wished him well in his future endeavours.

New police arrivals bring UN security force in Haiti to nearly 5,000

11 November 2004
A 250-strong Pakistani police unit has arrived in Haiti to join the United Nations Stabilization Mission (MINUSTAH) there as the operation's uniformed strength continues climbing towards its authorized total of nearly 8,000 soldiers and civilian police.

UN donates documents on Guatemala's peace process to university library

11 November 2004
The United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) today donated all documents pertaining to its 10-year efforts to establish peace in the country to the University of San Carlos, located in the capital.

Haiti facing huge shortfall in funds to recover from deadly tropical storm - UN

9 November 2004
Although the humanitarian situation in the Haitian city of Gonaïves is gradually improving after it was devastated by floods and mudslides caused by deadly Tropical Storm Jeanne in September, the United Nations warned today that barely a quarter of the $37 million sought under the Haiti Floods Flash Appeal was in hand.

Music can make the world a more harmonious place, Annan says

8 November 2004
Music can bring people together to make the world a more harmonious place, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today as he hosted the latest in a series of talks on issues outside the normal range of United Nations topics and on matters at the forefront of both the humanities and natural sciences.