Asia Pacific

Timor-Leste: UN mission announces steps to bolster police in wake of last week's riots

10 December 2002
As investigations into last week's violence in Timor-Leste continue, the United Nations top envoy to the country today announced a number of immediate steps to strengthen the new nation's police force.

UN missions in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan observe Human Rights Day

10 December 2002
The United Nations missions in Timor-Leste and Afghanistan helped those countries observe Human Rights Day today, pledging support for the two nations' effort in promoting basic civil liberties in every day life.

As temperatures drop in Pakistan, UN distributes blankets to Afghan refugees

10 December 2002
As winter's freezing temperatures descend on Pakistan, the United Nations today announced the start of an emergency distribution of blankets to Afghan refugees living in the country.

UN envoy highlights progress, challenges at donors’ conference for Timor-Leste

9 December 2002
The head of the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste today drew attention to the country’s development challenges and to some of the young nation’s successes as donors gathered in the capital, Dili, for the opening of a two-day pledging conference.

Indonesia: Annan welcomes agreement to end fighting in Aceh

9 December 2002
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the signing in Geneva of an agreement to end the fighting between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement, voicing his hope that the accord will pave the way for a return of peace to the province.

Hailing progress in Sri Lanka peace talks, Annan voices hope for lasting settlement

8 December 2002
Hailing progress achieved in talks aimed at settling the conflict in Sri Lanka, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced hope that the country's peace process would be completed through future negotiations.

Over 100 new weapons collected as northern Afghanistan continues disarmament

8 December 2002
More than 100 weapons have been collected recently as part of the disarmament of northern Afghanistan – an area marked by an emerging sense of hope, a United Nations spokesman reported today.

Timor-Leste: Reporting calm in Dili, UN plans to probe recent violence

6 December 2002
The senior United Nations envoy to Timor-Leste today reported that calm has been restored to the country's capital, Dili, following Wednesday's incidents in which at least two Timorese were killed and another three seriously injured.

Afghanistan: hailing Bonn accord's anniversary, Security Council urges full democracy

6 December 2002
Marking the one-year anniversary of the Bonn Agreement which paved the way for Afghanistan's political transition, members of the Security Council today hailed the success achieved to date while calling for further steps to consolidate democracy.

UN troops, police called in to quell deadly melee in Timor-Leste capital

4 December 2002
United Nations peacekeepers and police were called in to restore order in Dili, Timor-Leste, today following a violent demonstration involving more than 600 people that left one student dead and a Timorese parliamentarian injured.