Asia Pacific

More study needed on Asian brown haze, global warming and ozone: UNEP

9 April 2001
In the wake of an international meeting on climate change, the head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today emphasized the need to develop a more complete picture of the roles and interactions of greenhouse gases, aerosols and ozone.

Misery increasing in western Afghanistan, UN relief coordinator warns

6 April 2001
The situation in western Afghanistan continues to deteriorate as summer approaches, with about 1,000 people leaving their homes each day to escape drought, conflict, or both, according to a statement issued today by the Office of the United Nations Coordinator for Afghanistan.

Myanmar: UN human rights expert reports cautious optimism among parties

6 April 2001
A United Nations human rights expert who has just returned from Myanmar after three days of talks with government and opposition party leaders said today that there appeared to be cautious optimism about the latest developments in the country.

Security Council discusses elections, leadership and civil unrest in East Timor

5 April 2001
Civil disturbances in East Timor, the forthcoming elections and the resignation of Xanana Gusmão as president of the National Council dominated discussions in the Security Council today as members heard a briefing by a top United Nations peacekeeping official.

Afghanistan: responding to UN appeal, Japan donates additional $7 million in aid

4 April 2001
Responding to an appeal by the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Japan has donated an additional $7 million to help the beleaguered people of Afghanistan, where the combined forces of war and drought have forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

East Timor: Transitional Cabinet endorses establishment of police service

4 April 2001
The East Timor Transitional Cabinet today endorsed a draft regulation formally establishing the territory's first Police Service and Police Academy, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) said in a statement issued in Dili.

UN refugee agency awaits full access to Afghans in rain-soaked camps

3 April 2001
The United Nations refugee agency reported today that it was still awaiting full access to tens of thousands of Afghans encamped in a makeshift site in Pakistan, where conditions have deteriorated recently under the force of heavy rains.

UN survey shows economic recovery in Asia-Pacific region

3 April 2001
The economic performance of the Asia Pacific region grew stronger last year following an impressive recovery after the 1997 Asian financial crisis, according to a United Nations economic survey released today.

East Timor: Ramos-Horta appointed by UN administrator to replace Gusmão on National Council

2 April 2001
The head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) has appointed the current Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs, José Ramos-Horta, to fill the vacancy created by Xanana Gusmão's resignation last week from the National Council, the UN operation announced today.