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UN panel pays out $760 million for losses from Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait

17 May 2001
The United Nations Compensation Commission, which processes and pays compensation for losses resulting from Iraq's 1990 invasion and occupation of Kuwait, disbursed today over $760 million in damages.

UN refugee agency urges Guinea to open its borders to Liberians seeking asylum

17 May 2001
The United Nations refugee agency today said it was deeply disturbed at Guinea's continued refusal to open its borders to scores of Liberian civilians attempting to flee fighting in their native country.

Fresh violations of ceasefire agreement reported in Sierra Leone: UN mission

17 May 2001
The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) today said the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) had reported new ceasefire violations by the government-backed Civil Defence Force (CDF) in two villages controlled by the rebel group.

Security Council mission set to visit Kosovo from 15 to 19 June

17 May 2001
The planned visit of a Security Council delegation to Kosovo will take place from 15 to 19 June to observe the "difficult challenges" faced by the United Nations in the troubled province, according to a document released today at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

On World Telecommunications Day, UN highlights power of Internet

17 May 2001
The international community and the United Nations system today marked World Telecommunications Day, calling attention this year to the Internet's impact on a wide range of educational, environmental and health issues, but noting that access to the World Wide Web was available to only a fraction of the globe's inhabitants.

New world trade university launched at UN conference on world's poorest States

17 May 2001
The "World Trade University" - an institute of higher learning designed to foster a broader understanding of the multilateral trading system among young people - was launched today in Brussels at the Third United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries.

At disarmament forum, Turkey and Greece announce plans to join landmine ban

17 May 2001
Turkey and Greece have jointly decided to initiate procedures for ratifying an international convention banning landmines, a representative of Ankara today told the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament as it opened the second part of its annual session.

UN agency welcomes Cambodia's decision to accept refugees from Vietnam

17 May 2001
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today expressed concern at an outflow of hilltribe people from Viet Nam and welcomed Cambodia's decision to grant them temporary asylum.
FAO anti-desertification project in Niger

Accord on food security, environment signed by UN agency, African regional group

17 May 2001
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today announced an agreement with a regional African group designed to promote food security, rural development, environmental protection and desertification control through assessments of natural resources.

Lebanon: Security Council members voice concern over breaches of Blue Line

16 May 2001
Members of the Security Council today expressed concern over recent breaches of the withdrawal line in Lebanon and urged all sides to control their actions there, according to the President of the 15-member body.