Europe

Annan calls Euro's advent 'bold and visionary' act of political unity

31 December 2001
Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the introduction of the Euro - Europe's new common currency - calling it "a bold and visionary choice for unity over division, cooperation over conflict, and a common future over a divided past."

Haekkerup resigns as head of UN mission in Kosovo; Annan regrets move

28 December 2001
Citing personal reasons, the head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Hans Haekkerup, today announced his resignation, drawing an expression of regrets from Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who praised the envoy for his contribution to UN efforts in the province.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: UN mission denies press report of police misconduct

27 December 2001
The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) today refuted a press report of misconduct by UN police in the country, calling it "a rewrite of old allegations."

With UN support, Kosovo gains wide Internet access

26 December 2001
The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) today announced a new initiative which will provide Internet access to all business and residential customers in the province.

Kosovo Supreme Court releases three bus bomb suspects held on UN mission's orders

19 December 2001
A panel of international judges in the Kosovo Supreme Court has ordered the release of three ethnic Albanians suspected of an attack on a public bus that left 11 dead, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) said today.

UN, Ericsson sign agreement for enhanced communications system for emergency relief

18 December 2001
The United Nations has signed an agreement with the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson for a global mobile communications system to enhance the Organization's humanitarian relief efforts.

UN set to transfer demining activities to Kosovo authorities

14 December 2001
After determining that all known minefields and cluster bomb strike sites in Kosovo have been cleared to internationally acceptable standards, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in the province today said it was set to transfer the long-term responsibility for demining activities to local authorities.

UN Tribunal unseals charges against Bosnian Serb involved in Srebrenica massacre

14 December 2001
The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) today unsealed the indictment against a former Bosnian Serb commander for war crimes linked to the killings of thousands of Muslims captured from the "safe area" of Srebrenica in 1995.

Security Council renews UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus

14 December 2001
Acting on the recommendation of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Security Council today extended the mandate of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) until 15 June 2002.

Annan extends good offices mission to Cyprus through 2002

13 December 2001
Secretary-General Kofi Annan has decided to extend his mission of good offices concerning the situation in Cyprus through the end of next year.