Afghanistan: Security Council welcomes elections
Welcoming Sunday’s legislative elections in Afghanistan, the Security Council today called on all sides to continue to work constructively toward the early establishment of a new Parliament.
Security Council calls for aid to Guinea-Bissau as transitional phase ends
The Security Council today called on the international community to provide aid to Guinea-Bissau during its "delicate post-electoral phase" as the West African country emerges from several periods of instability during its 30 years of independence from Portugal.
Annan chooses two women for high-level posts in political affairs and human resources
Secretary-General Kofi Annan today appointed two veteran United Nations female staff members to high-level positions – Angela Kane of Germany as Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to replace Danilo Türk, and Jan Beagle of New Zealand as Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management, replacing Rosemary McCreery.
Security Council backs 'Forum of Partners' for Burundi
The Security Council today welcomed the decision by last week's Summit on Burundi to establish a forum of the country's partners and it urged Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative there to hold consultations with the new Government and its partners with a view to establishing the panel as soon as possible.
Afghan refugee returns this year pass 400,000, reaching 4.2 million overall – UN
The number of Afghan refugees returning home with United Nations assistance this year surpassed 400,000 today, bringing the total to just under 3.5 million since the operation began in 2002.
Islamic group confers with Annan on Middle East peace process
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan met today in New York with representatives of a major organization of Islamic States, who expressed general support for recent diplomatic developments but expressed concern over events on the ground.
World must fight intolerance against Muslims, Singapore tells UN Assembly
The United Nations must translate its pledges to promote tolerance into concrete and specific actions that will combat anti-Muslim bias, the Foreign Minister of Singapore told the General Assembly today.
African delegates gather for Cities Without Slums Programme
Delegates from across east, central and southern Africa met at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) headquarters today for two days of exchange and workshops on providing the poor with decent, liveable housing through the Cities Without Slums Programme.
Equality among nations highlighted as General Assembly continues annual debate
The representatives of small and medium-sized countries voiced their opinions on a wide range of issues facing the international community and their own governments, including United Nations reform and moving to greater equity in economic development and human rights, as the General Assembly completed the sixth day of its annual debate for the current 60th anniversary session.
From its Headquarters to far-flung outposts, UN marks International Peace Day
From its Headquarters complex in New York, where Secretary-General Kofi Annan solemnly rang the Peace Bell, to its furthest outposts on the front-line of conflict prevention to cyberspace, the United Nations today celebrated the annual International Day of Peace with ceremonies around the world.