The U.N. Security Council is urging Guinea-Bissau to hold free and fair elections in a timely manner, following the death of president Malam Bacai Sanha early this week. The 15-member body says the military should respect civilian rule, and the council urged authorities to increase security in an effort to discourage any civil disobedience. The […]
UN Urges Fair Elections in Guinea Bissau
Posted January 14th, 2012 at 1:00 am (UTC-5)
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UN Chief in Beirut ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over Hezbollah Arms
Posted January 13th, 2012 at 1:15 pm (UTC-5)
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon says he is “deeply concerned” over the lack of disarmament of the militant and political group Hezbollah. Mr. Ban is in Lebanon for talks on a U.N.-backed tribunal probing the death of the country’s former leader and the ongoing bloodshed in neighboring Syria. At a press conference Friday not far […]
U.N. Chief Arrives in Lebanon To Talk Syria and Hezbollah
Posted January 13th, 2012 at 11:15 am (UTC-5)
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon arrived in Lebanon on Friday for talks on a U.N.-backed tribunal probing the death of the country’s former leader and the ongoing bloodshed in neighboring Syria. The U.N. secretary-general is also expected to discuss attacks against U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and the weapons stockpile of militant group Hezbollah. Mr. […]
UN Aid Coordinator Says Somalia Still in Crisis
Posted January 13th, 2012 at 10:35 am (UTC-5)
The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia says international aid has helped improve conditions in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa, but says the region still faces a crisis situation. Mark Bowden spoke to VOA in Washington Friday. He said distribution of seed in the Horn has gone well, so farmers can take advantage of recent rains. […]
AU Wants to Expand Somalia Mission
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 7:50 pm (UTC-5)
The African Union is asking the United Nations Security Council to approve expanding its mission in Somalia, saying the gains made against Islamic insurgents must be protected. AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, told the Council in New York Wednesday that for the first time in 20 years, Somalia’s transitional government controls nearly […]
UN Rights Chief Welcomes Fiji’s Lifting of Emergency Rule
Posted January 9th, 2012 at 2:30 pm (UTC-5)
The top U.N. official for human rights is welcoming a move by Fiji’s government to cancel its emergency rule but continues to express concern about the political situation there. In a statement Monday, Navi Pillay encouraged Fiji’s government to take concrete steps to ensure the rule of law and build on what she called “positive […]
North Korean Heir Apparent an Enigma
Posted December 28th, 2011 at 3:45 am (UTC-5)
Kim Jong Il’s heir — his third son Kim Jong Un — has risen to power swiftly in North Korea since being made a four-star general one year ago. But he is even more of an enigma than his late father. Kim Jong Un is believed to be around 28 years old. His birth date, […]
US: Russian Call for Probe of Civilian Deaths from Libyan Airstrikes a ‘Cheap Stunt’
Posted December 22nd, 2011 at 8:20 pm (UTC-5)
The United Nations Security Council has rejected Russia’s call for an investigation into suspected Libyan civilian deaths from NATO airstrikes. Ambassador Susan Rice called it a “cheap stunt.” She accused the Russians of trying to divert attention from Syria and water down the success NATO had in protecting the Libyan people. French Ambassador Gerard Araud […]
UN Seeks Relief Aid for Philippine Flood Victims
Posted December 22nd, 2011 at 7:55 am (UTC-5)
A United Nations official is appealing for more than $28 million in relief aid for the Philippines, saying the area devastated by massive flash floods looks like it was hit by a tsunami. U.N. humanitarian coordinator Soe Nyunt-U is calling on the international community to supply funding for basic needs, such as clean drinking water, […]
UN Calls for Justice in Russian Journalist Murder
Posted December 20th, 2011 at 2:35 pm (UTC-5)
The Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has added her voice to those expressing concern about the killing of a prominent Russian journalist in Dagestan last week. In a statement released Tuesday, Irina Bokova said she condemned the murder of Khadzhimurad Kamalov Friday, a day dedicated to the commemoration of […]
