Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

The Secretary-General is very concerned about continued fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is also worried by increasing attacks by rebels of the CNDP (National Congress for the Defence of the People) and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He urges armed groups to support current efforts to stop violence in the eastern part of the DRC. The United Nations continues to work with leaders in the region to find a peaceful solution to the fighting. Over 30 tons of medical goods are being shipped to the region by countries including Norway.

On Sudan, UN officials met with the African Union (AU) fact finding team, led by the former President of Burundi. The security situation is relatively calm, but banditry and rape are still at alarming rates.

The Security Council will elect five judges today to the International Court of Justice. Representatives from France, Jordan, Brazil and the United Kingdom have been selected. One candidate seat remains.

The Secretary General's gave his latest report to the General Assembly to improve the financial situation of the United Nations which he states remains fragile. He requested member states to meet their financial obligations in a timely fashion. Unpaid assessments were higher in all categories except for the Capital Master Plan. The Plan is set up to manage the historic renovation of the United Nations Headquarters Complex and to execute the renovation on time and within budget, in a safe, accountable, and transparent manner, in order to create a modern, safe and sustainable work environment.

In Pakistan, the World Food Program (WFP) is ditributing food aid to those survivors in the worst hit areas by the earthquake. The International Monetary Fund has approved 16.5 billion to Ukraine to restore economic stability and security. Ukraine has been hit hard by slow economic progress.

Today is the International Day to Protect The Environment from War and Armed Conflict. The Secretary-General added that water and sanitation systems are most often disassembled and destroyed during conflicts.

The World Health Organization is asking to ban sales of tobacco sales on United Nations premises. The Organization said there are over 5 million tobacco related deaths each year.