Tuesday
Feb192008
United Nations Briefing February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 12:51PM
Darfur/Chad:
Renewed attacks in West Darfur close to the border with Chad. The UN team has been withdrawn. There has been overnight bombing. Unverified reports that most of the refugees are fleeing the camps and going to Chad. Under Secretary John Holmes says that people need to be held accountable under International law. Worried that there will be continued violence in the area.
The Security Council discussed Sudan. The comprehensive peace agreement remains on track. The working relationship suffers from lack of mutual trust.
Kosovo:
The Secretary General says that Security Council Resolution # 1244 remains in force. The reality on the ground is evolving. Overall stability and regional is important.
The situation on the ground remains calm, but there is some violence by some groups. KFOR of NATO is working to make sure there is a safe and secure environment. The Secretary said it is up to the member states about recognizing Kosovo as an independent state.
Pakistan:
The Secretary General commends the people of Pakistan on the largely peaceful conduction of the elections.
Middle East:
UN said that only a political settlement will alter the situation for the Palestine people. John Holmes is still in the region. There is a question from the press as to if John Holmes was not accorded a meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister. At this point the UN Spokesperson did not have an answer to that.
Nepal:
UN urges not using excessive use of force.
Afghanistan:
Harsh winter and they are trying to deliver supplies.
Danish Cartoons:
The Alliance of Civilizations , said that they would be setting up mechanisms for responding to this. There is a question if the Secretary General is for total press freedom. This was set up to bridge the gap between East and West and various religions. They want to set up a rapid response. The cartoons have been republished. The press wants to know what the Secretary General feels right now.
Development Financing:
How to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. There is progress in every area but not in Africa.
Renewed attacks in West Darfur close to the border with Chad. The UN team has been withdrawn. There has been overnight bombing. Unverified reports that most of the refugees are fleeing the camps and going to Chad. Under Secretary John Holmes says that people need to be held accountable under International law. Worried that there will be continued violence in the area.
The Security Council discussed Sudan. The comprehensive peace agreement remains on track. The working relationship suffers from lack of mutual trust.
Kosovo:
The Secretary General says that Security Council Resolution # 1244 remains in force. The reality on the ground is evolving. Overall stability and regional is important.
The situation on the ground remains calm, but there is some violence by some groups. KFOR of NATO is working to make sure there is a safe and secure environment. The Secretary said it is up to the member states about recognizing Kosovo as an independent state.
Pakistan:
The Secretary General commends the people of Pakistan on the largely peaceful conduction of the elections.
Middle East:
UN said that only a political settlement will alter the situation for the Palestine people. John Holmes is still in the region. There is a question from the press as to if John Holmes was not accorded a meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister. At this point the UN Spokesperson did not have an answer to that.
Nepal:
UN urges not using excessive use of force.
Afghanistan:
Harsh winter and they are trying to deliver supplies.
Danish Cartoons:
The Alliance of Civilizations , said that they would be setting up mechanisms for responding to this. There is a question if the Secretary General is for total press freedom. This was set up to bridge the gap between East and West and various religions. They want to set up a rapid response. The cartoons have been republished. The press wants to know what the Secretary General feels right now.
Development Financing:
How to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. There is progress in every area but not in Africa.
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