News from the United Nations 4.3.08

Seven members of the United Nations mission in Nepal were killed in a helicopter crash. The UN workers were on a fact-finding mission investigating groups of Maoist rebels.  The group included four arms monitors, and three UN workers from the Nepal mission.  Three crew members were also killed.  The Secretary-General issued condolences to family members of the deceased.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan over the weekend.  Mr. Annan briefed Mr. Ban on the violence, and tentative truce, in Kenya.

The Security Council, in meetings through the weekend, voted in favor of more sanctions on Iran if Iran does not comply with IAEA regulations.  The sanctions would stiffen inspections of cargo going in to and out of Iran.

The General Assembly is expected to issue draft text of a resolution on terrorism soon.  The document, A-57-37, is the result of an adhoc committee convened with the intent to define terrorism.  The report is not a final definition, and must be voted on by members of the General Assembly before it is to take effect.