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Entries in Kofi Annan (2)

Tuesday
Mar042008

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.
Monday
Jan282008

United Nations News 28.1.08

Authorities in Kenya continue to wrestle with violence sparked by disputed election returns. One of Africa's more stable government, Kenya continues to deal with violence that erupted more than five days ago. More than 100 people have been killed, and riots persist in Kisumu. Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has been attempting to negotiate with various tribal factions.

Sunday, January 27 marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This week the United Nations begins a series of events commemorating the holocaust and honoring it's survivors. Events include a memorial ceremony and concert. US Congressman and Holocaust survivor Tom Lantos will deliver a key-note speech on Monday, January 28th. The United Nations has also issued a commemorative stamp. The United States version will be available for 41 cents.

The Conference for Peace, Security, and Development in North and South Kivo concluded late last week. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement congratulating the people and government of the Democratic Republic of Congo for a successful conference. The SG believes that peaceful reconciliation between armed factions in the Congo can be reached through further negotiations. The Secretary General also encouraged regional players to support continued talks.

The Secretary General also issued a statement addressing the friends and families of civilians and UN aid workers killed in the recent bombing in Algiers. The SG affirmed the United Nations' continued peacekeeping missions, but stated "the truth is, we can never really do justice to those we have lost. We can only iss them and mourn them. We can only unite in grieving for what is too hard to endure alone." The SG went on to stress the lessons learned from the Algiers bombing. These lessons included more clearly articulating to the public and press - particularly in areas of UN presence - what the UN stands for and how it works to achieve it's goals.

- Dan Patterson

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