News From the United Nations 22.2.08

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned with the continued violence on the Iraq-Turkey border.  On Thursday, Mr. Ban called for an immediate cessation of violence.  A statement issued by his spokesperson  attributable to the Secretary General on Friday said  that all parties should use "utmost restraint."  Early statements issued by the UN report that 10,000 Turkish troops have crossed over into Kurdish territory.  Reports of casualties are unconfirmed.  The European Union empathised with Turkey's security concerns, but condemned it's incursion into Iraq.

The Security Council has emphatically condemned the violent attacks on embassies in Belgrade.

The United Nations Refugee Agency is "shocked" at the destruction in west Darfur due to recent border violence.  Attacks by tribal forces on the Sudan-Chad border have prevented refugees from crossing the border into Chad, and prevented the United Nations from delivering food and supplies.  Currently 3.2 million people depend on supplies and help from the UN.

The United Nations World Food Agency is currently distributing food to 40 thousand Chadian refugees in Cameroon.

Regarding Iran, , Mohamed El Baradei, director the International Atomic Energy Agency, issued a statement confirming that most of Iran's outstanding issues have been "cleared up."  Though the issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions remains unresolved, IAEA has made "quite good progress."  The Secretary-General welcomes continued dialog between the IAEA and Iran.

Report from the UN-- George Clooney, Messenger of Peace, gives a press conference

Jane Lute, Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping, spoke about George Clooney and his work as the UN Messenger of Peace. She traveled with Mr. Clooney in Africa. Clooney was introduced by Kiyo Akasaka, the Under Secretary. There were at least 200 press members here as opposed to the 20 which attend usual briefings.

Lute said that Mr. Clooney joined the UN in every phase of their peacekeeping mission.

Clooney responded that it was "an honor to be named to this position". The trip was planned in secret for security reasons. "They might have seen some of my movies" he laughed.

"I am the son of news man," Clooney said addressing the news media. He explained that each conflict zone has problems that are unique. For example in the Congo, the fighting has now stopped and he said it was a chance for peace.  But in Chad the situation has deteriorated and has the potential to spill over from Darfur.

In Darfur, Clooney explained, the UN was eventually allowed to come in. He spoke from his experience in the refugee camps that all over the Sudan there was not one person that did not hold the government of Sudan responsible.

 
Another fact that he pointed out is that the attacks have become more complicated. Clooney said that those left standing have to fight for survival. "There can be no peace until all parties sit down at the table," he said. He mentioned that if UN Resolution 1769, it was supported by China. If the peace keepers are not Sudanese rebels then they should be welcomed the premise is that resources are scarce, but China can hold Sudan government to Resolution 1769.

The speakers emphasized that it is important to understand that the UN is not an entity unto itself; it is more than a collection of agencies. The United Nations has no helicopters, no radios that work and this must be changed.

Clooney said that peace keepers are having a problem and peacekeeping can’t be done half way. The speakers said to shut off your media if you don't care- turn off the TV, Internet and radio.  Right now, he said, the people are hoping. They see these bright blue hats. They know only the UN can help on this scale.

Clooney said that this job has more responsibility than winning an Oscar--where all you have to do is drink after the party. He criticized the media saying, "We do not get what we need in the news."  But, he said, a celebrity can get focus on what is needed. The speakers said that we need resources: big plot of land, helicopters, and pilots and to continue the pressure and secure protection from the troops. Clooney mentioned Kosovo saying "I have never said anything about Kosovo" It was a story that had been floated. But Clooney said, "I have to focus on what I know best."

A question was asked about the no-bid contract to Lockheed Martin it was phrased "Will you be doing anything on contract abuse and sexual abuse by peace keepers?"

Jane Lute answered that the no-bid contract was done by the Secretary General and was consistent with regulations.

She said that we have learned that we need a capacity to plan. "We engaged them for a limited period of time," she said. "We need a greater agility in the future." She explained that it was an erratic process in the time leading up to Darfur. We learned a lot about the planning process.

Clooney said that extreme advocacy is needed. He explained that in order for things to work out everyone has to have an out.

 "You have to work with people who are not the greatest people in the world," Clooney said. "I know Darfur best. This job might mean that I go to other places. I went to China and took two Olympic athletes." He said he is hoping China takes a lead role. "Don't think you can yell and get things done," he said.

A question was asked to Clooney about Afghanistan-- as a messenger of peace, are some wars justified? Clooney answered, "I'm not the guy to answer that." He said that he has his own views. He said he hopes that the next U.S. president will be more inclusive of the UN than the last administration was.

And in response to the problem of sexual abuse by UN workers, the speakers responded that the UN taking a proactive stance on that. They acknowledged that it is an issue--a black eye for UN and said that they hope "to knock it off." 

"We have new leadership at UN," they said.

United Nations News 30.1.08

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will address the African Union Summit tomorrow. The Secretary General's agenda includes:
- Encouraging increased dialog between all parties in the Sudan, including tribal groups
- Increased discussion between North and South Sudan
- Talks with the government of Chad on potential assistance of the Sudanese humanitarian crisis
- Beginning a comprehensive peace agreement between all parties in Sudan
- The deterioration of the Kenyan government
- Continued deployment of the African Union

The government of Columbia ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, bringing the number of nations involved to 144. The United States ratified the treaty in 1996.

B. Lynn Pascoe, United Nations Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, issued a statement supporting Egypts attempts to work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Gaza, as well as it's efforts to provide humanitarian aide to Palestinians. As of Tuesday, border crossings with Israel remained closed. The UN reports that over 77 rockets and mortar have been fired into Israel by Gaza insurgents.

The Security Council will vote on Wednesday to extend the United Nations' mission in to Ethiopia.

United Nations Special Envoy to Nepal, Ian Martin, condemned bomb attacks in Nepal. He stated that violence and intimidation has no place in a country making a democratic transition.

- Dan Patterson

United Nations News 29.1.08

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon took a tour of the genocide memorial in Kigali, Rwanda yesterday. In address to the Rwandan parliament, the SG expressed that the genocide was a terrible atrocity, and that the UN would work to increase global awareness of the tragedy. Mr. Ban also pledged to personally donate ten thousand dollars to a newly-created relief fund. He also stress the importance of the UN's Millennium Development Goals in establishing stability in Rwanda.

The United Nations is reporting that violence in Kenya continues, and that the political situation in the country is quickly deteriorating. In addition to the increased violence, UNICEF is concerned with reports of increased cases of sexual violence.

The Security Council will resume discussions this week on the ongoing situation in Gaza. All border crossings with Israel remain closed. The UN reports that only 30 truck loads of supplies have been allowed into Gaza since Israel closed borders last week. UNICEF reports that malnutrition is on the rise, and the World Health Organization says that only 40% of the population has access to potable drinking water. A fuel distributer strike has compounded the situation.

In the Sudan, UNAU negotiators continue to speak with opposing tribal factions; the Security Council will be briefed next week.

- Dan Patterson

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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