SECURITY COUNCIL LAUDS HOLDING OF ‘HISTORIC’ AFGHAN ELECTIONS

The United Nations Security Council has welcomed the holding of Afghanistan's "historic" presidential and provincial council elections, while condemning the actions of those who sought to disrupt the 20 August polls.

"The members of the Council reiterate the importance of these elections as Afghanistan, working together with other members of the international community, continues to make progress towards its goals and congratulate the people of Afghanistan on their participation in these historic elections," the 15-member body said in a statement issued to the press yesterday.

At the same time, the Council condemned the actions of "those who sought to deny the voice of the Afghan people by attempting to disrupt the elections," as well as the violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.

Yesterday's elections, the first to be organized by the Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC), were also hailed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who congratulated the country's citizens for exercising their right to vote and paid tribute to all those who made the largely peaceful polls possible.

Mr. Ban's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, said he was pleased with the way the country's elections took place, and noted that there had not been as much violence as had been expected.

"Overall, 20 August 2009 has been a good day for Afghanistan," he told reporters in Kabul after the polls closed, adding that the fact that the elections took place across the country was an achievement for the Afghan people.

Security had been a major concern, with several attacks in the days leading up to the elections, including Tuesday's blast in Kabul which claimed the lives of two UN staffers and at least five others.

The final results of the elections will be announced by the IEC in the coming days.

SECURITY COUNCIL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY BLASTS IN BAGHDAD

The Security Council today condemned the deadly series of terrorist blasts in Baghdad that have killed nearly 100 people and taken place on the sixth anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations offices in the Iraqi capital.

Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Government offices, along with diplomatic missions, were among the buildings hit in the blasts.

Today's explosions coincided with the anniversary of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing, which killed the head of the UN Mission in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello and claimed the lives of nearly two dozen other staff members.

The Council, in a press statement, "took this sad occasion to reiterate their strong support and appreciation for the humanitarian work of the UN and its staff in Iraq."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in an address marking the first-ever <"http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday/2009/">World Humanitarian Day, also deplored today's attacks, <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4033">saying that he was saddened that violence persists in Iraq .

The 15-member Council today also underscored the need to bring those behind such "reprehensible acts of terrorism" to justice, calling on all nations for their support.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that no terrorist act can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq , which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community."

SECURITY COUNCIL VOICES ‘SERIOUS CONCERN’ AT AUNG SAN SUU KYI VERDICT

The Security Council today added its voice to those calling for the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar, while expressing concern over this week's verdict against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The members of the Security Council express serious concern at the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and its political impact," Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, said in a statement read out to the press.

Ms. Suu Kyi, who leads the National League for Democracy (NLD), was convicted on 11 August of violating state security laws after an uninvited United States citizen gained access to her home.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who has already spent over 12 years under house arrest, was sentenced to a further 18 months of the same punishment.

The Council also reiterated the importance of the release of all political prisoners and urged the Government of Myanmar "to take further measures to create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in order to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation."

Earlier this week, both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN human rights chief Navi Pillay deplored the decision by the Myanmar court and urged that Ms. Suu Kyi be released immediately and unconditionally.

"Unless she and all other political prisoners in Myanmar are released and allowed to participate in free and fair elections, the credibility of the political process will remain in doubt," a spokesperson for Mr. Ban said in a statement.
________________

AHEAD OF POLLS, SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS UN FORCE IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE BY SIX MONTHS

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) by another six months, expressing its support for the long-awaited presidential elections now slated for late November.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member Council voted to keep the mission – and that of the French forces supporting it – in place through 31 January next year.

It stressed that "the Ivorian political actors are bound to respect this timeline to demonstrate their political commitment towards the holding of free, fair, open and transparent elections," originally intended to be held as far back as 2005 but now scheduled for 29 November.

Welcoming the successful registration of all voters, the Council said that postponing the polls "would be inconsistent with a credible process and with the Ouagadougou Political Agreement," the 2007 blueprint for political reconciliation in the West African country which has been divided since 2002 between the Government-held south and a northern area dominated by the rebel Forces Nouvelles.

It underscored the need for all civil society groups to take part in the electoral process, as well as ensuring the protection and respect for human rights.

In particular, the Council emphasized the importance of "respect for freedom of opinion and expression, and removing obstacles and challenges to women's participation and full involvement in public life."

Last week, the top UN envoy to Côte d'Ivoire told the Council that bureaucratic complications involved in planning and running the long-delayed polls "are not to be underestimated," noting that the identification and registration of more than 6 million voters, intended to wrap up in six weeks, took more than nine months.

Y.J. Choi, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of UNOCI, said that "a public electoral timeline with detailed stages shall constitute one of the most important remedies to this chronic and pervasive problem," adding that the Ivorian electoral management body seems to be struggling with the operation of the elections.

The month of September, he said, could prove decisive to the overall peace process as that is the deadline for many electoral planning and reunification-related issues – such as reintegrating members of the rebel Forces Nouvelles into the army, police and gendarmerie – to be solved ahead of the presidential polls, which were supposed to be held in 2005 and then 2008.

He warned that, "given this mixed picture of worrying signs amid solid progress," it may be necessary "to develop options [by October]… with a view to finding a way to reconcile the contradictions currently facing the Ivorian electoral and reunification process."
________________

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR SOMALIA MORE CRUCIAL THAN EVER BEFORE, SAYS UN ENVOY

The top United Nations envoy for Somalia today called on the Security Council to take "concrete" steps to help bring stability to the strife-torn nation, stressing that the support of the international community is more important now than ever.

"I believe that today we are at a turning point," Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, said as he briefed the Security Council.

"It is clear that the population and its traditional leaders reject violence and those behind it. Therefore, the support of the international community is even more crucial at this time."

Despite the signing of peace agreements, the formation of a new government and election of a new president, Somalia has seen a resurgence of violence in recent months.

Fighting between Government forces and the Al-Shabaab and Hisb-ul-Islam militant groups in Mogadishu since early May have forced over 200,000 people from their homes, many of them for the second time over the course of the past year.

"The Somali people have endured too much – they have seen their loved ones killed and maimed, been forced to flee their homes again and again and suffered endless abuses of their human rights," said Mr. Ould-Abdallah.

He called on the 15-member Council to take action to help the Horn of Africa nation, noting that "past failures should not discourage us from taking future action to help stability."

While the Government has made important strides, it still needs immediate political and financial support to improve the situation, he said, adding that the authorities in Puntland and Somaliland also need resources to ensure that stability endures.

The Special Representative also echoed the call made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his recent report to boost the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). "The African Union troops have shown remarkable courage and dedication in solidarity with the Somali people. They deserve the backing of all Council members," said Mr. Ould-Abdallah.

Mr. Ban had also urged the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to press ahead with encouraging opposition groups to work towards peace in Somalia. His envoy noted that due to their proximity, knowledge and interest in Somalia, IGAD member States should be recognized as having a leading role on Somali issues.

He added that the time has come for the UN to show it is serious about moving to Somalia. "Our temporary presence in Nairobi has lasted far too long. We can only work effectively for peace with the Somalis and address pressing humanitarian needs if we are close to the victims of famine, violence and different abuses.

"My office and other leading UN agencies, including humanitarian ones, along with concerned diplomats and NGOs [non-governmental organizations], should move to Mogadishu," Mr. Ould-Abdallah stated, adding that the establishment of a "Green Zone," similar to those elsewhere, will facilitate this process.
________________

SECURITY COUNCIL STRESSES NEED FOR FREE, FAIR AND SECURE AFGHAN POLLS NEXT MONTH

The Security Council today welcomed the Afghan-led preparations for next month's presidential and provincial council elections, and stressed the importance of "free, fair, transparent, credible, secure and inclusive" polls.

In a statement read out by Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, the 15-member body also called on the Afghan people "to exercise their vote in this historic opportunity for all Afghans to make their voices heard."

In addition, the Council stressed the importance of a secure environment for conducting elections, and condemned those who resort to violence to obstruct the electoral process.

While recognizing the ongoing efforts of the Afghan Government, it encouraged additional efforts by the authorities with the assistance of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to ensure security during the electoral period.

The presidential poll is scheduled to be held on 20 August, the date set by the country's Independent Electoral Commission.

Last month the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan told the Council that the August election is about more than choosing the country's leaders.

"It is about strengthening people's confidence in the democratic process, and about strengthening Afghanistan's institutions. It is not only about who will lead, but about the legitimacy of leadership," said Kai Eide, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

As part of its efforts to assist in the preparations for the polls, the Mission has issued a set of guidelines for the conduct of all those who are engaged in the elections – government officials, candidates, supporters, electoral officials and media and international representatives – related to the election campaign, the election day and the immediate post-election day process.

The UN has also been involved in the training of some 35,000 police officers ahead of the elections, and helped set up a toll-free election information hotline.
________________

DESPITE MISSION’S WITHDRAWAL, UN TO CONTINUE ENGAGEMENT IN GEORGIA – BAN

In spite of the start of the withdrawal of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reaffirmed that the world body will remain engaged in the region.

Earlier this month, Russia vetoed a technical roll-over by the Security Council for the nearly 16-year-old operation, resulting in its functions ceasing as of 16 June.

In a statement issued today by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban expressed gratitude for the parties' cooperation with UNOMIG – entrusted with overseeing the ceasefire accord between the Government and Abkhaz separatists in the country's north-western region – since its creation in 1993.

He also welcomed the sides' expressed readiness to continue supporting the Mission until it has fully withdrawn.

In addition, the Secretary-General underscored the Organization's readiness to press ahead with its other key activities in the region, adding that he has asked his Special Representative Johan Verbeke "to continue to represent the United Nations at the ongoing Geneva international discussions on security and stability and on the return of internally displaced persons and refugees."

In his most recent report to the Council on UNOMIG, Mr. Ban stated that the Mission has contributed to the overall security of the local population, while cautioning that an agreement on a revised security regime is needed for lasting stability.

UNOMIG's area of responsibility in Abkhazia consisted of a security zone, where no military presence is permitted; a restricted weapons zone, where no heavy weapons can be introduced; and the Kodori Valley.

It had no jurisdiction in nearby South Ossetia, the scene of fighting last August which pitted Georgia against separatists and their Russian allies.
________________

BAN PUSHES FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS AFFECTED BY ARMED CONFLICT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for more robust measures to protect civilians caught in the middle of armed conflict, noting the "appalling levels of human suffering" endured due to the failure of combatants to fully respect international law.

"Civilians still account for the vast majority of casualties and continue to be targeted and subjected to indiscriminate attacks and other violations by parties to conflict," Mr. Ban wrote in his latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Mr. Ban said that "for all the reports, resolutions and actions of the last decade, the situation that confronts civilians in current conflicts is depressingly similar to that which prevailed in 1999," when the Security Council took on the concern as a thematic issue.

The changing nature of combatants over the last 10 years, with a growing number of non-State armed factions in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Somalia, has seriously endangered civilians as these groups "flagrantly violate international law" in a bid to overcome their military inferiority, said Mr. Ban.

Militarily superior forces, in fighting an enemy that is often difficult to identify, employ "methods and means of warfare that may violate the principles of distinction and proportionality, of which civilians again bear the brunt," he added.

Mr. Ban's report also pointed to the number of conflicts reliant on private military and security companies, with sometimes fatal consequences for civilians, as another development in warfare in recent years.

"Common to old and new ones [conflicts] alike are persistent and sometimes appalling levels of human suffering owing to the fundamental failure of parties to conflict to fully respect and ensure respect for their obligations to protect civilians," wrote Mr. Ban.

The failure of warring parties to respect "their legal obligations to protect civilians and spare them from the effects of hostilities" is a defining feature of most conflicts, leading to the death and injury of hundreds of civilians every week and forcing thousands more to flee their home to escape the violence, the report said.

The Secretary-General called for determined efforts to meet five critical challenges facing the protection of civilians in armed conflict: enhancing compliance to international law; enhancing compliance by non-State armed groups; enhancing protection through more effective and better resourced UN peacekeeping and other relevant missions; enhancing humanitarian access; and enhancing accountability for violations.
________________

COOPERATION WITH AFRICAN UNION CRUCIAL TO PROMOTING PEACE – SECURITY COUNCIL

COOPERATION WITH AFRICAN UNION CRUCIAL TO PROMOTING PEACE – SECURITY COUNCIL
New York, May 28 2009 8:00PM
Enhanced collaboration with the African Union (AU) will help to promote peace and security in Africa, members of the Security Council delegation, which recently wrapped up a week-long visit to the continent, said today.

The Council mission held talks – a follow-up to two previous gatherings in 2007 and 2008 – with their AU counterpart in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on 16 May, agreeing "to pursue their consultations on ways and means to strengthen their cooperation and partnership," according to a communiqué issued after the talks.

Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda of Uganda told the 15-member body today that "meetings between the two bodies are useful in strengthening cooperation, particularly in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including the promotion of human rights, democracy, and rule of law and constitutional order in Africa."

Also highlighting the virtues of UN-AU collaboration was Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom, who was the joint leader of the mission to the Great Lakes region in connection with Rwanda.

He said the Council's meeting at the with the AU's Peace and Security Council "demonstrated the depth of the relationship and the ways in which it's becoming more substantive," noting such areas of cooperation such as Somalia and Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, where the hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping mission, known as <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unamid/">UNAMID, is in place.

Regarding the mission's Rwanda leg, Mr. Sawers said that it was "invaluable" for the Council to see first-hand the situations in the region that it is dealing with, such as the rapprochement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, who joined forces to root out the mainly Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) from the DRC's east.

For his part, Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France, who led the mission in the Great Lakes in connection with the DRC, highlighted the serious issue of sexual violence, "which is far too wide-spread."

He said that the Council delegation was "able to see this with horror" when the visited a hospital in the capital, Kinshasa. The Government has taken measures, including creating a fund to promote the protection of children, he added.

The DRC has "already started combating impunity and this must remain a priority, which we re-affirmed to the government," Mr. Ripert noted. "Armed groups, the FARDC [Congolese armed forces], must stop all their abuses against the population, in particular, rapes."

United States Ambassador Susan Rice, who led the last leg of the Council's Africa trip, told the Council that the purpose of the delegation's visit to Liberia was to "help re-affirm the Security Council's support for the Government and people of Liberia and for UNMIL's [the UN Mission in Liberia] efforts to promote peace and security."

She paid tribute to the "inspiring" all-women Indian formed police unit (FPU) – comprising police officers who have received specialized training in high-risk operations and managing crowds – serving with <"http://unmil.org/">UNMIL. They have "helped to motivate more Liberian women to apply for more law enforcement jobs," she said.

Last June, a similar Security Council mission visited Djibouti, Sudan, Chad, DRC and Côte d'Ivoire.
________________

HEADS OF SECURITY COUNCIL COUNTER-TERRORISM BODIES STRESS NEED FOR STOCKTAKING

HEADS OF SECURITY COUNCIL COUNTER-TERRORISM BODIES STRESS NEED FOR STOCKTAKING
New York, May 26 2009 5:00PM
An important part of the work of the Security Council's counter-terrorism committees is stocktaking and reviewing efforts so as to ensure the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions regimes, the heads of three subsidiary bodies said today.

Indeed, one of the major initiatives undertaken by the Counter-Terrorism Committee, set up pursuant to resolution 1373, over the course of the last six months is the stocktaking exercise, its Acting Chairman, Jean-Pierre Lacroix of France, told a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sc9664.doc.htm">meeting of the Security Council.

"Stocktaking allows the Committee to enhance its regular dialogue with Member States, and to further identify areas where the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) is still inadequate," he stated, adding that the exercise will form a major part of the Committee's work in the coming months.

The review process is also critical to the Council's 1267 (1999) Committee concerning Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions, particularly with regard to the names on the group's Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to restrictions.

Committee Chairman Thomas Mayr-Harting of Austria said the review is essential to ensure the List is as accurate and updated as possible to help Member States effectively implement the sanctions.

A serious challenge facing the Committee is the growing number of cases before national and regional courts filed by listed individuals and entities who take legal action against the sanctions measures. "The review is therefore an important step towards both improving due process and strengthening the regime," Mr. Mayr-Harting said.

"By either removing names from the List where listing is no longer appropriate, or adding new identifiers and information regarding names remaining on the List, the review will help to improve due process and the quality of the Consolidated List and to implement the sanctions regime more effectively."

Another important aspect of the work of the three committees is enhancing cooperation among them, noted Ambassador Jorge Urbina of Costa Rica, Chairman of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) on combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors.

He said the Committee recently established a working group to promote information sharing, coordination on country visits and workshops, technical assistance and other issues of relevance to all three bodies.

"Terrorism and proliferation continue to be a daily reality and a threat to international peace and security faced equally by States and individuals alike," he stated. "Cooperation is therefore a crucial element in the efforts to counter the threat of terrorism, including that from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons for terrorist purposes."
________________

SECURITY COUNCIL TO HOLD EMERGENCY TALKS ON DPR KOREA TODAY

SECURITY COUNCIL TO HOLD EMERGENCY TALKS ON DPR KOREA TODAY
New York, May 25 2009 10:00AM
The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency session later today to discuss the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which reportedly conducted a nuclear test on Monday.

The discussions, slated to begin at 4 p.m., will be chaired by Russia, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council for the month of May.

Following the DPRK's claims to have conducted a nuclear test in October 2006, the 15-member Council had demanded that it "not conduct any further nuclear test or launch of a ballistic missile" and imposed sanctions against the country.

Most recently, both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Council spoke out after the East Asian nation, against strong international appeals, carried out rocket launches.

They also called for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks, involving DPRK, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.

________________

SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS DEPART ON FOUR-NATION AFRICA VISIT

SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS DEPART ON FOUR-NATION AFRICA VISIT
New York, May 14 2009 2:00PM
Members of the United Nations Security Council will depart today on a week-long mission to Ethiopia, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Liberia, a spokesperson for the world body announced.

The Ambassadors of France, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States will lead or co-lead the different segments of the <"http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N09/336/27/pdf/N0933627.pdf?OpenElement">trip, which wraps up on 21 May.

During the course of their visit, Council members will engage in talks with a number of actors, including government officials and staff of UN missions and agencies, as well as organizations such as the African Union.

The 15-member body visited Djibouti, Sudan, Chad, DRC and Côte d'Ivoire last June during a 10-day trip to the continent.
________________

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR CREDIBLE AND SECURE AFGHAN POLLS, EXTENDS UN MISSION

The Security Council today extended the United Nations presence in Afghanistan for another year, while recognizing the key role played by the world body in coordinating international efforts in the country and in supporting upcoming elections.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body renewed the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 23 March 2010, and decided that the Mission and the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Kai Eide, will continue to lead international civilian efforts in the country.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the renewal of UNAMA's mandate, and particularly the Council's reaffirmation of the UN's "central and impartial role" in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"The Secretary-General also warmly welcomes the Security Council's recognition of Mr. Eide's leadership, who working closely with Afghan political leaders, has led the efforts of the international community to set priorities and rationalize their assistance to Afghanistan," his spokesperson said in a statement.

These efforts include supporting the Government's efforts to improve governance and the rule of law and fight corruption, as well as facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

They also include supporting, at the request of the Afghan authorities, preparations for the 20 August presidential elections. The Council underscored the importance of the polls to the country's democratic development, and called for "all efforts to be made to ensure the credibility, safety and security of the elections."

Mr. Ban, in his latest report on Afghanistan, stated that the Government and people of the strife-torn nation, as well as their international partners, face a critical test with the holding of the elections this year.

The 20 August election date set by the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission is three months after the presidential term expires on 22 May. This has generated "constitutional uncertainty" over the President's legitimacy after 22 May, he noted.

"There is no higher responsibility in Afghanistan right now than that of the three branches of government to find a solution to the constitutional issue in a way that ensures the existence of a functioning Government between 22 May and the inauguration of the next presidential term," he stresses.

The elections are likely to feature prominently on the agendas of two upcoming meetings on Afghanistan – in Moscow on 27 March and in The Hague on 31 March.

Mr. Ban, who will be attending both meetings, said that he intends to press the international community to produce a clear, unified course for helping to bolster Afghan security, stability and development.

He will also stress the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation, he told an informal gathering of the General Assembly today.

The Secretary-General also briefed the Assembly on his participation at the upcoming G-20 Summit in London, stressing that the stakes at that meeting are large.

The UN chief said that he has sent a letter to all G-20 leaders, urging them to show leadership in four areas: providing a substantial and truly global stimulus package that also meets the needs of all developing countries; standing firm against protectionism; moving towards a "Green New Deal;" and reforming global rules and institutions.
________________

UN RELIEF OFFICIAL CALLS ON SUDAN TO RESPECT HUMANITARIAN AID AGREEMENTS

UN RELIEF OFFICIAL CALLS ON SUDAN TO RESPECT HUMANITARIAN AID AGREEMENTS
New York, Mar 20 2009 6:00PM

A top United Nations humanitarian official today urged the Government of Sudan to respect existing agreements and its own laws on the operation of relief groups in strife-torn Darfur, 13 of which have been ousted, resulting, he said, in "significant" threats to the dependent population.

"We want to engage in transparent and productive dialogue with the Government based on these laws and agreements," Rashid Khalikov, Director of the New York section of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told the Security Council.

Sudan decided to begin ejecting 13 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on 4 March, immediately after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for President Omanr Al-Bashir. The operations of three national NGOs have also been suspended.

Mr. Khalikov noted with additional concern that on 15 March, Mr. Bashir spoke of the possible departure of all foreign humanitarian organizations in Sudan in a year's time, even if the violence and displacement in Darfur continues.

An estimated 300,000 people have died and another 3 million have been displaced in the western region of Sudan, where rebels have been fighting Government forces and allied Arab militiamen, known as the Janjaweed, since 2003. Around 4.7 million people in the region depend on lifesaving aid.

"As the conflict continues, and as many parts of Darfur continue to be unstable, or are under the influence of the rebel groups, the work of the United Nations and its partners will continue to be vital in helping Sudanese citizens affected by conflict receive the aid to which they have the right," Mr. Khalikov said.

Unfortunately, the ability to provide that aid has been seriously compromised by the decisions of the Government Sudan, he added, citing a new "atmosphere of fear and uncertainty facing all aid
organizations."

He said the expulsion of the 13 organizations had been followed by an increase in violence against the UN-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and aid groups, along with the seizure of humanitarian assets by the Government.

The official urged the Government to end those practices, to minimize its rhetoric against foreigners and to ensure the safety and security of all UN and associated staff. He also called on armed groups in Darfur to take active steps to ensure the safety of UN and NGO staff.

"We must find a way to decrease tensions and ensure the timely and sustainable provision of protection and humanitarian assistance, based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality," he stressed.

Mr. Khalikov said that much more would be known about the impact of the aid groups' ouster when the outcome of a joint assessment mission undertaken by the Government of Sudan and the UN is made public on 22 March.

It is already known, however, that a dangerous situation has arisen due to the absence of anyone able to carry out immunizations to prevent the spread of a meningitis outbreak in the Jebel Mara and Kalma refugee camps, he noted.

The assessments concentrated on four life-saving sectors: water, sanitation, and hygiene; health and nutrition, food aid; and non-food items and shelter, he said.

At the same time, he stated, the UN has continued to advocate, at all levels, for a reversal of the expulsion decision, and the Secretary-General has been in close contact with Arab and African leaders and members of the Council.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced it has started a one-time food distribution which will provide two months' worth of food rations for 1.1 million beneficiaries, organized through existing food distribution committees in each of the three Darfur States.
________________

PRIORITIES IN AFGHANISTAN CLEAR, BUT RESOURCES AND WILL NEEDED – UN OFFICIAL

PRIORITIES IN AFGHANISTAN CLEAR, BUT RESOURCES AND WILL NEEDED – UN OFFICIAL
New York, Mar 19 2009 8:00PM

International priorities in Afghanistan – including security, long-term institution-building and stability throughout the coming elections – remain valid, but what is lacking is adequate resources and political will, the top United Nations envoy to the strife-torn country said today.

In a briefing to the Security Council, Kai Eide, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative for the country, said he hopes the upcoming international conference on Afghanistan, to be held in The Hague and to be attended by Mr. Ban, will be a new departure point.

He said the meeting could provide "a new energy and a shared readiness – not to re-examine our agreed priorities, but to demonstrate readiness to implement them and use our resources in a flexible and coordinated way."

"It is an occasion for us to push the doom and gloom atmosphere aside, roll up our sleeves and support the positive trends that we now see emerging in Afghanistan."

Such positive developments, he said, include the fact that the Afghan Government is "today better and more competent than ever before," with the provincial governments improving as well.

In the area of security, he said that cooperation between key elements inside the Government has improved, resulting in an enhanced ability to uncover terrorist networks and to prevent attacks from taking place.

In addition, he said, economic ministries are working in a more coherent way, comprehensive police reform is underway, a national agricultural strategy is ready to be launched, and the new team at the Ministry of Commerce is addressing the challenges of private sector development.

Finally, he said, there were indications that there will be a significant decline in poppy production across the country. "That would be a turning point in our counter-narcotics efforts," he noted.

Effective international support in those areas will contribute to political stability and to economic growth, and will be critical components in any international exit strategy, he said.

Mr. Eide said he realized that those areas are so often overshadowed by more dramatic developments such as, at the moment, the security situation and the intense debate about the provincial and presidential elections.

Both were critical, he said, but both relied on building a viable country with strong institutions, working together with the Afghans. "The sense of ownership is crucial – for the strength of the Government in the eyes of its public, for its confidence in itself and, ultimately, for our success in defeating the insurgency," he said.
________________

HAITI: UN COUNCIL MISSION REPORTS STRIDES IN SECURITY, WORRISOME POVERTY

HAITI: UN COUNCIL MISSION REPORTS STRIDES IN SECURITY, WORRISOME POVERTY
New York, Mar 19 2009 6:00PM

Haiti is making strides in security sector and judicial reform but continues to grapple with widespread poverty and vulnerability to disasters, the leader of a United Nations Security Council mission to the impoverished Caribbean nation said today.

"It does appear that there is a window of opportunity to enable the consolidation of stability and the undertaking of a process of sustainable development," said Ambassador Jorge Urbina of Costa Rica," who had led the four-day fact-finding visit that concluded on 14 March.

"It was evident to the mission," Mr. Urbina noted, on the other hand, "that the current levels of extreme poverty, in which 80 per cent of the people live on under two dollars a day and 50 per cent on under one dollar are incompatible with the goal to establish stability in the short term."

He said that in the last five years, Haiti had reached its goal of putting 14,000 police officers on the streets, and a successful anti-violence programme, carried out in partnership with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), had brought stability to formerly lawless urban areas.

Border security had also been strengthened with the assistance of MINUSTAH, he said, and the country was also moving forward with an ambitious programme of judicial and constitutional reform eight elections scheduled over the next three years, which officials assured would be free and fair.

However, in addition to the high levels of extreme poverty, local governments were limited in their capacity to provide basic services, even though the Government and MINUSTAH, he were working together to expand the country's administrative capacity, Mr. Urbina said.

In addition, he said, Haiti's limited economic, social and cultural rights proved worrisome, a situation that was exacerbated by natural disasters, particularly the hurricanes last year that slammed into the city of Gonaïves, as well as the current food and financial crises.

During the mission, he said, Japan's representative had expressed concern that agricultural production, which employed more than half the population, barely covered 48 per cent of Haiti's food needs. He and other Council members urged Haitian authorities to adopt agricultural policies that would spur production.

On the regional front, Council also met with members of the core group of countries interested in Haiti and had observed a high level of commitment to the country among Latin American nations.

In addition, he said, Haitian authorities had repeatedly noted their growing interest in South-South cooperation, and the importance of the continued involvement of regional and subregional organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for Haiti's hemispheric integration.
________________

FUNDING HURDLES THWART EXPANSION OF AU PEACEKEEPING CAPABILITIES – BAN

FUNDING HURDLES THWART EXPANSION OF AU PEACEKEEPING CAPABILITIES – BAN
New York, Mar 18 2009 5:00PM

Difficulties in securing necessary funding are impeding the ability of the African Union (AU) to maintain and expand its peacekeeping capacities, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cautioned today.

"A peacekeeping mission that is under-resourced can imperil the initial benefits gained through its deployment, and can raise expectations without providing the means of fulfilling them," he told the Security Council.

The 15-member body met today to discuss how to bolster the UN-AU relationship and on how better to support the peacekeeping capacity of the AU, which has troops in areas such as Somalia.

The Council was also briefed by former Italian President Romano Prodi, who heads a panel to support AU peacekeeping operations established under a UN mandate.

Mr. Prodi presented a report which offered recommendations on how to boost the AU's "ability to respond to crises and in its need for a capacity that is capable of promoting long-term stability on the continent."

The publication further stressed the need for a "more effective strategic relationship" between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council, as well as between the UN Secretariat and the AU Commission.

"A shared strategic vision is essential if the United Nations and the African Union are to exercise their respective advantages: the African Union's ability to provide a rapid response and the United Nations capacity for sustained operations," the report said.

The ties between the UN and the AU have been expanded but have "yet to develop the responsiveness that will enable us to work together and to prevent conflicts rather than only respond to crises," the Secretary-General said at today's meeting, which will hear from dozens of speakers.

The suggestions provided by the panel headed by Mr. Prodi are a first step, Mr. Ban said, towards developing a more effective partnership – which "has the potential to affect millions of people on the African continent" – between the two organizations.
________________

HAITI: DIALOGUE AND SUPPORT CRUCIAL TO AVOID NEW CRISES, UN COUNCIL STRESSES

HAITI: DIALOGUE AND SUPPORT CRUCIAL TO AVOID NEW CRISES, UN COUNCIL STRESSES
New York, Mar 16 2009 4:00PM

As the United Nations Security Council completed its four-day mission to Haiti this weekend, it stressed that national dialogue and international support were critical to meet coming challenges in security, stability, recovery and development.

"A reinforced partnership between the Haitian Government and the international community remains necessary for the success of actions that must be pursued in the future," Ambassador Jorge Urbina of Costa Rica, leader of the delegation, told correspondents at a press conference in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday.

"The country cannot permit new political crises and in that regard the collaboration of all branches of the State constitutes a very important contribution," he added, emphasizing that the Council encourages all political actors to keep the calm and work in a constructive manner toward the next elections.

He said that continued national and international action was particularly important to strengthen the police force, the justice system and the administration of borders, and Council members also encouraged international support for employment in the short term, without forgetting the need to set clear long-term goals.

Haiti, already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, was devastated by four successive storms in as many weeks last year, leaving 800 people dead and another one million either homeless or badly affected.

The country was also hit hard by the spike in commodities prices last year as it attempted to recover from earlier natural disasters, as well as the high crime and political instability that come under the mandate of the UN mission in the country (MINUSTAH).

Before leaving Haiti this weekend, the Council delegation took part in the reopening of the Port-au-Prince School of Magistrates, a major component in the reform of the Haitian judicial system – one of MINUSTAH's key mandated priorities.

Justice sector reform was also among the topics of discussion between the Security Council delegation and President René Préval and his prime minister, a UN spokesperson added.

In addition, during its mission the Council delegation visited the city of Gonaïves, which was hard hit by last year's storms and where it was briefed by MINUSTAH on its work in security and institution-building.

It saw a rebuilt regional electric plant and also visited a watershed protection project being implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Labour Office (ILO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), MINUSTAH said.

During the Gonaïves tour, Hédi Annabi, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative for Haiti and head of MINUSTAH, expressed the hope that the Council would conduct more such visits to better understand the challenges faced by the Mission.

"We hope that this visit of the Security Council on the ground will enable it to have a better perception of the reality and to realize the importance of the presence and the usefulness of the United Nations here," he said.

"We hope equally that this visit allows members of the delegation to communicate what they have seen to their respective Governments and to encourage them to augment their contributions for Haiti," he added.
________________