Grenada joins regional call at UN for action on climate change
Oct 03, 2015, at 02:10 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): A framework for climate change "cannot wait," Grenada's Foreign Minister said on Friday, joining other leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean calling for urgent action in the United Nations General Assembly.
Ban takes note of judgement by German court against Rwandan rebel leaders
Oct 03, 2015, at 02:07 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken note of the trial judgement handed down by a German court against the President and Vice-President of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, also known as FDLR, which has committed war crimes in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
UN officials propose setting up new fund for education in emergencies
Oct 03, 2015, at 02:06 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): Two senior United Nations officials on Friday proposed the establishment of a humanitarian fund for education in emergencies that would offer millions of the world's displaced children their first chance of schooling, as well as bridge the gap between relief assistance and development aid.
At UN, Syrian Minister criticizes world leaders for inaction against terrorism
Oct 03, 2015, at 02:03 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): With his homeland awash in the blood of its people, who were making a valiant stand against terrorism, Syria's Foreign Minister criticized world leaders at the United Nations on Friday for taking only half-hearted steps to end the crisis in his country and for providing haphazard support to Syria's fight against extremism until the scourge began spreading to Europe.
Island States at UN Assembly call for stronger global partnerships to tackle crises
Oct 03, 2015, at 02:02 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): Leaders from, small island States took their turn at the podium of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday to call for the strengthening of cooperation between international organizations in solving global crises, from resolving conflicts to tackling climate change.
Sudan remains determined to work towards new Global Goals, Minister tells UN
Oct 03, 2015, at 01:58 pm
New York, Oct 3 (IBNS): The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan told the UN General Assembly on Thursday that despite his country still being subjected to unilateral economic sanctions "which hinder the realization of its ambitions," it is determined to ensure that the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) complement the process of peace, stability and growth.
General Assembly reflects on UN peace and security efforts
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:47 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): As part of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, the General Assembly on Thursday began a two-day debate to draw lessons from the experiences of the past seven decades in the area of peace and security and take stock of present challenges.
Ban urges international support to prevent relapse of Central Africa's violence
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:44 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday underscored the need for concerted action to prevent a relapse of the "horrific" violence that tore the Central African Republic (CAR) apart, while appealing for support from the country's partners to promote long-term peace and development.
UN official urges Malian parties to adhere to peace accord
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:40 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Noting the progress that has been made to date to secure stability in Mali, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General on Thursday urged all parties to adhere to the peace accord signed earlier this year, while also stressing the need to address development challenges.
UN: President of Montenegro urges broader respect for human rights
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:38 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Addressing the General Assembly on Thursday, President Filip Vujanoviÿ of Montenegro spoke about his country's intensification in efforts to improve human rights for all and to combat rights violations when they occur.
Future of Europe cannot be built on ever-higher walls: Greek Prime Minister
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:37 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Alexis Tsipras, the Prime Minister of Greece, said his country is striving to bolster regional security and supporting all efforts promoting peace and stability, even as it copes with three complex challenges – an economic crisis, unprecedented migration flows, and huge numbers of refugees from outside the region.
UN: Israeli leader calls on Palestinians to resume peace talks
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:33 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): At the same United Nations podium from which Mahmoud Abbas announced on Wednesday that he would no longer be bound by accords with Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called on the Palestinian leader to begin immediate unconditional peace talks in a speech largely devoted to denouncing Iran for its threats to annihilate the Jewish State.
Burundi leader focuses on recent polls, upcoming dialogue in address to UN Assembly
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:15 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): The Vice-President of Burundi, Joseph Butore, addressed the General Assembly on Thursday, focusing on the elections that took place in his country this year and the upcoming dialogue there.
European leaders at UN urge concerted action amid humanitarian crises
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:12 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Several European leaders took to the podium on Thursday at the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, highlighting that the world is again living in restless times, especially in light of the unprecedented scale of humanitarian crises, including the migrant and refugee crisis.
Ban welcomes submission of climate action plans by 147 nations
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:11 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed the submission of national climate action plans by 147 countries, accounting for over 85 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, calling it a "positive first step" towards achieving a universal climate change agreement this December.
Timorese leader says reforms will bolster UN's journey ahead to fulfil aims of Charter
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:06 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Prime Minister Rui Maria De Araújo of Timor-Leste addressed the annual United Nations General Assembly debate on Thursday and called for renewing efforts in fulfilling all UN principles by introducing reform within the Organization including restructuring the Security Council.
New Zealand deplores lack of Security Council action on Syria, calls for limiting veto
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:02 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): The Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, took to the podium of the General Assembly on Thursday to deplore the lack of action by the Security Council, the United Nations body with legally binding powers, over its failure to end the bloodbath in Syria, blaming in particular the paralyzing power of veto held by the body’s five permanent members.
Minor provocation can 'freeze' north-south relation on peninsula: DPR Korea leader
Oct 02, 2015, at 04:01 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Ri Su Yong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) denounced the United States for abusing its powers at the UN Security Council and thereby violating the 'sovereignty, dignity, peace and security of our nation.'
Nepalese Minister calls for enhanced partnerships to address global challenges
Oct 02, 2015, at 03:55 pm
New York, Oct 2 (IBNS): Noting that the number of least developed countries (LDCs) has grown from 25 to 48 since 1971, with only four countries "graduating" from this status, the Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal on Thursday told the United Nations General Assembly that their struggle has been "unfairly long."
President of Sri Lanka details country's vision built on sustainability and reconciliation
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:55 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): After years of conflict, "a new era of democracy" dawned in Sri Lanka this year, ushering in justice, freedom and equality, the country's President told the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, reporting that his Government supports a "fresh universal approach" that deals honestly with the past while pursuing sustainable development.
Afghanistan: UN stresses need to protect civilians amid reported abuses in Kunduz
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:53 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Amid reports of extrajudicial executions, abductions and other abuses in Kunduz following this week's attack by the Taliban, the United Nations on Wednesday reminded all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan of their obligations to protect civilians and to respect human rights at all times.
Closing gender gap, ending child marriage key priorities, says Ghanaian President
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:50 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Spotlighting the importance his country places on gender equality, the President of Ghana told the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday that a major priority will closing the "vast" gaps between men and women through, among other efforts, providing decent education for girls and working to end child marriage.
UN: Citing Israeli violations, Palestinian leader renounces security, political accords
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:48 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): On the day that the Palestinian flag was raised at United Nations Headquarters for the first time, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday renounced political and security accords with Israel, saying it must now resume its responsibilities as occupying Power, due to its continual violations of the 20-year-old agreements.
Amid numerous challenges, Lebanon needs great international support: Ban
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:47 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): While thanking Lebanon’s partners for their efforts to support the country in the face of numerous challenges, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday highlighted the need for even greater assistance, particularly as the country deals with the Syrian refugee crisis.
Central American leaders say UN must be democratized to tackle today's crises
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:45 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): As the annual high-level segment of the General Assembly entered its third day, leaders from Central America stressed reform of United Nations institutions and the urgent need to bolster multilateral relations between States.
UN: Turkish Prime Minister urges action to end Syrian crisis
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:44 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Recalling the heart-rending story of the little boy whose lifeless body washed up on a beach in Turkey last month, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Wednesday urged the United Nations to take swift action to address the deepening crisis in Syria and to protect the millions of people "fleeing war and tyranny."
'UN has no equal,' says Sultan of Brunei, praising scope of sustainability agenda
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:42 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Despite what some people may say about its effectiveness, the Sultan of Brunei on Wednesday told world leaders in the General Assembly that the United Nations has no equal, and 70 years of existence is a testament to its relevance.
Global response to terrorism vital for solving refugee crisis: European leaders
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:37 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): European leaders took to the podium of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday to call for a global response to terrorism, both by combatting it and taking early action to pre-empt the scourge, which has seen hundreds of thousands of refugees flooding to the continent's doorstep.
Terrorism and climate change greatest threats to humanity: Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:35 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): As the global community marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that two global challenges pose the greatest threat to the sustainability of humankind: terrorism and violent extremism, and climate change.
Middle East Quartet strongly condemns Israeli-Palestinian violence
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:34 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the Middle East Quartet on Wednesday condemned "in the strongest possible terms" violence against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and reiterated that unilateral actions by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of a negotiated solution.