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.
People over 60 will double by 2050 but little evidence they will be healthier: UN report
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:46 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): The number of people over the age of 60 is expected to double by 2050 and require radical societal change because "unfortunately, 70 does not yet appear to be the new 60" contrary to widespread assumptions, according to the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).
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.
UN event tackles biggest refugee and migration crisis since Second World War
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:40 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): As the world confronts the biggest refugee and migration crisis since the Second World War, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday convened a high-level meeting on the issue and outlined eight guiding principles to improve preparedness.
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.
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.
Lebanese Prime Minister calls on world powers to end 'ongoing massacres'
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:30 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Holding up a photograph at the podium of the General Assembly of three-year old Aylan lying face down on a Turkish beach – the Syrian boy who drowned at the beginning of the month along with his mother and brother – the President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon reiterated his country’s call to all powers in the world to "end the ongoing massacres."
'The time for excuses is over,' island leaders tell UN, urging action on climate change
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:28 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): Speaking on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Fiji, along with other leaders of other small island developing States, warned of the existential threat of climate change and looked forward to the possibility of consensus at the upcoming conference in Paris.
Fallout from Boko Haram violence fastest growing crisis in Africa: UN relief official
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:25 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): The humanitarian fallout from the violence inflicted by Boko Haram is the fastest growing crisis in Africa, a senior United Nations relief official warned on Wednesday, appealing for concerted action on the humanitarian, security and development fronts to tackle the situation.
Libya warns of ISIL's increasing influence, calls for unanimity to end region's crises
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:24 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): In his address, at the annual General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, Libya's Acting Head of State, Agila Saleh Essa Gwaider, reported on the "overwhelming threat" posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which is hindering Libya from becoming to a transparent democracy.
Iraqi leader highlights progress despite 'evil will' of region's terrorist groups
Oct 01, 2015, at 02:22 pm
New York, Oct 1 (IBNS): The 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held as the world tackles challenges on many scales, especially ones posed by the terrorist group known as Da'esh or the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Prime Minister of Iraq told world leaders attending the annual debate in New York.
China: Blasts kill 3, injures 15
Oct 01, 2015, at 01:38 am
Beijing, Sept 30 (IBNS) At least three people were killed as blasts rocked south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Wednesday, media reports said.
Sep 30, 2015, at 10:46 pm
Moscow, Sept 30 (IBNS) Fugitive National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has joined micro-blogging site Twitter and since then 954K followers are following his account.
President of Guyana urges UN to protect small States from foreign aggression
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:47 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Reaffirming his country's commitment to international law and the primacy of the decisions of the United Nations, the President of Guyana on Tuesday called on the world body to stand by its commitment to protect small States from foreign aggression, in this case, attempts by Venezuela to "unravel borders which have been undisturbed for decades."
With South Sudan at crossroads, Ban urges parties to reaffirm commitment to peace
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:46 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Citing a new window of opportunity for peace in South Sudan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on all parties to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the peace agreement signed last month, including by immediately halting military operations and forming the Transitional Government of National Unity.
The only sustainable future is one that includes us all: Rwandan President
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:41 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Change is coming and it is vitally necessary, the President of Rwanda told the General Assembly on Tuesday, urging United Nations Member States to not merely pledge commitment to the Global Goals but to acknowledge that the bold new targets will only be reached if all countries work together and acknowledge their mutual interdependence.
Mongolian President urges coordinated action to tackle pressing global issues
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:39 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): In his speech at the 70th United Nations General Assembly's annual General Debate, Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj urged his international counterparts to unite and exercise decisive leadership to fulfil UN's core missions.
African leaders highlight UN's ability to support countries and rid world of fear
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:35 pm
New York, Sept 29 (IBNS): The UN has played a significant role in reducing conflicts on the African continent and in other parts of the world was a message underlined by a number of African leaders who addressed the United Nations General Assembly today during the annual general debate.
Growing threat of violent extremism demands unified response: Ban
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:32 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Addressing the growing threat posed by violent extremist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da'esh, goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations and requires a unified response, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed on Tuesday at a high-level event held in New York.
UN agencies call for end to violence and discrimination against LGBTI community
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:30 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Twelve UN agencies on Monday called for an end to violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) adults, adolescents and children, and set out specific steps to protect these individuals.
Lethal use of force could worsen tensions, UN warns Israelis and Palestinians
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:26 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): The United Nations human rights office on Tuesday stressed the need for Israeli and Palestinian security forces to refrain from the use of excessive force amid the clashes and escalating tensions in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank, warning that such action could further inflame an already tense situation.
Breakthrough needed to ensure nuclear-test-ban treaty enters into force: Ban
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:24 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Lamenting the fact that nearly two decades after its negotiation the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has still not entered into force, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday urged world leaders gathered at the United Nations to demonstrate the necessary political will to usher in a nuclear-weapon-free world.
Ukrainian President says country suffering 'brutal violation' of UN Charter
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:22 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Ukraine is suffering from a brutal violation of the fundamental norms and principles of the United Nations Charter, President Petro Poroshenko told world leaders on Tuesday at the annual General Assembly debate.
UNICEF advocate Orlando Bloom urges protection of refugee and migrant children
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:21 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): Actor and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Orlando Bloom called for greater protection for tens of thousands of refugee and migrant children on the move in Europe.
Upcoming elections represent milestone in Myanmar's democratic transition: Ban
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:19 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): The upcoming elections represent a milestone in Myanmar's transition to democracy, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday, adding that their credibility will depend on acceptance of its outcome among the political leaders and the broader population.
Japan announces major boost in assistance for Syrian and Iraqi refugees
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:16 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): In his address to the annual high-level meeting of the General Assembly, Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, vowed to enhance his country's assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons from Syria and Iraq.
Presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia outline post-Ebola recovery plan in UN Assembly
Sep 30, 2015, at 02:15 pm
New York, Sept 30 (IBNS): In their respective statements to the United Nations General Assembly, the leaders of Sierra Leone and Liberia, among the countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak, discussed their subsequent recovery efforts, and also spoke about the need for the reform of UN bodies.