INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS MEET TO CONSIDER LEGAL OPTIONS FOR MANAGING WORLD’S FORESTS

NEW YORK, 3 September (UNFF) –- The world’s forests continue to disappear at an alarming rate despite a host of mostly voluntary or non-binding regional agreements and international conventions.  A new legally binding international convention on forests is one of the options proposed by countries which will be considered by experts at a United Nations meeting next week.

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL:  PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS RISING TO NEW HIGH

NEW YORK, 7 September (UN Department of Public Information) -- The number and scope of UN peace operations are approaching what may become their highest levels ever, improving prospects for conflict resolution, but also stretching thin the capacities of the system, Secretary-General Kofi Annan reported to the General Assembly today.

UN FINDS PROGRESS ON WORLD ANTI-POVERTY GOALS, BUT CRISIS AREAS REMAIN

NEW YORK, 7 September (UN Department of Public Information) -- Developing countries are reducing extreme poverty, extending access to primary education and alleviating disease and hunger in many regions of the world, in pursuit of targets set in the year 2000 UN Millennium Declaration, according to an annual progress report from Secretary-General Kofi Annan released today.

CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT CONCLUDES 2004 SESSION

GENEVA, 7 September (UN Information Service) -- The Conference on Disarmament, the world’s sole multilateral forum for disarmament negotiations, today concluded the third and last part of its 2004 session after adopting its annual report.

Ad Hoc Committee on Convention

on Persons with Disabilities

11^th Meeting (PM)

Committee negotiating treaty on rights of persons with disabilities

concludes two-week headquarters session

 

Secretary-General warmly welcomes release of malaysia’s

 

former deputy prime Minister

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Secretary-General horrified by loss of life in Beslan hostage situation,

 

reiterates condemnation of all terrorist acts

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

Security Council

5028^th Meeting (Night)

Security Council declares support for free, fair presidential election

 

in Lebanon; calls for withdrawal of foreign forces there

Resolution 1559 (2004) Adopted by Vote

Of 9 in Favour, to None Against, with 6 Abstentions

Security Council

5027^th Meeting (AM)

Sudan has not disarmed militias or stopped attacks on civilians in Darfur,

 

Special Representative tells Security Council

 

But, He Says, Government Has Made Some Progress, Including Improved Security

For Some Internally Displaced Persons, Lifting Restrictions on Humanitarian Access

IAEA INSPECTION TEAM CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION IN SOUTH KOREA

 

(Reissued as received.)