Press Release

OUTER SPACE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE TO HOLD

FORTY-FIRST SESSION IN VIENNA, 16 - 27 FEBRUARY

(Reissued as received.)

Commission for Social Development                          

Forty-second Session                                       

12^th Meeting (PM)

INTERNATIONAL RICE CONFERENCE MEETS IN ROME

(Reissued as received.)

ROME, 12 February (FAO) -- Intensification of rice production in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner is essential for food security, particularly in Asia and Africa, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES LOSS OF LIFE DURING ISRAEL’S GAZA MILITARY INCURSIONS

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

UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ENVOY ARRIVES IN SUDAN

NEW YORK, 12 February (OCHA) -– Ambassador Tom Eric Vraalsen, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs for Sudan, arrived in the Sudan today.

SECRETARY-GENERAL BRIEFED ON IRAQ TALKS BY SPECIAL ADVISER

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

CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT DECIDES TO ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT

OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN ITS WORK

(Reissued as received.)

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY KILLING OF UN MILITARY OBSERVER

IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

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

NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD URGES FULL SUPPORT TO AFGHAN AUTHORITIES

IN ADDRESSING DRUG CONTROL SITUATION

(Reissued as received.)

FIGHTING HUNGER TODAY COULD HELP PREVENT OBESITY TOMORROW

Unless Nutrition Improves, Health-Care Costs Are Expected to Soar

(Reissued as received.)

ROME, 11 February (FAO) -- Reducing hunger and undernourishment in pregnant women and children could prevent them from becoming overweight and obese, and reduce associated health costs in later life, according to a study released today by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).