‘PROVOCATIVE’ SETTLEMENT CONSTRUCTION IN JERUSALEM UNDERMINES TRUST – BAN

'PROVOCATIVE' SETTLEMENT CONSTRUCTION IN JERUSALEM UNDERMINES TRUST – BAN
New York, Jul 1 2010 8:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his call for an end to the building of settlements in Jerusalem, stressing that the construction damages trust and stokes unrest in the region.

"Settlement construction should stop, as should measures which discriminate against Palestinian residents of the city and the ability of Palestinians to access the city," Mr. Ban said at the start of the United Nations African Meeting on the Question of Palestine, which is focusing on the question of Jerusalem.

"Jerusalem remains a permanent status issue and a way should be found for the city to emerge as the capital of both Israel and a future State of Palestine, with arrangements for the holy sites acceptable to all."

He added that settlement activity also continues in the rest of the West Bank, in contravention of international law and Israel's obligations under the Roadmap, the internationally approved plan for a two-State solution to the Middle East conflict.

In the <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4652">address, which was delivered by Bader al-Dafa, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the Secretary-General also noted that the recent deadly crisis involving an aid flotilla intercepted by Israel indicates how untenable the Gaza blockade is, and he urged that humanitarian aid be allowed to reach the area.

The 31 May incident, in which Israel raided a six-ship convoy carrying humanitarian goods and activists as it was travelling through international waters on its way to Gaza, resulted in the deaths of nine civilians and the wounding of at least 30 others.

At today's meeting, held in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, Mr. Ban welcomed Israel's recent steps towards a new policy on Gaza and the blockade, but added that "full and swift implementation is crucial…

"The goal must be an end to the blockade so that humanitarian assistance, commercial goods and persons can flow through functioning land crossings."

The UN has repeatedly spoken out against the closure of Gaza and raised concern over the insufficient flow of materials into the area to meet the basic needs of its estimated 1.5 million Palestinian residents and to spur reconstruction.

The Secretary-General's message also called on Hamas "to show political responsibility by enforcing an extended ceasefire," among other moves.

The continued captivity of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit "serves no Palestinian interest," he said, again calling for his release.

The two-day Rabat gathering, Mr. Ban said, "occurs at a time of tension and uncertainty in the region."

Although the Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks mediated by the United States continue, they are complicated by developments on the ground, the Secretary-General stressed.

"It is essential that all parties refrain from provocations and seize the opportunity presented by the talks."

The proximity talks must swiftly lead to direct negotiations on all permanent status issues, he said.

"All of us are called upon to lend our support towards the realization of the two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the shared capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and international law, supported by the Arab Peace Initiative," Mr. Ban underlined.

Also addressing the start of the Rabat gathering, which is being held under the auspices of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the head of the group's delegation, Zahir Tanin, welcomed the start of indirect talks.

He noted that the issue of Jerusalem is highly sensitive, but stressed that "leaving it unresolved would undermine ultimate success in the negotiations to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace or a solution of the Arab-Israeli conflict."

The committee's position, Mr. Tanin said, is that there can be no durable peace if East Jerusalem is not made the capital of a future Palestinian State.

"A negotiated agreement on the status of Jerusalem should include internationally guaranteed provisions aimed at ensuring the freedom of religion and of conscience of its inhabitants, as well as permanent, free and unhindered access to the holy places by the Palestinian people and peoples of all religions and all nationalities."
Jul 1 2010 8:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

PROMINENT MODEL ORDERED TO TESTIFY BEFORE UN-BACKED WAR CRIMES COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE

PROMINENT MODEL ORDERED TO TESTIFY BEFORE UN-BACKED WAR CRIMES COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE
New York, Jul 1 2010 7:10PM
Judges at the United Nations-backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone today ordered the high-profile British model Naomi Campbell to give evidence later this month about a blood diamond in the ongoing trial of the notorious former Liberian president Charles Taylor.

A subpoena was issued for Ms. Campbell, 40, to appear on 29 July in The Hague in the Netherlands, where the Special Court for Sierra Leone (<"http://www.sc-sl.org/">SCSL) is sitting for the trial of Mr. Taylor on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Three judges of the SCSL's trial chamber, in announcing the subpoena, said they were responding to a request from prosecutors for Ms. Campbell to testify.

Media reports say the prosecution wants to ask Ms. Campbell about allegations that she was given a so-called blood diamond – a diamond that is mined in a war zone and then sold to finance the activities of an army, insurgency or warlord – by Mr. Taylor while attending a private dinner at the home of the former South African president Nelson Mandela in 1997.

Mr. Taylor has long been accused of using blood diamonds to fuel conflict in Sierra Leone while he served as president of neighbouring Liberia.

Mr. Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, which include pillage, slavery for forced marriage purposes, collective punishment and the recruitment and use of child soldiers. The charges relate to his alleged support for two rebel groups in Sierra Leone – the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council and the Revolutionary United Front.

The SCSL was set up jointly by the Sierra Leonean Government and the UN in 2002 and is headquartered in Freetown, the capital. It is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and national law committed on Sierra Leonean territory since the end of November 1996.
Jul 1 2010 7:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN AGENCY MARKS 35 YEARS SINCE KEY ACCORD ON WILDLIFE TRADE REGULATION

UN AGENCY MARKS 35 YEARS SINCE KEY ACCORD ON WILDLIFE TRADE REGULATION
New York, Jul 1 2010 7:10PM
Proper regulation of wildlife trade is needed to ensure the continued survival of animals and plants in the wild, the United Nations Environmental Programme (<"http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=630&ArticleID=6636&l=en">UNEP) urged today as it marked the 35th anniversary of a key international agreement.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (<"http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.shtml">CITES) aims to ensure that the international trade in products made from wild animals and plants – in fields such as medicine and fashion – does not threaten their survival.

"While not a single one of some 34,000 CITES-listed species has become extinct as a result of international trade until now, growing pressures on biological resources make regulating global wildlife trade even more relevant today," said CITES Secretary-General John Scanlon.

The CITES-list includes diverse species ranging from orchids, to the great white shark and mahogany timber.

On the occasion of today's anniversary, the CITES Secretariat launched web-based Trade Data Dashboards, to make available trade data from annual reports of the countries that are party to the agreement.

Users can search for the trade of a certain species group or general trade per country, as well as special categories, such as "top 10 trading partners" and "trade volume over time."

The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP, which is also marking this year as the International Year of Biodiversity.

The UN agency released a report last month showing that the preservation of biodiversity through the restoration of ecosystems can generate wealth, create jobs and become a vital means of alleviating poverty.

Calling CITES part of a "transition to a resource efficient 21st century green economy," UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UNEP, Achim Steiner, described the treaty as visionary.

"It was able to put practical trade rules in place for the use of terrestrial and marine species, before the global boom created by the liberalization of trade and the acceleration of transactions via [the] Internet," he said.
Jul 1 2010 7:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES SOMALIA ON FIVE DECADES OF INDEPENDENCE

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONGRATULATES SOMALIA ON FIVE DECADES OF INDEPENDENCE
New York, Jul 1 2010 6:10PM
Marking the 50th anniversary of Somalia's independence, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the courage of the impoverished nation's people and reaffirmed the United Nations' support to help them realize their dream of living in peace, stability and prosperity.

Somalia, which is in the midst of one of the worst humanitarian and political crises in the world, has not had a functioning Government for some 20 years.

The Horn of Africa nation continues to be plagued by fighting between Government forces and rebels, as well as by drought, poverty, food insecurity and heavy flooding.

It remains the scene of one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), some 580,000 refugees and nearly 3 million people dependent on aid, out of a total population of nearly 8 million.

"The Secretary-General invites all Somalis to reflect back on that founding moment in their history when the people of Somalia looked to the future of their nation with pride and great expectation," according to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4653">statement issued by his spokesperson.

"It is that vision of a united, strong and prosperous Somali nation that should direct the present and the future."
Jul 1 2010 6:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN TRAINING UPGRADES PORTS IN POST-TSUNAMI SUMATRA, LEADS TO NEW DEGREE PROGRAMME

UN TRAINING UPGRADES PORTS IN POST-TSUNAMI SUMATRA, LEADS TO NEW DEGREE PROGRAMME
New York, Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
A United Nations provider of emergency logistics support has upgraded port facilities and implemented training that will form the basis of a new university degree as part of its long-term commitment to the tsunami-ravaged region of Indonesia's northern Sumatra region.

The programme, which began in 2005, will conclude this month. It was carried out by the Logistics Support Unit of the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/stories/logistics-team-upgrades-ports-tsunami-struck-sumatra">WFP) in the port province of Aceh, where it was sent to coordinate the delivery of reconstruction materials to areas cut off by road and sea in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004.

"Now we have 232 management-level personnel in 18 ports with basic training and all the skills and know-how you need to run a small to mid-sized shipping facilities," says Chris Clark, who led the training component.

The ports are running more efficiently than ever, he said, and "hopefully, that will open gateways to the hinterland, providing easier transportation between the islands, better economic opportunities and improved access to public services."

The relief programme shifted towards training after it became clear that Aceh's port staff – many of whom were replacements for personnel killed in the tsunami – were in sore need of both training and new equipment. "Even prior to the tsunami, the kinds of skills you needed to run a port were in short supply," Mr. Clark said.

So, responding to a request from Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi, the Indonesian governmental agency responsible for the reconstruction effort in Aceh, the unit crafted the training programme. Since December 2008, it has conducted more than 137 courses on topics from safety and security to human resources to budgeting and accounting.

"To design the course, we started out with a simple questionnaire to see where we stood in terms of skills and experience", Mr. Clark said. "Based on their answers, we developed modules that covered every aspect of port management, from accounting to how to offload a ship."

More than 2,000 trainees attended courses in both English and Bahasa with a wide range of learning materials, from training manuals to videos, which have now been handed over to the University of Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital.

Based on those materials, and the experience of students who took part in the course, the university is now preparing a new degree programme in shipping, logistics and maritime studies, which will turn out increasingly qualified graduates to run the region's ports.

WFP's Logistics Support Unit has also handed over a large amount of equipment needed to run the ports, including 16 forklifts, two reach-stackers for unloading ships, six trucks and office supplies such as desks, chairs, modems and computers.

Both the training and office equipment provided were financed through a cost recovery scheme launched during the first phase of the operation. It collected around $2.4 million in shipping fees from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private partners.

The last module of the training, which teaches port staff how to use basic record-keeping tools, including computer spreadsheets, to forecast shipping traffic, ends on 9 July.
Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN’S INTERNAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MARKS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH HUNDREDS OF CASES

UN'S INTERNAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MARKS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH HUNDREDS OF CASES
New York, Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
The new administration of justice system which resolves internal disputes at the United Nations has transformed the way employment grievances are addressed in the world body, with hundreds of staff embracing the system during the first year of the reform, senior officials said today.

"The system serves as a milestone in strengthening the committeemen of the Organization to the rule of law, to justice and to accountability," Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel Patricia O'Brien told journalists in New York.

She stressed that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is fully committed to upholding the system of justice as prescribed by the General Assembly, and to ensuring that the Organization complies fully and promptly with the final decisions of the appeals tribunal once they have been issued.

The administration of justice system resolved disputes between staff and management, which cannot be filed in national courts.

The system relies on informal and formal mechanisms to resolve disputes, including the Management Evaluation Unit, which covers staff of all levels and grades at the Secretariat and the UN programmes and agencies.

The role of the unit is to assure that "decisions are taken and comport with rules and regulations, but also support enhanced managerial accountability," said Under-Secretary-General for Management, Angela Kane.

Nearly 300 ¬cases – double the number from the same period in 2009 – have been filed in the first three months of this year. The majority related to benefits and entitlements.

Other options are provided by the Office for Ombudsman and Mediation Services, where some 536 cases have been filed in the first five months of the year, up 70 per cent from the same period last year.

The head of the service, John Barkat, said the service is growing because it is quick, interest based, preserves relationships and allows parties to select the outcome themselves.

The fourth section of the system consists of the Office of Administration of Justice, which services the UN Dispute Tribunal and the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), which is the highest court of the new internal justice system.

In the year since 1 July 2009, some 500 cases have been filed with the tribunals, of which 200 have been disposed and 200 judgements rendered.

For the 60 years before the new internal justice system was created, the UN relied on peer review bodies composed of staff members, followed by a review by the UN Administrative Tribunal.

The new system called for by the General Assembly in 2005 has introduced two tiers of judicial review with judges who are "professional, qualified and independent," according to Executive Director of the Office of Administration of Justice, Andrei Terekhov, who also took part in today's press conference.

In a related development, the UNAT announced today its decisions on 31 cases, which include disputes over promotions, discipline, pensions, contract matters and many other issues. The full texts of the judgements have not yet been released.
Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

CORRUPTION AND ENVIRONMENT TOP BAN’S TALKS WITH GABONESE LEADER

CORRUPTION AND ENVIRONMENT TOP BAN'S TALKS WITH GABONESE LEADER
New York, Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
Gabon's actions to fight corruption and protect the environment were the focus of discussions today between Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the leader of the African nation as he began the final leg of the United Nations chief's third official trip to the continent over the past month.

Mr. Ban and President Ali Bongo Ondimba also discussed the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), Gabon's border dispute with Equatorial Guinea and its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The Secretary-General acknowledged Gabon's strides towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), the eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters.

The world body's chief also told Mr. Bongo that he welcomed the calm during Gabon's recent legislative elections, encouraging the Government to maintain its dialogue with the opposition in the run-up to next year's round of polls.

Also today, the Secretary-General <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4649">addressed the country's National Assembly, where he hailed Gabon for what he called its "exceptional" stability.

On the MDGs, he said the country is showing that the Goals are within reach, with child mortality having declined in the past two decades and progress having been made on improving maternal health.

"Some may call this a miracle, but there is nothing miraculous about it," he said. "This is the result of good policy and strong leadership."

Mr. Ban also noted that the country's "ethnic diversity has never been the trigger for tension or war."

He paid tribute to Gabon's leadership in regional dialogue and reconciliation, pointing out its role in facilitating a peace accord between the Government and rebels in the CAR.

In an <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4651">address to civil society representatives, the Secretary-General pointed out that Gabon has not experienced conflict or ethnic strife since it gained independence nearly 50 years ago.

"Last year's peaceful transition and this month's legislative elections are [a] testament to the maturity of your democratic process," he said, underscoring the important of civil society in promoting such advances.

Mr. Ban also visited a protection centre, home to children who have been trafficked or abused, in the capital, Libreville, where he <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4650">called for an end to impunity for crimes against children.

"The people responsible must be found, prosecuted and convicted," he underlined.

He called on all parts of society – including the Government, the private sector, civil society and the police – to play their part to ensure that laws protecting children are implemented. "A society is judged by its treatment of its weakest and most vulnerable members."

Mr. Ban arrived in Gabon after an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In two other recent trips to Africa he has visited Malawi, Uganda, South Africa, Burundi, Cameroon, Benin and Sierra Leone.
Jul 1 2010 5:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN FOLLOWING REPORTS OF FORCIBLE TRANSFERS OF PALESTINIANS FROM EAST JERUSALEM

UN FOLLOWING REPORTS OF FORCIBLE TRANSFERS OF PALESTINIANS FROM EAST JERUSALEM
New York, Jul 1 2010 4:10PM
The United Nations is closely following reports that four Palestinian legislators have received orders for their forcible transfer from East Jerusalem by the Israeli authorities, a spokesperson for the world body said today.

Israel is reportedly considering revoking the residency permits of Muhammad Abu-Teir, Ahmad Attoun, Muhammad Totah, and Khaled Abu Arafeh, all current or former members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and long-time residents of East Jerusalem.

The Israeli High Court of Justice is scheduled to consider their case on 6 September.

"We are concerned at all measures which may heighten tension in the city and at the potentially broad consequences for Palestinian residents of occupied East Jerusalem," Richard Miron, spokesperson for UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry, said in a statement issued in Jerusalem.

"We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law," he added.

On Tuesday independent UN human rights expert Richard Falk warned that population transfers in or from occupied territory, if carried out, would violate international law, with certain actions potentially amounting to war crimes.

He said it was "particularly shocking" that Israel appeared ready to forcibly transfer the four Palestinian legislators based on their supposed lack of loyalty to the State of Israel.

"Israel, as an occupying Power, is prohibited from transferring civilian persons from East Jerusalem, and is prohibited from forcing Palestinians to swear allegiance or otherwise affirm their loyalty to the State of Israel," said Mr. Falk, who serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights on Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

Last week Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that planned moves by Israel, such as demolishing existing homes and constructing new settlements in the Silwan area of East Jerusalem, are contrary to international law, and to the wishes of Palestinian residents.

"The current moves are unhelpful, coming at a time when the goal must be to build trust to support political negotiations," his spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Jul 1 2010 4:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

ARTIST, ACTIVIST AND UN AMBASSADOR, ANNIE LENNOX GIVES VOICE TO WOMEN WITH HIV

ARTIST, ACTIVIST AND UN AMBASSADOR, ANNIE LENNOX GIVES VOICE TO WOMEN WITH HIV
New York, Jul 1 2010 4:10PM
As lead singer of the band Eurythmics and a solo artist, Annie Lennox is known around the world for a successful music career that spans over three decades. In her new role as a celebrity advocate for the United Nations, she is giving voice to millions of women and girls suffering with HIV and AIDS, an issue close to the heart of this mother of two daughters.

"As a woman and a mother, I have a direct experience with what parenthood is about and I appreciate how precious every child is to their parent," Ms. Lennox said in an interview with the UN News Centre.

"That is something that is sacred and if we as mothers are not given the tools to survive and cope, educate and nourish, and protect our own children, there's something really wrong."

About 16 million women over the age of 15 are living with HIV worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa, women make up almost two-thirds of people living with HIV, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (<"http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp">UNAIDS). In many parts of the world, women have a higher risk of HIV than men.

Ms. Lennox, who was appointed as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in June, is no stranger to social activism, having worked with organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and Greenpeace.

But it was a trip to South Africa in 2003 as one of the artists invited to perform at the launch of the 46664 Foundation – Nelson Mandela's global HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign – that led her to get involved more deeply with the issue.

It was during that trip and subsequent visits to South Africa that Ms. Lennox learned more about the toll of HIV and AIDS on the country, which Mr. Mandela described to her as a 'genocide,' and visited clinics and orphanages to see the impact of the pandemic first hand.

"When I left South Africa after those experiences that I'd had, I just understood that this was something that I had to speak up about," she said. "It was just something that affected me deeply."

According to UNAIDS, South Africa has the world's largest population of people living with HIV. An estimated 5.7 million people in the country are living with the virus, of whom approximately 3.2 million are women and 280,000 are children up to the age of 14.

The more Ms. Lennox learned about the issue, the more she felt the need to do more "hands on" work. In October 2007, she launched her own "SING" campaign, working to raise awareness and support for women and children affected by the AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa.

She is also a member of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), which is a grassroots campaign based in South Africa that works for the rights of people with HIV and AIDS. In addition, she was recently appointed an envoy for HIV and AIDS in her native Scotland.

In her new role with UNAIDS Ms. Lennox will highlight issues such as gender inequality, violence against women and stigmatization, as well as the need to empower women and girls so that they can better protect themselves against HIV and AIDS.

Last month she joined UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé in Washington for the Women Deliver 2010 conference, at which they called for greater investment in women to achieve Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number 5 on improving maternal health.

They also repeated the call for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015. More than 90 per cent of infant and young child infections occur through mother-to-child transmission, either during pregnancy, labour and delivery, or breastfeeding. Without intervention, about one in three children born to mothers living with HIV will become infected, according to UNAIDS.

Later this month, Ms. Lennox will join her UN partners at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policymakers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic.

Ms. Lennox stressed that leadership is crucial to overcoming the obstacles to preventing HIV and AIDS, and to effectively addressing the pandemic.

"I think when you have leadership that is prepared to tackle the issues, to work with civil society, to work with government and to work with the system… then you have a chance."

She noted in particular that if South Africa can make headway in addressing HIV and AIDS, it could serve as "a beacon of hope" for the entire continent.
Jul 1 2010 4:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

Online Casino

Any time you play at an online casino or live in Vegas and no matter what game(s) you choose to play, the overriding factor in whether or not you will attain success is discipline through money management. There are countless experts in the various casino games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Video Poker, Baccarat and on down the line who lose big money despite their expertise. In a match-up between an expert at a particular casino game and an expert at bankroll management, the player that knows how to manage an online casino bankroll will succeed far more than the expert at any game that lacks discipline and self control.

The first part of developing a successful online casino strategy is organizing your gambling bankroll. You should split the bankroll apart for different gambling sessions that are based on a loss limit. For example, if you have a $1,000 gambling bankroll you could break that down into 10 session/sections of $100 each. That means that you can play for as long as that $100 lasts but once it is gone you must cut off the session and walk away. With a loss limit that is strictly enforced through discipline, you can have money management byav0iding going on "tilt" and chasing bad losses with bad money. Play online casino games at the Bodog casino with a 10% signup bonus, over $1,000,000 USD in progressive jackpots and even on your mobile phone.

Much of gambling comes down to preserving your bankroll so that you will be around and in the game when Lady Luck smiles upon you. The gambler that blows the entire bankroll in one session is never around for that swing of luck. While expertise at a particular game is great and an important ingredient of success, it is meaningless without the discipline and expertise of managing a gambling bankroll. Always keep in mind that you cannot win if you are out of the game and busted with no bankroll. Staying in the game is part of winning the game. The Bodog casino offers a weekly comp program for playing online casino games and also a $100 refer a friend bonus.

SECRETARY-GENERAL INAUGURATES NEW PHASE OF UN MISSION IN DR CONGO

SECRETARY-GENERAL INAUGURATES NEW PHASE OF UN MISSION IN DR CONGO
New York, Jul 1 2010 2:10PM
Reflecting the strides made by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the past decade, the United Nations peacekeeping mission entered a new chapter today, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paying tribute to the commitment demonstrated by blue helmets in bringing peace to the region.

Last month, the Security Council passed a <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/RES/1925%20(2010)">resolution authorizing the withdrawal of up to 2,000 UN military personnel – from an existing strength of 19,815 – by today from areas where security has improved enough to allow their removal.

>From today, the UN mission will be known as the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (<"http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/">MONUSCO) and will stay in the DRC only until 30 June next year.

"The emphasis is on stabilization and consolidating peace," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4647">said at the unveiling of a plaque during the introduction of the mission's new phase in the capital, Kinshasa, yesterday.

He vowed that the UN will continue working with the DRC "to guide the progressive withdrawal of military peacekeepers in a way that does not jeopardize the gains the country has made."

The Secretary-General emphasized the need to continue ensuring protection for civilians, especially women.

He also called on all parties, including Government forces, to put an end to sexual violence, which he called the "most serious denial of fundamental human rights."

At the event, Mr. Ban recognized the dedication of peacekeepers who have served in the DRC, hailing the 157 men and women who have paid with their lives for the cause.

"Let us honour their memory by ensuring that together we can build the stability that the country needs to realize its great potential."

Also in Kinshasa yesterday, the Secretary-General met with representatives of civil society, which he said is "critical to stability, to reconciliation in the wake of conflict, to a healthy democracy, and to human rights."

He <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4648">expressed his condolences on the death of prominent rights defender Floribert Chebeya, whose body was found on the outskirts of the capital last month after he was summoned to a police station.

So far, the chief of the national police has been suspended and several officers arrested in connection with the murder of Mr. Chebeya, who headed the non-governmental organization (NGO) known as Voix des Sans Voix (Voice of the Voiceless).

The slain defender's work focused on human rights abuses in the DRC, including corruption in the military and the links between militias and foreign political forces.

"His courage was an inspiration for all who are dedicated to upholding human rights and defending public freedoms," Mr. Ban said at yesterday's meeting. "I hope his death will be investigated thoroughly, transparently and independently, with full respect for due process and the rule of law."

The Secretary-General noted that the health of a country can be gauged by its "willingness and ability to carry out its human rights commitments," stressing the importance of States to provide the conditions necessary to allow rights defenders and journalists to carry out their work, unhindered.

"The United Nations will stand by your side," he told the civil society representatives. "Our priority is to see Africa achieve its potential."
Jul 1 2010 2:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

NEW UN-BACKED PLAN AIMS TO ENHANCE CHILD RIGHTS IN REPUBLIC OF CONGO

NEW UN-BACKED PLAN AIMS TO ENHANCE CHILD RIGHTS IN REPUBLIC OF CONGO
New York, Jul 1 2010 11:10AM
The United Nations Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/index.php">UNICEF) has welcomed new measures announced by the Republic of Congo to boost child protection, calling them a major breakthrough for the Central African nation.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced the new child protection framework during recent celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child, making Congo the fifth French-speaking African nation to pass such measures.

"This framework will better monitor the violation of children's rights abuses and help to improve the situation to build a protective environment for children," <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_54121.html">said Marianne Flach, UNICEF Representative in Congo.

"It is a major breakthrough that opens new perspectives in the protection and realization of children's rights in Congo," Ms. Flach stated in a news release.

The framework is comprised of a collection of texts covering all aspects of child protection, including issues concerning children in conflict with the law.

Congo is a signatory to the <" http://www.unicef.org/crc/">Convention on the Rights of the Child, which articulates a set of universal children's rights including the right to an identity, a name and a nationality, the right to an education, and rights to the highest possible standards of health and protection from abuse and exploitation.

It has also signed on to the two <"http://www.unicef.org/crc/index_protocols.html">Optional Protocols to the Convention – on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography – and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

UNICEF noted that the country's legislation will need to be updated and harmonized with the new measures and that national efforts will need more funding and support.
Jul 1 2010 11:10AM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/

UN CONTINUES RUSHING FOOD AID TO KYRGYZSTAN

UN CONTINUES RUSHING FOOD AID TO KYRGYZSTAN
New York, Jul 1 2010 10:10AM
The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/">WFP) is continuing to distribute supplies to people who have been affected by the recent deadly ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan.

According to the agency, nearly all of the 75,000 ethnic Uzbeks who fled across the border to Uzbekistan after violence erupted in the Kyrgyz towns of Osh and Jalalabad have returned. Many are sheltering in camps or staying with host families since their homes have been destroyed.

So far, WFP has reached 270,000 people uprooted by the violence which broke out three weeks ago with food supplies.

WFP handed out rations today to some 6,300 people in the central market area of Osh. The agency's staff members reported that the market was open and crowded, with signs pointing to life starting to return to normal.

Yesterday, a 28-truck UN aid convoy crossed from Uzbekistan into Kyrgyzstan, where it was met by UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres and Daly Belgasmi, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East and Central Asia.

Eight of the trucks were loaded with 150 metric tons of WFP food – including wheat flour, vegetable oil, pulses and beans – which will be distributed to internally displaced persons (IDPs), returning refugees and others.

WFP has called for some $23 million as part of a greater joint UN appeal for more than $70 million to assist those affected by the clashes.

The clashes, the latest unrest to hit the country following the violent uprising in April that ousted former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, displaced at least 300,000 people within Kyrgyzstan.

"The world was taken by surprise with Kyrgyzstan, we must not be taken by surprise again," Mr. Guterres told reporters yesterday at a site for returned refugees and IDPs in the country's south.

"Entire communities here have been left fractured and embittered. Immediate and sustained humanitarian help is needed to avert a dangerous expansion of grievance and loss," he added.
Jul 1 2010 10:10AM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/