TOP UN OFFICIAL URGES ALL MEMBER STATES TO RATIFY LANDMARK DISABILITY CONVENTION

TOP UN OFFICIAL URGES ALL MEMBER STATES TO RATIFY LANDMARK DISABILITY CONVENTION
New York, Sep 1 2010 6:10PM
A senior United Nations official today called on all UN Member States to become party to the world body's landmark convention protecting the rights of the estimated 650 million people with disabilities, which has already acquired 146 signatories and 90 ratifications.

"In the past year, the number of signatures and ratifications of this legal instrument has more than doubled," Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang told a meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in May 2008. "These results represent remarkable progress in a short period of time."

Nevertheless, a key challenge to the convention's full implementation is the fact that fewer than half of all Member States have ratified it, he said.

"Today, I call on the remaining Member States to become States Parties to this convention. Commitment to the convention from the full UN membership is a crucial first step toward bringing about widespread and lasting change."

"As you know, persons with disabilities are more likely to be poor and to lack access to equal social, health, educational and employment services," he added. "It is the international community's collective responsibility to address these inequalities."

"We must advocate for increased recognition and protection of their human rights, including the right to education. We must adapt our communities to their needs wherever possible. We must also change the hearts and minds of the public about the abilities of persons with disabilities."

Another key challenge was how to address disability needs during times of natural disaster and armed conflict. "We, the international community, need to ensure that in humanitarian operations, these persons receive prioritized access to aid. Reconstruction efforts should include accessible buildings and transportation systems," he said.

"The added costs to doing so are minimal, and they bring untold benefits – and hope – to persons with disabilities."

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reflected on the same theme in a statement read out to the event on her behalf. She said an informal session held by States parties on this issue had been particularly timely.

"This year has seen many humanitarian crises around the world; notably in the earthquakes in Haiti, China and Pakistan; the earthquake and tsunami in Chile; and more recently, the floods in Pakistan. Regrettably, human rights considerations are often neglected in such crises and their relevance questioned as an immediate priority in the planning and implementation of relief operations. It must not be so."

Reflecting that concern, the three-day meeting of States parties will include a panel discussion, organized in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance, on this issue.

During their three-day meeting, States are also expected to renew and expand the size of the committee from 12 to 18 members – reflecting the increase in parties to the convention.

The convention is the culmination of years of global efforts to ensure that the rights of the world's persons with disabilities are guaranteed and protected. It asserts the rights to education, health, work, adequate living conditions, freedom of movement, freedom from exploitation and equal recognition before the law for persons with disabilities.
Sep 1 2010 6:10PM
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UN-BACKED ANTI-MEASLES CAMPAIGN TO REACH MILLIONS OF CHILDREN IN CHINA

UN-BACKED ANTI-MEASLES CAMPAIGN TO REACH MILLIONS OF CHILDREN IN CHINA
New York, Sep 1 2010 5:10PM
Nearly 100 million children across China will this month be vaccinated against measles in one of the world's largest such public health exercise in an effort to bring the vast country closer to eliminating the contagious disease by 2012, two United Nations agencies said today.

"China is a priority country in the global fight against measles and we commend the Government for its leadership in this life-saving work," said Michael O'Leary, the World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO) Representative in China.

The vaccination campaign will kick off on 11 September and last until 20 September, WHO and the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) said in a joint statement.

In 2009, more than 52,000 people in China were reported to have contracted measles, accounting for about 86 per cent of the measles cases in WHO's Western Pacific region.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both children and young adults. While most individuals recover from measles infection, some may suffer serious complications such as blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infections.

Measles is a leading cause of avoidable death and disability among children in developing countries. Globally, an estimated 164,000 people died from measles in 2008 – mostly children under the age of five.

Experience from other countries shows that well-conducted campaigns can ensure that every child, especially those not reached through the routine immunization programme, receives a measles vaccine.

"However, some people living in remote areas and large urban cities, as well as the large migrant population, may have less access to vaccines and health care than other segments of the population, and thus not be protected against measles. In addition, a small percentage of children who have previously been vaccinated against measles may not have developed immunity to the disease," Mr. O'Leary said.

Next week's mass vaccination aims to address those gaps.

"This campaign is important for every family in China – in remote villages, in urban areas and in migrant communities," said Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative for China.

"We encourage all parents to take their children to the closest vaccination clinic during the campaign period. This huge nationwide effort will produce significant benefits for child survival," she added.

The measles vaccine is a safe and highly effective, but some children may get fever or mild reactions in the days following vaccination. This means that the vaccine is working to protect the child. A child who has previously received measles vaccination can still be given an additional dose of measles vaccine.
Sep 1 2010 5:10PM
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UN OFFICIAL SAYS RESOURCES, POLICIES AND LEADERSHIP KEY TO ACHIEVING ANTI-POVERTY GOALS

UN OFFICIAL SAYS RESOURCES, POLICIES AND LEADERSHIP KEY TO ACHIEVING ANTI-POVERTY GOALS
New York, Sep 1 2010 5:10PM
Countries can make headway on slashing hunger, poverty and a host of other socio-economic ills over the next five years, the head of the United Nations Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) said today, stressing three essential elements for progress.

"With sufficient and predictable resources for development, the appropriate policies, and strong leadership and capacity, we do believe that the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals can be met," Helen Clark stated, referring to the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs) which world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015.

"There is not only a moral imperative to strive to meet them. It is also an important part of our quest to make our planet more just, secure, and peaceful. That is in the best interests of all of us," the UNDP Administrator <"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2010/september/helen-clark-statement-to-the-executive-board-of-undp-unfpa.en">told a meeting of the agency's Executive Board in New York.

Later this month Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will convene the high-level MDG Summit at UN Headquarters. The gathering is expected to result in concrete national action plans for realizing the Goals, which include targets for slashing poverty, boosting school enrolment rates, improving maternal health and increasing access to clean water and decent sanitation.

"This is a not-to-be missed opportunity for Member States to agree on an action plan to drive progress towards reaching the Goals by 2015," said Miss Clark.

"At UNDP, we believe that there is a range of tried, tested, and proven policies which, adapted to national contexts, will ensure progress where there is the leadership, political will, capacity, and resources to implement them.

"What is important now is for all development stakeholders to focus on what works, and support replication of proven interventions tailored to national circumstances. We also need to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the table," she added.

In June Miss Clark highlighted eight priority areas which should ideally form part of action plans for the next five years to accelerate progress towards the MDGs.

They are: the need to support country-led development; foster inclusive economic growth; improve opportunities for women and girls; target investments in health and education, in clean water and sanitation, and in the professionals who run these services; and scale up social protection and employment programmes and other targeted interventions.

Other priorities are expanding access to energy and promoting low-carbon development; mobilizing domestic resources to finance the MDGs; and the international community delivering on the official development assistance (ODA) commitments it has made and improving the predictability and effectiveness of aid.

She pledged that UNDP will continue to "sharpen its tools" and work closely with a wide range of partners within and beyond the UN system to support the world's poorest and most vulnerable people and communities and to help countries meet their development goals.
Sep 1 2010 5:10PM
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CELEBRITIES JOIN PUSH FOR ACTION ON UN-BACKED DEVELOPMENT TARGETS

CELEBRITIES JOIN PUSH FOR ACTION ON UN-BACKED DEVELOPMENT TARGETS
New York, Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
Athletes, singers, actors and other celebrities are lending their voices to push for accelerated progress to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs), eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline, the United Nations <"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20CHAMPIONS%20LIST%201%20September%202010.pdf">announced today.

The dozens of UN Goodwill Ambassadors and Messengers of Peace are joining forces to call for action ahead of the <"http://www.un.org/en/mdg/summit2010/">high-level summit on the MDGs bringing together nearly 150 world leaders to be convened by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon later this month.

Representatives from the private sector and civil society are also expected to attend the three-day meeting in New York, which kicks off on 20 September.

Among the celebrities who are taking a stand against poverty in support of the MDGs are: singer Angelique Kidjo of Benin; football star Ronaldo of Brazil; Queen Rania of Jordan; singer Ricky Martin of Puerto Rico; actress Mia Farrow of the United States; and violinist Midori Goto of Japan.

"I thank these outstanding leaders for joining our push to advance progress towards the Millennium Development Goals," Mr. Ban said today.

"They are household names who are bringing the message of global justice and solidarity to homes and communities around the world."
Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
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DR CONGO: UN PEACEKEEPING OFFICIAL VISITS THE EAST AFTER RAPE OF CIVILIANS

DR CONGO: UN PEACEKEEPING OFFICIAL VISITS THE EAST AFTER RAPE OF CIVILIANS
New York, Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
A senior United Nations peacekeeping official, who is visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the recent mass rape of civilians by members of illegal armed groups, has travelled to the eastern region of the country where the crimes were committed, a UN spokesperson said today.

Atul Khare, Assistant Secretary-General in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) travelled yesterday from DRC's capital Kinshasa to the east, where he will make stops in the towns of Goma, Kirumba, Kibua, Bukavu and Uvira.

He spent several days in Kinshasa meeting with various officials, including the Foreign Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the President's security advisor. He also met with representatives of the civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dispatched Mr. Khare to DRC to work with Roger Meece, his Special Representative in the country, following reports that members of armed groups active in the DRC's troubled North Kivu had raped at least 154 civilians in the province's Banamukira territory between 30 July and 2 August.

Earlier this week, Mr. Meece urged authorities in DRC, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, <"http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/monusco/mandate.shtml">MONUSCO, and the international community in general to work together to put an end to crimes against civilians by illegal armed groups.
Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
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TODAY’S GLOBAL CHALLENGES REQUIRE NATIONS COMING TOGETHER AS PARTNERS – BAN

TODAY'S GLOBAL CHALLENGES REQUIRE NATIONS COMING TOGETHER AS PARTNERS – BAN
New York, Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
No one nation, however large or powerful, can solve all problems on its own, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, stressing that it is vital for countries to work together in partnership to tackle common challenges.

"There is such a thing as the global public good. And for that very reason, we need to think about the issues of global governance needed to manage them," Mr. Ban told a gathering of government leaders, parliamentarians, and members of civil society and the business community in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein.

"Please do not mistake me: I do not mean global government, or even less a world that takes its orders from UN Headquarters.

"What I mean, quite simply, is sovereign States coming together … pragmatically, as partners. I mean people transcending borders and narrow national identities to defend against common threats – and to seize common opportunities," he stated.

Mr. Ban noted that the world is undergoing dramatic shifts and transformations. New economic powers have emerged, and complex new challenges have come to the fore.

"All have global reach. And all place new demands on us – on our institutions, mechanisms and frameworks. We need to adapt. We need our global institutions to produce better, quicker, more lasting results.

"We need stronger, more effective alliances between States and the private sector, civil society and regional actors. We need policy guidance and regulatory frameworks for a vast array of new and complex issues."

Two areas in which he felt better global governance is especially urgent is getting the global economy to work for all the world's people, as well as advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

"A world economy that creates prosperity for all… a world no longer living under the nuclear shadow… these have long been among the main goals of global governance," he told the audience, which included His Serene Highnesses Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein, and Aurelia Frick, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture.

In addition to the economy and disarmament, the world is today facing a "daunting array of new-generation challenges, never seen before," said the Secretary-General, pointing to issues such as climate change, terrorism and organized crime.

"The imperative of global governance is clear," he declared.

Mr. Ban also used his speech to congratulate the people of Liechtenstein for 20 years of membership in the UN – an anniversary that the country will mark in less than three weeks.

"Yours may be one of the world's smaller countries, but its role is large. If all nations were as committed to the United Nations and its noble causes, the world would be a far, far better place."

He hailed Liechtenstein for being one of the most generous contributors of emergency humanitarian aid, as well as for helping to lead the global campaign to bring those who commit war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice, among other things.

While in Vaduz, the Secretary-General also held talks with Government ministers and met with Prince Hans-Adam II.

Following his visit to Liechtenstein, Mr. Ban will head to Vienna, where his activities will include an anti-corruption conference, the European Forum 2010, a Security Council retreat, and the annual retreat of senior UN officials.
Sep 1 2010 4:10PM
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UN-CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM ISSUES CALL TO ACTION TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF MILLIONS WORLDWIDE

UN-CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM ISSUES CALL TO ACTION TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF MILLIONS WORLDWIDE
New York, Sep 1 2010 1:10PM
Civil society representatives from more than 70 countries wrapped up a United Nations forum today with an urgent call to action to improve the health of millions of men, women and children worldwide and step up efforts to achieve the globally agreed anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs).

In a wide-ranging declaration adopted at the end of the three-day meeting in Melbourne, Australia, participants stressed that achieving the MDGs, which world leaders have pledged to do by 2015, "is a moral imperative."

Improving global health, especially in connection with the MDGs, was the theme of the 63rd annual UN Department of Public Information (DPI)/Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) <"http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/ngoconference">Conference, which drew some 1,600 participants representing at least 350 groups.

The wide-ranging declaration also stated that the Goals, all of which affect the health of populations, despite some progress, "are significantly off-track for the poorest and least politically powerful people."

Significant remaining challenges included: 1 billion people without access to food; 2.6 billion who lack access to improved sanitation; eight out of 10 without access to safe drinking water who live in rural areas; nearly 9 million children who die before the age of five; and at least 340,000 women who die each year of pregnancy-related causes.

Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, said that while frustration had been expressed at the conference over the lack of enough improvement in some regions towards attaining the MDGs, the most urgent task was to help quicken the pace of progress.

"This is not the time to question the validity of the MDGs themselves, but rather a time to roll up our sleeves and do what is necessary to attain them, and beyond that, to look at the question of ensuring that they are sustainable after 2015," he stated at the closing ceremony.

The NGOs appealed in the declaration for all governments, agencies, corporations and individuals to deliver on their human rights obligations to more than a billion people living in poverty, by committing the finances and political will necessary to achieve the Goals.

Towards improving global health, the text compelled all governments and health actors to respect the rights of communities while also maximizing the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of their work by leveraging community knowledge and support. It also highlighted the central role that individuals, families and communities must play in fostering global health.

Mr. Akasaka said he hoped participants, as the "torch-bearers of this conference," will take what they have learned back to their organizations and communities, and help raise awareness about what is at stake.

"Your advocacy plays a major role in holding governments accountable for honouring their pledges and commitments and upholding their responsibilities to protect and save their children and people… You are all good friends to the United Nations. You are our greatest allies and partners."

He added that the declaration should be channelled to governments and into the inter-governmental process to impact the MDG Summit, to be held at UN Headquarters in New York from 20 to 22 September.

Next year's DPI-NGO conference, on the theme "Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens," is slated to be held in Bonn, Germany.
Sep 1 2010 1:10PM
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FALLS REPRESENT A DEADLY PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM, UN WARNS

FALLS REPRESENT A DEADLY PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM, UN WARNS
New York, Sep 1 2010 1:10PM
Falls are a major public health problem across the world with an estimated 424,000 fatalities occurring each year, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death after road traffic accidents, according to the United Nations health agency.

More than 80 per cent of fall-related fatalities occur in low-and middle-income countries, with regions of the Western Pacific and South East Asia accounting for more than two thirds of these deaths, the World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO) said in a <"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs344/en/index.html">fact sheet issued today.

About 37.3 million falls severe enough to require medical attention occur each year. The largest morbidity occurs in people aged 65 years or older, young adults aged between 15 and 29 years and children aged 15 years or younger.

People who fall and suffer a disability, particularly older people, are at a major risk for subsequent long-term care and institutionalization, according to WHO. For people aged 65 years or older, the average cost to the health system per fall injury in Finland and Australia are $3,611 and $1,049 respectively.

Evidence from Canada has linked the implementation of effective fall prevention strategies with a subsequent 20 per cent reduction in the incidence of falls among children under the age of 10 and net savings of more than $120 million each year.

While all people who fall are at risk of injury, the age, gender and health of the individual can affect the type and severity of injury.

Older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall and the risk increases with age. For example, in the United States, 20 per cent to 30 per cent of older people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. This risk level may be in part due to physical, sensory, and cognitive changes associated with ageing, in combination with environments that are not adapted for an aging population.

Across all age groups and regions, both genders are at risk of falls. In some countries, it has been noted that males are more likely to die from a fall, while females suffer more non-fatal falls.

According to WHO, fall prevention strategies should be comprehensive and multifaceted. They should prioritize research and public health initiatives to further define the burden, explore variable risk factors and utilize effective prevention strategies.

They should also support policies that create safer environments and reduce risk factors and should promote engineering to remove the potential for falls, the training of health-care providers on evidence-based prevention strategies; and the education of individuals and communities to build risk awareness.
Sep 1 2010 1:10PM
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GLOBAL AID NEEDED TO HELP PAKISTAN AVOID LOSING WHEAT CROP, SAYS UN AGENCY

GLOBAL AID NEEDED TO HELP PAKISTAN AVOID LOSING WHEAT CROP, SAYS UN AGENCY
New York, Sep 1 2010 12:10PM
Without urgent global assistance to save the upcoming wheat-planting season in Pakistan, the food security of millions in the flood-hit nation is at risk, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/45027/icode/">FAO) warned today.

Severe flooding, which has affected some 18 million people in Pakistan, has inundated land half the size of Italy and wiped out much of the country's household wheat seed stocks.

Wheat-based flat bread is the main food for the rural poor in Pakistan and planting is set to start this month, but more than half a million tons of wheat seed stocks have been destroyed by the floods.

"Food aid alone will not be enough," cautioned Daniele Donati, Chief of FAO's Emergency Operations in Asia, the Near East, Europe and Special Emergencies.

"Unless people get seeds over the next few weeks, they will not be able to plant wheat for a year."

In some areas of Pakistan, the fertile top layer of soil has been washed away, making planting impossible, while in some other regions, land is waterlogged or covered in silt.

But this is not the case in all parts of the country, FAO noted.

Mr. Donati said that "it many areas, it will be possible to plant as soon as the water recedes."

If urgently-needed funding is received, FAO and its partners can get the seeds to the areas which need them, but the "window of opportunity is closing" since the planting season ends in mid-November, he said.

So far, FAO has procured enough seeds for 200,000 farming families, and hopes that additional resources will allow them to provide seeds for double that number.

Early estimates indicated that 3.6 million hectares of maize, rice, sugar cane and cotton crops have been destroyed in the floods.

Additionally, 1.2 million livestock and 6 million poultry were lost in the heavy rains, and it is expected that more than 1 million buffalo, cattle, sheep and goats owned by people living in flooded areas are in danger of starvation unless they receive animal feed.

FAO also cautioned that without immediate vaccinations, the risk of spreading diseases, including food-and-mouth disease, is great as people and herds are fleeing inundated areas.

Also today, the agency reported that the recent drought in Russia resulted in a sharp rise in international wheat prices, pushing up global food prices.

The agency's Food Price Index (<"http://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/FoodPricesIndex/en/">FFPI) climbed five per cent between July and August to 176, the highest since September 2008. Despite this rise, the Index is still 38 per cent lower than its peak in June 2008.

FAO also attributed higher sugar and oilseed prices to the rise in overall global food prices.

The agency also reported today that its forecast for cereal production worldwide for 2010 has been lowered by 41 million tons to 2,300 tons, but noted that even at this lower level, output for this year is still on track to be the third highest on record.
Sep 1 2010 12:10PM
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SENIOR UN OFFICIAL URGES THE WORLD TO INCREASE FUNDING TO COMBAT HIV/AIDS

SENIOR UN OFFICIAL URGES THE WORLD TO INCREASE FUNDING TO COMBAT HIV/AIDS
New York, Sep 1 2010 11:10AM
The head of the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has reiterated the need for the international community to provide an additional $10 billion to help countries achieve their targets for making AIDS prevention, treatment and care programmes universally available.

"There are currently 10 million people living with HIV who are waiting for life-saving treatment. Unless we close the funding gap, millions of people will be turned away from the promise of universal access," Michel Sidibé, <"http://www.unaids.org/en/default.asp">UNAIDS Executive Director, said at the end of his first official visit to Australia yesterday.

Just weeks before the upcoming funding replenishment meeting of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Mr Sidibé discussed sustaining and enhancing investments in AIDS programmes with Peter Baxter, the head of AusAID, the Government's aid agency.

Mr. Sidibé thanked Mr. Baxter for AusAID's support for HIV/AIDS response programme, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, and its recent commitment to increase funding to UNAIDS by almost $900,000.

He voiced concern that that after steady and significant increases in HIV/AIDS funding, other donors might for the first time be considering not to raise contributions or even reducing funding.

In Canberra, Mr. Sidibé also met with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing, Jane Halton, and the deputy head of the Office of National Assessments, Bruce Miller.

Mr Sidibé's five-day trip to Australia began in Sydney at the Lowy Institute for International Policy where he spoke on the state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and imperatives for reshaping global response.

He visited the renowned medically supervised injecting centre in the Sydney suburb of Kings Cross, the only such facility in the Southern Hemisphere. He commended the facility's work, calling it a "pragmatic, cost-effective" model to halt HIV transmission and prevent illness and deaths among vulnerable intravenous drug users.

Mr. Sidibé was presented with an award from a coalition of organizations involved in Australia's HIV response that recognized his personal contribution to combating HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Sidibé also attended the launch of the Michael Kirby Centre for Public Health and Human Rights. The new research centre, which focuses on the link between human rights and public health, is a collaborative venture between scientists, lawyers, medical practitioners and academics at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.

A former judge of the Australia's High Court, Mr. Kirby is a renowned human rights expert and was recently appointed to the new Global Commission on HIV and the Law.

Mr. Sidibé also met with Australian business leaders at the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS, which is leading the region's private sector response to HIV.
Sep 1 2010 11:10AM
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BAN CONDEMNS WEST BANK SHOOTING OF FOUR ISRAELIS

BAN CONDEMNS WEST BANK SHOOTING OF FOUR ISRAELIS
New York, Sep 1 2010 10:10AM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of four Israeli citizens in the West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday, just days before Israeli and Palestinian leaders are set to begin face-to-face talks in Washington.

The four Israelis – two men and two women, one of whom was reportedly pregnant – were travelling in a car near Hebron last night when they were shot dead.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4747">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called for the perpetrators of the attack to be promptly brought to justice.

"This attack must be recognized for what it is: a cynical and blatant attempt to undermine the direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations starting tomorrow," noted the statement.

The United States Government will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for direct negotiations starting on 2 September.

Adding that negotiations are the only way for the parties to resolve all final status issues, the Secretary-General called on both sides to "show leadership, courage, and responsibility to realize the aspirations of both peoples."

The attack was also condemned by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry, who in a statement issued last night urged all sides "not to allow the enemies of peace to affect the negotiations about to be launched, and to progress with determination and courage on behalf of both peoples, towards a final settlement."
Sep 1 2010 10:10AM
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UN COMMITTEE WELCOMES RESUMPTION OF DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN ISRAELIS, PALESTINIANS

UN COMMITTEE WELCOMES RESUMPTION OF DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN ISRAELIS, PALESTINIANS
New York, Sep 1 2010 10:10AM
A United Nations committee on Palestinian rights today welcomed the recent decision by Israelis and Palestinians to resume direct talks with the aim of resolving all permanent status issues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to direct negotiations starting on 2 September, following an invitation from the United States Government and a statement earlier this month from the Middle East Quartet.

"We are looking forward to a serious, time-bound, credible and comprehensive political dialogue with a clear agenda and terms of reference aimed at resolving" all permanent status issues – including the status of Jerusalem – by the 2011 target date, the Bureau of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/gapal1173.doc.htm">statement.

The Committee stressed that it is essential that the parties adhere to their commitments, especially those within the framework of the Roadmap, the internationally approved plan for a two-State solution in which Israel and the Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security.

To this end, it said, Israel must maintain its current partial moratorium on settlement construction, as well as dismantling settlement outposts and ending evictions.

"We are also looking forward to a sustained and vigorous engagement by the international community, extending beyond the inaugural summit, which would translate into a credible mechanism to hold the parties to their obligations, monitor progress, and ensure that the negotiating process is conducted in good faith."

Direct bilateral talks have not been held since late 2008, but indirect, or proximity, talks resumed in May this year, with the former United States senator George Mitchell shuttling between Israeli Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Abbas.
Sep 1 2010 10:10AM
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