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United Nations Daily Highlights 96-07-17United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.orgDAILY HIGHLIGHTSWednesday, July 17, 1996This document is prepared by the Central News Section of the Department of Public Information and is updated every week-day at approximately 6:00 PM. HEADLINES
The United Nations General Assembly has taken note of a statement by its President, in which he solemnly appealed to all States to observe an "Olympic Truce" during the twenty-sixth Olympiad, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from 19 July to 4 August. Citing the ancient Greek tradition of ekecheria, he appealed to all States to strive towards building lasting peace, whether or not they were now parties to a confrontation. Assembly President Diogo Freitas do Amaral of Portugal, noted that valiant attempts had been made by the United Nations in an effort to bring peace and stability to the troubled regions of the world, and new concepts were needed for dealing with strife. At its session last year, the Assembly adopted resolution 50/13, by which it called upon Member States to reaffirm the observance of the Olympic Truce, ekecheria, during each Summer and Winter Games. Ekecheria dates back to the ninth century B.C. and provides that conflicts should cease for seven days prior the start of the games until the seventh day after their conclusion, the President told the Assembly. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) would look forward to the implementation of several General Assembly recommendations on strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions, by the terms of a draft resolution introduced yesterday, as the Council continued its general segment. The ECOSOC would also look forward to the scheduling of a high-level meeting proximate to the semi-annual gatherings of the Bretton Woods institutions and request the Secretary-General to consult the heads of the financial institutions by early 1997 in order to explore the possibilities and practicalities of scheduling such a meeting. At a session of the Council, to be held in early 1997, the format, timing and possible agenda for the first such meeting would be discussed, according to the draft. Ambassador Rolf Ekeus, Executive Chairman of the Special Commission in Iraq (UNSCOM), this morning briefed the Security Council on the latest problems regarding the Special Commission, UN Spokesman Sylvana Foa said today. The Special Representative complained that UNSCOM inspectors had no full freedom of movement. The Iraqis were less cooperative than had been hoped for, Ms. Foa noted. Recently, UNSCOM teams were blocked from entering an inspection site, in violation of the relevant agreement, she added. Professor Han Sung-Joo, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Cyprus, today briefed the Security Council on his recent visit to Cyprus. Speaking to correspondents later, he said he had extensive meetings with leaders of both Cypriot communities as well as with political and civil leaders and organizations. The Special Representative noted that there was still a sizeable gap between the positions of the Greek Cypriot community and the Turkish Cypriot community. He expressed concern at the large number of mediators but had been given assurances that all would cooperate with and support the efforts of the Special Representative, including in coordinating the efforts of the mediators. His next visit to the area would probably be in the fall, Professor Han Sung-Joo added. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced that Leticia Ramos Shahani of the Philippines and Pathfinder International, a United States- based non-governmental organization, are the recipients of the 1996 United Nations Population Award. Ms. Shahani is a Senator and a leading advocate for population policies and programmes in the Philippines, while Pathfinder International helps start and manage population programmes worldwide. Each winner is to receive a diploma, a gold medal and a monetary prize of $12,500. The Award will be presented to the laureates by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali at a ceremony to be held at UN Headquarters Wednesday, 17 July. The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) today received a $50, 000 contribution from the California-based Noel Foundation. The amount represents proceeds from a benefit held by The Noel Foundation, according to UNIFEM. UNIFEM is funded entirely by contributions from governments, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. It promotes the political and economic empowerment of women in developing countries. The Noel Foundation works globally to improve the lives of needy women and children, according to UNIFEM. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has opened its new offices in Gaza City, after closing its Vienna headquarters which UNRWA had maintained for the past 18 years. UNRWA Commissioner-General, Peter Hansen, said the move to the area of operation was taking place in difficult times when it was important "to ensure much closer coordination between headquarters and field operations", among other considerations. The Gaza office comprises the Commissioner-General's office, the department of finance and administration, human resources, legal affairs, and external relations and public information. For information purposes only - - not an official record From the United Nations home page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.orgUnited Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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