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UN Daily News
Friday, 22 April 2016
Issue DH/7143
In the headlines:
We are in a race against time, says Ban, as
urgency UN expert
week UN envoy
added.
The ceremony was opened by a brass quintet from the Juilliard School in New York, which played Spring from Vivaldis
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22 April 2016
Four Seasons.
Mr. Ban then introduced Getrude Clement, 16-year-old radio reporter from Tanzania and a UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF)
youth climate mapper, who focused on why climate action is crucial for children. They, she said, would feel its effects most
acutely. We expect action, action on a big scale, and we expect action today, not tomorrow, she emphasized. The future
is ours, and the future is bright.
In his remarks, Mr. Ban also underscored that while it is good news that States are breaking records at the UN records are
also being broken outside.
Record global temperatures. Record ice loss. Record carbon levels in the atmosphere. We are in a race against time, Mr.
Ban stressed.
Indeed, he emphasized that the window for keeping global temperate rise well below two degrees Celsius let alone 1.5
degrees is rapidly closing.
The era of consumption without consequences is over. We must intensify efforts to decarbonize our economies. And we
must support developing countries in making this transition. The poor and most vulnerable must not suffer further from a
problem they did not create, the Secretary-General said.
In that vein, the UN chief highlighted that climate action is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today is a day that I have worked toward since day one as Secretary-General of the United Nations and declared climate
change to be my top priority. Today you are signing a new covenant with the future, he said.
The covenant must amount to more than promises, Mr. Ban stressed, and find expression in actions taken today on behalf
of the current generation and all future generations.
It must find expression in actions we take today on behalf of this generation and all future generations actions that reduce
climate risk and protect communities, and actions that place us on a safer, smarter path, the Secretary-General said.
Mr. Ban highlighted that participants would be joined at the mornings events by 197 children, representing the Parties that
have adopted the Paris Agreement.
Of course, they represent more than this. These young people are our future. Our covenant is with them, he said.
Today is a day for our children and grandchildren and all generations to come. Together, let us turn the aspirations of Paris
into action. As you show by the very act of signing today, the power to build a better world is in your hands, Mr. Ban
concluded.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony was General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, who congratulated Member
States, civil society and business leaders for keeping the pressure on and taking initiatives to keep the momentum going.
This is a moment of great hope, Mr. Lykketoft stressed.
We must raise the level of ambition even further. We must take urgent and bold steps to make this transformation happen,
he added.
Todays event coincides with International Mother Earth Day, and in his message on the Day, Mr. Ban said that the
Paris accord, in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds the power to transform our
world.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at
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the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 12 December 2015, widely known as COP 21. In the Agreement, all
countries agreed to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees
Celsius.
Franois Hollande, President of France, host of COP 21, recalled the spirit of solidarity expressed at the conference and
stressed that the terrorist attacks on Paris had been the backdrop to the Agreement. World leaders had nevertheless
demonstrated their ability to come together with a sense of partnership and responsibility to ensure that an agreement would
be the fruit of the Paris meeting, as a symbolic act for the rest of the world.
Never in the history of the United Nations had it been possible to bring together 170 countries to sign an agreement, all
together, on one day, he noted, emphasizing that there is no turning back now. The world must accelerate action to
implement low-carbon policies.
Noting that some $100 billion is needed between now and 2020, he said every country must set an example, particularly
developed countries, by stepping up contributions for combating climate change. It is not just a question of States taking
action, the entire world must come together, he stressed. Everyone must feel that they have a stake in this.
Also addressing the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio said that as a UN Messenger of Peace,
he had been travelling all over the world for the last two years, documenting how this crisis is changing the natural balance
of our planet. He has seen cities like Beijing choked by industrial pollution; ancient boreal forests in Canada that have been
clearcut; rainforests in Indonesia that have been incinerated; and unprecedented droughts in California.
All that I have seen and learned on this journey has terrified me [] I do not need to throw statistics at you. You know
them better than I do, and more importantly, you know what will happen if this scourge is left unchecked, he told the
delegates, adding: Now think about the shame that each of us will carry when our children and grandchildren look back and
realize that we had the means of stopping this devastation, but simply lacked the political will to do so.
Indeed, Mr. DiCaprio continued, the historic signing of the Paris Agreement is reason for hope, but evidence shows that will
not be enough. Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. An upheaval and
massive change is required now one that leads to a new collective consciousness. A new collective evolution of the human
race inspired and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you, he said.
So, after 21 years of debates and conferences it is time to declare no more talk. No more excuses. No more 10-year studies.
No more allowing the fossil fuel companies to manipulate and dictate the science and policies that affect our future. This is
the only body that can do what is needed. You, sitting in this very hall. The world is now watching. You will either be
lauded by future generations, or vilified by them.
Among the UN officials reacting to todays events, Oh Joon, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
said: "With today's historic signing of the Paris agreement, there is no going back on our commitment to combat climate
change. Now is the time for taking action to shape a sustainable future for all."
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Adopted in Paris by the 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at a conference
known as (COP21) last December, the Agreements objective is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees
Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It will enter into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per
cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification.
If all the countries that have signed today take the next step at the national level and join the Agreement, the world will
have met the requirement needed for the Paris Agreement to enter into force, Mr. Ban highlighted, congratulating the 15
Parties that have already deposited their instruments for ratification.
These Parties include Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Grenada, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Palau, Palestine, Saint
Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Somalia and Tuvalu.
Speaking alongside the Secretary-General, French President Franois Hollande applauded all those who made it possible to
reach the second stage of the process the signing of the document.
I want to underscore that in Paris, it wasnt just a single agreement that was brought about and needs to be ratified, Mr.
Hollande told the press. In Paris, there were also four initiatives that were launched: the International Solar Energy
Alliance, the development plan for renewable energy, the innovation mission with [United States] President Obama, and
finally the high-level coalition to set a price for fossil fuels and coal.
He insisted that France needs to be role model and set the example, not just because it was the place where the accord was
reached, but because the country contributed to the solution.
France should be an example to show that it wants to be the first or one of the first not just to ratify but also to
implement the contents of the Agreement, Mr. Hollande stated, noting that his country will increase its annual financing for
climate from three to five billion euros per year between now and 2020.
Meanwhile, in two weeks, the UN chief will co-host the Climate Action 2016 meeting in Washington D.C., which is
expected to bring together leaders and experts from many fields, including government, business, civil society and
academia, ahead of the next COP in Morocco in November.
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Following the press conference, in remarks to an Informal High-Level event on promoting the early entry into force of the
Agreement, Mr. Ban encouraged all countries to move forward quickly with their own domestic processes to accept and
ratify the accord.
As you are well aware, we need at least 55 countries and 55 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Having 55 per cent of
greenhouse gas emissions may be a little bit shorter and easier if the United States and China [] ratify or join. Then it will
add to almost 40 per cent. I call on the countries gathered here to use this opportunity to announce your timeline for joining
the Agreement as soon as possible, he said.
Mr. Ban said that it is imperative that strong political momentum continues to build, as the spirit of Paris is still continuing.
I will do all that I can this year to ensure that the Paris Agreement enters into force as soon as possible, he said.
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displacement and discouraging refugees and thousands of internally displaced from returning home under.
Tough exile conditions
Mr. Dobbs said elaborated that large refugee influxes would present further challenges to the already arduous conditions.
Of the 135,941 Burundian refugees in Tanzania, more than 71,000 live in an overcrowded camp in Nyarugusu, which has
become one of the largest refugee camps in the world. Already living under very hard conditions, the country continues to
admit an average 130 people a day. UNHCR has put a priority on decongesting the camp.
In Rwanda, host to some 76,404 people, arrivals continue to be registered at a rate of about 130 per week. Urban refugees
have been increasingly approaching UNHCR to move to Mahama camp, in the Eastern province, after spending the last of
their savings to keep alive.
Uganda, where some 24,583 have sought safety, the April arrival rate has levelled off to about 25-35 a day. Last week, 167
Burundian refugees who arrived at the Nakivale settlement reported difficulties crossing borders, especially without papers.
At the same time, refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which currently accommodates 22,204 people, have
steadily increased with the first three months of this year registering 900 people each. Most are staying at the Lusenda
camp, which, with a capacity for 18,000, now hosts more than 16,000 refugees.
Despite space restrictions and capacity problems, these countries generously continue to accept people, but will need
increased international support to host more.
We urge host countries to keep their doors open and donors to continue and step up support for the refugee response,
UNHCR concluded.
As of 21 April, 587 people are reported dead, 155 are missing and
8,340 are injured. More than 1,125 buildings are destroyed and more
than 829 are damaged, including 281 schools, says the UN relief
wing.
Additionally, 25,376 people are in collective shelters. Many roads, bridges and other key infrastructure were damaged
resulting in logistics and communications challenges in some areas. Government and international teams are currently
assessing the situation and will reach most of the affected areas within the coming days; thus, official figures on impact and
damage are expected to rise. It is estimated that approximately 720,000 people have been affected by the earthquake and
require assistance, out of over 7 million people living in the six affected provinces.
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Many people have lost their homes, their livelihoods. But I was struck by their resilient spirit, UN Emergency Coordinator
Stephen OBrien said yesterday, wrapping up his two-day visit to the country. The actions of the Government of Ecuador
and local communities themselves saved many lives.
Mr. OBrien stressed that people urgently need food and water, and basic health care. Children need a place to continue
their studies. Families need support to rebuild their lives. The humanitarian community stands ready to support the
Government to ensure that critical needs are met.
Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency is preparing to distribute core relief items today to the people affected by the
earthquake.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a press statement that materials, including
some 900 tents, 15,000 sleeping mats, 18,000 repellent-impregnated mosquito nets, plastic sheets and kitchen sets left
UNHCRs global logistics hub in Copenhagen and arrived in Quito on Wednesday night.
The supplies were then loaded onto 16 trucks and transported over badly damaged roads to Santo Domingo, in the centre of
the country, for distribution today to Manta, Pernales and Portoviejo in the Manabi Province.
In addition to already having dispensed tents and plastic sheeting to Esmeraldas, Jama and Canoa, UNHCR has begun
constructing a camp to provide essential shelter to scores of displaced families.
Subject to agreement with local authorities, UNHCR aims to deliver aid to some 40,000 refugees, asylum-seekers and local
citizens within the communities most affected by the earthquake.
In the worst-affected areas, approximately 40,000 people still need emergency relief items, such as tents and jerry cans.
These people are particularly at risk, as many are refugees from neighbouring Colombia, the statement said.
Ecuador hosts more refugees than any other country in Latin America, providing international protection to over 200,000
Colombian refugees, many of whom had settled in the earthquake-affected areas.
UNHCR underscored its commitment to helping the Government of Ecuador and its people with support for refugee and
host community populations.
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The statement said that Mr. Ban now calls on Mr. Machar to return to the capital, Juba, without delay and without further
conditions which could jeopardize the fragile peace process and prolong the suffering of the South Sudanese people.
The UN chief in his statement commended the efforts of JMEC Chairperson, former President Festus Mogae [Botswana]
and of the African Union High Representative, former President Alpha Konar [Malia], to resolve the impasse.
He urges all regional and international partners to support actively the continued implementation of the peace agreement,
the statement concludes.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of quickly establishing the Transitional Government of National Unity,
which was agreed to as part of a peace agreement signed in August of last year by both South Sudanese President Salva Kiir
and his former deputy, Mr. Machar.
Mr. de Mistura also indicated that according to all objective criteria, the cessation of hostilities is still in effect: I repeat,
is still in effect. None of the sides have renounced to it [] But it is in great trouble if we do not act quickly.
He reminded reporters that the central point of the talks is to get ideas, concepts, and a vision of what could be either the
Transitional Governing Body or what the Government is referring to as the Government of broad-base.
The secret for us and the usefulness of these proximity talks is to get the respective visions of what is their view of the
political transition and that is what we have been working on, he said, highlighting that the difference compared to past
talks is that both sides are aiming for a political transition.
He recalled how on Monday, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) the opposition delegation showed displeasure
about the non-progress of the humanitarian situation by talking about postponing their official participation in the talks.
But luckily there is also a strong feeling of urgency in not dropping what is the mother of all issues: political transition, and
getting deeper in this, Mr. de Mistura said. And therefore since Monday, we have been having formal meetings with the
Government, and been able to consult and meet representatives of the Moscow, Cairo, Damascus platforms, the Women
Advisory Board, civil society and indeed at the technical level, we had very deep meetings with the HNC representatives.
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The major causes of childhood illness and death include measles, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and malnutrition, which
can worsen in conflict and emergencies, according to UNICEF.
When children contract measles in non-conflict settings, less than one per cent of them die. In areas where crowding and
malnutrition are rife, such as refugee camps, child deaths from measles can increase to up to 30 per cent of cases.
Overcrowding and lack of basic necessities like food, water and shelter make children even more vulnerable to disease, the
agency noted.
Children in areas in conflict also see the killing of health workers and the destruction of medical facilities, supplies and
equipment, all of which have a disastrous effect on their health.
Conflict-affected areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last remaining strongholds of poliovirus, which has otherwise
been eliminated from the rest of the world, UNICEF said.
In Syria, immunization levels have decreased from more than 80 per cent in 2010, prior to the conflict, to 43 per cent in
2014. Polio resurfaced in the country in 2013, after 14 years with no cases.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than 2,000 suspected cases of measles have already been reported in 2016,
with 17 deaths, most of them among children under five years old.
UNICEF said vaccination particularly against highly contagious measles is a high priority in humanitarian emergencies
and is a central part of its response to protect childrens health in such settings.
In Syria, a vaccination campaign planned to start on Sunday will target young children who have missed out on routine
vaccination, especially those in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Many of these children, born since the conflict began,
have never been vaccinated, UNICEF said.
The agency said that during 2014-2015, it supported emergency immunization campaigns against measles for more than 23
million children in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
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In emergencies and conflicts, UNICEF works with partners to restart the cold chain for vaccines and other essential medical
supplies; put health teams back in place; and train health workers to provide immunization, nutrition screening, vitamin A
supplements and medical treatment for women and children.
Immunization in conflict helps to revive other badly needed health services. For example, in conflict-affected areas of Iraq,
Syria and Yemen, health workers also offer health and nutrition services, as well as care for childhood illnesses, to
populations that come forward in response to immunization campaigns.
Children affected by conflict are pushed into a downward spiral of deprivation that robs them of their health and, by
extension, their futures. Vaccination can help to break this vicious cycle, said Mr. Nandy. Immunization is a vital service
that deserves and requires protection from all parties to a conflict.
World Immunization Week is marked annually at the end of April to promote the use of life-saving vaccines for all children
particularly those who are consistently excluded. The event is observed by UNICEF, immunization partners, governments
and civil society organizations around the world. World Immunization Week 2016 runs from 24 to 30 April.
Daesh terrorists benefit from the Iraqis divisions and disputes. The answer to such crimes is for Iraqis of all affiliations
and backgrounds to redouble their efforts to work towards unity and reconciliation, Mr. Kubi stressed.
He called on the Iraqi Government to do its utmost to bring those behind the terrorist attacks to justice.
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The envoy said that despite alarming breaches in some areas to the
cessation of hostilities pact that came into force at midnight on 10
April, there has been a marked improvement in security, according to
independent sources. This morning, he heard about clashes in Taiz
and other regions.
We have called on all concerned parties to address these violations and we are actively following up on these issues, the
envoy said from Kuwait, where the talks are under way.
In particular, he commended the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and local committees for their
continuing efforts to strengthen the cessation of hostilities.
The envoy said that the current round of the talks will focus on five points that are based on UN Security Council
resolution 2216 and the agreed-upon agenda that guided the Biel Talks this past December.
We in the United Nations do not believe that these points have to be implemented sequentially. We have proposed that
committees working in parallel to discuss implementation mechanisms in each area, the envoy said.
The overall objective of the peace talks which opened yesterday in Kuwait after a three-day delay is to reach a
comprehensive agreement that lays the foundations for a return to a peaceful and orderly transition based on the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative and its implementation mechanism and the outcomes of the National Dialogue
Conference.
The proposed working plan constitutes a strong framework for a new political process that would help Yemen and Yemenis
achieve stability and live in peace, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed noted.
Reaching a practical and positive solution undoubtedly requires concessions from all sides. These concessions will reflect
their commitment and efforts to reach an inclusive agreement, the special envoy said.
Todays sessions were positive and promising, he added.
Calling the present time a critical juncture, the special envoy highlighted that security, stability and rights for the Yemeni
people are the top priorities.
Yemenis are the beating heart of Yemen, the envoy said.
I am aware that the situation is critical and the conflict has been going on for a long time, but I am also certain that the
Yemenis will never give up. Today, we stand closer than ever to peace, he stressed.
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Turning to the participants in the talks, the special envoy reminded them that their political positions make them responsible
for the Yemeni people.
Consult your conscience, address discord in a positive spirit and transform disputes into differences that enrich the political
life while maintaining the social fabric and civil peace, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed emphasized.
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Expressing its full support for the Special Representative and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the 15member body recalled its expectation that there will be no extension of the electoral process timelines in Somalia,
underlining the importance of good faith cooperation between federal and regional authorities in the country on these issues.
The Council also commended President Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for the political progress made
in the country in the past four years, in particular the agreement on a model for the electoral process planned for August
2016, which it said should be a stepping stone to one-person-one-vote elections in 2020.
In addition, the Council commended the Federal Governments commitment to reserve 30 per cent of seats in the Upper and
Lower Houses of Parliament for women, calling on the Parliament to swiftly endorse the implementation plan decided by
the National Leadership Forum as soon as possible.
Reiterating their strong condemnation of attacks and recruitment of children by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, the
members of the Council also underlined the importance of the continuation of offensive operations against Al-Shabaab by
the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in a well-coordinated manner and in
line with the qualitative improvements requested in Council resolution 2232 (2015), and in full compliance with
international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
The Council was also briefed by the African Union on the financial, operational and logistical challenges facing AMISOM.
It underscored the importance of enhancing command and control, and improving coordination within AMISOM, as well as
the importance of ongoing cooperation between the UN and the African Union.
Urging the swift completion of the National Security Policy and National Security Architecture, the Council also welcomed
the Federal Government of Somalias steps to establish professional, inclusive and accountable security forces, with sound
financial management.
Expressing its full support for this process, the Council encouraged the Government to intensify efforts, urging Member
States to contribute to the process and reiterating that security sector reform is critical to enable Somalia to assume control
of its own long-term security.
In addition, the Council expressed concern about the fragile humanitarian situation in Somalia and the humanitarian impact
of El Nio, urging all parties to facilitate timely, unhindered and safe access for humanitarian actors and to find durable
solutions for the 1.1 million Somalis who are internally displaced.
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While Mr. Zeid said he appreciated that the public had been allowed to make submissions and some human rights provisions
have been incorporated into the draft Constitution, he stressed the need for the general public, members of political parties,
and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, journalists and academics, to be given the space to express
their views without fear of harassment, reprisals or arrests.
According to Mr. Zeid's Office, since the military coup of 2014, the Thai Government has issued a number of new orders to
strengthen the role of the military in policy-making and law enforcement after years of political upheaval and violent
protests.
Extending the military's powers is not the answer to rebuilding Thailand's political landscape, the High Commissioner
said. On the contrary, Thailand has competent civilian institutions and should be looking to strengthen the rule of law and
good governance, not undermine it.
The High Commissioner said that on 30 March 2016, the military Government issued Order Number 13/2016 providing
military officers and paramilitary forces with a range of powers over a number of offences under at least 27 laws. These
include authorizing officers to search places, seize assets, suspend financial transactions, ban suspects from travelling and
detain individuals for up to seven days, without any warrant, judicial oversight or administrative accountability.
Although the Government has stated these powers are targeted at organised crime, there are fears they will be used against
opponents. Another order issued by the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) on 4 April 2016 gives the military
more power in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, which have been prone to violence and conflict.
In addition, the final draft Constitution released in March institutionalizes the role of the military in policymaking and law
enforcement. Section 265 and 279 of the draft provide for the legalization and continuation of military orders issued under
Article 44 of the Interim Constitution, which has effectively allowed the head of the NCPO to issue any legislative,
executive or judicial order. Over the past year, 61 NCPO orders have been issued under Article 44, Mr. Zeid said.
As a matter of priority, I call on the Government to suspend the application of these dangerously sweeping laws and orders
that have bestowed more power upon the military, the High Commissioner said.
He also repeated a call for all cases involving civilians to be transferred from military to civilian courts. In addition, the
High Commissioner appealed to the Thai Government to fully abide by the international human rights treaties it has ratified.
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A view of the flag raising ceremony in March 1992 for the nine
countries - Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and San Marino admitted to the United Nations. UN Photo/Michos Tzovaras
Since I took office three years ago, I see the challenges rising
especially coming from xenophobia, intolerance and radicalization.
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In January, Mr. Ban presented his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism for consideration by the General
Assembly. The Plan calls for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism
measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalize and
join violent extremist groups. It provides more than 70 recommendations to Member States and the UN system.
Mr. Al-Nasser said UNAOCs work and inputs will feed the Secretary-Generals initiative.
The Forum is expected to adopt the Baku Declaration as an outcome, which would note the role of UNAOC in addressing
the drivers of violent extremism through its programming in youth, education, media and migration.
The significance of holding the Forum in Baku is that Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads between the East and West, a
very important point of convergence of various cultures and religions, he said.
The UN Daily News is prepared at UN Headquarters in New York by the News Services Section
of the News and Media Division, Department of Public Information (DPI)